Making Waves (AV Magazine): Recent Episodes
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Making Waves, a podcast brought to you by the team at AV Magazine, explores innovation, business and creativity in the audio visual world.
Matrox Video co-founder and president, Lorne Trottier reflects on 50 years in the industry, looks ahead to InfoComm and reveals more about the company's open source codec development.
Danielle Myburgh, Sales Director at Pixel Global AV, discusses her journey into the AV industry, the evolution of workplace technology and the importance of community within the sector. She explains how her background in sales and customer experience has shaped her people-first approach to AV, with a focus on creating intuitive, seamless technology experiences that support collaboration and productivity. She also touched upon how initiatives such as Girls with Drive and the Rise AV Elevate programme are helping build stronger connections and greater visibility for women across the AV industry.
Martine Dodwell-Bennett, founder of Girls with Drive, discusses how the initiative began, why it is important and the opportunities it has created. We also hear from participants Beky Cann and Danielle Myburgh about why they joined, their previous experiences with golf and what they have learned from taking part. Together, they reflect on the confidence the programme has given them to participate in what is often perceived as a male-dominated networking environment.
Anna Shahin of Audiologic discusses her career journey and what led her into the AV industry, along with the defining moments, challenges, growth and achievements that have shaped her path. She also highlights the importance of supportive workplaces and initiatives such as Rise AV in helping women develop their careers.
Rachael Hamilton, Managing Director of Rise AV, shares insights into the success of last year’s mentoring programme, the launch of this year’s initiative and the introduction of the new Elevate programme. She also reinforces the importance of representation and increasing the visibility of women in the AV industry.
AV Magazine Commercial Director David Allen sits down with Gordon Dutch, CEO of Re-Sauce, a specialist sales and business consultancy, at the Peerless-AV Showcase to discuss the importance of the event and Gordon’s new appointment as ambassador to Givingback.tech.
Much progress has been made in opening new pathways into AV through apprenticeships – for eg, studying for the AV Technician Level 5 Apprenticeship (launched in Autumn 2022) at Middlesbrough College.
To find out how everything’s going, we thought we’d talk to Max Tait who is currently our AV Apprentice of The Year. He’s been with AVI-SPL, UK + Ireland for nearly four years.
Also with Clive Couldwell and Max in the studio – which this week comes from The Rose Shure Experience Centre in London – is Neil Spackman, Regional Service Director – International for AVI-SPL.
Neil set up the work experience programme at AVI-SPL, and then expanded it out to become an apprenticeship programme. He’s also a mentor for work placements and apprentices.
Max was in the first batch of work placements and the company’s first apprentice.
Much progress has been made in opening new pathways into AV through apprenticeships – for eg, studying for the AV Technician Level 5 Apprenticeship (launched in Autumn 2022) at Middlesbrough College.
To find out how everything’s going, we thought we’d talk to Max Tait who is currently our AV Apprentice of The Year. He’s been with AVI-SPL, UK + Ireland for nearly four years.
Also with Clive Couldwell and Max in the studio – which this week comes from The Rose Shure Experience Centre in London – is Neil Spackman, Regional Service Director – International for AVI-SPL.
Neil set up the work experience programme at AVI-SPL, and then expanded it out to become an apprenticeship programme. He’s also a mentor for work placements and apprentices.
Max was in the first batch of work placements and the company’s first apprentice.
Recorded at the recent Midwich Tech Xpo show, a special panel of AV and digital signage experts debate with Clive Couldwell about how artificial intelligence is transforming the AV industry.
Guests include: Jon Sidwick, Co-Founder/Owner, Blue Touch Paper (BTP); Jason Cremins, Chief Product Officer, Navori Labs (formerly Founder + CEO, Signagelive); Dan Root, Global Vice-President of Sales + Partnerships, NetSpeek; and Nick Fagan, Head of Innovation at DRPG.
They explore AI’s role in making room control more flexible, powering audience-aware digital signage, and driving creative content that adapts in realtime. They also discuss the channel’s shift from selling hardware-led CapEx solutions to data-driven, service-based OpEx models, and the emergence of AI agents for everything from scheduling to on-site support.
All Things TechIE podcast’s Justin Dawson takes some time out to talk about the other Clive Couldwell – his colourful life before AV Magazine, as well as the audio visual media itself.
You’ll be surprised what this lively session exposes, including the origin of ‘Clive the bear’.
Well, that’s what Clive said anyway…
After a number of years, our celebrated Head of Multimedia – Mr David Berman – is leaving us for pastures new.
David has built the multimedia team up here from scratch, providing services to virtually every brand in Emap - across video, podcast, animation, and photography.
As a video journalist, he’s interviewed many of our top brands, and even stepped in to host conference sessions when we’ve needed chairs.
Here he's talking to Clive Couldwell about his time at Emap, the evolution of multimedia, plus the projects and moments that have defined his career.
Artificial Intelligence. It’s coming and we need to do something about it…. Apparently. But what? Really, just what has AI got to do with AV?
Well, let us introduce you to Byron Tarry - the former CEO of the GPA who left the organisation in late 2024, after nearly 7 years at the helm – and who can more than cast some light on the subject.
He's talking to Clive Couldwell.
When we were talking with Mel Leach the other week, it became obvious that communicating through video conferencing media, say, can be a positive, but it can also act as a lens back on to us.
It made us think about the whole environment our tech now fits into, where and how the User Experience (or UX) fits into the grand plan - how can good design make sure people use AV tech effectively?
User experience is not just about designing interfaces though. It touches on all aspects of designing spaces or systems, and incorporates elements of both research and design.
No better person to discuss all this with then, than Greg Jeffreys, chair of AVIXA’s Standards Steering Committee - now a consultant and AV Awards judge - who’s here to explore UX and its relevance to the AV world.
David Allen and David Berman talk to Keith Dutch, Managing Director/Vice-President of Peerless-AV EMEA who gives us some insight into the company’s recent Showcase, its importance and future plans.
It’s all things Rise AV with Sanjit Hurst, Director of Global Procurement at Diversified and her mentee, Hanieh Motamedian, Pure Audio Visual’s Business Development pro. They are joined by Rise AV’s CEO, Sadie Groom and the Head of its Mentoring programme, Carla Maroussas.
In this episode we talk about leadership and how having a strong team can get you through anything with Steve Hudson, Owner/Director of Project Audio Visual and AVITdirect.
Steve’s joined by AVoIPoE evangelist, Siya Fakher, Managing Director of Broadtek, and Neil Fluester one of the industry's best content creators and marketing leaders for a chat about sustainability.
Tanya Houston, CEO and Founder of Wildwood PLUS & Co-Lead for the AVIXA Women’s Council UK also joins us for our discussion about navigating uncertainty in business.
AV solution architect for AV and Digital Media at the University of Hertfordshire, and Co-Chair of LTSMG (Learning and Teaching Space Managers Group), Adam Harvey, and Adele Thornton, Korbyt’s EMEA Channel Sales Lead discuss the state of the AV market with David Allen and David Berman.
We often assume everyone’s a natural on video calls, but let’s be honest, that’s rarely the case. Don't just assume staff will take to tech like a duck to water because they won't.
So, how do you show up as your best self in hybrid settings, or video interviews?
Clive Couldwell chats with Mel Leach – communication expert, university advisor, and mentor to young people – about how to project your best self on platforms like Teams, Zoom, and beyond.
Whether you're leading meetings or interviewing for your next role, Mel shares practical, actionable tips to boost your presence and confidence on screen.
What does a good user experience look like? How should AV technologies be supporting the business? Does today's generation of customer understand that AV is about business outcomes, and not just tech?
Clive Couldwell tries to answer these and other questions with the champion of service provision, Faye Bennett.
Clive Couldwell has an amazing conversation with the LED aficionados – what they don’t know about LED and projection isn’t worth bothering about. What don’t they talk about? A fascinating history of LED development right up until the present day from the people who were there, and invaluable tips on how to evaluate the tech properly from those who know.
If you’re going to take 40 minutes out of your day, this is what you should be doing – making yourself a nice cup of tea, if that’s your thing, and salivating over a posh pastry as you scoop up some of the best advice you’ll hear.
Enjoy.
Specialist recruiter, Denise Hughes is a much valued member of the AV community with a deep knowledge of the industry's landscape. Who better then to author the industry's first tome - 'Your Dream Job in Audio Visual - Don't Just Fall Into It' which sets out to provide advice on everything from career planning and networking to the technical knowledge required for success, with insights and advice from notable AV professionals - see https://yourdreamjobinaudiovisual.co.uk
In this episode Denise talks to Clive Couldwell about how the idea for the book came about, analyses the current state of the industry, and suggests what it could be doing to spread the AV message and attract talent.
In Part Two, more interesting observations and comment from: Mark Affection, Head of Digital AV Solutions, Information Services, University of Greenwich; Gary Keene, Audio Visual Architect, University of the Arts London; and Daniel Lee, MD, Hewshott.
After our recent Higher Education Roundtable, David Berman caught up with our guests to reflect further on some of the subjects discussed in our session, as well as talk about other issues of the day that affect the HE and corporate AV communities.
Here in Part One, David talks to: Adam Harvey, Solution Architect – AV + Digital Media, University of Hertfordshire (LTSMG); Caroline Carter, Head of AV, Imperial College London; and Sheila Egan, AV Design Principal for Teaching + Learning Spaces, University College London.
AVI-SPL's XTG (Experience Technology Group) emerged in 2022. We have to admit, we took our eye off it, and guess what? It's become a fast-growing organisation that works with companies to create immersive brand and employee experiences using a mix of audio visual communications, digital signage, virtual/mixed reality, advanced visualisation, and AI.
Essentially, it's a disruptor that represents a new way of thinking. It must be doing something right because Frost & Sullivan has recognised AVI-SPL XTG for the second year running with its Global Enabling Technology Leadership Award. AV Magazine caught up with Julian Phillips and Christine Rogers to find out more.
In 1987, Nancy Knowlton co-founded SMART Technologies Inc alongside husband David Martin in Calgary, Canada. The company's interactive whiteboard changed the way people worked and learned in meeting rooms and classrooms.
Now with audio and VC company, Nureva who better to discuss the future for large room audio needs, the changing needs of IT/AV managers and how to implement best practice.
In the second of our InfoComm interviews, Christine Schyvinck outlines what it takes to successfully run a diverse organisation, the challenges it brings, the role of mentoring, and the importance of recruitment as the company services an ever more diverse customer base.
One of the most impressive women of her generation, Rose Shure was Shure Incorporated for 67 years. Working alongside her husband, Founder and Past President, Sidney Shure, Rose witnessed the company grow from a small maker of microphones and phonograph cartridges to a global audio electronics manufacturer.
Who better to talk about diversity and running a fast moving business then than a woman who was Rose's appointee, someone who has independently gone on to make a huge mark on the AV/audio business.
The first of a group of interviews conducted at InfoComm in Vegas, we kick off with the ever lively Joe Pham who we caught post his keynote talk. Really interesting piece about the new technologies coming your way over the next year or so. Forgive the sound quality. It was noisy... a challenge for any podcaster.
We talked in Part 1 about the way video conferencing is being used in schools, but what we didn’t address was the subject of safety. This is quite a hot topic at the moment. VC is more accessible than ever before, but how can we be certain children are protected? This episode is a must-listen.
Here's a question we haven't asked in quite a while: What role is AV playing in schools? Now, in quite a revealing conversation with the amazing Mina Patel, Clive Couldwell finds out. There's a lot to say. So much in fact we've split up the conversation into two parts. Here's Part 1.
Clive Couldwell talks to Jamie about business transformation, leadership, hears her honest thoughts about the UK AV industry and learns more about Jamie's passionate interest in cars. After all, the AV community does loves its wheels.
In this episode, we talk with Laila Hede Jensen about her almost 20 years experience in the pro AV industry, digital signage trends, attracting young talent and why she decided to set up her own consultancy.
In this episode we talk with Faye Bennett our AV Consultancy of the Year Winner and returning guest Iffat Chaudhry of Involve about AV Awards entries, the importance of consultancy roles, imposter syndrome, screen fatigue, remote vs hybrid, attracting and retaining staff, plus some ‘breaking news’ and what we’re looking forward to at ISE.
In Episode 5 of Making Waves, Mike Lammas talks about being an AV Award winner, the importance of training, inclusivity, disability, and his amazing support dog, Ron.
In our fourth episode of Making Waves we ask the question, why in 2023 is there still a need to talk about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and well-being? This session is hosted by AV Magazine's David Allen and Amit Patel, with special guests Iffat Chaudhry and Rachel Hunt.
In the third episode of Making Waves we explore extended reality and its impact on multiple areas, from the workplace and training through to entertainment. We begin the show in style with an interview with Jeremy Dalton, PwC's head of AR and VR, in which he shares his insight into the use of these immersive technologies in the workplace.
You can hear more from Jeremy soon as he is a presenter and panellist at AVWorks, AV Magazine's free virtual conference exploring AV's pivotal role in the workspace. It's taking place on Friday 2 October and we have an incredible line-up including speakers from Google, the BBC, Uber, Bloomberg, WeWork and Zaha Hadid Architects. For more information and to register visit avworks.avinteractive.com.
Later in the episode we bring you highlights from a panel debate on alternate realities that took place at ISE, at the beginning of the pandemic that has changed our world. The comments made in the session are even more relevant now as VR, AR and MR are being adopted even more heavily to allow society to function. From healthcare and education through to corporate, the session explored how different sectors are adopting and benefiting from alternate realities. Joining AV Magazine editor Zoe Mutter on the panel was Glenn Kelly, Head of Production, The Imaginarium Studios; futurist Amelia Kallman; Badal Dixit, CEO, PearlQuest Interactive; Vincent McAtamney, Founder and Technology Director, VINTEC Immersive.
The interview with Jeremy Dalton begins at 00:52 seconds and the panel debate begins 23 minutes into the episode.
In the second episode of AV Magazine's Making Waves podcast we explore workforce development, training, recruiting new talent and creating a diverse audio visual workforce. To kick off the show, Chris Hope, co-founder of The Loop Lab, joins editor Zoe Mutter to talk about the important role his team is playing in empowering young adults, people of colour and women to enter the AV industry. By encouraging the next generation of AV professionals to join the world of AV, helping develop the skills they need and striving for diversity and inclusion, The Loop Lab is driving the industry forward whilst ensuring there are no barriers preventing anyone pursuing a career in AV.
In line with this episode's themes, later in the show we bring you highlights from a fascinating panel discussion that took place on the main stage at this year's ISE which saw AV Magazine's Clive Couldwell; ALL-Wave AV’s Kuldip Kamat; AVIXA’s Joseph Valerio; and CEDIA’s Ian Bryant and Amanda Wildman gather to discuss AV workforce development and how best to recruit new talent.
The AV industry’s future prosperity depends on attracting talented people. This session presents research highlighting the scale of the issue, and showcase ways in which AV companies can engage with schools, military veterans and workforce agencies to build more pipelines into AV jobs.
In the first episode of Making Waves - a new podcast from AV Magazine exploring innovation, creativity and business in the audio visual world - we take a look at how Covid-19 is impacting the industry and what the AV world might look like post-pandemic. Chris Mcintyre-Brown, associate director, Futuresource, talks to AV Magazine editor, Zoe Mutter about the effects felt by different sectors as life went into lock down.
We then bring you highlights from a session hosted by AV Magazine group editor, Clive Couldwell, as part of AVNation’s Learn From Home Virtual Summit in which avitaas principal consultant, Brock McGinnis; AVI-SPL vice-president, Daniel Rogers; Level 3 president, Jeremy Elsesser; and Kraftwerk director of sales and marketing; Kevin Murphy, discuss how AV will evolve following this pandemic.