Professional AV

With Gen Z gradually stepping into B2B decision-making roles, marketers across many industries are confronting a major pivot point: the storytelling strategies that appealed to previous generations no longer resonate on their own. According to several studies, Gen Z is expected to make up over 30 percent of the workforce by 2030 and will…

The rapid rise of AI technologies, cloud computing, and digital services is driving a renewed surge in electricity demand across the United States, reversing nearly two decades of flat growth. A major contributor to this trend is the exponential expansion of data centers, which are now expected to consume a growing share of the U.S….

The hospitality industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the rising expectation for hyper-effortless, personalized guest experiences. Across industries, research from McKinsey shows that 71 percent of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions—raising the bar for service excellence in every sector, including hospitality. As hotels, casinos, and resorts race to meet evolving demands,…

Demand for AV integration services is becoming more complex and widespread, making it increasingly difficult for integrators to scale operations without sacrificing profitability. According to AVIXA’s 2024 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis, the Pro AV market is projected to reach $422 billion by 2029, intensifying the need for flexible, scalable support. Amid these pressures, service…

The Pro AV industry continues to intersect with sectors like healthcare, retail, and corporate environments, making access to hands-on product demos and direct vendor conversations more important than ever. Technologies are evolving rapidly, and end users are demanding increasingly complex solutions. According to AVIXA, the global Pro AV market is projected to reach $402…

Southwest Airlines has long been synonymous with customer-friendly policies, but a recent shift in its business model has ignited controversy. The airline, once known for its no-change fees, free checked bags, and approachable customer service, has begun implementing policies that put its brand loyalty to the test. The changes including assigned seating and new…

The defense sector is increasingly turning to advanced simulation technologies and simulated environments in defense to better equip military operators for the complexities of modern combat scenarios. The stakes are high—technological advancements in modeling and simulation (M&S) not only enhance operational readiness but also serve as a critical deterrent against adversaries. Recent developments highlighted…

Trade shows have long been a cornerstone of industry evolution, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, education, and innovation. As the Pro AV and integrated systems community navigates a rapidly shifting landscape, ISE (Integrated Systems Events) continues to stand out as a global leader. With over 1,600 exhibitors and attendees from 160+ countries, ISE 2025…

With hybrid work environments becoming the norm, businesses are constantly on the lookout for adaptable solutions for meeting spaces. With shifting needs in workspace design, flexibility and ease of setup are paramount. The latest innovation, the Acadia tabletop stand, is revolutionizing video-enabled meeting rooms, offering a construction-free setup that maintains aesthetics while reducing costs. How…

The security space is at an inflection point. Rapid technological advancements—like AI, cloud platforms, and big data—are fueling a broader security industry transformation, reshaping how solutions are deployed and consumed. At the same time, the profile of the security buyer is changing, with IT, HR, and compliance leaders playing a much bigger role in…

In crisis scenarios, portable AV systems must perform under pressure because failure is not an option. As Keysight Technologies notes, the evolution of mission-critical communications now depends on low-latency, mobile-ready platforms that can operate reliably in unstable, infrastructure-poor conditions, making portable AV systems essential for real-time response and public safety operations. These are the…

With Gen Z gradually stepping into B2B decision-making roles, marketers across many industries are confronting a major pivot point: the storytelling strategies that appealed to previous generations no longer resonate on their own. According to several studies, Gen Z is expected to make up over 30 percent of the workforce by 2030 and will…

Demand for AV integration services is becoming more complex and widespread, making it increasingly difficult for integrators to scale operations without sacrificing profitability. According to AVIXA’s 2024 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis, the Pro AV market is projected to reach $422 billion by 2029, intensifying the need for flexible, scalable support. Amid these pressures, service…

The Pro AV industry continues to intersect with sectors like healthcare, retail, and corporate environments, making access to hands-on product demos and direct vendor conversations more important than ever. Technologies are evolving rapidly, and end users are demanding increasingly complex solutions. According to AVIXA, the global Pro AV market is projected to reach $402…

Explosive demand for artificial intelligence, cloud services, and low-latency connectivity is reshaping the landscape for data center construction in the U.S. With hyperscalers and enterprises alike racing to deploy infrastructure closer to end users, new builds are increasingly challenged by the need for high-capacity power, complex permitting, and skilled labor. According to CBRE, U.S….

Rural broadband expansion is at a turning point. The FCC’s updated benchmarks for high-speed internet have significantly increased the number of underserved households, with nearly 28% of rural Americans still lacking access to adequate fixed broadband. As demand surges for reliable connectivity to support telehealth, online education, and remote work, providers and policymakers are…

As the digital divide accelerates and fiber deployment sees growth, Connected America 2025 has emerged as a pivotal moment for infrastructure professionals. With over $42.5 billion earmarked through federal programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative, the U.S. is undergoing one of the most aggressive broadband expansion efforts in its history….

Industries across the board are continuing to evolve in 2025 and one of the sectors seeing the most significant evolution is security technology and access control. The rise of AI, cloud computing, and new compression standards are reshaping how security solutions are deployed and utilized. With the market expanding into new verticals and…

The Sennheiser Profile USB Mic is the audio titan’s latest foray into “plug and play” microphones. With both a loaded feature set and an aggressive price point, the Profile USB Mic aims to elevate standard content creation setups. Does it live up to the hype? Check out my thoughts below:       Features at…

The AV industry is rapidly growing and offers diverse career opportunities for individuals with different backgrounds and skill sets. From designing and installing audio-visual systems to creating immersive digital experiences, the AV industry encompasses a broad range of roles that require creativity, technical expertise, and innovation. If you are passionate about AV and looking…

Touch displays have come a long way since their inception in the mid 1900s. Today, they have revolutionized various industries, including gaming, sports betting, digital signage, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and education. These industries have seen an evolution in touch display technology that has transformed the way they operate, interact with customers, and gather data…

PrepHam Paul (K5VLP) celebrated his first visit to Dayton Hamvention by marking a major channel milestone. He hosted a giveaway of the  IC-2370B mobile radio from Icom to thank viewers for helping him reach 10,000 subscribers. His passion for emergency preparedness, rooted in his experience as an Eagle Scout and later studies in emergency management,…

Dayton Hamvention 2025 drew amateur radio hobbyists of all experience levels who shared stories and personal milestones. ICOM ham radios took center stage in many of these testimonials, featuring longtime fans to new licensees discovering the hobby through family and school. Attendees praised the reliability, sound quality, and ease of use of models like…

Radio operators from around the world gathered at Dayton Hamvention 2025 to share firsthand stories of connection, experimentation, and gear that stands the test of time. As digital modes, satellite operation, and mobile setups continue to grow in popularity, global radio enthusiasts reaffirmed Icom as a trusted choice across all experience levels.. A diverse…

The 2025 Moses Lake Airshow at Grant County International Airport showcased not only aviation displays but also the critical role of reliable radio communication systems in high-traffic public events. These two-way radio systems remain vital tools for coordination, safety, and rapid response among event staff and emergency services. Icom’s Territory Channel Manager, Tim Thometz,…

Reliable communication is important for safety, coordination, and operations at events like the 2025 Moses Lake Airshow. This high-traffic event brings together aviation professionals, vendors, and emergency services who depend on stable, real-time communication to stay efficient. Tim Thometz, the Territory Channel Manager at Icom, at the Moses Lake Airshow showcases the company’s IP501 radios, which…

Icom’s Senior Sales Manager, Ray Novak, joins Rick Waedekin, Icom’s West Coast Rep and Coast Marine Marketing President, for a conversation at the Pacific Marine Expo. They discuss Icom’s new wireless LAN radio system designed to improve marine communication through secure, internet-based connectivity. These radios are compact, waterproof, and built to handle rugged conditions. Unlike…

Makayla Servidad, Sales Admin at Icom, unboxes the blue version of the IC-M25 EVO—an upgraded handheld marine VHF radio that combines modern design with everyday functionality. The unit features USB-C charging, a slim and lightweight frame, and a textured grip for comfortable handling. Included in the box are a flexible antenna, a USB-C cable,…

With Gen Z gradually stepping into B2B decision-making roles, marketers across many industries are confronting a major pivot point: the storytelling strategies that appealed to previous generations no longer resonate on their own. According to several studies, Gen Z is expected to make up over 30 percent of the workforce by 2030 and will…

As the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) 2025 came to a close, the Icom team reflected on another successful year of meaningful connections, shared expertise, and hands-on interaction with industry professionals. Chris Vargas, Inside Sales Representative at Icom, summed up the experience with one word: personal. After months of remote communication and countless email…