Recap: NextLVL Learning – Audiovisual Talent Summit 2024
By Adaline Tatum
As I pause to reflect on two transformative days in my role as the UCLA ITS Digital Spaces Services Training Coordinator, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and moved to tears of joy. These moments were more than milestones—they were the culmination of years of effort and a vivid reminder of why I embarked on this journey in the first place as an educational technologist and leader.
Sitting in my rocking chair, I am transported back to a crisp autumn afternoon, when my Uber glided toward Entrance 1 at Pace University in Westchester, New York. I rolled down the window, welcoming the woody autumn breeze to rush in—a symphony of vibrant, multicolored leaves and nature’s whispered poetry enveloping me. The gentle hum of the tires on the asphalt, the golden warmth of the sun, and the soft rustling of the trees felt like nature itself was saying, “You belong here.” In that moment, I didn’t yet realize that this drive would set in motion events that would forever redefine my understanding of belonging, diversity, and the power of shared purpose.
Have you ever experienced a moment when it felt like the universe conspired to remind you of your purpose? For me, this was that moment.
And then, it hit me: I had arrived. I was here, at the NextLVL Learning 2nd Annual Audio-Visual Talent Summit 2024 (#AVTS24). NextLVL Learning, a bold and ambitious nonprofit just five months young, is already making waves as the new AV kids on the block. With a mission to empower and foster awareness among high school students and educators alike, we are building bridges to inspire personal growth, professional development, and transformative opportunities within the AV/IT industries.
As I stood at the back of the main event room on the first floor of the Pace University Student Union Center, I took a moment to analyze the demographics and dynamics of the attendees. It was a powerful sight—a diverse group of high schoolers and chaperones, each with their own story, united by curiosity and enthusiasm for the AV/IT world. More impressive than my observations were the feedback I received at the end of the final session from a student I’ll reference as Melissa. She approached me and said, “Ms. Tatum, this is my second year at this event, and every year it gets better. But as a white female student, I am so excited to see more females here compared to last year, and even more females of color. This is great. Thank you all, and I am looking forward to next year.” Her words were a testament to the strides we are making toward inclusivity and representation—a reminder of the impact events like these have in shaping the future of our industry and sense of belonging.
I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Brandon Beck, our keynote speaker, whose passion for empowering high schoolers served as a guiding light throughout the event. The expressions on the students’ faces and their active engagement during his session were a testament to how profoundly his story resonated with them, showcasing the transformative power of resilience, education, and leadership. His inspiring words, “Leaders create LEADERS,” echoed as a call to action for all of us to uplift and mentor the next generation of innovators in our AV and IT industries.
Event Highlights:
AVTS24 was an incredible opportunity to connect with AV industry leaders, participate in cutting-edge workshops, and gain valuable insights from top professionals in the field. Over 160 high school students and their chaperones were warmly welcomed at the registration desk by a Pace University AV intern and two student workers. Each attendee received a #HETMA lanyard, a name badge, a NextLVL sticker for campus security recognition, and a glow stick—an exciting touch requested by Dr. Beck.
- Educational Session #1: Storytellers
Moderated by Jen Weaver, this session featured Kristin Bidwell, Erica Carroll, and Bradford Terry sharing their remarkable career journeys in the IT and AV fields. They shed light on the myriads of opportunities within the industry and demonstrated how diverse skills and roles can lead to fulfilling careers. Their insights inspired both budding and seasoned professionals, showing the transformative power of IT and AV. - Educational Session #2: Student Panel
Led by Brittany DiCesare, CTS of Control Concepts, Inc., this panel spotlighted Pace University students who shared their inspiring journeys from high school to careers in AV. They offered a firsthand glimpse into the challenges and opportunities in this ever-evolving industry, leaving the audience with practical advice and encouragement to take the next step. - Educational Session #3: Level Up: A Dive into Esports
This session explored the rapidly growing world of Esports, featuring insights from Army West Point Esports and Full Sail University. Victor Castro shared the disciplined approach of military Esports programs, while Full Sail University provided a captivating virtual tour of its cutting-edge Esports facility. This session illuminated the opportunities and strategies in competitive gaming, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of this dynamic industry.
Closing Reflections:
This opportunity didn’t feel overwhelming; it felt electric. It was a moment of clarity—a reminder that every step of our journey, no matter how far we’ve come, inevitably leads us back to where our passion first took root.
For me, this NextLVL Learning AV talent summit was more than just a professional gathering. It was a call to inspire, to serve, and to build bridges for our future generations to cross into their next level of greatness.
A huge collective virtual hug to everyone who made the NextLVL 2nd Annual AVTS24 possible—it was truly an incredible event. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from chaperones, students, and vendors speaks volumes about the importance of fostering awareness and collective sharing information about our AV/IT industry, internships possibilities, manufactures, and other opportunities.
It’s a wrap until next time! I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my UCLA ITS Digital Spaces Services leadership for giving me the incredible honor of representing our department. A huge congratulations to our outstanding board members, dedicated volunteers, and generous sponsors—you all did an exceptional job! It was such a joy to see everyone in person, and together, let’s continue to foster awareness and inspire growth within our industry.
Blessings and love to you all!
Connect with Adaline Tatum:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adaline-m-tatum-a12b061a3/
Twitter: https://x.com/AdalineTatum6
Connect with NextLVL Learning:
Website: https://nextlvl.wildapricot.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextlvl-learning/posts/?feedView=all
Twitter: https://x.com/NextLVL_Learner