By now, we hope you’ve followed the 17 AVTweeps we dubbed as opinion shapers and game players in the first installment of this updated list. If not, be sure to do so once you get to the end of this group of young #AVTweeps who have become leaders early in their careers.
You might recognize a few of these names from previous editions of the CI 40 Under 40—and (SPOILER ALERT!) you’ll probably be seeing a few more of them when the 2018 list comes out in August.
See the other categories of AVTweeps to follow at the bottom.
Related: The Problem Isn’t with Millennials, It’s with Old People in the Workplace
Without further ado …
Kelly Perkins returned to the AV industry after a brief respite to become the first program director of the NSCA Education Foundation, where she’ll oversee the Ignite workforce development program, PASS K-12 school safety initiative and more.
How many #ProAV companies actually have a succession plan as defined here as such? –>> Succession planning is a process for identifying and developing new leaders who can replace old leaders when they leave, retire or die. #curious
— Kelly Perkins (@NSCA_Kelly) July 13, 2018
Kaleo Lee has established himself this year as a fun person to follow and a thought leader in the industry who’s been a relative unknown until recently. We’re glad he decided to come out of his shell.
People ask, “what’s the toughest hurdle to be an AV integrator in #Hawaii?” It’s always freight 🤕 check out @SamsungBizUSA & @ChristieDigital video walls… DESTROYED!!! #avtweeps #videowalls over $350,000 of #damage pic.twitter.com/yViC9QJOF5
— Kaleo Lee (@Kaleoiini) July 24, 2018
The man who moderated #AVChat for a while is back on the market but likely won’t be a free agent for long.
That moment when you realize your @AVIXA CTS-D expires in February… and you ALREADY have the required renewal units!! AVtweeps pic.twitter.com/XHX88V7VYY
— Paul Konikowski (@PKaudiovisual) July 23, 2018
We can’t say how well Mike did in his 2016 goal of cutting back on sarcasm and cynicism, but we know he’s still worth following for his tweets.
me three minutes after a skype meeting is supposed to start waiting on everyone else pic.twitter.com/bn42fPXXZR
— Mike Brandes, CTS (@MikeBrandesAV) July 17, 2018
In her six years in an official capacity in the industry, Alesia has perfected the art of bridging social media and technology. She has created a strong social media presence and is making AV ‘look cool’ for the next generation.
Ahhh podcasting is so fun! This is my dance before and after a recoring.. 🤣🤣
Happy 4th tweeps, if you’re in Houston stay dry! pic.twitter.com/FoFO5d60Kh
— Alesia Hendley (@thesmoothfactor) July 4, 2018
Humor and GIFs are not in short supply in Mike Kirby’s feed, but you can’t question his dedication to the industry.
My mentee, Dejen is graduating from HS today. He came here a few years ago as a refugee from Eritrea. I’ve been his mentor for 3 years and it’s been an amazing journey! I look forward to seeing him change the world! @bbbsutah @uwsl #changingtheodds #liveunited #AVGIVESBACK pic.twitter.com/jaHEd9LCBi
— Mike Kirby (@KirbyUtah) May 25, 2018
Hope Roth’s Twitter feed is named for her 2009 album. These days, her passion is more focused on helping the AV industry and her family.
I’ve had to travel for meetings before, and I always say “you know we’re all in the VTC biz, right!” But there are some clients out there who want to shake your hand, look you in the eye, and see that you’re not a raging idiot. #AVinTheAM
— Hope Roth (@BeerAndPie) July 22, 2018
We’re big fans of his unique outlook on the tech industry.
Gatorade Ad Uses Water and Tech to Build Life-Like Animations without CGI [Video]https://t.co/hKdvah5VcP
— Chris Isak 🔜 #gamescom2018 (@ChristopherIsak) July 23, 2018
Hailey Klein has helped the PSNI Global Alliance spread the word about the group’s latest initiatives around the world since joining in 2016.
Something about being with a crew of 40 #avmarketers for 3 days makes me feel so newly invigorated and refreshed! Thanks to all who attended the @PSNI_AV Marketing Summit!! You’re all awesome! 👏🏻👏🏻 #psni18 pic.twitter.com/RU8MnARAfD
— Hailey Klein (@PSNI_Hailey) May 17, 2018
@axpmike
Mike Shinn’s worldwide travels as Verrex’s global managed services director mean he’s now a phenomenon in many countries.
I hate to beat a dead horse, but remote monitoring and support; we’ve been talking about it for years, but none of the big boys have truly gotten on-board #AVinTheAM
— Michael Shinn (@axpmike) June 3, 2018
The 2017 winner of the NSCA Business & Leadership Conference’s most prolific tweeter award always adds something to any event she attends.
Don’t sell cars. Sell cool. Don’t sell stuff, sell a state of mind. Dont sell AV, sell freedom. #BLC2018
— Ashton McGinnis (@Ashton_AVI) March 2, 2018
Jeremy is all about helping others in the AV industry achieve more.
I’m starting to feel old… I am honored to have served as chair of the @AVIXA CTS program for the past several years! I would have never thought that possible 14 years ago. AVtweeps pic.twitter.com/mApd2DMYbl
— Jeremy Caldera (@jeremy_caldera) April 30, 2018
Gina Sansivero’s passion for her work and industry is evident in her tweets.
While half of gamers are women, men make up the majority of employees in the gaming industry. Enter, Girls Make Games: https://t.co/WdNtBWXfFl #gaming avtweeps #avixawomen
— Gina Sansivero (@GinaSans) July 20, 2018
Wallace Johnson has earned the distinction of AVIXA Young AV Professional and today hosts a podcast about the AV industry as he searches for his next landing spot.
Will they be attracted to our industry or will they be looking at other industries to find there home? I think it’s time we start discussing the path to get them in so we as an industry aren’t left chasing them – https://t.co/WpcqMdeTDs pic.twitter.com/4tGL4dcK7W
— Wallace L. Johnson (@WallaceCTS) July 19, 2018
Gabe Moronta, technical AV project manager at Zoom Video Communications, has emerged as a more prominent voice on Twitter voice this year.
I’m ok not being popular. Besides nothing to worry about if you’re doing the right by AV and your customer 😎😁#AVinTheAM
— Gabe Moronta (@mogabr) July 22, 2018
Everyone’s favorite AV-focused rapper brings the fun to the industry, even though he’s said he’s retiring from creating new AV Selfie songs.
As I mentioned in this year’s #AVSelfie vid, I’m serious about my sock game. My 2 faves for the 2018 sock season are my new Father’s Day gift and my limited edition @avixa socks hand-signed by the inimitable @madsoundguy avtweeps pic.twitter.com/vt0n2YfLtq
— HiPhi (@The_AV_Pro) June 18, 2018
The president of Omega Audio Video is known for his hair, his style and his AV knowledge.
Why is it that every time I see the associations (both @CEDIA & @AVIXA) shift to embrace the currently landscape, the “establishment” pushes back as if the world is ending. You bring up experience and they tell you they’ve been doing it already… we have to evolve! AVtweeps
— mattdscott (@mattdscott) June 12, 2018
Three years ago, Joseph Legato didn’t even have a Twitter feed. Now, he’s among the best in the industry at harnessing its power.
This is when the interview process becomes a fun story. We deal with cool tech in great venues, landmark buildings, etc. It you’re truly passionate about what you do, they will see it, hear it, feel it.
— Joseph Legato (@USISAVJLegato) July 1, 2018
Nathan Schneider brings you closer to some of the biggest names in AV every month with AV Shop Talk. He also loves talking about his family.
Not the type to get excited about apparel but this straw sun hat ROCKS! 90 degrees pushing the double stroller all over Thomas Land. Early fathers day gift provided shade everywhere I stood in line. The crown jewel to my socks/sandals/cargo-short outfit #MillennialDad pic.twitter.com/R2FgUJYDTD
— Nate Schneider (@BigNate84HowTo) May 27, 2018
Christa Bender loves beer, biking, her dogs and AV, in no particular order.
Representing Pennsylvania at the @AVIXAWomen breakfast #avixawomen #InfoComm18 avtweeps @EngineerElize pic.twitter.com/KCj71E6osn
— Christa Bender (@AVChrista) June 7, 2018
Heather Sidorowicz combined her love of AV and yoga into one Twitter handle and shares her affection for both in her feed..
I have a dream… to have all doctors as clients and always (ALWAYS) make them wait way past their appointment #wearepeopletoo #casueIhaveNothingBetterToDo
— Tech_Chi (Heather) (@tech_chi) June 25, 2018
Brandy Alvarado is a relative newcomer to Twitter but she’s an important resource for the AVIXA Women’s Council.
Please consider me a resource. Reach out to learn how you can get involved. #MyAVTribe #AVIXAWomen https://t.co/QB1dUiEijN
— Brandy Alvarado (@AVBrandy) July 18, 2018
There are few better than Seth at giving the IT slant on technology in his role with CompTIA.
I wrote about the shift that’s happening in IT as technology plays a more strategic role in business and new skills are needed: https://t.co/Ttd7IqXGEc
— Seth Robinson (@sethdrobinson) July 23, 2018
Alison Maxson is always looking for opportunities to share information in her role at Absen. She’s also a huge Disney fan.
Opening day of #ToyStoryland @WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/te3XswHFRV
— Alison Maxson (@Aliemaxme) June 30, 2018
We enjoy Joel Hagen’s straightforward approach to his industry—and his knowledge of the AV world around him.
For the love of all holy, can video conference companies please put a MUTE ALL LINES button prominently displayed for the presenter? Thanks!
— Joel Hagen (@chief_JoelH) July 23, 2018