While we wish this year could have seen more light-hearted stories in the mix, the fact of the matter is that pro AV stories in 2020 were all about keeping one’s head down and just getting through it.
We published much less “fun” stories and much more serious, news-and-business-minded content this year.
But sometimes, try as we might, we don’t reach all of our audience for whatever reason. Maybe we didn’t Tweet enough, or maybe we published these at the wrong time for you. Whatever — we want to give you another chance to read some of the stories our editors feel are most important.
So here is our list of 10 Commercial Integrator articles from 2020 we think deserve a second chance at your attention.
These Pro AV stories will give you valuable insights
Body temperature scanning systems are cropping up left and right as a response to COVID-19 restrictions. But how should integrators approach pitching them, and which ones are appropriate for certain situations?
Now is the time for AV integration company leaders to really step up and think boldly about their companies’ futures. But as wise as it is to “think big,” the everyday management of your AV technicians will ultimately grow your business out of economic turmoil. These insights from integration firm leaders will help you manage your team of AV technicians.
Now that manufacturers and integrators have been exposed to the potential of virtual audio visual events, they could be here to stay—at least as an option for future shows.
Remember what we said above regarding “big picture thinking” and how important it is? It’s about time you put thought into your audiovisual company culture: are your employees your customers, too?
No, this wasn’t the year for many AV companies to hire, but that’s likely to change as job sites have started reopening and the market settles from the trauma of a pandemic. So if you foresee the need to hire more techs, start reading!
This mild-mannered veteran of about a dozen years of selling AV integration could soon be recognized for his role in transforming the industry into a gig economy, if he has his way. He launched AV Hero March 21, calling it an on-demand online service for both commercial and residential AV needs. And end users aren’t the only ones clamoring to be customers.
A lack of educational opportunities in pro AV and the industry’s relative obscurity has always limited the talent pool and made it extremely difficult to find qualified candidates away from big cities and hubs of education. But the new normal of remote work and a rare glut of AV talent looking for work can be your integration firm’s solution to your hiring challenge.
The opportunity to capitalize on the cannabis market is only growing – no pun intended – as the number of U.S. states that have legalized cannabis grew to 15 with four states voting to legalize and regulate the sale of cannabis this past election. Both dispensaries and cultivation facilities require an extensive amount of technology: depending on the local laws and regulations, cannabis operators are typically required to install security systems that include CCTV and access control up to and including systems that scan identification cards to ensure they are valid. That’s in addition to the engaging digital displays that are becoming a dispensary staple.
As remote work became the norm in March, videoconferencing and collaboration apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, Google Meet, Bluejeans, GoToMeeting, Lifesize and others became a critical business tool that helped organizations remain viable in these uncertain times. Integrators should be prepared to offer solutions capable of integrating with a variety of meeting platforms.
We were surprised that this story didn’t get as much attention as it has in previous years. Whatever the reason, we think these 40 rising AV stars deserve the attention we gave them for various reasons: they displayed incredible work ethic at their AV integration businesses, as well as talent and ingenuity.
