Where Passion Meets Possibility: My First InfoComm Experience
The full story can be found on Commercial Integrator.
Even though the InfoComm tradeshow has ended, the reverberations are still present. I wanted to offer my perspective as a first-timer — someone who’s admired this event from afar for years and finally had the opportunity to experience it up close. Spoiler alert: it exceeded all my expectations.
When I first learned of InfoComm, I was right out of college. I was wide-eyed about it and completely struck by the magic of it all. Five years later, I am so proud to say that I got to attend for the very first time because of the Mary Cook Empowerment Award Scholarship.
Walking into the convention center, I had no idea what to expect. I had a list of all my classes for the day and was eager to get started. As soon as I sat down for my first class, the rest was history.
I started my week off by learning from top industry professionals about our world of AV. I got to listen to well thought out panels on sustainability, digital signage, accessibility, hybrid events, even personality types! Each topic pertaining to our ever-evolving world of AV – and before I knew it, the show floor was open.
Being around so many exciting types of technology that do so many different things really blew me away. I was taken on booth tours of companies that specialized in a variety of niches. It really got me thinking, “What am I learning at this moment that I can take home with me?” As an AV Tech, I’m always working to stay on top of how different technology works. Something that really caught my eye was an exhibit of state-of-the-art mounting technology. It reminded me of some pain points that I often run into at work and how devices are installed – here I was staring a solution in the face! It was an awesome feeling to connect the dots on how we can improve our industry on a day-to-day basis and how it applies to very real encounters in the field.
During the week I also had the opportunity to be a guest at an interview show. I couldn’t wait to share my ideas. I was so nervous at first! Once we got started and the interviewer asked the first question, it just felt like home talking about the industry. We talked about my experience in technology and how I entered the field, some exciting projects that I’ve worked on, and what I think is most important – how to get more young people in the industry.
Getting young people into any industry can be seen as it’s own challenge. What I think is most challenging about ours in AV, is the fact that a lot of folks aren’t aware that our field exists! A huge piece that I think we need to think about is the fact that our field encompasses so many different trades and skillsets. This is something that can often go missed by up-and-coming technology professionals.
The most important place to start, I’d say, would be in these different niche industries. This includes TV broadcasting, videography, electrical, infrastructure, and even webcasting (just to name a few). Media outlets could take the opportunity to dig into these niches and highlight talent. Even for recruiters to pay attention to these trades when head-hunting. Lots of folks in my generation are making a living in these siloed areas. I think if we push education about the AV field and extend our reach, and we show how much opportunity folks can find, it will really change the game. It would show people where growth opportunities are not only because of the vastness of the field, but also because they already fit in. They are already doing the work that falls under AV – so why not show them that they could step into something greater. Part of our solution could be going into these different spaces and recognizing the young talent that is already there – because it is!
As a young person, woman, and dedicated technology professional, I am so honored to have received the Mary Cook Empowerment Award. It gave me the opportunity to be involved in conversations where I was learning and becoming inspired, take classes that sparked my ever-evolving curiosity, and meet some incredibly talented and wonderful people. I have made connections that I am so excited to build upon, and I got to learn of the most cutting-edge technology that has inspired me to be a better Tech. I’m truly thrilled to keep this momentum up for my career now and in the future. With all the goals and aspirations that I have for my path, I am truly honored by this experience and all it has offered me.
