AVIXA offers a peek at what’s in store for the big show.
It’s June, which usually means it’s time for InfoComm. But, in 2021, we’ll have to wait until October. As a Floridian, I can tell you that, weather-wise, it’s worth the wait. Of course, AVIXA didn’t move the date of InfoComm for more pleasant weather; instead, we did it so we could all come together at a much safer time. The long-awaited live and in-person InfoComm show will take place October 23 to 29 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando FL. The team at AVIXA could not be more excited to bring together the AV community for a week of learning, sharing and camaraderie.
InfoComm 2021 will spotlight the largest, fastest-growing, most critical solutions and technologies in the world of AV. Across the show floor and during education sessions, we’ll explore conferencing and collaboration; digital signage; content, production and streaming; learning; live events; and audio.
One of the most prominent solutions that people talked about during the pandemic was conferencing and collaboration. Indeed, this category is forecast to generate $40.1 billion globally this year and to reach $44.2 in 2025. InfoComm sessions will explore topics like designing flexible collaboration spaces, clear audio for conferencing, hybrid workspaces done right and bring-your-own-meeting (BYOM) systems.
Digital signage is another AV solution that has been top of mind during the pandemic. Digital signs have enabled businesses to maintain up-to-date messaging for their customers, covering everything from health-and-safety procedures to traffic flow. To explore the digital-signage world, the show will host the D=SIGN conference—produced in collaboration with the Digital Signage Federation (DSF)—as two half-day programs on Tuesday, October 26, and Wednesday, October 27. Sessions will explore trends in interactivity and touchscreens in a post-pandemic world, overcoming connectivity barriers using 4G/5G connectivity, using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to trigger content changes, and more.
InfoComm 2021 will also dive into content, production and streaming—solutions that are forecast to generate $30.3 billion globally this year and to reach $36.9 in 2025. Content, production and streaming media represent the AV-solutions category least affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This is due to organizations building out their digital content, such as producing videos to keep customers engaged and streaming virtual events. At InfoComm, we’ll examine topics such as adding remote guests to livestreams and automatic speech recognition and caption delivery.
At the show, we’ll also explore AV solutions for learning, spanning kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12), higher education and corporate environments, whether students are remote or on campus. It’s no secret that the way we learn has changed rapidly in the last year and a half, and the AV industry has played a huge role in allowing educators and learners to adapt. InfoComm sessions will cover topics such as developing flexible institutional AV standards and automatic camera tracking for classrooms, while also exploring case studies such as the New Jersey Institute of Technology turning 100 classrooms into hybrid-learning environments.
The pandemic also significantly affected live events. InfoComm is a case in point. In-person events were forced to adapt, becoming virtual experiences. Fortunately, in-person events are starting to rebound, and we’ve learned a lot from producing virtual events. That knowledge will enhance future efforts. At InfoComm, education sessions will explore topics like creating events with virtual production and extended reality (XR), content creation with generative media and gaming engines, and immersive audio for multisensory experiences.
At InfoComm, there will be a multitude of ways to learn about the latest products and trends in audio: the show floor, audio demo rooms and sessions. From beamforming-microphone solutions to licensed wireless-microphone operations and new rules for white-space devices, sessions will uncover the must-knows for delivering great audio experiences.
Beyond visiting exhibitors and joining sessions, InfoComm attendees can stop by the Technology Innovation Stage for presentations from industry thought leaders and tech briefs on product trends. This will be available from October 27 to 29, at booth #1961, on the show floor.
InfoComm is also a great opportunity for AV professionals to prepare for the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) exam. For more than 30 years, AVIXA has administered the CTS program, which is recognized as the leading credential for AV professionals. There are three CTS credentials: general (CTS), design (CTS-D) and installation (CTS-I). From October 23 to 25, InfoComm will host three-day prep courses for CTS, CTS-D and CTS-I. AV pros can also take the exam at the show from October 26 to 28.
InfoComm 2021 will have many opportunities to network with your peers. Planned events include the Tech Managers Forum; the Independent Technical Services, Systems Integrators and Consultants Councils Reception; the Young AV Reception; the Women’s Council Breakfast; the Live Events Forum and Reception; and the Diversity Council networking event.
The AVIXA team is also excited for the return of the AVIXA Foundation 5K, taking place October 28 at 6am. Proceeds from the 5K will go toward fulfilling the AVIXA Foundation’s mission of attracting and developing students for careers in AV.
It has been two years since we’ve gathered for an in-person InfoComm show. Although we’ve all done our best to stay connected virtually, there’s nothing quite like bringing together the AV community in one place to exchange ideas and celebrate this exciting industry. We’ll see you in Orlando in October!
Registration officially opened for InfoComm 2021 on June 15. Visit www.infocommshow.org to learn more and to register.
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