Even though the InfoComm trade show ended this past June, the reverberations are still present. I wanted to offer my perspective as a first-time attendee — as someone who has admired the event from afar for years and who 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’m 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 I was eager to get started. As soon as I sat down for my first class, I was in the zone. And the rest is history.
Learning from Top Industry Pros
I started off my week 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 and hybrid events — even personality types! Each topic pertained to our ever-evolving world of AV. And then, before I knew it, the show floor was open!
Being around so many exciting types of technology, which do so many different things, really blew me away. I was taken on booth tours with companies that specialize in a variety of niches. And 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 technologies work. 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. There I was, just 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, as well as how all this 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 felt like I was back home, talking about the industry. We discussed my experience in technology, how I entered the field and some exciting projects that I’ve worked on. Plus, we talked about what I think is most important – namely, how to get more young people into the industry.
Not Aware of Our Field
Brandy Alvarado-Miranda (left) and Alexandra Garip (right), the 2025 Mary Cook Empowerment Award Scholarship recipient, at WAVIT’s post-InfoComm networking event. Photo by CI Staff.
Getting young people into any industry can be seen as its own challenge. What I think is most challenging about our industry is the fact that a lot of folks aren’t aware that our field even exists! A huge piece that we need to think about is that our field encompasses so many different trades and skill sets. This is something that, often, can go unnoticed by up-and-coming technology professionals.
The best place to start, I would say, would be in all the 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. And recruiters should pay attention to these trades when they’re head-hunting.
Lots of folks who are part of my generation are making a living in these siloed areas. I think that, if we push education about the AV field and extend our reach, while also showing 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’re 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, believe me, it is!
Learning and Becoming Inspired
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 in which I learned and became inspired, to take classes that sparked my ever-evolving curiosity and to meet some incredibly talented and wonderful people. I have made connections that I’m 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 up this career momentum 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 that it offered me.
Alexandra Garip is onsite maintenance technician – AV tech level 2 with AVI-SPL.
