How did you get your start in AV? For many, it’s an industry they happened to stumble upon.
So, what do the demographics look like, then? Does our industry’s workforce look like society as a whole? According to Zippia’s AV technician demographics and statistics for the U.S, the AV technician population is 91% male and 9% female. The average age is 43, with only 16% in their 20s. Fewer than 39% of AV technicians are non-white. Perhaps most troublingly, there’s no clear learning track for AV careers.
Recognizing the glaring need to nurture tomorrow’s talent and target the younger generation, Pace University’s George Chacko, director of educational media, and Rich Miller III, director of IT at the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, saw an incredible opportunity.
“We saw an opportunity to engage university and college students by building a program that introduces AV as a career option,” Miller explains. The first-ever AV Talent Summit, held at Pace last year, which attracted 200 industry professionals and high school students, shifted perceptions. Misconceptions that might prevail in popular culture gave way to a recognition of its broader applications.
NextLVL Learning is Born
That’s the crucible from which NextLVL Learning, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, was born.
Students often arrive at college with a clear idea of their career path. Unfortunately, there’s very little in the way of an established AV track to guide their thinking. That’s something that NextLVL Learning aims to change.
“To influence students’ decisions earlier, we need to reach them in middle and high school,” Miller contends. Pace University’s AV Talent Summit last fall highlighted this need. “The event was so popular that it became standing room only, and we had to bring in extra chairs,” Miller says. “It was overwhelming in a great way to see so many students genuinely interested in AV.”
NextLVL Learning emerged parallel to Chacko and Miller’s efforts at Pace University, functioning as a separate entity but rooted in similar values. NextLVL Learning officially became a nonprofit organization in October 2023, but the idea has been around for much longer.
“The core idea behind NextLVL Learning is to build on our AV foundation on a broader scale through experiential learning,” Chacko explains. “We believe in learning by doing. We teach as adjunct faculty alongside our full-time jobs, avoiding traditional lecture styles and homework. Instead, our final exam is the hands-on AV Olympics, reflecting our commitment to practical, engaging education.”
The inaugural AV Talent Summit at Pace University featured an inspiring keynote
from Crestron’s Chris Fitzpatrick, who spoke to a diverse and engaged audience. Photo by Wes Brown.
NextLVL Learning’s Plans
One of NextLVL Learning’s plans is to bring at least five students to InfoComm 2025 next year. According to Chacko, “We’re collaborating with AVIXA to select students from various universities across the U.S., aiming to cover all expenses through sponsorships. Each student will be paired with a mentor on the show floor, whether they’re scanning badges or working at a booth. Mentors will guide them through the event, and students will present their experiences afterward. The immersive experience will provide a comprehensive introduction to AV.”
Mentor/mentee relationships will also be a core component of the organization. College students can partner with industry mentors aligned with their career goals — whether they hope to work in sales, design, engineering, social media or something else. Over the course of the year, students and mentors will grow together. To ensure maximum benefit, Chacko says, they may implement a badging or point system. For example, students can earn badges by completing tasks like attending InfoComm, doing virtual presentations and finishing the mentorship program. These badges can be displayed on LinkedIn and other professional platforms, eventually leading to full NextLVL membership.
“Our goal is to show the younger generation that AV extends beyond live events and concerts. AV is more than a Taylor Swift concert!” Chacko declares.
As the father of two young daughters, Miller says he’s committed to this nonprofit, which operates entirely through volunteer efforts. “We aim to create a better future for the next generation,” he says. “Personally, as a ‘girl dad,’ I’m motivated to pave the way for my daughters and other young women interested in this industry.”
First-Year Plans
NextLVL Learning’s first-year plans include expanding on the AV Talent Summit. According to Miller, “Our big event this year is the second annual AV Talent Summit at Pace University in Pleasantville. We’ve booked the entire campus center and expect more than the 150 to 200 attendees we had last year.” AVIXA has even approached Chacko and Miller about adding a second day.
He continues, “The first day will remain K-12 focused, featuring keynote and breakout sessions on the Pleasantville campus. It’s already growing significantly since last year’s single-room event! Most schools from last year have already committed, and we aim to involve more local high schools.”
On the second day, AVIXA plans to conduct professional development sessions at Pace University’s New York City campus. “We’re encouraging attendees from the first day, which is K-12 focused, to join the second day, as well, since there are overlapping themes and valuable content for all,” Miller says. He continues, “The growth from last year is remarkable, and we’re excited about the additional involvement from manufacturers, educators, students and higher-ed institutions.”
The AV Talent Summit will be held on November 20 at the Pleasantville, N.Y., campus and November 21 at the New York City campus. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved,” Miller enthuses.
Photo by Wes Brown
Triangle of Support
In 2025, Miller and Chacko hope to take the AV Talent Summit model on the road, forming a triangle of support across the U.S. According to Miller, “We’ll start in Florida with a similar K-12 and higher-ed event, then head to the west coast. This idea of creating a support network was inspired by our friend Alesia Hendley during a podcast discussion a few years ago. Much like the Chicago Bulls’ triangle offense, this concept of building a strong foundation and support network is how we plan to structure our 2025 events.”
Miller continues, “We plan to measure our success based on the outcomes of our four anticipated events: two in New York, one in Florida and one on the west coast. These events will be our primary gauge of success. While membership numbers are also an indicator, they don’t tell the full story. For instance, sending emails to a large list may not yield immediate signups, but that doesn’t mean there’s no interest. Ultimately, these events will serve as our main litmus test for success.”
Already, Chacko and Miller are thinking long term, beyond just event success and partnerships. As Chacko explains, “Our mentorship program will be key to understanding student growth and career paths. Tracking their progress and success stories will show whether they advance within AV or move into other fields. This program will help us maintain metrics and leverage student success stories, supporting continuous improvement and long-term goals.”
Chacko adds, “The industry has been incredibly supportive. Partners have reached out with open arms, offering their help. Their outreach has been heartwarming and beyond words. Everyone is eager to assist, and we’ve received numerous calls and emails. We now have a Board for NextLVL Learning ready to go, with unanimous support from those whom we initially reached out to.”
Miller picks up the theme, saying, “Our ‘A team’ truly came through for us. We felt it was crucial to have the right people at the ground level, and everyone we chose immediately said yes. This reassured us that we picked the right team to support our organization in its early stages.” The NextLVL Learning team includes a diverse mix of K-12 educators, AV industry professionals and retired experts.
Chacko adds, “It’s really important to us because, while we have countless ideas and a solid framework, our Board is perfect for bringing it all together. They will help complete the picture, and we believe it’s going to be fantastic!”
How to Get Involved with NextLVL Learning
“Our goal is to provide resources to students at no cost,” Chacko says. Donations, partnerships and sponsorships will fund numerous scholarships for various programs. Scholarships will support students in their education and professional journeys. In addition, Chacko and Miller hope to offer internships by connecting students with companies looking for specific talent. “By staying informed about company needs, we can match the right students with the right opportunities, ensuring we provide the best candidates from our network,” Miller says.
According to Chacko, “[NextLVL Learning] is about youthification and diversification in this industry. The industry has been good to Rich and me, but, when I started as a student worker, I had no mentor and learned the ropes the hard way. We must guide the next generation, so they don’t stumble and to ensure they find where they belong.”
Miller concludes by saying, “We’re aiming to build something unique and unprecedented, and we invite everyone to join us on this journey. We’re open to talking to anyone with a different perspective. As we’ve developed this program and nonprofit, we’ve become more receptive to hearing others’ thoughts. We want to keep pushing the envelope and welcome new ideas and constructive criticism. We know we’re not perfect and are eager for input to keep moving forward. One day, we hope our children will be part of this movement when we’re ready to hand off the reins.”
To join the NextLVL movement and make a difference, visit TheNextLVL.org.
