Editor’s Note: Commercial Integrator is excited to participate firsthand in the SAVe Global Conference (SAVe 2025) this year. Dan Ferrisi, group editor, will be onsite at UCLA throughout the event.
Sustainability in the AV industry is no longer an afterthought; it is a deliberate strategy undertaken by several integration firms and manufacturers to drive their future investments forward. However, while the industry has made tremendous strides, the journey to achieving innovation with sustainability remains a challenge. To address these challenges, SAVe — a not-for-profit organization launched by Christina DeBono in 2022 — announced the SAVe Conference in 2024. This year, the conference will take place at UCLA Luskin Conference Center, Los Angeles from Sept. 24 to 25, and will continue to serve as a pivotal platform for all industry stakeholders to embrace and implement sustainable practices.
This article will explore the mission behind the SAVe 2025 conference, highlight key sessions and speakers, and underscore the importance of collective action in steering the AV industry toward a more sustainable and responsible future. From insightful keynotes to collaborative workshops, SAVe 2025 offers a comprehensive roadmap for change.
Need for SAVe 2025
The theme for SAVe 2025, “A Call to Action,” reflects the momentum of change in the AV industry. It emphasizes the need for concerted and immediate efforts by AV stakeholders to meet the needs of the present while setting up the industry for a brighter, greener future. The conference thus provides a unique opportunity for professionals to become catalysts for change.
At the conference, attendees will learn how to transform their organizations through SAVe Certification workshops, which guide participants in developing actionable and measurable sustainability plans. The event also aims to educate and empower individuals to advocate for sustainable practices within their companies and communities.
Moreover, it serves as a global meeting point for like-minded professionals, fostering a network of international allies dedicated to driving a worldwide movement. The experience is designed not just for professional development but for personal transformation where it aims to inspire attendees to become true sustainability leaders.
Keynotes Charting a Sustainable Path
The agenda for SAVe 2025 will feature influential voices and industry experts prepared to share their knowledge and inspire action. According to the organization, the keynote presentations will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of sustainability in AV and the path forward. Accordingly, the sessions will set the tone for the two-day event, framing the conversation around tangible goals and proven strategies.
The keynote speakers will delve into topics ranging from corporate sustainability initiatives to the foundational principles of eco-friendly engineering. According to SAVe, attendees will thus gain valuable insights from leaders who are actively shaping the future of the industry.
Here are some of the must-see keynote presentations:
The Path to a Sustainable World
with Christina De Bono, founder and president, SAVe
DeBono will open the conference with an update on SAVe’s efforts to bring the Sustainable Development Goals to the pro AV industry and share the latest information on the challenges and progress so far. She will also elaborate on the strategic path forward, clarifying what needs to be done to spur meaningful action.
Shure’s Sustainability Story
with Christine Schyvinck, CEO, Shure
Schyvinck will provide a deeper look at Shure’s sustainability initiatives, from its move to more sustainable packaging to the pioneering of rechargeable batteries in AV and the adoption of technology designed to minimize power consumption in its products. She will also reveal company initiatives in the areas of people and facilities, products, packaging and logistics. Alongside this, Schyvinck will talk on the company’s early embrace of the Sustainable Development Goals and why achieving them is crucial for the foreseeable future.
Green Means Go – The Time to Engineer Change for Sustainability Is Now
with Cindy Pereira Cooper, senior program officer, The Lemelson Foundation; co-founder, Engineering for One Planet
Pereira Cooper — leader of the Lemelson Foundation’s Engineering for One Planet (EOP) initiative — will speak on her mission and progress in equipping engineers with the skills, knowledge and understanding to advance sustainability.
Workshops at SAVe Global Conference 2025
Beyond the presentations, the conference will also host a number of workshops and breakout sessions for attendees to ensure an enriching and educational experience. The workshops will center on various topics related to the organization itself, such as the SAVe Certification program and the role of SAVe ambassadors.
The breakout sessions, however, will emphasize other crucial topics such as the benefits of global partnerships as well as best practices for sustainable AV design and more.
Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, will represent Commercial Integrator and moderate the breakout session entitled “Partnership for the Goals – The Impact of Our Partnerships with HETMA, TERRA, AVIXA, ISE and Link Development.” The session will focus on the critical role of partnerships in achieving the strength in numbers necessary to effect meaningful change; the basis of SAVe’s strategic partnerships along with key aspects of SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Additionally, Joe Way will moderate the session entitled “UCLA’s SAVe Certification Experience,” which will outline the Digital Spaces department’s experience with the SAVe Certification workshop and follow-up activities. It will also focus on outcomes from the SAVe Certification process as well as the importance of developing actionable and measurable sustainability plans.
Additional Perks
To further raise awareness on the importance of sustainability in AV, the conference will host a silent auction viewing during a cocktail reception followed by a fundraising dinner and auction.
List of SAVe Global Conference 2025 Sponsors
According to SAVe, the roster of sponsors for the global conference is as follows:
- Crestron
- Shure
- PPDS
- Sony
- Legrand AV
- Almo Pro AV
- Epson
- Pittwater
- BugID
- AVPro Global
- Panasonic
- Fohnn
- Visionary
SAVe Global Conference 2025: Join the Movement
The SAVe 2025 conference is a vital opportunity for every professional in the audiovisual industry to get educated, become empowered, and be a part of a global movement. This event is not just about discussing sustainability; it’s about actively creating it. From learning how to give AV gear a second life to making design and installation more eco-conscious, the knowledge and resources gained will empower attendees to make a tangible difference.
By attending SAVe 2025, attendees will have the opportunity to invest in their organization, their careers as well as the planet.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the solution — register for SAVe 2025 today and help shape the future of the AV industry!
