Episodios

  • 327: The AV Life St. Patrick's Day Party

    327: The AV Life St. Patrick's Day Party
    Mar 23 2026
    This St. Patrick’s Day-themed episode of The AV Life Podcast features hosts Joe Way, Tim Van Woeart, Nancy Blanchard, and Murphy Daley, joined by returning guests Brandy Johnson (PTZOptics) and Philip Leimbach. The group blends humor and industry insight, starting with Murphy’s “PM Minute,” emphasizing the importance of effective project management and promoting her new AV Project Manager Handbook.

    The conversation shifts between AV industry perspectives and lighthearted topics, including AI-generated debate questions, music trends, and workplace culture. The hosts explore the role of AI in creativity, discuss evolving AV trends, and reflect on work-life balance challenges in higher education environments. Personal anecdotes—from travel plans to Disney experiences—add a relatable touch.

    Overall, the episode balances professional insight with casual camaraderie, highlighting the human side of AV while reinforcing the value of strong project management and adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

    Topics Discussed:
    • Project management success rates and best practices
    • Promotion of the AV Project Manager Handbook
    • AI-generated content and creative experimentation
    • St. Patrick’s Day themed debates and humor
    • Music trends and AI-generated song styles
    • Work-life balance challenges in AV roles
    • Travel plans and Disney experiences
    • AV community events (AVIXA Women’s Council)
    • Food culture and regional differences
    • eSports in higher education
    • Industry networking and conferences (InfoComm)
    • Team dynamics and workplace culture

    The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

    Connect with Tim Van Woeart:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart

    Connect with The AV Life:
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337
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    1 h y 4 m
  • 326: The AV Project Manager Handbook Is Here!

    326: The AV Project Manager Handbook Is Here!
    Mar 16 2026
    In this episode of The AV Life, hosts Tim, Renee Benson, Nancy Blanchard, and Murphy Daley celebrate the release of Murphy Daley’s new book, The AV Project Manager Handbook. The team discusses the growing interest in AV-specific project management resources and how the book fills a gap for professionals seeking practical, field-ready guidance rather than general management theory.

    Murphy’s “PM Minute” focuses on the importance of organized, searchable project information, emphasizing folder structures, standardized naming conventions, and the value of keeping documentation accessible during project execution.

    The conversation also explores how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are being used to summarize articles, generate quick start guides, and assist with meeting notes.

    In a lighter segment ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, the hosts reflect on moments of luck, timing, and serendipity in their AV careers—especially how many of them became involved with the podcast. The team also looks ahead to a major milestone: the upcoming 10-year anniversary of The AV Life podcast later this year.

    Topics Discussed:
    • Release of The AV Project Manager Handbook by Murphy Daley
    • Industry response and promotion of the new book
    • AV-specific project management vs general PM resources
    • Murphy’s PM Minute: organizing project information
    • Folder structures and documentation best practices
    • File naming standards and searchable systems
    • AI tools in AV workflows (Microsoft Copilot, transcription, summaries)
    • Creating quick-start documentation with AI assistance
    • Career “luck” and serendipity stories in the AV industry
    • Origins of the hosts’ involvement with The AV Life podcast
    • Reflections on changes in the AV industry over the past decade
    • Preview of the upcoming 10-year anniversary episode
    The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

    Connect with Tim Van Woeart:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart

    Connect with The AV Life:
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337
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    47 m
  • 325: Are You Your Own Best Advocate? Rethinking Self-Assessments

    325: Are You Your Own Best Advocate? Rethinking Self-Assessments
    Mar 9 2026
    In this episode of The AV Life Podcast, host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Joe Way, Nancy Blanchard, James King, and returning guest Brandy Johnson (PTZOptics) for a candid conversation about self-assessments and performance reviews in the AV industry.

    The group explores how AV professionals can take an honest look at their performance, advocate for their accomplishments, and maintain ongoing communication with leadership rather than waiting for annual reviews. Panelists discuss strategies such as documenting achievements, maintaining regular one-on-one meetings, and setting clear expectations to avoid surprises during evaluations.

    The conversation also touches on leadership challenges, managing remote teams, and the importance of flexibility when evaluating employees with different working styles. Beyond career development, the group briefly discusses AV industry trends, including potential chip pricing concerns, higher-ed budget pressures, and university mergers.

    The episode closes with updates on InfoComm registration, travel challenges, and upcoming industry events, making this both a reflective and forward-looking discussion for AV professionals.

    Topics Discussed:
    • Self-assessments and performance reviews in AV careers
    • Advocating for your work and documenting achievements
    • The importance of regular one-on-one meetings with leadership
    • Managing remote teams and visibility of contributions
    • Leadership responsibilities during employee evaluations
    • Growth mindset and identifying areas for improvement
    • Balancing expectations between employees and managers
    • Neurodiversity and flexibility in evaluation systems
    • Higher education budget pressures and university mergers
    • Semiconductor supply concerns and potential price increases
    • InfoComm planning and industry travel challenges
    • Career development and professional growth in AV
    The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

    Connect with Tim Van Woeart:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart

    Connect with The AV Life:
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337
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    57 m
  • 324: Pivot Like a Pro: When Project Plans Fall Apart

    324: Pivot Like a Pro: When Project Plans Fall Apart
    Mar 2 2026
    This week our hosts reflect on leadership, adaptability, and operational consistency in higher education AV. Murphy’s PM Minute focuses on a core project management reality: plans break. Whether it’s supply chain delays, weather events, or shifting requirements, effective leaders must pivot quickly, refocus teams, and maintain momentum without dwelling on lost goals.

    The conversation expands into broader leadership themes, including defining outcomes versus rigid timelines, aligning teams around purpose, and ensuring organizational consistency. James shares a customer service experience highlighting how inconsistent communication erodes trust—reinforcing the importance of clear processes and a reliable “source of truth.” The episode blends practical AV management insight with real-world leadership lessons, emphasizing resilience, clarity, and long-term vision in project execution.

    Topics Discussed:
    • Adapting when project plans fail
    • The role of a project manager as leader and motivator
    • Defining broader goals vs. fixed deadlines
    • Higher ed AV summer planning cycles
    • Vendor partnerships and product transitions
    • Technical support expectations for AV professionals
    • Leadership consistency and employee experience
    • Creating a knowledge base as a source of truth
    • Customer service breakdowns and trust
    • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification
    • Organizational behavior and MBA insights
    • Innovation and long-term strategic focus

    The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

    Connect with Tim Van Woeart:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart

    Connect with The AV Life:
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337
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    49 m
  • 323: Live from HETMA Virtual Conference Happy Hour

    323: Live from HETMA Virtual Conference Happy Hour
    Feb 23 2026
    Recorded live during the HETMA Virtual Conference Happy Hour, this episode of The AV Life Podcast features hosts Tim Van Woeart, Murphy Daley, Nancy Blanchard, and Joe Way alongside board members and guests including Dustin, Teddy, Troy, Tim, and Brittany.

    The group reflects on keynote insights about AI in higher education AV, emphasizing historical context, philosophical implications, and practical readiness. Accessibility emerged as a major theme, including lecture capture by default, AI as a learning assistant, and expanded use cases for assisted listening systems to support hard-of-hearing and neurodiverse learners.

    The conversation also highlights HETMA surpassing 10,000 members, engagement metrics, community growth strategy, and upcoming initiatives. Blending thoughtful discussion with classic AV Life humor, the episode captures the energy, innovation, and camaraderie of the higher ed AV community.

    Topics Discussed:
    • AI keynote insights and philosophical framing
    • Practical implications of AI for higher ed AV
    • Lecture capture by default
    • Accessibility and neurodiverse learner support
    • Listen assist over Wi-Fi applications
    • Instructional design considerations
    • HETMA surpassing 10,000 members
    • Community engagement metrics and strategy
    • State of HETMA updates
    • Virtual conference highlights and panel discussions
    • Cross-platform production (Zoom + StreamYard)
    • Infocomm planning and future initiatives
    The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

    Connect with Tim Van Woeart:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart

    Connect with The AV Life:
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337
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    53 m
  • 322: HETMA Takeover--Inside the Virtual Conference You Can’t Miss

    322: HETMA Takeover--Inside the Virtual Conference You Can’t Miss
    Feb 16 2026
    In this HETMA Takeover episode of The AV Life, the hosts welcome leadership from the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA) to preview this year’s highly anticipated virtual conference. The discussion highlights HETMA surpassing 10,000 members and the continued growth of its free, community-driven professional development model.

    Panelists outline key sessions including accessible AV design, overcoming higher ed AV challenges, AV over IP, AI in AV, Wi-Fi and cloud-based assistive listening, classroom standardization, proactive monitoring, data analytics, digital whiteboards, and evaluating new technology through the HETMA Approved Program.

    A recurring theme is the power of the live chat, where peer-to-peer interaction drives deeper learning. The conference’s flexibility, free access, and highly engaged community continue to make it a standout event for higher education AV professionals.

    Topics Discussed:
    • HETMA surpassing 10,000 members
    • Overview of the HETMA Virtual Conference
    • Community-driven session development
    • Accessible AV design and Flex spaces
    • Overcoming higher ed AV budget and infrastructure challenges
    • AV over IP trends
    • AI in higher ed AV
    • Wi-Fi and cloud-based assistive listening systems
    • Classroom standardization strategies
    • Proactive monitoring and single-pane-of-glass management
    • Data analytics for upgrade and lifecycle decisions
    • Digital whiteboards and faculty adoption challenges
    The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

    Connect with Tim Van Woeart:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart

    Connect with The AV Life:
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337
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    45 m
  • 321: Live from ISE: Inside the World’s Most Exhausting AV Show

    321: Live from ISE: Inside the World’s Most Exhausting AV Show
    Feb 9 2026
    Recorded live during ISE in Barcelona, this episode captures the energy, exhaustion, and excitement of one of the AV industry’s largest global events. Tim Van Woeart and Renee Benson check in with returning guests and surprise cameos from the show floor to discuss scale, planning strategies, emerging themes, and how ISE continues to evolve—especially around collaboration, education technology, and ecosystem-based design. The conversation blends practical advice, industry insight, and classic AV Life spontaneity.

    Topics Discussed:
    • ISE vs. InfoComm Experience
    • The Importance of Strategic Show Planning
    • ISE’s Massive Growth and Expansion
    • Information Overload and Conference Fatigue
    • Ecosystem Thinking and Industry Collaboration
    • Solution-Focused Booths and Cross-Manufacturer Collaboration
    • Education Technology at ISE
    • Show Floor Culture and Spontaneity
    • Awards and Innovation Highlights
    • The Human Side of Trade Shows
    The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

    Connect with Tim Van Woeart:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart

    Connect with The AV Life:
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337
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    26 m
  • 320: Conferences, Culture, and Campus Challenges

    320: Conferences, Culture, and Campus Challenges
    Feb 2 2026
    In this episode of The AV Life Podcast, hosts Tim Van Woeart, Nancy Blanchard, and Renee Benson kick off February with a wide-ranging discussion focused on the current and future state of higher education AV. The conversation covers ISE travel and expectations, the need for truly innovative new AV products, and how professional conferences continue to shape the industry.

    The hosts highlight upcoming HETMA initiatives, including the free HETMA Virtual Conference and the Higher Ed AV Awards, emphasizing community-driven education and recognition. They also explore leadership lessons, professional development, and the importance of stepping away to recharge.

    A significant portion of the discussion addresses declining enrollment, institutional mergers, budget pressures, and how these challenges directly impact AV teams. The episode balances realism with optimism, reinforcing the value of connection, learning, and supporting one another within the higher ed AV community.

    Topics Discussed:
    • ISE travel and industry expectations
    • Demand for meaningful AV product innovation
    • HETMA Virtual Conference overview
    • Higher Ed AV Awards and Education Summit
    • Leadership styles and organizational culture
    • Professional development and graduate education
    • Enrollment decline and demographic trends
    • Financial pressures and institutional mergers
    • International student enrollment impact
    • Immersive experiences and The Sphere
    • Conference season planning (InfoComm, E4, CDW)
    • Wellness, burnout, and self-care in AV

    The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.

    Connect with Tim Van Woeart:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart

    Connect with The AV Life:
    X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337
    Más Menos
    49 m