As visitors navigate the challenges of a Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) under construction due to extensive renovations, the topic of sustainability will certainly come to mind, particularly when having to constantly commute via the Tesla underground loop just to change from the new West Hall, and the remaining areas of the Central Hall - the two only available exhibition spaces. And since we are still six months away from another NAMM Show in Anaheim, many of the pro audio manufacturers are also bringing their live sound and stage speakers to showcase side by side with installation-focused products in the demonstration rooms.
Otherwise, InfoComm is pretty much a show focused on everything that is permanent installation for commercial and corporate spaces, with audio networking naturally at the core. This year the program will feature a presentation from the new AVIXA Sustainability Advisory Group, SAVe Certification Workshop, show floor tours of manufacturers dedicated to sustainability, and more.
"Every industry has a responsibility to employ sustainable practices," says Annette Sandler, Senior Director of Live Content, US and Canada, AVIXA, producer of InfoComm. "It’s essential that pro AV professionals understand the important role they can play in developing innovations today that won’t compromise the world tomorrow. At InfoComm, we’ll explore how different areas of the industry, from digital signage to live events, can put forward eco-friendly practices.”
The session "Environmental Considerations for Live Events” on Wednesday, June 12, will share tools to reduce waste, conserve energy, and make sustainable technology choices to ensure events are environmentally conscious. Panelists include Robert Bartolucci from The Opus Group, Kellene Morris from Opus Agency, Nico Nicholas of Trees4Events, ZEERO, Trees4Travel.
On Thurs., June 13, Jenn Steinhardt, Associate at Shen, Milsom & Wilke, will present “Designing Sustainably” to provide insight on what makes an audiovisual system sustainable and environmentally friendly from design to the product's end of life.
The Technology Innovation Stage (C8676) will host the session “Advancing Sustainability in the AV Industry” on Thurs., June 13. David Silberstein and Yannic Laleeuwe from the AVIXA Sustainability Advisory Group will discuss the group’s holistic approach to product lifecycle management in the AV industry and share worldwide trends, regulations, and best practices already in use across the industry. Directly following this session, the Sustainability Advisory Group and DTEN will host a meet-up at the DTEN booth (C6211).
InfoComm 2024 will also host the SAVe Certification Workshop on Fri., June 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This program will address urgent sustainability issues, such as climate change and e-waste, and the AV industry's role in these challenges. The program will empower participants with knowledge about sustainable practices in alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal #12 – responsible consumption and production. Participants will form teams to brainstorm and develop actionable steps toward achieving these goals. Businesses will receive their SAVe certification upon submission of their detailed strategic plan. Participants will also receive six CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) renewal units.
In addition, Kristin Bidwell of AVCT will lead show floor tours on Wednesday and Thursday of exhibitors focused on sustainability. Attendees will learn about what manufacturers are doing to advance sustainability in the pro AV industry, steps for creating a sustainability plan, and how different trades within the industry can work together to provide sustainable AV solutions.
Enhancing Learning Spaces
AVIXA is also showcasing solutions for learning spaces across the InfoComm trade show floor, with a comprehensive education program featuring the HETMA Higher Education Summit, and tours of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
"InfoComm’s education program focused on learning spaces is largely driven by technology managers in this sector. They are the ones in the field every day and have the pulse on the changing landscape — from hybrid learning to funding projects," explains Annette Sandler. "At InfoComm, they will converge to share the trends, opportunities, and challenges, experience the technology up close, and see real-life applications in Las Vegas."
InfoComm 2024 will feature the two-day HETMA Higher Education Summit on Mon., June 10 and Tues., June 11. The program will feature panel discussions with industry thought leaders and interactive breakout sessions on the latest trends and innovations in higher education. Sessions will focus on leadership and management, in-house integration, and students and AV. Additional education focused on pro AV solutions for learning will take place throughout the week at InfoComm.
The InfoComm trade show floor, featuring more than 800 exhibitors, will showcase learning technologies, including simulation and training systems, content recording and storage systems, and presentation and annotation solutions.
The Future of Conferencing and Collaboration
InfoComm 2024's wide-ranging program spotlights the latest developments in hybrid working with insightful presentations by industry experts, leading solutions providers on the trade show floor, and expert-led tours.
"Conferencing and collaboration solutions continue to thrive, especially now that many organizations are embracing hybrid work," adds Annette Sandler. "At the show, we’ll explore the benefits and pitfalls that emerging technology like AI, virtual reality, and the metaverse bring to conferencing and collaboration, and also examine the important staples of this pro AV solution — clear audio connections and flexible meeting spaces."
On Tuesday, June 11, InfoComm will present the half-day Emerging Trends program, which will uncover the disruptions that are paving the way for a new era of integrated, intelligent pro AV solutions. In the session "How Clear is Your Crystal Ball? Future Trends in Conferencing and Collaboration," Linda Gedemer from Faith Group and Pete Coman of NV5 will share trends for developing flexible meeting spaces, including space planning, furniture design, and technology. The Emerging Trends program will also feature a discussion on how market dynamics, changing user needs, and technological advances are altering the pro AV landscape and explore how to transform spaces with pioneering AV design. Attendees will also experience a chat session with an AI personal assistant, which will provide real-time, personalized insights into the future of conferencing, collaboration, and pro AV design.
On Wednesday, June 12, at AVIXA Xchange LIVE (W2847), Scott Josephson from Google will share his company’s approach to selecting and replacing videoconferencing technology in "Supporting Videoconferencing at Google." On Thursday, June 13, a panel of speakers from Republic Services, Frost & Sullivan, Blue Touch Paper, Wesco, and Yamaha Unified Communications discuss navigating AI, sustainability, and commodification in “Trend Forecast: Conferencing and Collaboration.”
InfoComm will also present sessions on Microsoft’s vision for intelligent shared spaces; productivity and inclusivity in hybrid workplaces; compliance and security; harnessing ROI from collaboration tools; and the changing nature of conference room support. View the full schedule of conferencing and collaborative sessions at www.infocommshow.org/focus-areas/
www.infocommshow.org
