In this one off InfoComm 2026 episode, the tables turn as Laura and Rebecca from Igloo Vision take over the microphones and interview Ryan Gray for a change. What starts as a lighthearted booth conversation quickly turns into a surprisingly honest discussion about recognition, community leadership, HETMA’s future, the pressure of being seen by others, and why the best technology is often the kind instructors never have to think about.

Ryan talks about winning AV Professional of the Year, the importance of working yourself out of a job, and why HETMA’s future depends on shared ownership beyond its original leaders. The conversation also dives into student centered classroom technology, including beamforming microphones, automated camera systems, capture workflows, and the role of AI in helping students translate class experiences into learning that fits their lives. Also, somehow, HETMA becomes cucumber lime electrolyte water and Ryan becomes “Persistence Man.”

Topics Discussed
Ryan being interviewed instead of hosting
The HETMA podcast takeover from InfoComm 2026
Laura and Rebecca from Igloo Vision turning the tables
Ryan’s role at Yavapai College
Ryan’s role with Higher Ed AV Media
Receiving the AV Professional of the Year award
The challenge of accepting recognition
Working yourself out of a job
Building teams that create opportunities for others
Helping work outlive the person who started it
HETMA as a volunteer driven organization
The early growth of HETMA during the COVID era
Shared ownership as the future of HETMA
Bringing new leaders into the community
HETMA’s presence at ISE and international growth
The importance of education led community building
How higher education AV may translate differently outside the United States
Balancing structure and substance in a growing organization
Technology that supports teaching without getting in the way
Designing AV systems around the student experience
Beamforming microphones in learning spaces
Shure ceiling microphone systems
Automated camera systems and Huddly Crew
Lecture capture and recorded classroom experiences
AI searchable class content
Supporting working adults, parents, and students with complicated lives
Matching teaching styles to student learning needs
The value of technology that feels automatic to instructors

Connect with Laura Mills
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/laurakellymills
https://www.igloovision.com

Connect with Rebecca Wade
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-wade-979094154
https://www.igloovision.com

Connect with Ryan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
ryan@higheredav.com

Voiceover by Chris Dechter

Have feedback or guest ideas? Let us know!

This show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media. Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for fresh content every day!