More than 33,000 Visit the Center of IT All
Jul 6, 2011 11:16 AM
InfoComm 2011, the annual conference and exhibition for professional audiovisual buyers and sellers worldwide, held June 15-17 in Orlando, Fla., was the second-largest commercial AV show ever held, with 33,001 AV professionals attending from more than 90 countries. It is the largest event InfoComm has ever held in Orlando.
“InfoComm continues to be the one tradeshow where most professional AV service providers make their important buying decisions for the year,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director & CEO, InfoComm International. “The AV marketplace has enthusiastically embraced InfoComm as the place to make their purchasing choices, network with product and service providers, and enhance skills through our robust educational program.”
Registrations for InfoComm Academy educational courses totaled 6,000. Super Tuesday, a full-day of advanced instruction for AV pros, attracted 572 registrants in 2011. The Institute of Professional Development (IPD) attracted 473 registrants. More than 4,600 attended seminars and workshops.
Attendees come to InfoComm for the diversity of courses on topics ranging from acoustics to videoconferencing. Popular courses were Technology Trends and AV Apps. Other popular classes included CTS Prep, CTS-D Prep, and Elements of AV Design. With two-thirds of all of the education sessions being new, participants flocked to classes on sustainability, net-centric AV and conferencing.
This year, 88 AV professionals passed the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) exam onsite, a new record. Twelve passed the CTS-D and four passed the CTS-I. The new CTS Exam Guide sold out in the Show store, but copies may be purchased in online bookstores worldwide.
There were 925 exhibitors participating at InfoComm this year. Exhibitors occupied more than 475,000 net square feet of exhibit and special events space.
InfoComm, CompTIA Form STEP Foundation to Promote Sustainability
InfoComm International, the leading professional audiovisual trade association, s announced the formation of the Sustainable Technology Environments Program Foundation with InfoComm International and CompTIA as its initial sustaining members. This 501(C)(3) foundation will promote sustainable practices by the associations’ members and their customers.
The STEP rating system will be a tool for owners and technology providers to plan for and implement sustainable practices in their technology projects. Successful projects will contribute to an organization’s sustainability goals and will be recognized by STEP.
The STEP Foundation will raise revenue through member dues, sponsorships, donations, education activities, certification fees, and project fees. A robust education and communications program will provide interested parties information about the STEP program and sustainability issues. The foundation will not serve as a lobbying organization.
Management of the STEP activities will be led by an Executive Director, Allen Weidman, who will retain his role as Sustainability Officer for InfoComm International, and InfoComm will serve as the Secretariat to the Board to provide basic business functions and other operations necessary to support the policy directions of the Foundation Board.
“The development of STEP and the formation of the STEP Foundation is a reflection on InfoComm’s commitment to making the electronic systems within the built-environment sustainable,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. “We are pleased that CompTIA is able to join us in promoting concepts that are both good for business and good for the environment.”
“InfoComm already has made great strides on the universal and AV specific components of the STEP rating system, and now CompTIA will begin the task of developing IT aspects of the framework, such as data centers and the cloud, the role of managed IT and print services, cabling and product end-of-life issues,” said Todd Thibodeaux, President and CEO, CompTIA. “Technology plays a key role in helping our society go ‘green’ and we’re delighted to partner with InfoComm to help businesses across multiple technology areas build sustainable best practices.”
More than 33,000 Visit the Center of IT All
Jul 6, 2011 11:16 AM
InfoComm Releases Standard on Projected Image Contrast Ratio
InfoComm International’s latest standard, 3M-2011 Projected Image System Contrast Ratio, has been approved by the InfoComm Board of Directors. The standard provides metrics for measurement and requirements for minimum contrast ratios for rear and front projection audiovisual projected image systems.
3M-2011 Projected Image System Contrast Ratio, which applies to both permanent and temporary installations, defines projected image system contrast ratio and its measurement. This standard defines four contrast ratios based on content viewing requirements. The system contrast ratio refers to the image as it is presented to viewers in a space with ambient light. Metrics to measure and validate the defined contrast ratios are also provided. A one-page overview can be found at www.infocomm.org/standards.
“This standard puts the needs of the viewer ahead of all other considerations,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. “The standard’s requirements move beyond individual performance factors of a projector and a screen, because the contrast ratio they can deliver is ultimately affected by the light in the space.”
3M-2011 Projected Image System Contrast Ratio provides important metrics for evaluating, planning and designing projected image system installations, setting minimum contrast ratios, and a procedure for measuring the contrast ratio provided by the system.
Digital copies of the standard are available for purchase in July at www.webstore.ansi.org.
InfoComm’s consensus standards development process is accredited by ANSI, a private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment systems. ANSI is the sole U.S. representative of the two major non-treaty international standards organizations, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and, via the U.S. National Committee (USNC), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Accreditation by ANSI signifies that the procedures used by InfoComm International in connection with the development of American National Standards meet the Institute’s essential requirements for openness, balance, consensus and due process.
Founders of Extron, Sennheiser Win Adele De Berri Pioneers of AV Award
Extron president and founder Andrew Edwards and the late Professor Dr. Fritz Sennheiser have been issued the Adele De Berri Pioneers of AV Award. The awards were presented at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at InfoComm 2011, the world’s largest commercial audiovisual tradeshow.
Andrew Edwards’ vision and leadership have made Extron one of the leading providers of innovative products, training, and customer support to the professional AV industry. Nearly three decades ago, Edwards identified one of the biggest challenges facing the audiovisual industry — the inability for different AV components to work together in a seamless way — and created a company dedicated to creating the networking hardware needed for effective systems.
In the earliest days of Extron’s history, he implemented S3 — Service, Support, Solutions, a customer support philosophy that has served the AV industry well. Using a “listen first, then respond” approach, Edwards has empowered the Extron staff to take the time to fully understand the customer’s needs and system goals before developing or recommending a system solution. His dedication to customers through the development of comprehensive training, industry-leading support, and innovative products is an underlying force that has strengthened the AV industry, and has made possible a higher quality of presentation technology.
“Andrew Edwards pioneered the systems integration movement and now has positioned Extron for the net-centric AV industry,” said Randal A. Lemke, Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. “By focusing on creating system-wide solutions and placing paramount importance on industry training and customer service, Andrew Edwards has paved the path of success for countless AV professionals and customers.”
The late Professor Dr. Fritz Sennheiser founded what is now Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & Co. KG, a major international company. The family firm, located in Wedemark, near Hannover, Germany, has a global workforce of more than 2,100 employees. Sennheiser has production sites in Germany, Ireland and the USA, manufacturing microphones, headphones, conference and information systems, headsets and audiology products.
Overcoming considerable adversity, including an economic depression, World War II and even death threats against him and his engineers, Professor Dr. Sennheiser triumphed by building an innovative team of engineers who would create some of most recognizable and long-standing microphones and headphones in history. From his days as a student developing a reverberation unit used at the opening ceremony of the 1936 Olympic Games, to overseeing his company create the first set of open headphones, Professor Dr. Sennheiser stood for excellence in engineering innovation.
“InfoComm is pleased to recognize the technological and business achievements of Fritz Sennheiser,” said Lemke. “He was an industry legend whose steadfast commitment to excellence will never be forgotten.”
The Adele De Berri Pioneers of AV Award is issued annually by InfoComm International to current or former employees of InfoComm member companies who have made an important contribution to the science of audiovisual technology, whether as an inventor or thought leader who advanced the development of a new product, segment or service of the AV industry. The award is sponsored by Da-Lite and Sound & Communications.
More than 33,000 Visit the Center of IT All
Jul 6, 2011 11:16 AM
Kevin Collins Receives InfoComm International Distinguished Achievement Award
InfoComm International issued its Distinguished Achievement Award posthumously to the late Kevin Collins during the InfoComm International President’s VIP Reception. The event took place at InfoComm 2011, the largest professional audiovisual and information communications tradeshow worldwide, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
For nearly 30 years, Kevin Collins worked in a variety of sales and marketing positions in the audiovisual industry. More than 25 of those years were spent at HB Communications, where he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He was known for his vibrant personality and for his embrace of a wide spectrum of technologies.
Kevin Collins served as the Secretary-Treasurer, President Elect, President, and Chairman of the Board of InfoComm from 2000 to 2003. During his terms of office, and in the years that followed, Kevin Collins was known for recruiting industry volunteers, forging connections between competitors and promoting the industry.
InfoComm’s Distinguished Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed on an industry member by the association. “When the InfoComm Board of Directors considers honoring a member with the Distinguished Achievement Award, two major criteria are applied – the career accomplishments of an individual, and the individual’s contribution to the AV industry,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. “Kevin Collins left us way too soon, but he provided a lifetime of industry contributions. Through his efforts to connect people, his legacy will impact the association and the industry for many years to come.”
Steven J. Thorburn, CTS-D, CTS-I, LEED AP, PE; Named InfoComm Educator of the Year
InfoComm International presented its Educator of the Year Award to Steven J. Thorburn, CTS-D, CTS-I, LEED AP, PE. The award was issued during InfoComm 2011, the largest professional audiovisual and information communications tradeshow worldwide, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
Thorburn, Principal Consultant, Thorburn Associates Inc., has more than 30 years of AV industry experience, specializing in acoustics and AV technology. His in-depth knowledge, awareness of practical application and dual degrees in electrical engineering and technical theater enable him to pass on his expertise to students with passion and clarity. Thorburn is a member of InfoComm Academy senior faculty and served on the InfoComm Professional Education and Training Committee (PETC). He was a founder and former chair of the InfoComm Independent Consultants in Audiovisual Technology (ICAT) Council.
“Thorburn is being named InfoComm Educator of the Year because of his ability to grasp complex technical concepts and explain them to audiovisual and building professionals,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. “He has improved the industry’s base of knowledge, and has improved the communications experience and satisfaction for countless customers.”
The Educator of the Year Award is selected by the InfoComm International Awards Committee to honor an individual who works to develop the skills and knowledge of others in the AV industry. Past Educator of the Year recipients include Scott Sharer, CTS, BA, MFA; L. William Nattress III, CTS-D, CTS-I; Pete Putman, CTS; Paul Depperschmidt, CTS; Max Kopsho, CTS; Joel Rollins, CTS-R; Mario Maltese; CTS-D, CTS-I; and Gary Kayye, CTS.
Kevin Rhodus Awarded the ICIF Michael Vergauwen Education Fund Scholarship
ICIF, the foundation of InfoComm International, the leading professional audiovisual trade association, awarded the Michael Vergauwen Education Fund Scholarship to Kevin Rhodus, a student and AV technician at Ohio State University.
Kevin Rhodus is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Audio/Visual for Natural Resources. In addition to his job at the University, he has a part-time internship at the audiovisual department at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. In his various capacities Kevin has served has a systems designer, installer, live-events support, theatrical technician and end-user.
The Michael Vergauwen Education Fund fosters educational opportunities, enhancing the audiovisual industry’s service to the public through scholarships, curriculum development, community engagement and the promotion of careers in the AV field. This fund honors Vergauwen’s career achievements in the AV communications industry and his participation in and leadership of InfoComm International. His dedication to the industry and to its members serves as a role model for all InfoComm members.
“ICIF congratulates Kevin Rhodus on charting a unique course of study and career path that combines his interests in technology and the environment,” said Duffy Wilbert, CTS, CAE, Executive Director, International Communications Industries Foundation. “We are pleased to award him with the Michael Vergauwen Education Fund Scholarship.”
Companies and individuals wishing to contribute to this fund should send donations to: Michael Vergauwen Education Fund, ICIF, 11242 Waples Mill Road, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Checks should be made payable to the International Communications Industries Foundation. Donations will be tax deductible as provided by Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
