Sometimes all it takes is one opportunity to change the direction of a career.
For two emerging professionals, the Mary Cook Empowerment Scholarship wasn’t simply a ticket to InfoComm. It was an invitation into an industry, a community and a future they could finally see themselves in.
From breakthrough technologies to unforgettable conversations with industry leaders, their first InfoComm experience became about far more than products on a show floor, it became a reminder that when our industry invests in people, everyone moves forward.
WAVIT sat down with both Mary Cook Empowerment Scholarship recipients, Emily Cieslak and Alexa Johnson, to gain a fresh perspective about their first InfoComm show, emerging trends as well as personal takeaways.
Here’s what they both had to say!
Emily Cieslak on Her First InfoComm
My first time at InfoComm 2026 was a fascinating and incredible experience!
Courtesy / Emily Cieslak
My first observation, especially with the rise of AI, was that a lot of companies seem to be focusing more on automation and all-in-one systems to provide end users with as much ease of use as possible.
In my opinion, this can be good or bad from a technical perspective, depending on who you ask. It also remains to be seen whether this will be a more useful or viable option than the manual control in different contexts.
Receiving the Mary Cook award was also a crucial part of why my experience was so fantastic. Meeting so many top industry professionals was my favorite part of the trip, and it was great to see the perspectives of people around the industry in roles that I may not have had as much knowledge of.
Given that it was also my first time in Las Vegas, it was very cool to be in a city where AV seems to be foundational. It seemed like everywhere I went, from the Sphere to the glittering lights of the casinos, AV was a crucial part of the experience.
The entire trip really recontextualized the industry for me and provided a holistic insight. That is something I am grateful for, and I can only hope that any future trips to the convention continue to be just as impactful!
Alexa Johnson on InfoComm Takeaways
When I first learned that I had been selected as the recipient of the Mary Cook Empowerment Award, I was honored but I don’t think I truly understood its impact until I attended InfoComm 2026.
Looking back, the scholarship provided so much more than the opportunity to attend a conference. It gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, connect with inspiring professionals and become part of a community that genuinely wants to see the next generation succeed.
As a newer project manager in the AV industry, walking into InfoComm for the first time was both exciting and overwhelming.
From AI-driven collaboration tools to advancements in conferencing, digital signage and workplace technology, it was impossible not to feel energized by the future of AV.
Beyond the products themselves, I was fascinated by the thought and engineering behind each solution and how they ultimately improve communication and collaboration.
While the technology was impressive, the people made the greatest impact and made me realize how welcoming and supportive this industry truly is.
Conversations that started as simple introductions quickly turned into meaningful discussions about careers, challenges and opportunities. I met professionals who were eager to share advice, answer questions and encourage those in the early stages of their career.
This sense of community is something I hadn’t fully expected, and it’s one of the things I’ll value most from the experience.
Receiving the Mary Cook Empowerment Award also challenged me to embrace opportunities that initially felt outside my comfort zone.
Whether it was introducing myself to industry leaders, attending networking events or striking up conversations with strangers, I found myself growing more confident each day.
These moments reminded me that personal and professional growth often happens when we’re willing to take that first uncomfortable step.
I left InfoComm with far more than product knowledge — I returned home with new relationships, fresh perspectives and a renewed excitement for my career. I’m incredibly grateful to WAVIT, AVIXA Women’s Council and everyone involved in the Mary Cook Empowerment Award for investing in emerging professionals like me.
Their support didn’t just provide access to an industry event; it created an experience that will continue to shape my career for years to come.
Emily Cieslak, CTS, is executive floors broadcast/AV engineer, TeamPeople @ IMF. Alexa Johnson is project manager at IMS Tech Services.
