In this episode of The Tech Simple Podcast, we sit down with Pujan Doshi-Dowsett, the Product Owner for meeting spaces and video conferencing (VC) technology at IAG, one of the largest insurance groups. Pujan shares invaluable insights from a client-side perspective on gathering the correct end-user needs and requirements for AV solutions in a business setting. He dives deep into the critical questions stakeholders should consider: What role does VC play in the organization? How important is hybrid work? How capable is the support team for AV systems? These questions form the bedrock of understanding and developing a clear profile of the client to avoid costly guesswork.

Pujan emphasizes the importance of extracting true needs from three main user groups: everyday AV users, executive leadership, and IT and operations support teams. Together we discuss the often-competing needs of these groups and how to prioritize them to come up with an AV tech stack that satisfies everyone. From the support team’s desire for uniformity and minimal issues to end users’ need for customization and flexibility, and executive leadership's alignment with major technology partners and hybrid work strategies, the key is finding the right balance tailored to each organization.

We also delve into the significance of needs assessment as the foundation of the entire process. Pujan highlights the importance of ongoing communication channels with various user groups, especially in large organizations with diverse needs. Finally, we explore the integration of AV technology with physical spaces, emphasizing the need for standards in lighting, acoustics, and furniture to create an optimal meeting environment. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complex landscape of AV and VC technology in large organizations.

Contact konnectus TODAY at www.konnectus.com.au for:

1. A complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your AV Needs
2. Our FREE Network Assessment to optimise your AV solutions (Great for IT Managers)
3. Our FREE AV Scoping Service (Perfect for Project Managers)

In this episode of the Tech Simple podcast, David and Jonathan are joined by Andrew Squillacioti of Concept AV. They discuss the importance of setting up IT networks correctly before implementing audiovisual systems in workplaces, meeting rooms, and collaboration spaces. They highlight the significance of network compatibility, bandwidth requirements, quality of service, and firewall and security settings in ensuring smooth AV system deployment. The episode emphasizes the need for proper IP addressing and DHCP configuration, port forwarding, network segmentation, and VPN configuration to optimize AV system functionality and support remote access by AV support teams.

Listen to gain insights into the process of firmware updates for AV devices, network monitoring for troubleshooting, and advice on conducting a network readiness check for AV solutions. The hosts share real-life examples and success stories from their experiences, demonstrating the benefits of proactive network setup and maintenance for seamless AV system performance. Engaging in a ten-point checklist discussion, they provide practical tips for addressing network issues and ensuring a robust IT infrastructure to support AV requirements.

Tune in and learn about the challenges of AV system deployment, the benefits of network optimization, and the importance of collaboration between AV integrators and IT departments. The episode offers valuable information on network configuration, security measures, and remote support tools essential for delivering efficient and effective audiovisual solutions in various workplace environments. You will also gain a deeper understanding of best practices for IT network setup and how it impacts the successful implementation of AV systems for enhanced user experiences and operational efficiency.

Contact konnectus TODAY at www.konnectus.com.au for:

1. A complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your AV Needs
2. Our FREE Network Assessment to optimise your AV solutions (Great for IT Managers)
3. Our FREE AV Scoping Service (Perfect for Project Managers)

Join us for Part 2 of the engaging podcast discussion with Greg Jeffreys as we delve into the fascinating world of modern meeting room technology and design. Greg sheds light on the evolution of video display sizes in meeting rooms, driven by Microsoft Front Row, and provides insights on the pitfalls of dual-screen setups. Discover why Microsoft's focus on smaller rooms is a game-changer and how innovations like Microsoft Copilot are shaping the future of meeting room experiences.

Explore the trend of end users taking meeting room setups into their own hands and the challenges this poses. Greg highlights the importance of a collaborative partnership between IT and AV professionals to ensure optimal device functionality and sensory experiences. Uncover the industry's missing concept of "try before you buy" and the value of experiencing different meeting room setups firsthand to make informed decisions and appreciate the expertise of AV professionals.

Gain exclusive insights from Greg on the importance of standards in capturing end user needs in meeting spaces and a sneak peek into his upcoming book on hybrid meeting and teaching spaces, with a focus on Microsoft Teams Rooms and enhancing the end user experience. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable perspectives for end users, architects, AV designers, and anyone passionate about elevating meeting room design and technology. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will reshape your perception of meeting room setups and the role of technology in creating impactful experiences.

Contact konnectus TODAY at www.konnectus.com.au for:

1. A complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your AV Needs
2. Our FREE Network Assessment to optimise your AV solutions (Great for IT Managers)
3. Our FREE AV Scoping Service (Perfect for Project Managers)

Greg Jeffreys is an expert on room design standards, displays, lighting, meeting and teaching spaces, and Microsoft Teams Rooms. He joins David and Jonathan on this episode of The Tech Simple podcast, which is so rich in nuggets of gold that we had to split the recording across two parts!

In Part 1 we learn about Greg's approach to design, which very much starts with the end users and the experience that needs to be created for them. He talks through his process and shares why technology is not always the answer – it is only a part of the overall solution and experience.

Greg also notes the hangover that still lingers from the global pandemic. At that time there was a rush to get technology solutions up and running as quickly as possible. Complying with standards and good practice design went out the window. Four years on we still see this approach to AV technology and meeting space design in many cases and we discuss why that is as well as the detrimental implications.

We pick Greg's brain on the AV technology and trends he is most impressed with at the moment, and you may find his responses quite surprising. Enjoy the show and remember to look out for Part 2 to listen to the entire conversation.

Contact konnectus TODAY at www.konnectus.com.au for:

1. A complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your AV Needs
2. Our FREE Network Assessment to optimise your AV solutions (Great for IT Managers)
3. Our FREE AV Scoping Service (Perfect for Project Managers)

As we kick off a new year it is the perfect time to review what happened in AV technology in the workplace in 2023 and discuss the trends that are most likely to occur in 2024. In this first episode of Season 2 of The Tech Simple podcast, hosts David and Jonathan are joined by expert guests from industry association AVIXA who are in the perfect position to share the data from the market. Sean Wargo and Peter Hansen work together to gather market intelligence in the AV industry through data capture, analytics expertise, insight delivery, and world-class market research.

The information that Sean and Peter provide is hugely beneficial to end customers, manufacturers, distributors, integrators and consultants alike in the pro AV industry – leading to better decision making and winning outcomes for all of us.

Hybrid workplaces and workforces are critical to success for organisations in 2024 and beyond. In the conversations we discuss AV solution standardisation and how businesses are solving for meeting equity. New designs and furniture layouts are helping improve the meeting and collaboration experience. Leveraging AI in smart cameras and microphones and more in 2024 will continue to develop. Scalability and the ability to replicate experiences across offices and space types is also becoming ever more important.

Tune in to learn about these topics and more!

Contact konnectus TODAY at www.konnectus.com.au for:

1. A complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your AV Needs
2. Our FREE Network Assessment to optimise your AV solutions (Great for IT Managers)
3. Our FREE AV Scoping Service (Perfect for Project Managers)

“We recently worked on a workspace project where we were able to save the client over $15 million. You are not just buying my time; you are buying my 25+ years of experience as a professional project manager". These are the words of Kevin Tompkins of CTPG who shares the microphone with David and Jonathan on this final episode of the Tech Simple podcast in Season 1.

In this chat Kevin likens the role of a professional project manager to that of a “conductor of an orchestra”. This is a key to success. A great PM is able the get the most out of everyone on a project team by giving each person the space and scope to excel at what they do best. He also talks about the importance of assembling the right team of people and companies to work together on a workspace project. The client and type of workspace will heavily influence these choices.

Kevin is also acutely aware of the importance AV now has in the modern workplace. We talk about some of the changes that have occurred in recent years and cover the factors that influence a successful AV outcome on any workspace project. We collectively agree in this discussion that having the right AV team to consult with and advise the client early, and then having the ability to proactively manage change before things become an issue, is invaluable on any project.

Contact konnectus TODAY at www.konnectus.com.au for:

1. A complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your AV Needs
2. Our FREE Network Assessment to optimise your AV solutions (Great for IT Managers)
3. Our FREE AV Scoping Service (Perfect for Project Managers)

AVIXA is the Audiovisual & Integrated Experience Association and is effectively the trade association representing the professional audiovisual and information communications industries worldwide. AVIXA is a hub for professional collaboration, information, and community, and is the leading resource for AV standards, certification, training, market intelligence, and thought leadership.

In today's episode David and Jonathan are joined by the CEO of AVIXA David Labuskes who has been leading the organisation for more than 10 years. David gives us his insights into what AVIXA is doing to continually make the industry better and helps us understand the direct and indirect benefits AVIXA provides to end customers of professional AV technologies.

The guys chat about the prominent trends in AV across different sectors and David shares what he is seeing on a global perspective - it's interesting to see what things are common across the globe as well as examples of unique trends in different markets. Finally, we ask David what about AV is he excited about the most today and in the future. Stick around to the end to hear his answer!

Contact konnectus TODAY at www.konnectus.com.au for:

1. A complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your AV Needs
2. Our FREE Network Assessment to optimise your AV solutions (Great for IT Managers)
3. Our FREE AV Scoping Service (Perfect for Project Managers)

In an earlier Tech Simple podcast (Episode 6) David and Jonathan discussed the top 3 reasons organisations should consider standardising the AV across their environment. This latest episode takes the discussion one step further with special guest James Cork of JLL. James oversees the AV and other technologies that are implemented into the various offices across the APAC region and has a particular focus on the human experience and interaction with the technologies.

The conversation is very much a client-side perspective of the topic. David and Jonathan have worked with James on developing AV standards for JLL and this episode gets started with James explaining the key benefits he is experiencing by having comprehensive AV standards documentation in place.

We discuss the extent to which things can be standardised by answering the questions: what can be standardised at a global level? What can be standardised at a local level? What cannot really be standardised at all?

Lastly, James tells us about how AV standards should be applied to specific workplace uplift projects and reminds us of the delicate balancing act between adhering to the standards over time whilst still leaving scope to take advantage of advancements in technology.

Contact konnectus TODAY at www.konnectus.com.au for:

1. A complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your AV Needs
2. Our FREE Network Assessment to optimise your AV solutions (Great for IT Managers)
3. Our FREE AV Scoping Service (Perfect for Project Managers)