AV+ from Commercial Integrator

EP 114- Brad is Awesome

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Craig speaks with Bradford Benn about why he decided to create a 5-figure endowment to a museum that honors achievements that made many AV technologie...

EP 113- Outdoor AV

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 113 of AV+, we examine some trends and product highlights in the increasingly important world of outdoor audio visual equipment.

EP 112- Selling Better Sound Masking

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sound masking systems are technically complex, but it doesn’t have to be a scary system to sell & install. We break it down on ep. 112 of AV+.

EP 111- Presence Summit

10 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 111 of AV+, we chat with one of the co-hosts of the upcoming Presence Summit to find out what integrators can gain from attending.

EP 110- InfoComm 20 WRAP

19 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time, InfoComm went virtual this year. How did the transition go, and what were the highlights of this year’s show? Find out on ep. 1...

EP 109- InfoComm CTS Cred

12 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

CI editors discuss what sessions they are most looking forward to at the upcoming InfoComm 2020 connected virtual AV trade show.

EP 108- Inside Virtual InfoComm

05 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We are given an inside look at InfoComm 2020 Connected, the virtual trade show that’s now just a little under two weeks away.

EP 107- State of Sound Masking

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re taking another break from Coronavirus-related stories to check in on a category we’ve seen grow every year: sound masking.

EP 106- AV Hero, the App

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 106 of AV+, we speak with the founder of AV Hero, an on-demand AV services app bringing the gig economy to the audiovisual industry.

EP 105- Selling WFH Kits

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Editor Zach talks with Ed Sharib of integration firm Inspired Technology, about how to sell work from home kits to clients.AV Product Packages That H...

EP 104- Fast Food & HOW

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The best thing integrators can do right now is expand their revenue – so here’s a guide to what H.O.W. & fast food needs from technology durin...

EP 102 - Corporate Client Needs

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

CI editors chat about what working from home problems they think integration firms could help solve on episode 102 of AV+.

EP 101 - Finding Techs

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re looking for more technicians — either immediately or when COVID blows over — here are some great tips for interviewing candidates.

EP 100- Making Tough Calls

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

TBH: this isn’t what we thought our 100th episode would be, but thanks to the NSCA, this ep. of AV+ is probably our most important yet.Connect with ...

EP 99 - 10 Steps Towards Security

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 99 of Commercial Integrator’s podcast, AV+: Ari Fuchs comes through with some business stability advice for the long term. Ari’s full ...

EP 98 - Teams Tips!

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do your employees — or even your clients! — need some Microsoft Teams tips? We’ve got you covered on episode 98 of AV+. More NSCA webinars here...

EP 97 - How to Get Through This

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re not going to lie, this is a serious time for many AV integration firms — but there are things they can do to stay afloat in this economy.

EP 96 - 22-Screen Bar

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A project of this scale, for such a small space, required smart distribution… and then selling the client on IP over a matrix. On Episode 96 of AV+…...

EP 95 - Being an AV Leader

06 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

These are some NSCA Business and Leadership Conference 2020 lessons Pro AV leaders can bring to their own integration firms.

EP 94 - Future of Work isn't Tech

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most important talks at NSCA BLC 2020 centered around the future of work and why humans – not tech – are at the center of it.

EP 93 - Better AV Marketing

21 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 93 of AV+, we run through some tips integrators can reach more potential clients through a better marketing approach.

EP 92 - ISE 2020 Recap

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We scoured the ISE 2020 show floors. Here are the trends in technology we’re taking away from the show this year on episode 92 of AV+. See all our c...

EP 91 - Billion Dollar Integrators?!

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On ep. 91 of AV+, industry journalist Craig MacCormack tells us about how the biggest merger deals in pro AV history happened within 24 hours of each ...

EP 90 - ISE 2020 Guide

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What are some must-sees on the ISE 2020 show floor? Where should you eat? What Amsterdam attractions should you visit? All this & more on AV+.

EP 89 - Timecrunch!

24 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On ep. 89 of AV+, we chat with an installer who was able to tackle two of the most common challenges an integrator faces: timing and scope creep. Pro...

EP 88 - Detection vs Recognition

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Facial detection can strike the right balance between security and data collection, and we think it’s about time systems integrators considered it. ...

EP 87 - Unconventional Hiring

10 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

HB Communications’ started working with a charitable agency, who they eventually hired from. Hear the unconventional hiring story on ep. 87 of AV+. ...

EP 86 - 2019 in Review!

03 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our editors reflect on pro AV news highlights & themes in 2019 and look into the crystal ball for the year to come.

EP 85 - Let's Drink to This Market!

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Integrators, you should be thirsty for craft beer clients. These independant businesses could be a big opportunity for pro AV partners.

EP 84 - Collab Across the Globe

13 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Installing 300+ Avocor displays in several global offices is daunting enough. But doing it smoothly? That’s more of a challenge. The manufacturer ma...

EP 83 - Outages as Opportunities

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Just this past summer, there were a number of major internet outages that affected almost everyone that uses the internet. A Google Cloud outage occur...

EP 82 - Integrator of the Year

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Solutionz exec explains their aim is the to be #1 in the industry. It’s a lofty goal, but one which helped earn them the title of Integrator of the ...

EP 81 - Help This Org!

15 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The ITDRC is trying to help communities struck by disasters get their connections back. Can you do anything to help? The answer is probably “yes.”

EP 80 - Crazy MSP Stories

08 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re transitioning to AV as a Service, you should be prepared to face strange stories like the IT MSPs in this episode faced.

EP 79 - Prince of Pools

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Creative AV industry personality Phil Cordell, AKA HiPhi, dives into the writing process behind his new TV show, Prince of Pools.

EP 78 - Scary AV Stories

25 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this haunted episode of AV+, we hear our editor’s most scary job stories, & challenge a new editor to suss out which spooky AV jobsite story ...

EP 77 - The AV in Disney Shows

18 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We hear from a leader of the Disney tech team to learn how they designed the latest nighttime show, “Wonderful World of Animation.”

EP 76 - A PhD's Sales Advice

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Want to keep customers buying video walls? Hear some advice from Sensory Technology’s EMBRACE Strategist, who has a PhD in Cognitive Development.

EP 75 - Working W/ Family?

04 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Vistacom is led by brother & sister, but they’re not the only family in the business. What is it like to run an integration firm with with your ...

EP 74 - Show This to Sales Reps (EP 38 Repeat)

27 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

AV as a service contracts begin with your sales reps! What to tell them to have better crucial conversations on episode 74 of pro AV podcast, AV+.

EP 73 - Resi Tech to Know!

20 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Residential technology products can sometimes be just as applicable to commercial spaces as they are to the home. Here are a few you should know.

EP 72 - Keys to AV Service

13 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Editor-At-Large Craig MacCormack asks Bobby Swartz, President of Starin Marketing what the keys to success are in fostering more service revenue.

EP 71 - AVaaS Must Die?

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The creator of #AVaaSMustDie speaks with us and challenges savvy integrators to create a better AV as a Service model overall.

EP 70 - Why So Many Outages?

30 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Could internet outages across the board actually be an opportunity for integrators and managed services? Episode 70 of AV+.

EP 69 - Our New Boss

23 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Our new boss gives his initial impressions on working in and around the AV industry thus far on episode 69 of pro AV podcast, AV+.

EP 68 - Befriending the Competition

16 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Schmidtendorff of Communication Company & Ray Bailey of Lone Star are great examples of when AV competition can help, not hinder, each other.

EP 67 - Bye, Tom LeBlanc!

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tom LeBlanc will be greatly missed here at the Commercial Integrator HQ – we send him off to his next venture with this episode of AV+.

EP 66 - Outdoor AV

01 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 66 of AV+, we examine some trends and product highlights in the increasingly important world of outdoor audio visual equipment.

EP 65 - Disney Tech

19 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 65 of AV+ we speak with a leader of the Disney tech team to learn how they designed the latest nighttime show, “Wonderful World of Animat...

EP 64 - Insights into the Industry

12 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

AV industry insights from someone who spoke with many integrators at InfoComm, Brandon Breznick of Premier Mounts. Episode 64 of AV+.

EP 63 - On Track for $325 Billion

28 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Recent research in the AVIXA IOTA Global Summary says the AV industry will hit $325 billion by 2024. Promisingly, our own research tracks with that.

EP 62 - InfoComm 2019 Recap

21 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

CI editors run through what InfoComm trends they noticed at this year’s show: from eSports to the actual makeup of attendees.

EP 61 - InfoComm 19 Booth Previews

07 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This audio preview of InfoComm 2019 booths lets you learn more about what Platinum Tools, Mersive, Peerless AV, Premier Mounts, Audinate & more wi...

EP 60 - Guide to InfoComm 2019

31 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

InfoComm 2019 show is upon us! Are you prepared? Find out (just about) everything you need to know before heading to InfoComm Orlando.

EP 59 - Bid on Esports Projects

24 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Brandon Breznick of Premier Mounts explains what an eSports venue is, what eSports technology projects look like, and much more.

EP 58 - Acquisitions So Far

17 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The average rate of audio visual acquisitions is increasing rapidly. We examine some of the most interesting M&A’s in 2019 thus far on episode 5...

EP 57 - Choosing AVoIP

10 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

AV over IP solutions are more prevalent than ever before. So how do savvy integrators choose between them? More on episode 57 of AV+.

EP 56 - Take It from an Architect

03 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Architect and host of ‘Build It Bigger’ Danny Forster reminds integrators that they have much in common & provides great audio visual sales ad...

EP 55 - How to Spend $$$

26 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Adam asks editors, ‘what do you spend your extra money on?’ as they explore how AV business owners can spend better; news roundup from April. Ep. ...

EP 54 - Why Crestron Masters?

19 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Why does Crestron Masters matter, and how did the company get 1,200 people to come to rural Connecticut? Episode 54 of AV+.

EP 53 - The Need for 'Easy'

12 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

There’s one need integrators don’t always meet in corporate & higher ed technology jobs: the need for simple, says Nancy Knowlton on episode 5...

EP 52 - Day-To-Day Planning

05 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tigerpaw Software CEO James Foxall gets gritty on how to best handle your inventory, managed services, and much more on episode 52 of AV+.

Ep 51 - AV Sales: Learn a Thing or Two

22 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

AV sales and proposals software company WeSuite has some tips for integrators to avoid leaving money on the table from the very first cold call.

EP 50 - Learn About Video Walls From A Psychology PhD

15 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How to keep customers buying video walls? Hear some advice from Sensory Technology’s EMBRACE Strategist on episode 50 of pro AV podcast, AV+.

EP 49 - AV Business Advice from BLC 2019

08 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

CI editors recapitulate the best AV business advice they learned from going to NSCA BLC 2019 (Business and Leadership Conference).

EP 48 - Best Advice from BLC 2019

01 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At NSCA BLC 2019, our editor-in-chief Tom LeBlanc gathers key AV business advice from some well-respected names in the industry.

EP 47 - The Golden Percentage

22 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 47 of AV+, NSCA director tells us what percentage of their revenue they should have under managed AV services contracts.

EP 46 - Retiring After FORTY Years

15 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 46 of pro AV podcast AV+ we hear from Chuck Wilson on the most popular AV products; plus why the Christie CEO is retiring in April.

Special Ep. - ISE 2019 WRAP UP

07 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of AV+ podcast, we offer our Integrated Systems Europe 2019 review: Crestron NVX, Christie MicroTiles LED, companies you proba...

ISE 2019: Crestron's Pixel Perfect Processing

04 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this special edition of AV+ podcast, we’re sharing audio from some of our interviews leading up to Integrated Systems Europe because we think it ...

EP 45 - ISE Guide & Responding to Anti-Diversity

01 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this monthly feature episode of AV+, an ISE guide for beginners; a response to anti-diversity comments; monthly news roundup and editor’s desk.

EP 44 - Where'd You Go, Michael Bridwell?

25 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Where did Michael Bridwell go, and why is he keeping quiet now? These answers – plus a look into Dana Innovations’ dip into commercial – on AV+ ...

EP 43 - Meet Your New (Old) Overlords

18 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It’s no secret that IT decision makers are the new “big bosses” of pro AV — but do you know just how much they’re involved as of 2019?

EP 42 - The Biggest Disappointment

11 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The biggest disappointment in the pro AV industry this year? The continued lack of diversity and young people coming in. Tune in to ep. 42 of AV+

EP 41- Profit Problems

04 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The AV industry may take a hit to bottom lines in 2019 due to lack of renewable profitability. How to avoid that on episode 41 of AV+.

EP 40 - 2019's Largest Challenges

28 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We run through some of the key challenges integrators can expect to experience in 2019 with episode 40 of pro AV podcast, AV+.

EP 39 - State of the AV Industry 2019

21 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 39 of AV+, CI editors Tom, Craig and Adam talk about the construction of our annual laundry list for the AV integration industry: the State...

EP 38 - What to Tell Your Sales Reps

14 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

AV as a service contracts begin with your sales reps! What to tell them to have better crucial conversations on episode 38 of pro AV podcast, AV+.

EP 37 - Access Control & the Cloud

07 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 37 of AV+ features Jeff Perri of ProdataKey giving his two cents on what integrators can expect from clould-based access control going forward...

EP 36 - Integrator of the Year

30 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this monthly feature episode of AV podcast, AV+ — Total Tech Summit & integrator of the year Ford AV teaches us key lessons. Plus a holiday s...

EP 35 - AV Job Finder

16 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 35 of AV+, founder of AV Job Finder, a new source for finding and hiring for work in pro AV integration, tells us of his job seeking strugg...

EP 34 - Start Selling Better Audio!

09 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Better meeting room audio is often seen as a bonus, or worse, as barely-important. But it isn’t, and on ep. 34 of AV+, we explain why.

BONUS: When AV Acquisitions Aren't Scary

02 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

AVI-SPL acquisition of Interactive Solutions sees latter company’s founder now working under his son (but it’s all good). Why it happened and more...

EP 33 - Rethink Your Role in EDU

31 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this monthly feature episode of pro AV podcast, AV+, Alan Brawn shreds your thinking on classroom technology; ET Group shreds your thinking on CEOs...

EP 32 - Access Control Trends

26 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We hear from Johnson Controls on where savvy security integrators should turn to stay current with access control tech. Tune in to episode 32 of AV+.

EP 31 - Inside Lone Star's Acquisition

12 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 31 of pro AV podcast, AV+, learn why Lone Star Communications acquired ArCom, and why those reasons are more than just money-related.

EP 30 - Why Unified Dropped 'AV'

05 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 30 of pro AV podcast, AV+, we learn why Unified AV became Unified Technology and wonder if those two letters are appropriate for the indust...

EP 29 - VR is Your Friend!

28 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this monthly feature episode of pro AV podcast, AV+, hear why VR might be the future of AV design, plus the CI project of the month and news roundu...

EP 28 - What Experienced AV Guy Has to Say

21 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Alan Brawn, with over 30 years of industry experience, is our newest columnist. Find out what he’s itching to write about on ep. 28 of pro AV podcas...

EP 27 - HDBaseT vs AVoIP

17 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 27 of AV+, we hear from the HDBaseT Alliance and why they think it’s silly to pit them against the various forms of AVoIP for AV networki...

BONUS: CEDIA Tech You Should Know

07 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

CEDIA 2018, a consumer/resi show, also features commercially-relevent trends. Here are some CEDIA technology highlights we think will spill over.

EP 26 - AV's Coolest Vertical

31 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Blip blip! Here’s a new vertical market for integrators to conquer: eSports! More on that and industry news in our monthly longer episode of this pr...

EP 25 - We're Not Changing

24 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Now that Commercial Integrator, TechDecisions, CE Pro and other formerly-EH Media brands have been acquired by Emerald Expositions, will they change? ...

EP 24 - Where Microsoft Misses on UCC

17 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 24 of pro AV podcast, AV+, we hear from InFocus and Crestron on the viability of ‘single-ecosystem’ collaboration solutions.

EP 23 - What Customers ACTUALLY Call You

10 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Why do you call it “digital signage”? It’s probably the worst thing you could call it from an AV marketing perspective. And “sound masking”?...

EP 22 - The Great AI Debate

31 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Does artificial intelligence integration have a place in pro AV? David Danto and Chris Maione, two AV consultants with differing opinions on AI, duke ...

EP 21 - Content Creation, But Simpler

20 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

You should not pass on more revenue (and opportunities to scale up!) from video wall and signage jobs. Hear from Almo Pro AV and Insteo on a solution ...

EP 20 - Make More Money on Digital Signage

13 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

You should be making more money on digital signage. Consider how IVCi uses managed services and content creation to boost business.Nominate a rising ...

EP 19 - Diversity Should Be On Your Mind

29 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On ep. 19 of pro AV podcast, AV+, we wonder about the future of diversity in the AV industry and celebrate makers of American made audio visual produc...

EP 18 - AVI-SPL's CEO Outranks Apple's

22 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On ep. 18 of pro AV podcast, AV+, we hear from AVI-SPL CEO John Zettel, who was recently named one of the 100 Glassdoor Top CEOs.Stories mentioned in ...