Advertise on podcast: Higher Ed AV Podcast with Joe Way

In this special Higher Ed AV Podcast live stream, Joe Way is joined by Shure’s Yuri and Ryan for an in-depth look at the new SLXD+ wireless platform and what it means for higher education AV teams. Broadcasting with HETMA and packed with live audience questions, this episode explores how Shure has expanded SLXD+ into a more powerful, enterprise-ready option for classrooms, lecture halls, event spaces, and campus-wide deployments. Yuri breaks down the biggest upgrades to SLXD+, including wideband tuning, ShowLink Ease transmitter control, Dante-enabled quad receivers, digital feedback reduction, encryption, audio summing, and expanded cascading capabilities. The conversation also tackles real-world higher ed concerns such as compatibility with legacy SLXD gear, Q-SYS integration, rechargeable transmitter options, wireless range expectations, firmware updates, and how SLXD+ compares with ULXD in larger campus environments. This episode stands out because it is not just a product overview. It is a practical discussion about workflow, scalability, flexibility, and support for institutions that need reliable wireless systems without unnecessary complexity. The live Q&A format also gives listeners a direct look at the kinds of questions higher ed technology leaders are asking right now as they evaluate next-generation classroom and event audio solutions. What you will hear in this episode: An introduction to Shure SLXD+ and why it is a major leap forward from the original SLXDHow wideband tuning simplifies deployment and inventory managementWhat ShowLink Ease does and how it enables remote transmitter controlHow automatic frequency mitigation works during interference eventsNew DSP capabilities including feedback reduction and audio summingDante support and cascading improvements for larger multi-channel environmentsCompatibility with existing SLXD systems and third-party control platformsPractical insight into where SLXD+ fits in higher ed compared to ULXDAudience questions about range, battery reporting, demo opportunities, and moreA reminder that higher ed AV is increasingly thinking at an enterprise scale, and manufacturers are responding accordinglyGuests: Yuri Lysoivanov, Senior Solutions Engineer at Shure Ryan Budvitis, Senior Solutions Engineer at Shure and liaison to HETMA Why listen: If you are responsible for classroom technology, live events, campus wireless strategy, or AV standardization, this episode offers a timely look at a product line designed to make professional wireless easier to deploy, manage, and scale across higher education environments. Connect with Shure: Ryan Budvitis: [email protected] Shure Online: https://www.shure.com Geer Tech Online: https://www.geertech.net SLXD+ Info:: https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/wireless-systems/slxd-plus?variant=SLX-D%252B

353: From Grassroots to Gravity with BC Hatchett Higher Ed AV Podcast with Joe Way In episode two of this six-part series, Joe Way welcomes back HETMA cofounder BC Hatchett for an honest conversation about what happens when a grassroots movement grows into something much bigger. What started as a bold idea to advocate for higher education in the AV industry has become a real business with real responsibility, real expectations, and real consequences. Together, Joe and BC reflect on the successes, the missteps, the personal and professional weight of leadership, and the reality that building something meaningful often comes with pressure, scars, and lessons learned the hard way. This episode dives into the evolution of HETMA from a passionate startup community into a recognized force within the AV industry. Joe and BC talk candidly about reputation, sponsorship accountability, the burden of representing an entire vertical, and the personal growth required when your role shifts from organizer to leader. It is a conversation about advocacy, intentionality, business maturity, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes success requires hard pivots, difficult self-awareness, and the willingness to outgrow your own early identity. The conversation also explores what it means to advocate for yourself, your community, and your profession. Joe and BC unpack the tension between being visible and being divisive, between being liked and being respected, and between having fun while building something serious. They close by encouraging listeners to step out, take risks, and understand that growth is rarely smooth, but it is often worth it. Along the way, the episode includes a fun “Hot or Not” segment covering topics like BYOD in learning environments, AI in cameras and microphones, classroom standardization, USB-C over HDMI, hiring for attitude over skill, whether leaders need to be experts, and why respect matters more than popularity. Guest: BC Hatchett is the Director of Classroom Technology at Vanderbilt University and the co-founding partner alongside Joe Way in building HETMA. In this episode, he brings a grounded perspective on leadership, responsibility, and the challenges of turning vision into sustainable impact. Connect with BC Hatchett: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bc-hatchett-88746312/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/bchatchett Connect with Joe Way: Web: https://www.josiahway.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahway X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@josiahway TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@josiahway

In this episode of the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way launches the first installment of a six-part series focused on failure, reinvention, leadership, and personal brand building. Joined by longtime friend Raul Cabrera, president of Miguel Studios in Fort Worth, Texas, Joe goes back to his early Texas days to reflect on a business venture that did not go as planned and the lessons that came from it. What unfolds is an honest conversation about risk, entrepreneurship, accountability, resilience, and how some of life’s hardest setbacks become the very things that shape future success. Joe and Raul revisit how they first met through dance lessons, how that relationship evolved into a business opportunity, and what it was like to be part of an ambitious concept that was simply ahead of its time. From there, the conversation moves into the realities of leadership, including the weight of making decisions that affect other people’s lives, the importance of transparency during difficult times, and the growth that comes from owning your mistakes instead of hiding them. Raul also shares how his own path through ministry, marketing, and entrepreneurship led him to content creation and digital strategy, offering practical insight for anyone looking to build a brand and tell their story more effectively. This episode is both deeply personal and highly practical. It is a conversation about what happens when your biggest failures become your greatest teachers, and why leaders who are willing to own their shortcomings often earn the deepest trust. It also sets the tone for the rest of the series, which will continue exploring Joe’s journey, the people who shaped it, and the lessons that can help others step into advocacy, confidence, and platform-building for themselves.  In this episode:  Joe kicks off a new six-part series centered on failure, growth, and self-advocacyRaul Cabrera joins the show to reflect on Joe’s early Texas chapter A look back at an ambitious business concept that failed, and why Lessons on leadership, risk tolerance, and the cost of hiding hard truths Why accountability in the moment can strengthen trust and team cultureReflections on ministry, calling, burnout, and life transitionsRaul’s journey into digital marketing, social media strategy, and content creationWhy YouTube and TikTok matter for personal brand buildingA fun rapid round featuring college traditions, food, In-N-Out, and social media advice About the guest: Raul Cabrera is the president of Miguel Studios in Fort Worth, Texas, a content studio and digital marketing company that helps organizations with content creation, social media management, and digital strategy. His career path has spanned hospitality, ministry, marketing, and entrepreneurship, giving him a unique perspective on leadership, communication, and building something from the ground up. Connect with Raul Cabrera and Miguel Studios: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raulmiguelcabrera/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_raul_cab/ Miguel Studios Web: https://miguelstudios.com Miguel Studios Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miguelstudiosfw/ Connect with Joe Way: Web: https://www.josiahway.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahway X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway

Joe explains that being a qualified buyer is not about exclusivity or being part of a large, well-funded institution. It is about being educated, having a clear understanding of the problem you are trying to solve, knowing your deliverables, and entering conversations with enough clarity to help solution partners actually respond in a useful way. He also shares why this mindset creates better relationships, better decisions, and better long-term success for everyone involved.

Since Higher Ed AV Awards nominations are now open (https://HigherEdAVAwards.com), Joe uses this episode to pull back the curtain on what actually makes an award nomination stand out. Drawing from his unique experience as a nominee, winner, judge, and awards organizer, he explains why strong nominations matter more than reputation, marketing language, or assumptions that an entry alone should guarantee a trophy. He breaks down the different types of industry awards, from public voting and panel-judged honors to editorial recognitions, and explains how the strongest entries consistently focus on impact, specificity, audience awareness, and meaningful proof. Joe walks listeners through what judges are really looking for, especially in the Higher Ed AV Awards. He explains why nominees need to fully answer every section, maximize every character allowed, provide measurable results, include strong references, and avoid vague marketing language. He also emphasizes that judges can only score what is actually included in the submission, not what they may already know about a person, company, or product. The episode is both a practical guide and a candid reality check for anyone hoping to improve their chances of winning. Along the way, Joe also shares details about this year’s Higher Ed AV Awards, including entry timing, category structure, Hall of Fame distinctions, the new People’s Choice Awards, and what attendees can expect during Higher Ed Week at InfoComm. It is part awards masterclass, part industry pep talk, and part preview of the bigger conversations still to come on the podcast. In this episode:Why awards matter and how different award programs are judgedThe three main types of AV industry awards: public vote, judging panels, and editorial picksWhy the quality of the nomination matters more than name recognitionWhat judges actually score and why incomplete entries lose pointsHow to write stronger executive summaries, detailed overviews, and impact statementsWhy references, testimonials, quotes, and supporting documentation matterCommon mistakes manufacturers, marketers, and nominees make when entering awardsHow Higher Ed AV Awards scoring works for products, projects, and peopleWhy Hall of Fame is not the same as a lifetime achievement awardA preview of the new People’s Choice Award categoriesKey dates and details for this year’s Higher Ed AV Awards and Higher Ed Week at InfoCommKey takeaway: Great work does not automatically win awards. Great nominations do. The strongest submissions tell a clear story, prove impact, speak to the right audience, and make it easy for judges to understand exactly why that person, product, or project deserves recognition. Mentioned in this episode: Higher Ed AV Awards HETMA Higher Ed Summit at InfoComm Higher Ed Week at InfoComm Hall of Fame nominations People’s Choice Awards AV Awards AV Nation rAVe SCN Hall of Fame Commercial Integrator 40 Under 40 Call to action: Nominations for the Higher Ed AV Awards are open now. Get your entries in early, take the time to do them well, and join the community in celebrating the people, products, and projects making a difference across higher education AV. Visit https://HigherEdAVAwards.com.

This special double episode of the podcast brings you straight to Enterprise Connect 2026 in two parts. First, Joe goes live from the show floor, walking the event, taking in the energy of the conference, and sharing real-time conversations and insights from one of the industry’s biggest and best UC gatherings. Then the episode shifts to a featured higher ed panel session moderated by Joe Way, bringing together James King, Chi Hang Lo, Kerlin Cisneros, and Rodrigo Ceballos for a thoughtful discussion on the role of communications, collaboration, and technology in higher education. Together, the two parts capture both the excitement of the event floor and the depth of conversation shaping the future of higher ed technology.

In this interestingly off-the-wall and completely impromptu episode of the Higher Ed AV livestream, Joe goes live from the Sony AV Tech Expo in San Diego, bringing viewers along for a spontaneous walk through the show floor. With his signature energy and curiosity, he dives into the action in real time, jumping into conversations, catching up with attendees, and offering an unfiltered look at the people, technology, and moments that make events like this so engaging. The result is a fun, candid, and immersive experience that feels less like a formal broadcast and more like being right there with him in the middle of it all.

In this short solo episode, Joe Way gives less of a preview and rather a reminder to log in for the HETMA Virtual Conference, emphasizing that it is free, easy to access, and built to fit into a normal work week. He explains that all you need to do is create a free account on the HETMA community site, go to the Events and Replays area, open the Virtual Conference listing, and click the Zoom link to join, with the schedule and recordings also available through the community. From there, he reflects on why the virtual conference matters to the organization’s identity, because it was how HETMA began and how its “by us and for us” approach came to life, with the community choosing what it wanted to learn and bringing in the right experts rather than relying on a generic call for sessions. He notes that the virtual conference became an important platform for higher education voices, especially during the COVID era, and that it helped accelerate the organization’s growth, leadership development, and initiatives, including moments where honest feedback from attendees shaped meaningful action. Joe highlights the unique community effect of the event, where people can join quietly, participate in chat, and still build relationships that later turn into deeper involvement and leadership within HETMA. This year’s conference runs for three days, with morning kickoffs, sessions throughout the day, and a daily happy hour to keep the community connection strong, and Joe repeatedly gives permission to attend in the most realistic way possible by putting it on in the background, jumping in between meetings, and treating it as a flexible shared experience rather than something that requires stepping away from work. He closes by reinforcing that this free conference is especially valuable when budgets and travel are limited, because it still provides three days of learning, networking, and shared problem solving with the higher ed AV community, plus the ability to catch replays afterward if you cannot attend everything live. Visit the community page: https://community.hetma.org/posts/80675845.

Integrated Systems Europe was bigger and better than ever before. Listen as Joe and the HETMA team break down the Best of #ISE2026!

HETMA hosted two simultaneous booths at #ISE2026 and the #EdTech2026 Congress in Barcelona. Joe and crew stream and record between the shows. Watch and listen to what will be one of the most entertaining shows yet!

Joe is live from the HETMA Booth on day 1 of ISE 2026!

Higher Ed AV Podcast Episode 343 Joe Way caps off his ISE preview series with one of his annual favorite conversations, welcoming back Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, the organizers of Integrated Systems Europe. Mike shares why ISE 2026 is on track to be the biggest edition yet, how the team plans the show as a year round reinvention cycle, and what “Push Beyond” really means in practice, not just as a theme, but as a commitment to raising the bar for the industry and the attendee experience. A big focus of the episode is how ISE has become more than a trade show inside a convention center. Mike explains the deliberate shift to making ISE a city wide experience that gives something back to Barcelona while also showcasing the best of AV to the public. Joe and Mike unpack how those external activations connect back to the show floor, the conference program, and the broader mission of ISE as a marketplace plus an editorial engine for learning. The conversation also goes deep on vertical strategy and why education continues to grow at ISE. Mike talks about partnering with subject matter experts and communities to curate programming that motivates end users to attend, and Joe shares how HETMA is helping first timers navigate the show and find their people. They close with practical pro tips for surviving the scale of ISE, plus Mike’s latest attendance signals and a few Barcelona favorites. Key topics and highlights Mike’s role and the show’s foundation: Integrated Systems Events as a joint venture between AVIXA and CEDIA, with more than two decades of ISE history and continued growthISE 2026 theme: Push BeyondInternal: the ISE team challenges itself every year to avoid getting “comfortable” and to reinvent the experienceExternal: challenging the AV and systems integration industry to push boundaries and raise expectationsWhy ISE feels different: ISE as both marketplace and “publisher”Exhibitors are the marketplace and the advertisingISE’s job is the editorial: conferences, summits, thought leadership, and curated experiences that make the trip worth itBarcelona as part of the showThe origin story: learning from city gridlock in Amsterdam and deciding to create value for locals, not just visitorsProjection mapping at Casa Batlló and connecting it back to the show through artist involvement and learning momentsCollaboration with the Llum lighting festival, moving it to dovetail with ISE and supporting it without consuming its identityA major new “Push Beyond” moment for 2026: drones go outsideNightly outdoor drone shows near the venue starting around 6:30 pmIntegrated with a large transparent LED element and immersive programmingSpecial Tuesday evening performance with a live orchestra and opera singer, then repeated with recorded performance on Wednesday and ThursdayEducation growth and the EdTech Congress partnershipWhy the education technology cluster matters and how it grew from small beginnings into a serious conveningWhy partnering makes sense: thousands of education specialists, many not previously attending ISEHow it’s structured: Montjuïc venue, shuttle connections, two day format that complements ISE and encourages cross attendanceMike’s broader point: ISE succeeds by working with partners who know each subject area better than the show organizers doShow navigation and scaleWhy you cannot “do it all” in four daysHow ISE divided halls by sector so attendees can start in the right place for their vertical and then branch outProduction and live events growth: that “haze, lights, buzz” energy expanding into larger hallsWhat attendees should do differently this year Treat ISE like a curated mission, not a wandering marathonPick your primary vertical starting hallBlock time for discovery outside your lane (the surprise vendors are part of the magic)Use communities and meet points (like HETMA) as a reset point to plan the next movePlan for the city experiencesAdd at least one evening for the public activations (projection mapping, Llum, and the new drone spectacular)Pro tips mentioned in the episode Download and use the official ISE app for wayfinding and planningUse the ISE tools, including the chatbot Dave, to quickly find vendors, locations, and show informationTake the metro to skip the post show taxi crushFree metro tickets are providedMetro access is available directly at the venue entrances called out by MikeLeave time for the “first ISE moment”Joe’s reminder: the walk in experience hits before you even enter a hall, and first timers never forget itHETMA and higher ed callouts HETMA is increasing its presence and community support at ISE, including being a visible flag for education attendees who want help navigating the show and connecting with the right peopleJoe encourages education attendees to use the HETMA meet point approach as a way to make a massive show feel manageableAttendance check and what Mike can share Mike shares last year’s verified attendance number and notes current registration tracking is trending ahead year over yearJoe makes his annual guess and pushes for a new milestone, while Mike hints at internal competition and waits for final numbers post showHow to connect with Mike Blackman and ISE to learn more ISE Website: https://www.iseurope.orgEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellblackman/Connect with Joe Way: Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway

It's an annual tradition, the AVNation "Best of" Awards, and Chi Hang Lo is up for AV Professional of the Year, along with UCLA's Classroom Modernization Pilot, and HETMA for Best Technical Support! Take a listen as Joe Way sits down with Chi to discuss this honor and why you should #VoteForChi. Joe Way drops a special Friday episode to spotlight the AV Nation Awards (Readers’ Choice “Best of 2025”) and rally the higher ed community around three finalists: Chi Hang Lo for AV Professional of the Year, UCLA’s Classroom Modernization Pilot for Project of the Year, and HETMA for Best Technical Support. Chi joins to share what the nomination represents, why the UCLA pilot is different, and how the higher ed community lifts each other up through collaboration, shared evaluation, and real-world support. The episode closes with a clear call: go vote, support the people and projects pushing the industry forward, and keep building a better future together. Vote now: https://www.avnation.tv/avnation-best-of-2025-awards/ Featured Guest Chi Hang Lo — Manager, AV/IT Solutions (UCLA) Leads a team designing and delivering scalable AV + IT solutions that support UCLA’s learning environments and broader smart campus vision.What You’ll Hear in This Episode 1) Why this episode, and why now A bonus Friday release to interrupt the usual schedule and highlight the AV Nation Awards as a uniquely people-driven recognition.Joe frames Readers’ Choice as a rare moment for the industry to advocate for the people, projects, and platforms that matter most to the community.2) The three higher ed finalists Chi Hang Lo — AV Professional of the Year finalistUCLA — Project of the Year finalist for the Classroom Modernization PilotHETMA — Technical Support finalistJoe emphasizes how significant it is to see higher ed represented across multiple major categories in the finals.3) The UCLA Classroom Modernization Pilot: what makes it special Chi explains why the pilot stands out as more than a refresh—it’s a different way of thinking: Moving from traditional room-by-room AV to a cloud-first, scalable control approach designed for enterprise scale (think: up to 1,000 spaces).Leveraging web technologies, REST APIs, and integrations to enable flexibility, interoperability, and future growth.Building for adaptability so the system isn’t locked to one manufacturer ecosystem—prioritizing integration-first design and long-term scalability.Aiming toward a platform approach: “AV as a platform” that can support more than AV control.4) The “why” behind going cloud-firstJoe asks the question everyone asks: why not just keep doing “simple” AV? Chi’s answer points to: Preparing the team—and the campus—for the future skill sets needed in modern learning environments.Meeting expanding demands: conferencing, capture, collaboration, active learning, and rapid shifts in pedagogy.Treating AV as part of a broader AV/IT solutions ecosystem, not a standalone technical island.5) Smart campus, not just AVThe conversation expands into the broader vision: AV systems already contain meaningful data (occupancy, environmental signals, usage patterns)—the opportunity is connecting it to the rest of campus.Collaboration across departments (facilities, security, events, transportation, IT, and more) becomes possible when you build a platform that can integrate.Chi shares work toward data aggregation and dashboards, including collaboration with a Data Lake approach to create better operational insight and decision-making.6) The team behind the pilotChi introduces the core members of his team and their contributions: Project coordination and process leadership (including agile/scrum-style development support)Technical design and 2D/3D modeling workflows, standards-based design language for facilities alignmentSoftware/automation engineering, signal distribution/recording, and architecture to connect devices to the cloudPartnerships with manufacturers to improve firmware/APIs and enable deeper integration at scaleJoe underscores how innovation required close collaboration between UCLA, solution providers, and manufacturers—engineering alongside engineering.7) Career growth: from technical expert to leaderJoe shifts the conversation to professional development: what changes when you move from “doing” to “leading.” Chi shares leadership themes that have guided him: Staying humble, collaborative, and relationship-drivenBalancing strong technical conviction with empathy and communicationCreating opportunities for the next generation by helping people navigate common roadblocks (communication, attitude, relationship dynamics)Treating the industry like a community—because you’ll keep working with the same people for years8) The HETMA community impactChi shares how community support—especially collaborative technology evaluation and shared learning—helps smaller institutions gain access, influence, and manufacturer attention they might not get alone. Joe reinforces the higher ed ethos: we’re collaborators, not competitors. Memorable Moments / Quotes (paraphrased) The awards matter because the people choose—it’s advocacy, not just adjudication.The pilot isn’t just “AV”—it’s building infrastructure for a smart campus platform.The real work is turning AV data into insight and integration that improves the campus experience.Calls to Action Vote for Chi Hang Lo — AV Professional of the YearVote for UCLA’s Classroom Modernization Pilot — Project of the YearVote for HETMA — Technical SupportAnd vote for the products, people, and projects you believe represent the best of 2025.Vote now: https://www.avnation.tv/avnation-best-of-2025-awards/ Connect with Chi Hang Lo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chihanglo/

Higher Ed AV Podcast Episode 341 Joe Way welcomes a packed house of HETMA leaders and volunteers to keep the pre-ISE 2026 hype rolling—this time with a full crew heading to Barcelona and a bigger presence than ever: two booths, expanded media coverage, and a brand-new stop on the itinerary, the EdTech Congress. Together, the group breaks down what attendees (and the folks following from home) can expect from ISE’s massive show floor, how HETMA is curating a higher-ed experience overseas the same way it does at InfoComm, and why this year is a pivotal “bridge” year as ISE and EdTech Congress move toward deeper integration in 2027. Along the way: practical survival tips (shoes, strategy, and navigation), sponsor/content plans, community events, and—because it’s HETMA—plenty of laughs. Guests Featured BC Hatchett — Director of Classroom Technology, Vanderbilt University; HETMA Co-FounderErin Maher-Moran — IT Manager for Classroom Technology, Johns Hopkins University; HETMA ChairTroy Powers — Support Team Lead, Northwestern University; HETMA Vice ChairDustin Myers — Manager of Technology Support, John A. Logan College; HETMA Two-Year At-Large Board MemberTeddy Murphy — AV Systems Engineer / AV Team Lead, University of Pikeville; HETMA One-Year At-LargeAtkins Fleming — Assistant Director for Learning Spaces, Texas State University; HETMA TreasurerChris Kelly — Senior IT Support Specialist, Creighton University; HETMA Advisory Board ChairRyan Gray — Joins late; shares excitement for EdTech Congress + real-time coverageWhat You’ll Learn / Key Topics1) The Big Picture: Why HETMA is “Going Bigger Than Ever” at ISE From “backpack + lockers” guerrilla mode to a full booth presenceWhy HETMA’s mission overseas is the same as at InfoComm: community, connection, and curationHow HETMA serves both audiences:the people at the showand the higher-ed community back home who can’t travel2) ISE for First-Timers: What to Expect + How to Navigate ISE is massive (and feels like it) — plan intentionallyPractical navigation “aha’s”:the second floor as the fast routejumping outside between halls to move quickerTactical show-floor advice:Start away from the main entrance mob (Hall 8 / work backwards)Dedicate time blocks per hall (don’t rely on “wandering” like smaller shows)3) EdTech Congress: Why It Matters HETMA expands beyond “just AV” to broader EdTech and learning spacesEdTech Congress is described as a “European EDUCAUSE-style” experience (in spirit)This year is a transition year: separate events/locations, but building toward a combined futureHETMA’s role: bridge the gap, meet new communities, and amplify what higher ed needs4) The Next AI Event: A Bigger Conversation Than “AI Cameras” Discussion on AI thought leadership and why nobody has the whole answer yetWhy the event structure matters: leadership/ethics + technical/workshop pathsThe goal: spark real conversations and help the industry shape what comes next5) Higher Ed AV Media On-Site: How the Coverage Works Sponsor prep: collecting focus points before the show (what to look for, what’s new, how to stand out)On-site interviews and content: booth sit-downs, tours, sponsor spotlightsExploring ways to expand reach (including possible multi-language coverage)The promise: if you follow the coverage all week, you’ll feel like you “were there”6) Booth Experience: What to Expect When You Visit HETMA Two HETMA booths: one at EdTech Congress, one on the ISE show floorISE booth number called out in the episode: Booth 2W400What happens at the booths:meet the crew, ask questions, get pointed to the right halls/boothslive content + quick interviews + “what are you seeing?” momentsswag (and the idea of “special swag” if you visit both booths)7) Community: Why the Week Starts Before the Show Starts Pre-show social time matters: it sets the tone and makes sure nobody feels aloneSaturday community kickoff options mentioned: golf + spa day vibeEnd-of-week tradition: a higher-ed-only Friday dinner to close it all out8) Barcelona: The City is Part of the Experience BC shares why Barcelona is a favorite: the blend of old + modern, the pace, the food, and the vibeLighthearted travel talk: language expectations, friendliness, and yes… chicken nugget debatesPractical Takeaways (ISE Survival Checklist) Bring truly comfortable shoes (and maybe backups)Don’t try to “see everything” — you can’t; plan your hallsUse the second floor for fast movementConsider hitting less-crowded halls first and working backwardIf you can stay later in the week, Friday is calmer for “walk the booths” timeStart your day with your people: find HETMA early (Booth 2W400 on the show floor)Notable Moments / Fun Bits Troy reveals custom HETMA sneakers for the show (loud by design)The crew jokes about HETMA “micro-planning” (aka: making Joe be organized)Swag culture: ISE has less booth swag than InfoComm… so HETMA fills the gapThe “packed house” energy: seven guests + a late cameo = classic controlled chaosCalls to Action Mentioned Watch/listen and follow coverage all week—HETMA is bringing ISE to the people in real timeIf you’re in town early, connect for community eventsVisit both HETMA booths (EdTech Congress + ISE show floor) for the full experienceLinks Mentioned (as spoken in the episode) HETMA & HEAV Coverage: https://HigherEdAV.com/ISE2026NEXXT: https://ise.nexxtnow.comEdTech Congress Barcelona: https://EdTechCongressBCN.comISE Booth: 2W400EdTech Congress Booth: T204Connect with Joe Way: Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway

Higher Ed AV Podcast Episode 340 In this special episode, Joe Way is joined by Sahil Dhingra, Cofounder & CEO of XTEN-AV, and Chris Dechter, University of Wyoming and AV SuperFriends, for a practical, higher ed focused walk-through of how teams are using XTEN-AV to design, document, standardize, and scale AV work as more institutions bring design/installation in-house. They break down “where do I even start?” for new users, share real workflows from fast departmental refreshes to integrator handoff packages, and preview what’s coming next for the product.Featured Guests Sahil Dhingra: Cofounder & CEO, XTEN-AVChris Dechter: Manager for Instructional Technology, University of Wyoming; Founder/Host, AV SuperFriendsWhy this conversation matters (higher ed context)Higher ed teams are increasingly operating like in-house integrators, but many don’t have the same tools or documentation workflows as traditional integrators. This episode focuses on how XTEN-AV can become the “single source of truth” for BOMs, schematics, rack elevations, cable schedules, proposals, and handoff documentation without living in a mess of disconnected spreadsheets and files.Key HighlightsJoe frames the session as tips, tricks, and power-user workflows—not a sales pitch—plus a reminder that opinions shared are personal/experience-based.Sahil explains why higher ed tends to be a strong fit: more aligned workflows, more realistic expectations for subscription software, and strong adoption/retention patterns.Chris shares his “power user” reality: hundreds of projects, a massive personal library, and a workflow that covers schematics, rack elevations, lectern layouts, and internal labor tracking—all in one platform.A major theme: standardization + rapid duplication (template room types) while still allowing the “departmental one-off” variations that always come back 1–2 years later.Real-world documentation strategy: don’t overwhelm clients with a full BOM unless requested; give them a clear scope and a number—keep flexibility for substitutions and supply chain changes.Sahil demos the ecosystem: XTEN-AV modules (drawing, docs/proposals, project management) plus the AI layer (XAVIA) and how it can generate a starting design fast. The “time savers” get loud: auto cable schedules, front elevations, submittals/spec-sheet bundles, and export options for downstream workflows.ISE teaser: improvements to AI personalization, plus better organization for multi-room/multi-floor projects and “areas” that let multiple rooms live under one umbrella.Training question answered: XTEN-AV describes an onboarding approach with dedicated support/CSM access early on (as discussed in the session). Practical takeaways (tips & tricks you can steal immediately)Start with a project you already know (ideally one you just completed). You’ll learn faster when the room, gear, and constraints are real—not demo-fiction.Build standards as templates (room types / kits), then duplicate + tweak for departments. This is where the time savings compound.Create and curate your own library: clone from the shared catalog, remove “junk ports,” add placeholders (“existing TV,” “OFE projector”), and keep blocks readable.Use “packages/kits” for paired items (encoder/decoder sets, extender pairs) to reduce BOM mistakes.Document every request (even the “10% chance” departments). Future-you will thank present-you when they reappear two years later.Separate client clarity from engineering detail: clients want outcomes + total cost; engineers want cable IDs, ports, rack units, and layouts.Add a contingency buffer to protect estimates against unknowns (Chris uses a larger buffer so the final cost often lands under the estimate).When working with integrators: hand them your design intent and documentation so you’re not stuck supporting someone else’s inconsistent as-builts later.Leverage auto-generated documentation (cable schedules, rack elevations, submittals/spec sheets) to reclaim hours that are pure “busy work.”Treat AI output as a fast starting point—then apply your campus standards (naming, port conventions, network rules, drawing style) before it becomes the “truth.”What’s new / what’s next (from the discussion)XAVIA AI agent: create a BOM and generate designs from prompts (typed or voice), then refine to match institutional standards. Stronger project organization: a “locations” concept (e.g., building → floors → rooms) to reduce project sprawl and improve navigation.Multi-room/area workflows: support for grouping multiple rooms into a single structured deliverable (especially useful outside higher ed, but still relevant for multi-space campus work).Connect with Sahil Dhingra and XTEN-AV:Website: https://www.xtenav.comFree Trial: https://app.xtenav.com/register?utm_source=HETMA&utm_medium=14jan&utm_campaign=webinar40% Off: https://app.xtenav.com/josiahway-payment-linkSahil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahildhingra00/Connect with Chris Dechter and AV SuperFriends:Website: https://www.AVSuperFriends.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/Connect with Joe Way: Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway