The AV Life

Tim Van Woeart

Host Tim Van Woeart of Rutgers University discusses topics relevant to the commercial AV industry.

  1. 2D AGO

    332: The Canvas Outage and the InfoComm Countdown

    This week on The AV Life, Tim Van Woeart is joined by Brandy Johnson, Nancy Blanchard, Renee Benson, Steve Borho, and a surprise drop-in from Joe Way for a classic crew conversation that starts with a serious higher ed technology disruption and somehow still finds its way to dogs, border crossings, World Cup logistics, InfoComm plans, and youth sports officiating. The episode opens with the recent Instructure and Canvas cyberattack, its impact on higher education during finals week, and the reminder of just how dependent campuses have become on learning management systems. From there, the conversation moves into the ripple effects of exam delays, student travel, residence life, and campus operations before shifting into World Cup planning in New Jersey, Kansas City, and Toronto, HETMA Lunch and Learns, the Higher Ed AV Awards, InfoComm FOMO, and why live events always seem easier to plan until the calendar gets real. Topics Discussed • The Instructure and Canvas cyberattack during finals week • How LMS outages affect exams, grades, student travel, and campus operations • Cybersecurity, phishing, and the frustration of malicious technical talent • Rutgers’ response and the challenge of protecting student data • Residence life complications when exams are postponed • Joe Way’s travel through Japan and Dubai • World Cup 2026 logistics in New Jersey, Kansas City, and Toronto • Train pricing, parking restrictions, and event transportation headaches • HETMA Lunch and Learns and staying connected to the community • Dave Labuskes’ Higher Ed AV Podcast appearance ahead of InfoComm • Higher Education Summit keynote announcements • Higher Ed AV Awards submissions and judging timelines • Why giving finalists more notice matters for higher ed travel approval • InfoComm Vegas versus InfoComm Orlando energy • Tim’s InfoComm FOMO and plans for remote AV Life coverage • Brandy’s driving reputation and Chris Neto’s survival story • Steve’s dog Marty making an unofficial AV Life appearance • Joe’s voluntary guest status after arriving late • Tim’s softball injury and player-manager self-demotion • Youth sports, officiating frustration, and passionate parent moments The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com. Connect with Tim: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-45416826/ Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337.

    49 min

  2. MAY 4

    331: Project Confidence, PM Wisdom, and Spring Transitions

    This episode of The AV Life features host Tim Van Woeart alongside Murphy Daley for a spring check-in that blends higher ed life, project management lessons, family milestones, and the growing momentum around Murphy’s Audio Video Project Manager Handbook. Recording on the final day of April, Tim reflects on Rutgers University Newark kicking off its 80th anniversary celebration and finishing his first MBA course, while Murphy shares updates from Southern California and her recent experience speaking at Cavlo in Tennessee. Murphy’s PM Minute centers on one deceptively simple idea: people matter. Drawing from her Cavlo education sessions, survey feedback, and her own experience with imposter syndrome, she talks through the importance of bringing the project team into uncertainty instead of pretending to have every answer. Tim connects that directly to his own higher ed AV work, emphasizing transparency, team learning, and the value of giving younger staff real project context instead of keeping information siloed. The conversation also covers Murphy’s possible next steps for turning her handbook into a course, Tim’s education and personal development planning, HETMA’s growing event presence, InfoComm updates, the Education Summit, and a potential non-attendees episode for those not traveling to the show. The episode closes with a lighter family-focused turn, including prom dress adventures, fifth-grade dance prep, talent shows, and the reminder that wherever AV is happening, HETMA is probably somewhere nearby. Topics Discussed: Rutgers University Newark kicking off its 80th anniversary celebration Tim completing his first MBA course and reflecting on imposter syndrome Murphy’s experience speaking at Cavlo in Tennessee The value of smaller AV events compared with the scale and intensity of InfoComm Airport Whataburger, AV foodies, and post-conference travel stories Murphy’s PM Minute on bringing people into project uncertainty Why transparency matters when sharing project information with AV teams The importance of mentoring younger staff through real project involvement Murphy’s ideas for expanding the AV Project Manager Handbook into a course Possible CTS-credit project management training opportunities HETMA roadshows, InfoComm Education Summit, and the Higher Ed AV Awards Tim’s plan for a virtual InfoComm non-attendees episode Spring semester wrap-up, exams, summer projects, prom, and school milestones The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com. Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

    36 min

  3. APR 27

    330: Trade Shows, Travel Hacks, and Changes at Apple

    In this episode of The AV Life, host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Brandy Johnson, Nancy Blanchard, virtual Murphy Daley, and special guest Chris Kelly, Managing Editor for Higher Ed AV Media. The crew reflects on a successful NAB Show, noting a pivot toward "quality over quantity" in leads. Excitement builds for InfoComm 2026, with plans forming for a multi-state "HETMA mobile" road trip involving a minivan and several industry veterans. The conversation shifts to casinos as conference venues before pivoting to major tech news regarding Tim Cook’s transition out of his role at Apple and what a hardware-focused successor means for the company's AI strategy. As AV professionals in academia, the group discusses AI becoming a "Gen Ed" requirement for students and the necessity of daily AI engagement for staff. The episode concludes with a review of the AI-centric film Mercy and a breakdown of upcoming HETMA roadshows spanning from Omaha to Belgium. Topics Discussed: NAB 2026 Recap: Analyzing the shift toward high-quality leads and booth experiencesInfoComm Travel Logistics: Navigating airline discounts and Southwest/Delta promo codesThe HETMA Road Trip: Planning a "minivan" journey from Jersey to Vegas for InfoCommCasino-Based Conferences: Discussing the atmosphere and logistical challenges of events at casino resortsLas Vegas Experiences: Personal anecdotes regarding gambling, dining at Capo’s, and wedding chapelsApple Leadership Transition: Implications of Tim Cook stepping down as President of AppleHardware vs. Software Focus: Predicting Apple’s future trajectory under new hardware-centric leadershipAI in Higher Education: The rise of AI as a core general education requirementWorkplace AI Training: The importance of using AI tools for at least one hour daily to stay relevantAI Ethics and Cinema: A review of Chris Pratt’s Mercy and AI’s role in the legal system2026 HETMA Roadshows: Upcoming events at Marshall, Creighton, Buffalo, and BelgiumPodcast Recruitment: Opening the floor for listeners to join The AV Life as future guests

    57 min

  4. APR 20

    329: AV Industry Shakeups & Summer Prep: What’s Ahead for Higher Ed

    This episode features Tim Van Woeart, Nancy Blanchard, and Murphy Daley discussing current trends across the AV industry and higher education. The conversation highlights a recent wave of mergers and acquisitions, supply chain and labor challenges impacting installations, and preparations for summer project season.   Murphy’s “PM Minute” focuses on eliminating unnecessary project documentation and instead prioritizing clarity around project goals and key performance indicators. The group also explores the importance of mission vs. vision alignment in AV work. Additional discussions include PPE requirements for on-site work, real-world installation challenges, upcoming industry events like InfoComm and Cavlo, and the value of hands-on AV experience. The episode blends practical insights with industry observations, offering a grounded look at how AV professionals can stay focused and adaptable in a rapidly evolving landscape. Topics discussed: Recent M&A activity in the AV sector (CTI acquiring Nomad, AJA acquiring Comprimato)Higher Ed AV challenges, specifically increased lead times for furniture like podiumsSite safety and PPE, including personal anecdotes about steel-toed boots and OSHA-approved slip-onsThe technical nuances of rack building and why it often requires a "woman’s touch" for detailZip tie etiquette and the physical dangers of not using flush-cut snipsProject Management documentation, specifically the utility of RACI and RAID logs in AVThe distinction between vision statements and mission statements in business successThe impact of mass layoffs at Disney and the "cyclical" nature of reliance on AIStrange current events, such as unauthorized drone sightings at baseball stadiumsUpcoming trade shows, including Cavlo in Nashville and InfoComm in Las Vegas The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com. Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

    42 min

  5. APR 13

    328: Why “This Is How We’ve Always Done It” Fails in AV

    This episode of The AV Life features host Tim Van Woeart alongside Nancy Blanchard, Joe Way, Murphy Daley, and new crew member Brandy Johnson, with guest Steve Borho, a 40-year AV veteran. Murphy delivers a “PM Minute” focused on understanding project systems at a foundational level—encouraging professionals to decouple rigid workflows and adapt when disruptions occur. The group reinforces the importance of flexibility in both project management and AV sales, especially in higher education environments. Murphy also shares momentum around her newly released AV Project Manager Handbook, highlighting strong early feedback and its growing adoption as a training resource. The conversation underscores that successful AV work—whether in project delivery or sales—requires adaptability, collaboration, and a deep understanding of outcomes rather than rigid processes. Topics Discussed: Introduction of new crew member Brandy JohnsonGuest background: Steve Borho’s 40 years in AVAV integrator evolution and business focus“PM Minute”: systems thinking in project managementAdapting workflows when project dependencies failReal-world install challenges (paint, wallpaper delays)Flexibility in AV sales strategiesDifferences in selling to higher ed vs corporateMurphy Daley’s book launch and marketing strategyUsing LinkedIn for AV thought leadershipTraining and onboarding value of AV project frameworksIndustry events (InfoComm, Kavlo, HETMA involvement) The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com. Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

    1h 9m

  6. MAR 23

    327: The AV Life St. Patrick's Day Party

    This St. Patrick’s Day-themed episode of The AV Life Podcast features hosts Joe Way, Tim Van Woeart, Nancy Blanchard, and Murphy Daley, joined by returning guests Brandy Johnson (PTZOptics) and Philip Leimbach. The group blends humor and industry insight, starting with Murphy’s “PM Minute,” emphasizing the importance of effective project management and promoting her new AV Project Manager Handbook. The conversation shifts between AV industry perspectives and lighthearted topics, including AI-generated debate questions, music trends, and workplace culture. The hosts explore the role of AI in creativity, discuss evolving AV trends, and reflect on work-life balance challenges in higher education environments. Personal anecdotes—from travel plans to Disney experiences—add a relatable touch. Overall, the episode balances professional insight with casual camaraderie, highlighting the human side of AV while reinforcing the value of strong project management and adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Topics Discussed: Project management success rates and best practicesPromotion of the AV Project Manager HandbookAI-generated content and creative experimentationSt. Patrick’s Day themed debates and humorMusic trends and AI-generated song stylesWork-life balance challenges in AV rolesTravel plans and Disney experiencesAV community events (AVIXA Women’s Council)Food culture and regional differenceseSports in higher educationIndustry networking and conferences (InfoComm)Team dynamics and workplace culture The AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com. Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

    1h 4m

  7. MAR 16

    326: The AV Project Manager Handbook Is Here!

    In this episode of The AV Life, hosts Tim, Renee Benson, Nancy Blanchard, and Murphy Daley celebrate the release of Murphy Daley’s new book, The AV Project Manager Handbook. The team discusses the growing interest in AV-specific project management resources and how the book fills a gap for professionals seeking practical, field-ready guidance rather than general management theory.  Murphy’s “PM Minute” focuses on the importance of organized, searchable project information, emphasizing folder structures, standardized naming conventions, and the value of keeping documentation accessible during project execution. The conversation also explores how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are being used to summarize articles, generate quick start guides, and assist with meeting notes.   In a lighter segment ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, the hosts reflect on moments of luck, timing, and serendipity in their AV careers—especially how many of them became involved with the podcast. The team also looks ahead to a major milestone: the upcoming 10-year anniversary of The AV Life podcast later this year. Topics Discussed: Release of The AV Project Manager Handbook by Murphy DaleyIndustry response and promotion of the new bookAV-specific project management vs general PM resourcesMurphy’s PM Minute: organizing project informationFolder structures and documentation best practicesFile naming standards and searchable systemsAI tools in AV workflows (Microsoft Copilot, transcription, summaries)Creating quick-start documentation with AI assistanceCareer “luck” and serendipity stories in the AV industryOrigins of the hosts’ involvement with The AV Life podcastReflections on changes in the AV industry over the past decadePreview of the upcoming 10-year anniversary episodeThe AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com. Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

    47 min

  8. MAR 9

    325: Are You Your Own Best Advocate? Rethinking Self-Assessments

    In this episode of The AV Life Podcast, host Tim Van Woeart is joined by Joe Way, Nancy Blanchard, James King, and returning guest Brandy Johnson (PTZOptics) for a candid conversation about self-assessments and performance reviews in the AV industry. The group explores how AV professionals can take an honest look at their performance, advocate for their accomplishments, and maintain ongoing communication with leadership rather than waiting for annual reviews. Panelists discuss strategies such as documenting achievements, maintaining regular one-on-one meetings, and setting clear expectations to avoid surprises during evaluations. The conversation also touches on leadership challenges, managing remote teams, and the importance of flexibility when evaluating employees with different working styles. Beyond career development, the group briefly discusses AV industry trends, including potential chip pricing concerns, higher-ed budget pressures, and university mergers. The episode closes with updates on InfoComm registration, travel challenges, and upcoming industry events, making this both a reflective and forward-looking discussion for AV professionals. Topics Discussed: Self-assessments and performance reviews in AV careersAdvocating for your work and documenting achievementsThe importance of regular one-on-one meetings with leadershipManaging remote teams and visibility of contributionsLeadership responsibilities during employee evaluationsGrowth mindset and identifying areas for improvementBalancing expectations between employees and managersNeurodiversity and flexibility in evaluation systemsHigher education budget pressures and university mergersSemiconductor supply concerns and potential price increasesInfoComm planning and industry travel challengesCareer development and professional growth in AVThe AV Life is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com. Connect with Tim Van Woeart: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-van-woeart-cts-45416826/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/TVanWoeart Connect with The AV Life: X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheAVLifePod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theavlife3337

    57 min
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About

Host Tim Van Woeart of Rutgers University discusses topics relevant to the commercial AV industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Van Woeart
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    184
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Tim Van Woeart
  • Show Website
    The AV Life

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