Navigating Perspectives: Indeed, We're All Experiencing the Freshman Year All Over Again
In the ever-evolving world of audio-visual (AV) technology, a mindset reset is necessary to keep up with the rapid changes, especially in areas like AI, automation, and next-gen collaboration tools. This shift in perspective was highlighted at InfoComm 2025, an event that brought a sense of familiarity reminiscent of the first day of college for many industry veterans.
With over a decade in the AV industry, the author of this article has witnessed significant transformations. Yet, they note, much remains the same, particularly in terms of mindset. The author emphasises the importance of curiosity over certainty, suggesting that professionals who ask, test, and explore will thrive.
To adapt effectively to these changes, the author recommends adopting a beginner’s mindset. This means staying open to new possibilities rather than becoming overly specialized or fixed in one approach. Actively asking questions and engaging with peers and new tools with a sense of exploration is also crucial.
Participating in industry events and forums, such as InfoComm and expert panels, where emerging trends in AI, hybrid work, and cloud integration are discussed, can provide valuable exposure to innovative ideas and collaborative learning. Leveraging educational and training resources to stay current on how AI and remote/hybrid work are reshaping AV workflows and client expectations is equally important.
The author unintentionally built a network of mentors, peers, and coworkers through curiosity, relationship building, and admitting when they needed help. They encourage setting learning goals tied to 2025 initiatives, exploring AI tools, automation platforms, and new hardware and software updates during Q4.
The rapid changes in the AV landscape necessitate a return to the curiosity and openness of freshman year. This mindset reset encourages AV professionals to navigate transformations not with fear or fixed assumptions, but with resilience, adaptability, and a proactive learning attitude vital for success amid technological disruptions.
In any tech-heavy space, it's important to embrace discomfort and ask questions, even if they might be considered "dumb". Documenting what you're learning by creating a shared folder, group chat, or digital notebook can also aid in the learning process.
Niche knowledge alone is no longer sufficient. Professionals need to build generalist knowledge to collaborate, adapt, and lead in new spaces. Learning should be a habit, not an event, using every meeting, client call, or demo as a live case study.
Connecting with people outside your function can be valuable for learning. The author notes that moving into sales gave them a new perspective, and working for an integrator opened their eyes to various aspects of operations.
InfoComm arrives each year and brings back a sense of wide-eyed energy, not necessarily from the tech itself, but from the people asking, "What's next?" After several years in the AV industry, professionals tend to become hyper-focused on goals, deliverables, and deadlines, making it harder to maintain a wide-eyed energy.
By embracing a mindset reset and fostering curiosity, the AV industry can better navigate the future, ensuring continued growth and innovation.
Products in the AV industry are constantly evolving, with AI, automation, and next-gen collaboration tools shaping the future landscape. To stay updated and thrive, professionals should cultivate a beginner's mindset, embracing curiosity, exploration, and lifelong learning. This holistic approach to education-and-self-development, encompassing both general-news and niche-specific knowledge, can foster adaptability and collaboration, ensuring success amid technological disruptions. Engaging with peers, attending industry events like InfoComm, and networking with people outside one's function can provide valuable insights and broaden horizons.
