Wrapping Up Day 3 of the HETMA Virtual Conference 2025
If there’s one thing that makes the HETMA Virtual Conference stand out, it’s the conversations that happen in between sessions. Sure, the presentations are great, but the real magic comes from the networking, shared insights, and the chance to connect with others who truly get the challenges and rewards of working in higher ed AV. If you found value in this year’s conference, consider getting more involved next year—whether by helping with planning, presenting a session, or just continuing to show up and engage.
If you enjoy this format and want more chances to participate, check out our monthly Lunch and Learns on the second Friday of each month at 1:30 PM EST. These sessions follow a similar structure and dive into important topics in our field.
brAVe Space with Britt Yenser & Nic Milani
We kicked off the day with a live recording of brAVe Space, hosted by Britt Yenser and featuring Nic Milani. Nic led the audience through what a typical coaching session might look like, turning it into a powerful and interactive experience. The session was packed with personal stories and moments of vulnerability, making it one of the most impactful discussions of the day. It was a reminder that mentorship and self-reflection play a huge role in our professional growth.
BYOD: Interfaces, Taps, and Wireless Tethering Beyond Conference Rooms
The first panel of the day, moderated by Atkins Fleming, featured Jeff Meyers, Mike Pedersen, and Maneesh Kumar, and tackled the ever-growing role of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) solutions beyond the traditional conference room.
They dug into HDMI and USB-C connectors, including the all-too-familiar headaches of USB-C cables. Network connectivity challenges with USB-C and the need for BYOD solutions that support multiple devices and operating systems were also key talking points. HDMI is still king on many campuses, but data suggests a shift is coming. A well-thought-out BYOD management plan is crucial, especially considering Apple devices defaulting to 4K output and causing display issues. Another takeaway? Supporting native wireless sharing capabilities across different platforms can make a world of difference.
Is USB-C All You Need?
This lively debate, moderated by Teddy Murphy, featured Troy Powers, Lisle Waldron, BC Hatchett, and Steve Bogart, and tackled the big question: Should USB-C be the primary podium connection, or should we stick with HDMI?
Some institutions have embraced USB-C and wireless screen sharing to streamline faculty experiences. Others, like mine, still see HDMI as the more reliable and universal option. We initially tried offering USB-C, HDMI, and Mini DisplayPort but eventually consolidated to HDMI with adapters to cut down on troubleshooting nightmares. The reality is that faculty needs vary, and what works best depends on the campus. USB-C’s fragility, its tendency to collect dust, and its inconsistent implementation across devices were big concerns. Some manufacturers are now offering dual HDMI and USB-C products, which might hint at where things are headed. We also debated whether wireless AV solutions could eventually take over, but for now, it looks like a hybrid approach is the safest bet.
Scope of Work: More Network, Less AV
In the final session, Ann Kelly moderated a discussion with Wade Johnston, Jimmie Singleton, and Kevin Schornorst, focusing on the growing role of network infrastructure in AV projects.
The panel emphasized the importance of a well-written scope of work to avoid miscommunication and costly mistakes. They stressed the need for collaboration across sales, engineering, design, project management, and installation teams. Detailed documentation—things like rack sizes, network configurations, and programming scopes—was identified as a game-changer for keeping projects on track. Another key takeaway? Using calendar invites and templates for project management can make a huge difference in keeping things organized. Ultimately, the institutions that prioritize the end-user experience will be the ones setting the standard for best practices in the industry.
Closing Out the Night
While we didn’t break another happy hour record this time, we still spent over four hours wrapping up the event with lively discussions on Higher Ed AV, weird pets, cruise vacations, and the upcoming InfoComm conference in June.
The 2025 HETMA Virtual Conference was another incredible gathering of minds, sharing knowledge and fostering community. A huge thank you to all our speakers, moderators, and attendees for making this event a success! We look forward to seeing you next year—and in the meantime, don’t forget to join our monthly Lunch and Learns to keep the conversations going all year long.
Stay Connected
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Visit the HETMA website: https://www.hetma.org/
Article by Troy Powers