Associations Focus: InfoComm Releases January Economic Snapshot Survey
Feb 11, 2009 4:22 PM
Finds modest drop in the InfoComm Performance Index
InfoComm International has released its January Economic Snapshot Survey. The purpose of the report is to determine how those in the AV industry perceive their company’s performance and overall health. The survey employs a tool called the InfoComm Performance Index (IPI), which assesses company performance of the past six months and expected performance over the next six months. Performance is rated on a 1 to 10 scale, where 10 represents “record growth and profit” and 1 conveys “bankruptcy.”
Our January survey shows a modest dip in the IPI over the past six months to 7.08. In September, survey respondents forecast this number to be at 7.10. Looking six months into the future, the 2009 respondents predict an IPI of 6.46. This would put the IPI into the high end of the “fair” range.
To download a copy of the free report, please visit www.infocomm.org/marketresearch.
Register Today for InfoComm 09
It’s that time of year again, time to register for InfoComm 09! Visit www.infocommshow.org for the latest information on exhibitors, sessions, and special events. The conference will be held June 13 to 19, and the exhibition will be held June 17 to 19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
Designed for professionals in the audiovisual, information communications and systems integration industries, InfoComm 09 showcases the latest technologies for audio, video, display, projection, lighting and staging, digital signage, conferencing, digital content creation, networking, signal distribution, and much more.
Attendees have the opportunity to explore tens of thousands of audiovisual products and services—everything from digital signage and content creation to projectors and lighting—all from the industry’s leading manufacturers.
The show also offers more than 350 educational seminars, workshops, and labs taught by world-renowned experts with a focus on technology, trends, and best practices in the industry. With programming from InfoComm Academy, certification testing, manufacturers’ training, and special-interest training programs, attendees can experience a wide range of topics with presentation levels that range from basic to advanced.
InfoComm 09 is supported by Platinum Sponsors Bosch, Christie, Crestron, and Extron; and Gold Sponsors Middle Atlantic Products, Polycom, and Tandberg.
Introducing Regional Renewal Unit Events
Register today for InfoComm’s first regional Renewal Unit Event. InfoComm Academy@Baltimore will take place Friday, April 24, 2009. Attendees can earn up to six renewal units while catching up on the latest industry trends. Fast-paced sessions and in-demand topics offered by the best instructors in the industry, including:
LEED and Green AV — Tony Warner, CTS-D, LEED®AP, RTKL
Systems Commissioning — Mario Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I, Audio Visual Resources
DTV and the Media Revolution — Pete Putman, CTS, ISF-C, ROAM Consulting LLC
Working with Architects — Paxson Laird, CTS-D, RTKL
Analog, Hybrid and Digital Designs — Paul Streffon, CTS-D, CTS-I, InfoComm Staff Instructor
Power and Grounding — Paul Streffon, CTS-D, CTS-I; Andre LeJeune, CTS, InfoComm Staff Instructor
Rental and Staging — Andre LeJeune, CTS
Digital Signage — Paul Streffon, CTS-D, CTS-I
AV Market and the Economy — Duffy Wilbert, CTS, InfoComm Sr. Vice President of Membership
Come to Baltimore for interesting, useful information. Learn on Friday and use your knowledge at work on Monday, all for $25. It’s a not-to-be-missed opportunity to earn Renewal Units and seats are limited, so register today by visiting www.infocomm.org/store or by calling (800) 659-7469.
Associations Focus: InfoComm Releases January Economic Snapshot Survey
Feb 11, 2009 4:22 PM
AVSP is Now InfoComm’s Company Recognition Program
For more than 30 years, InfoComm has offered its certification programs to establish and maintain widespread credibility for the AV industry and AV professionals. Your company can join nearly 300 others that have obtained an organizational-level credential, known as the AudioVisual Solutions Provider (AVSP)—a recognition of professionalism and expertise achieved through professional development, training, and continuously updated certification for your employees.
The AVSP program, formerly known as the CAVSP, is the only organizational-level recognition program of its kind. Consider becoming an AVSP if you are a company whose primary business is the manufacture, sales, integration, design, consultancy, or rental of AV equipment, systems, and services.
The AVSP is based on the percentage of technical, sales, or customer service personnel who have completed certain InfoComm Academy courses or have achieved either the General Certified Technology Specialist credential or the specialized CTS credentials in Design or Installation.
There are three levels of AVSP:
Diamond AVSP
50 percent of all customer service, sales, and technical staff must have and maintain general or advanced CTS certification or certain InfoComm Academy course completion.
No more than a quarter of the 50 percent of designated staff can qualify exclusively through InfoComm course completion. Of the 50 percent, 15 percent must have advanced CTS designation. A minimum of one advanced CTS is required.
Emerald AVSP
35 percent of all customer service, sales, and technical staff must have and maintain general or advanced CTS certification or certain InfoComm Academy course completion.
No more than a quarter of the 35 percent can qualify exclusively through InfoComm course completion.
Sapphire AVSP
25 percent of all customer service, sales, and technical staff must have and maintain general or advanced CTS certification or certain InfoComm Academy course completion.
AVSP companies have also agreed to comply with 10 Standards of Excellence that were developed in collaboration with industry experts to emphasize the best practices of AV businesses. The Standards of Excellence are a guidepost for AV companies and professionals who place the customer first and offer quality AV solutions. They include the commitment to provide complete customer satisfaction with AV solutions that provide value to the client. They convey the importance that AV solutions providers place on their own skills development through continuing education. They also cover the critical role that AV professionals play as partners with IT specialists, architects, building managers, and others.
From a marketing perspective, AV companies can use their AVSP status to promote themselves in bids, in advertising, on their business cards, on their trucks and offices, and on their uniforms. Just as with any other profession, customers are looking for a way to measure those they hire. In the AV world, the CTS and AVSP standards provide credibility and recognition. Find out more by contacting [email protected].
InfoComm Foundation Offers AV Scholarships
InfoComm International established the International Communications Industries Foundation (ICIF) to address the industry’s need for a high-quality workforce. If you or someone you know is pursuing AV-related studies, InfoComm International is now awarding scholarships to members and nonmembers.
Visit www.infocomm.org/scholarships for more details.
EduBucks Seeing Double
In 2009, InfoComm will give new members and members who renew at their present level or higher double the regular amount of EduBucks, InfoComm’s educational credits. This program was put in place to support members in light of current economic conditions. It is now feasible for companies to double their training activity this year.
Doubling applies in all member categories and in other currencies. Also, the rules for redemption have not changed, and you may continue to use them at InfoComm 09, in our classroom courses, and via the Academy Online. Visit www.infocomm.org/edubucks for more information.
Videoconferencing Lighting Standard Task Group Seeks Subject Matter Experts
The Videoconferencing Lighting Performance Standard, being developed in conjunction with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), needs subject matter experts in the following areas to help write the document. Manufacturers and manufacturers’ representatives are particularly welcome.
- Video cameras
- CODECS
- Telepresence systems
If you would like to participate as an expert contributor, please email [email protected].
