The opening day of NSCA’s Business & Leadership Conference (BLC2025) set the stage for innovation, collaboration and transformation in the commercial integration industry. With hundreds of integration leaders in attendance, Day 1 was packed with opportunities to learn, network, and take bold new ideas back to their businesses.
One of the standout moments was the Executive Power Hour, subtitled “AI Implementation Success Stories.” This session steered clear of generic AI buzzwords and instead delivered actionable insights, showcasing how integrators are using AI to overcome challenges and drive efficiency.
Bridging the AI Gap
Kicking off the session, John Mitton, CTO/ VP of the Audio Visual Group at Red Thread, addressed a critical gap in the industry. Citing a Microsoft survey, Mitton explained that while 75% of knowledge workers are already using AI tools, 60% of businesses lack a strategic implementation plan. This disconnect, he warned, can lead to significant issues — for instance, employees unintentionally exposing sensitive business data by using unsecured AI platforms.
Mitton shared how Red Thread tackled this challenge by setting up a governance board. The board developed a structured approach to align AI usage with company objectives, while involving key stakeholders — ranging from savvy end users to HR decision-makers.
AI as a Tool for Integrators
Bill Fons, President of AI Initiatives at CTI, focused on AI’s dual potential for integrators. According to Fons, the industry can benefit twofold: offering AI-powered solutions to clients or adopting AI for internal use in areas like quoting and forecasting. He noted that data-centric companies stand to gain the most, using AI to analyze win/loss data, aggregate competitor information, or optimize processes through API integrations. Ultimately, Fons envisions developing AI-driven “agents” that automate complex data management tasks.
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Photo by Dan Ferrisi / Emerald
Enhancing Efficiency Through Generative AI
Sunil Botadra, VP of engineering at AV Design Labs, spotlighted the practical uses of generative AI for system design, engineering and programming. Demonstrating its potential, he described how tools like ChatGPT can quickly create conference room designs, complete with detailed product lists and formatted bills of materials.
Botadra emphasized that “anything repetitive” could be streamlined with AI, boosting productivity and freeing up integrators’ most valuable resource — time. “All we sell is time,” he remarked. “It’s super important that we’re efficient with it.”
Making AI Work for the Field
Brian Banks, integration architect at Lone Star Communications, Inc., highlighted AI’s ability to empower technicians in the field. He explained how AI can generate step-by-step troubleshooting guides, eliminating the need to sift through dense manuals during service calls. Banks sees AI as a powerful tool for enhancing employee effectiveness and supporting innovation on the ground.
Managing Data with Intelligence
Brad Dempsey, CEO and Founder of Solutions360 Inc., closed the session by exploring AI’s role in data management. He discussed tools within Azure that allow organizations to maintain high levels of security and privacy while using AI to clean up and structure their databases. Dempsey emphasized the potential for AI to enable smarter, more secure data usage — an essential advantage in today’s fast-moving business environment.
Looking Ahead
The first day of BLC2025 gave attendees invaluable insights and actionable strategies for harnessing the power of AI. From improving internal efficiencies to creating solutions for clients, the session underscored the endless possibilities AI brings to the integration industry.
Stay tuned for more highlights and key takeaways from BLC2025 as innovators and leaders continue to share fresh ideas for advancing their businesses.
