Operations Archives - Commercial Integrator https://www.commercialintegrator.com The business book for technology professionals. Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:02:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cropped-favicon-84x84.png Operations Archives - Commercial Integrator https://www.commercialintegrator.com 32 32 Q1 2024: Movers & Shakers in AV https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/operations/january-2024-movers-shakers/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/operations/january-2024-movers-shakers/#respond Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:05:58 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=127863 Who’s making moves and shaking up the AV industry this quarter? Here’s a closer look at movers & shakers from Q1.

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The commercial AV industry is constantly growing and evolving, not just by the products and project installations that flood the market but also by companies’ new hires. That’s why we want to highlight these advancements. Each quarter, we bring you a curated roster of fresh appointments and newly filled roles. This list of movers and shakers serves to celebrate those receiving these exciting opportunities, as well as to bring attention to the ever-growing and expanding world of AV professionals.

January 2024

For the month of January, movers and shakers in commercial AV include the following:

February 2024

For the month of February, the changemakers in the industry include the following:

March 2024

For the month of March, movers and shakers in commercial AV include the following:

Click on “View Slideshow” for additional information on Q1 of 2024 movers & shakers in commercial AV.

To check out previous Commercial Integrator coverage of appointments and promotions in commercial AV, check out our website archives.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on Jan. 1, 2024 and has been updated as of March 28, 2024.

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AVI-SPL India Launches Hyderabad Office https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/avi-spl-india-launches-hyderabad-office/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/avi-spl-india-launches-hyderabad-office/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:04:37 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129656 AVI-SPL India's vision for Hyderabad is greenfield opportunities fueled by fresh demand for digital workplace & experience technology.

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AVI-SPL, the provider of digital-enablement solutions globally, announced the opening of a new office in Hyderabad, one of the fastest growing cities in India. According to a statement, this is the company’s fifth location in the country. Since its incorporation in 2022, AVI-SPL India Private Limited has expanded at a tremendous pace, the company says. It has since added more than 150 team members, serving an increasing roster of local and global Fortune 500 customers and earning the 2023 InAVate APAC Integrator of the Year APAC Award.

According to AVI-SPL India, Hyderabad is a technology and operations hub for dozens of the Global Fortune 500 companies. This includes those who already work with AVI-SPL through its Global Strategic Accounts Program. AVI-SPL India says its vision for Hyderabad is greenfield opportunities fueled by fresh demand for digital workplace and experience technology. The digital transformation taking place in the market warrants the company establishing a solid home base and deep pool of talent there.

“We’re bringing a team of highly qualified project engineers, installation technicians, project managers, and service delivery managers to Hyderabad,” says Mala Prasad, regional director of AVI-SPL India. “The potential here is tremendous and we’re ready to help our customers think beyond to discover new communications and collaboration technology solutions that help them work smarter and live better.”

Per a statement, AVI-SPL India has rich experience in satisfying the scale and complexity of the design-build and managed services needs of Hyderabad customers. With teams in the National Capital Region, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai already driving customer success and with the extensive global resources of AVI-SPL, the company says it is well positioned to be a truly reliable partner to local companies transforming how people and technology connect for elevated customer and employee experiences that create value in the new digital workplace.

“AVI-SPL India has generated remarkable success for the customers they support across their region. They’re quickly becoming an AVI-SPL center of excellence for customer delivery,” says Tim Riek, executive vice president of technology solutions. “The opening of Hyderabad is evidence of AVI-SPL India’s ongoing advancement and the strong foundation on which it’s built.”

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Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group Has Strong Q1 With New Partners https://www.commercialintegrator.com/av/ellipsys-commercial-technology-group-has-strong-q1-with-new-partners/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/av/ellipsys-commercial-technology-group-has-strong-q1-with-new-partners/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:07:38 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129640 Since the start of 2024, Ellipsys has added four new product partners and three service partners to its vendor mix.

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With a bevy of new vendor and service partners and a strong founding class of member companies, Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group says it is off to a fast start in 2024. While the group spent the bulk of its first year laying a strong foundation, Chris Whitley, executive director, and the rest of the Ellipsys team are working to ensure Ellipsys maintains its momentum heading into year two, the company states.

Since the start of the new year, Ellipsys reveals it has added four new product partners and three service partners to its vendor mix. Those additions include ViewSonic, LEA Professional, DTEN and Liberty AV on the product side. Additionally, it has added AV Design Labs, D-Tools and Team WorldWide on the service side.

“We are excited to add these founding partners to the Ellipsys community,” Whitley says. “Each partner provides a niche product or service — from conference room and collaboration technology to amplifiers and AV technology, cable, signal DSP, AV over IP, estimating, shipping and logistics support, and drafting and engineering services — all of which are critical to the success of any commercial integrator’s business. We look to build on these partnerships, working closely with each brand to provide the best offering possible for our members.”

Per the company, the growing roster of product and service partners has netted Ellipsys a strong founding class of commercial integrators.

“Having a robust and compelling roster of partners is really just table stakes in this industry,” Whitley adds. “What truly sets us apart is our dedication to delivering an elevated experience to our members. We do this by offering world-class education, connecting integrators with those trusted experts in the industry and helping them identify and improve the areas of their businesses that matter most. Our partnerships are a key element to this process.”

Ellipsys says it will continue spreading that message and reaching a broader audience in the commercial integration industry as the group heads to Nashville for the cavlo tradeshow, April 2 to 3, 2024. As a sponsor of the event, Ellipsys will have a presence on the cavlo expo floor. According to the statement, it will also host meetings with interested vendor and member prospects.

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One Firefly, Crestron Launch Marketing Initiative for CSPs https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/one-firefly-crestron-marketing-initiative-csps/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/one-firefly-crestron-marketing-initiative-csps/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:36:42 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129643 Crestron and One Firefly will collaborate to foster growth among CSPs through effective marketing strategies.

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One Firefly, the Coral Springs, Fla.-based, digital marketing firm specializing in the integration markets for residential and commercial technology professionals, has unveiled a joint marketing program with Crestron Electronics to support the sales and marketing efforts of Crestron Service Providers (CSPs).

Crestron is a global control and automation systems company and the marketing program is specifically crafted for CSPs. One Firefly points out the initiative, featuring a three-month marketing campaign, was introduced at the Crestron Masters 2024 event in Orlando, Fla., on March 19-21, where One Firefly participated to roll out the program to attending CSPs.

“We’re continuously seeking innovative ways to support our CSP network. Recognizing the transformative power of marketing, we’ve teamed up with One Firefly to empower our CSPs to tap into new business opportunities and thrive in 2024,” comments Mark Pellegrino, director of channel marketing, Crestron Electronics. “One Firefly’s industry-specific acumen makes them an ideal partner, and we’re excited about the potential impact of this program.”

One Firefly CSP Alliance Enables Improved Customer Relations

One Firefly boasts that with a commitment to elevating the support for their service providers the Crestron’s partnership aims to help CSPs deepen their connections with customers, welcome new clients, and share the solutions they offer, all while enhancing the CSPs’ brand presence.

The campaign is tailored with each company’s branding and includes marketing strategies such as dynamic landing pages, email marketing and live chat support. According to One Firefly, enrolling in the program is fast and easy, and it requires no more than 15 minutes of a CSP’s time.


Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site CEPro on March 27, 2024. It has since been updated for Commercial Integrator’s audience.

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Mike Detmer Joins AVPro Edge as Chief Operating Officer https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/mike-detmer-avpro-edge-chief-operating-officer/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/mike-detmer-avpro-edge-chief-operating-officer/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:08:48 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129638 AVPro Global Holdings appointed Mike “Sparky” Detmer as Chief Operating Officer, where he will spearhead growth and global market strategy.

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AVPro Global Holdings, LLC, parent company of AVPro Edge, AudioControl Pro, Bullet Train, Murideo, and Then Audio audio/video distribution products, has announced the appointment of Mike “Sparky” Detmer as chief operating officer (COO).

Detmer will report to Jeff Murray, AVPro founder, and CEO, to lead and scale AVPro’s growth and global business go-to-market teams, including sales, marketing, customer service, training, technical support, and new business acquisition and development. Detmer brings extensive management experience from benchmark audio/video (AV) and specialty coatings organizations including Akzo Nobel, Harman International, and Nortek, Inc.

“Mike has decades of experience in business acquisition and development, creating customers for life, scaling business processes, and fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented workplace,” says Jeff Murray, CEO and founder, AVPro Edge. “As a consultant, Mike made a tremendous impact on our success and knows our business and culture well, which is why we are delighted to welcome him to the AVPro Global leadership team.”

Mike Detmer Brings Decades of Custom Installation Market Experience to AVPro Edge

Detmer, who first joined AVPro Global as a consultant in 2023, is an industry veteran with over four decades of experience in the audio/video (AV) industry managing commercial results, working with, or providing consulting services for premium AV brands such as Definitive Technology, Elan, Infinity Systems, Niles Audio, Krell Industries, Polk Audio, Russound, SpeakerCraft, Stax, and Xantech.

AVPro Edge emphasizes that Detmer is a recognized leader, with strong communications, managerial, analytical, and procedural skills that enable him to inspire strategic thinking and subsequently align business systems to accomplish set tactical initiatives. Detmer studied Liberal Arts at Antioch College and has executive program certificates in negotiation, driving organic growth, and maximizing sales force performance from Harvard Business School and Northwestern/Kellogg, respectively. He is a CEDIA member and contributed numerous articles to AV industry publications Residential Systems and Customer Retailer.

Interested in more updates such as the appointment of Mike Detmer? Check out more movers & shakers in the AV industry!


Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site CEPro on March 27, 2024. It has since been updated for Commercial Integrator’s audience.

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Sam Nord Joins Draper as Pro AV Regional Sales Manager, Western U.S. https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/operations/sam-nord-draper-pro-av-regional-sales-manager-western-us/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/operations/sam-nord-draper-pro-av-regional-sales-manager-western-us/#respond Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:28:51 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129618 #AVLivingLegend Sam Nord departs Listen Technologies for Draper as new pro AV regional sales manager, Western U.S.

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Spiceland, Ind.-based, Draper, Inc., has hired Sam Nord as pro AV regional sales manager for the western United States. Nord will be responsible for working with AV dealers and Draper’s rep firm, The Farm, in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Nord is a well-known pro AV veteran with over 25 years of experience with system integrators and as a manufacturer. He was most recently vice president of global sales for Listen Technologies. He and his family live in southern Orange County, Calif., where he will work remotely from there.

“We’re really pleased to have Sam join the Draper family,” says Kevin Barlow, director, pro AV sales. “His experience, knowledge, and skill set will ensure he hits the ground running and continues growing our Pro AV market share in the western U.S. I know Sam will be a great fit and an effective teammate.”

Nord replaces Ken Hartling, who will retire at the end of April.

“I’m looking forward to this tremendous opportunity,” says Nord. “Draper has a great reputation in the industry and I’m going to enjoy working with the sales team to support our rep, dealers and partners throughout the region. I could not be more pleased.”

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MSP Community Talks Security Awareness Training, Key Tools https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/msp-community-talks-security-awareness-training-key-tools/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/msp-community-talks-security-awareness-training-key-tools/#respond Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129613 Six members of The ASCII Group discuss their unique approach to security awareness training, as well as the tools that they recommend.

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In this special edition of Commercial Integrator’s “The Service Desk” column, our editors ask six leading members of The ASCII Group to share their insights on security awareness training. The ASCII Group is, of course, the oldest and largest independent IT community in the world, boasting 1,300-plus MSP members from across North America. Our panelists are Felicia King, vCISO and security architect, Quality Plus Consulting (QPC); Zina L. Hassel, CEO, ZLH Enterprises; Carl de Prado, CEO and founder, A2Z Business IT; Mike Bloomfield, president geek, Tekie Geek; Joshua Liberman, president and founder, Net Sciences, Inc.; and Ron Cotsopoulos, operations manager, Kobus Technologies.

Together, they touch on a range of topics, including how they offer security awareness training, which tools they recommend and whether some clients still prioritize convenience over security. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Commercial Integrator: Is security awareness training part of what you typically offer — or offer on request — to your clients?

Felicia King: QPC always recommends cybersecurity awareness training with phishing testing/training, dark web monitoring and training, and a company policy distribution and attestation system.

Every single organization’s cyber insurance policy requires security awareness training. It is not legally defensible for an organization to have no cyber awareness system in place, nor is it legally defensible for an organization to have a system that is functioning only in a theatrical way. This means that the system must be good, and all staff must be enforced — at the HR management level — to have ongoing, weekly participation that is meaningful.

Zina L. Hassel: Although we do not perform this service, we do regularly inform clients and prospects of the absolute importance of cyber security training. I make that distinction because there is also the physical security aspect, which does have an overlap but is oftentimes quite different. The awareness training is also something that many insurance companies are currently requiring.

Carl de Prado: Security awareness training is an integral part of our services. For small businesses, their employees are critical in protecting the company and their clients’ data and livelihood. We are so passionate about it that we offer it by default. Over the last three years, I have trained and educated more than 2,000 professionals on how to prevent costly cyberattacks in their businesses. It keeps in line with our company’s focus on our clients being able to sleep at night, knowing their business environments are protected.

Mike Bloomfield: Yes, security awareness training is a core part of what we offer to our clients. We believe that empowering employees with knowledge and awareness about cybersecurity threats is as crucial as implementing robust technical defenses is. We offer this training both as a standard part of our service package and on request, tailoring the program to suit the specific needs and risks faced by each client. Employees are the weakest link of any security program, so doing everything we can to train them goes a long way.

Joshua Liberman: User training is in our security plan, and that is included on every plan. However, even though it is available to all, at no additional charge, without the commitment of clients’ leadership, it does not gain traction. At best, we see 20% adoption of any training offering.

Ron Cotsopoulos: I feel that this is so necessary to businesses that I offer it in my base package. The first place a breach happens is with the people behind the screen.

Commercial Integrator: What tools or resources do you recommend — or utilize yourself — for security awareness training? Why are those particular tools worth recommending?

King: I am the vCISO of QPC Security, and I am also the incident commander. That means I lead security-breach investigations and response for QPC and clients.

The only thing that meaningfully alters staff behavior at clients is when there is a client company policy advocated and enforced by personnel managers.

The only effective security awareness training platform is one that has [methods to ensure] weekly participation. Phishing testing should be weekly, and training must be weekly. It could be only five minutes a week, but weekly is critical.

I have tested a lot of platforms, but the only one I am satisfied with is Breach Secure Now.

Hassel: We work with several third-party companies — as we don’t provide the service directly. The match of providers to our clients is on a case-by-case basis.

de Prado: We strongly suggest using a mix of interactive e-learning platforms, simulated phishing drills, tabletop exercises and regular updates on new threats as part of your security awareness training. These tools are handy because they have exciting content, realistic models of real-life situations, and the ability to track and measure progress. This makes them suitable for improving people’s knowledge and actions regarding cybersecurity.

Bloomfield: We utilize a number of platforms to provide robust training offerings to our clients. Currently, we are providing phishing simulation training and security awareness training from both ID Agent (Bullphish) and CyberGuard.

Liberman: We have tried six of them now, with uSecure [being] our current player. None has quite the right balance of engaging trainings, useful test phishing, reporting and ease of use [for the MSP], but we keep looking. I also do quarterly trainings for the few sites that allow it in person.

Cotsopoulos: My company has been using Cyberhoot for the past three years. We have instituted it for our own company. The ease of use for both us and our clients is amazing. It is intuitive and easy for my helpdesk to set it up and deploy.

Commercial Integrator: Have the ubiquitous stories about cyberthreats, security breaches and malicious hackers meaningfully altered most clients’ behavior? Or, conversely, are people still opting for convenience over security (i.e., using default passwords)?

King: Each time a client has a credential compromise or incident of some type, we perform a root cause analysis investigation.

Frequently, an issue could have been completely avoided by staff [having had proper security awareness training.]

Companies that fail to mandate weekly training for all staff, and [that fail to] hold all staff accountable to effective, provable participation, will have incidents.

Hassel: Unfortunately, many people still seem to be taking the wait-and-see approach. Not terribly thoughtful, but a non-decision or a decision not to pursue is still a decision.

de Prado: About three-and-a-half years ago, we started to run cybersecurity risk assessments for all our clients. This helped most of our clients become more aware of cyber threats because of how common they are and how likely it is they could fall victim to them. This has made them more engaged in their cybersecurity. It wasn’t 100% adoption; there is still a group of people who put ease and short-term costs over security and operational resistance. We have also seen a rise in cyberattacks and awareness in the last few years. So, that attitude is changing. Hopefully, it will get much closer to 100%. I have been called in on many breaches after the fact, [and what I see is] devastating.

For the most part, most breaches are preventable. [But preventing them] does require a change in the organizational culture. Any clients who do work with us must go through a risk assessment. We need to understand our clients’ businesses better than cyber criminals do.

Bloomfield: Regarding the impact of ubiquitous stories about cyber threats and security breaches, it’s a mixed bag. On one hand, heightened media coverage has certainly raised awareness and made some clients more proactive about their cybersecurity posture. They’re more willing to invest in security measures and training than they might have been a few years ago. On the other hand, there’s still a considerable number of individuals and businesses that prioritize convenience over security. Despite the risks, the use of default or weak passwords remains surprisingly common. And resistance to adopting multi-factor authentication — because it’s seen as an inconvenience — is still an issue we encounter. Changing behaviors and attitudes toward cybersecurity is a gradual process. While progress is being made, there’s still a long way to go.

Liberman: Users are generally more aware and “perform” better, but that is mostly due to them integrating a degree of critical reasoning into their daily actions. Endless stories of cyber doom create “security fatigue,” which works against us as IT security advocates in the long run.

Cotsopoulos: No matter the threats, people will always choose convenience and pricing over security. They generally, as a rule, don’t want to be bothered during their busy day to take five minutes to learn good security/safety hygiene.

Editor’s Note: Check our website archives for prior coverage of security awareness training and The ASCII Group.

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NSCA Announces Electronic Systems Outlook Winter 2023 Report https://www.commercialintegrator.com/av/nsca-announces-electronic-systems-outlook-winter-2023-report/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/av/nsca-announces-electronic-systems-outlook-winter-2023-report/#respond Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:22:30 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129598 The NSCA Electronic Systems Outlook reports on final new construction starts and renovations for 2023, and makes predictions about 2024 and beyond.

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NSCA, the not-for-profit association representing the commercial integration industry, announced the release of its Electronic Systems Outlook Winter 2023 report. Per the organization, this research includes information based upon actual data from January through November 2023, as well as forecasted information for 2024 and beyond.

NSCA partners with FMI to provide this biannual report, which offers the newest and most relevant indicators of business opportunities for integrators. By tracking new construction starts and renovations across multiple markets — including healthcare, lodging, corporate, education, houses of worship, and more — NSCA says it helps pinpoint which verticals should do well in 2024 and the years to come.

According to a statement, total U.S. engineering and construction spending is forecast to end 2023 up 10%, a slightly slower pace than the 12% in 2022. For 2024, FMI forecasts a 2% increase in engineering and construction spending levels compared to 2023.

The Electronic Systems Outlook Winter 2023 edition also provides an updated view of construction data by market for electronic systems/technology. This includes AV, data/IT, building automation/control, life safety/fire/security, and digital signage/lighting.

“While residential construction is down, commercial construction is up. The highest growth among NSCA’s targeted segments includes manufacturing, lodging, and houses of worship,” says Tom LeBlanc, executive director, NSCA. “Manufacturing, for example, is up 78% as compared to 2022, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. This is good news for our industry.”

According to NSCA, integrators can use the Electronic Systems Outlook to benchmark sales numbers and prepare business valuations. Growth indicators can be used to determine incentive programs, reveal new market potential, and appropriately distribute resources. This forecast data can also be shared with financial advisors and lenders to prove the stability of systems integrators in the marketplace.

Download the Report

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22Miles Unveils Tradeshow AI Assistant Promo, One Year Free https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/22miles-unveils-tradeshow-ai-assistant-promo-one-year-free/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/news/22miles-unveils-tradeshow-ai-assistant-promo-one-year-free/#respond Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:35:41 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129589 Show organizers can streamline operations and engage attendees with real-time info and wayfinding through 22Miles Tradeshow AI Assistant.

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22Miles, the Peachtree Corners, Ga.-based provider of digital signage software and interactive digital solutions, released a Tradeshow AI Assistant: a custom-trained conversational AI tool that streamlines event operations and attendee support via an engaging, user-friendly and responsive chat interface. This solution offers a first-of-its-kind experience, leveraging the 22Miles generative AI solution integrated with the brand’s 3D Wayfinding App and content management capabilities, says the company.

Tradeshow organizers spend countless hours and tens of thousands of dollars designing, proofing and printing physical signs. Yet, due to the evolving nature of live events, information is often outdated before the show even begins. Updating onsite can be extremely expensive and time-consuming, and even correct print signage often fails to address attendee questions.

The Tradeshow AI Assistant alleviates this pain, says 22Miles. It offers fast, real-time event information and wayfinding that attendees can interact with naturally in any language. Organizers can deploy the Tradeshow AI Assistant on digital signage, websites or within the event app and easily update information throughout the event as needed. For attendees, the Tradeshow AI Assistant supports navigation across large venues, swiftly and accurately recalls event-related information, and ensures reliable, prompt self-service support on demand, adds 22Miles.

“Tradeshows are inherently complex, so we’re proud to offer our Tradeshow AI Assistant to make the entire experience better for attendees and organizers,” says Joey Zhao, CEO and founder of 22Miles. “Our solution is unique in that it uses natural language processing to understand attendees’ questions, no matter how they’re phrased, and give useful, real-time answers, just like a human information desk representative. By offering our Tradeshow AI Assistant, we look forward to empowering show organizers with comprehensive, time-efficient, cost-effective support.”

22Miles’ Tradeshow AI Assistant: Instant Multilingual Support & Digital Wayfinding at Your Fingertips

Since the launch of the 22Miles’ AI Assistant, tradeshow organizers can now instantly elevate the attendee experience. Its accessible, multilingual support stems from a powerful generative AI solution custom-trained on event-specific data to help attendees maximize their time at events. Attendees can activate the experience at a kiosk or with a simple QR code scan on their mobile device, then easily engage with the chat feature with text or voice prompts in their native language. The assistant provides event information and turn-by-turn directions to help users find exhibitors, meeting rooms, sessions, amenities and more.

With as little as four weeks for deployment, the Tradeshow AI Assistant quickly and seamlessly integrates into event operations. It brings valuable bandwidth to event staff, enabling them to stay focused on assignments while attendees receive prompt self-service information. Embracing sustainability and cost savings, the Tradeshow AI Assistant also offers an alternative to traditional print signage and collateral, leveraging QR codes to deliver all the information attendees need digitally.

The Tradeshow AI Assistant aggregates data to deliver a blend of qualitative insights and quantitative metrics. After the event, organizers receive a post-show engagement report, which contains valuable insights into attendee inquiries, support requests and chatbot usage. This data can help event planners make informed decisions and scale future events.

22Miles says that a limited number of tradeshow organizers will be invited to employ the 22Miles Tradeshow AI Assistant free for one year, complete with show support to ensure the AI operates as intended.

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AtlasIED Celebrates 90 Years in the AV Industry https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/operations/atlasied-celebrates-90-years-in-the-av-industry/ https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/operations/atlasied-celebrates-90-years-in-the-av-industry/#respond Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:55:37 +0000 https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?p=129577 AtlasIED has completed 90 years as a global presence in the audio and communications technology industry.

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AtlasIED announced the celebration of its biggest milestone in 2024 — 90 years in business. Per a statement, Atlas Sound and Innovative Electronic Designs (IED), which merged as one organization as AtlasIED in 2011, has been providing audio and communication solutions to the world since 1934. Now, according to the company, its a global leader in the manufacturing of high-quality commercial audio and communication technology solutions for a variety of applications. These range from transportation to houses of worship.

Building on prior owner Loyd Ivey’s legacy, who passed away in September 2023, AtlasIED and current owner, John Ivey, remains steadfast in its approach to operating as a family-owned business.

Loyd Ivey of AtlasIED.

The late Loyd Ivey was founder of MiTek Communications, parent company of AtlasIED and MTX. Photo courtesy: Brand Definition/AtlasIED.

“We couldn’t be more proud of our AtlasIED family for reaching 90 years as a global leader in our audio and communications technology,” says John Ivey, president and CEO at AtlasIED. “Arriving at this milestone reinforces our commitment to never-ending growth and service to our customers.”

The company states that it first gained recognition for its high-quality PA loudspeakers and microphone stands. Thereafter, Atlas Sound catapulted itself into a well-rounded manufacturer of technologies that has revolutionized the commercial AV industry. In 2011, Atlas Sound and IED combined its sales, marketing and support teams to better serve customers and market segments. Per a statement, for the past 13 years, the merger has proved to be successful and beneficial in the industry.

Today, the company says it focuses on application-based solutions with a wide and flexible range of installation and aesthetic options. This includes communications and audio platforms along with a broad array of loudspeakers for commercial applications.

Though the company celebrates 90 years in 2024, AtlasIED adds that its beginning can be traced back to the very origin of the commercial sound industry. During the late 1920s, the Warren Harding political campaign demonstrated the need for better sound reproduction than the traditional megaphone as crowds grew at political rallies.

In 1934, Atlas Sound made headlines by being the first company to combine the horn shape of the megaphone with electro-acoustics to create outdoor PA loudspeakers, the company reveals. This greatly improved public audio. According to AtlasIED, it serves as an early example of the versatile solutions available today to airports, hospitality and other applications.

AtlasIED ad poster from previous years.

Photo courtesy of AtlasIED.

Bob Reinhardt and Carl Blumenthal, the company’s founders, took a special interest in mechanical devices and tooling. Noticing the demand for microphone stands, the pair began designing and metalworking.

Today, AtlasIED remains a versatile manufacturer with full-time manufacturing facilities in Ennis, Texas and Phoenix, Ariz. The largest of these facilities, about 300,000 square feet, is centrally located in Ennis, Texas. It boasts metalworking, molding machines, robotics and automation, and houses the majority of the company’s inventory, says AtlasIED.

Since its inception, the company notes that it has helped customers improve end-user experiences in some of the most popular venues in the world, such as New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Moynihan Train Hall. It also has supported world-famous talent ranging from Whitney Houston to The Beatles.

“It’s an honor to be able to look back at AtlasIED’s heralded legacy, knowing that there is so much more ahead of us,” says Ivey. “This year, we recognize our accomplishments that serve as a tribute to the people and technology who have made AtlasIED the global leader that it is today. To say we are proud is an understatement — we cannot wait to see what the next 90 years will bring!”


Editor’s note: This was first published on March 22, 2024. It has since been updated on March 26, 2024.

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