rAVe [TV] Episode 25

We are back with another episode of rAVe [TV]! It is always so much fun bringing the newest AV news and stories to all the AVtweeps every week. This week, we are talking about Steph’s travel surprise, Verizon Business’ BlueJeans and the power of people. Stay tuned to read more!?

Travel Turnaround

Steph, Kelcie and another friend flew down to Florida to see Machine Gun Kelly and others at an Orlando music festival. We talked about their trip in the last rAVe [TV] episode. An hour before the scheduled show, Steph got an email that the entire event was canceled. No more MGK. She cried, collected herself and then headed to Universal and Epcot. All in all, a great weekend!

Nominations Have Opened for Tenth Annual Readers’ Choice Awards

We opened up our nominations for this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards! This is the industry’s only award where viewers get to nominate who gets to be on the ballot. We then take the top 3-4 companies per category and publish them for the voting process. Keep watch for an announcement of the winners the week after InfoComm! We are very excited about this process. We have had 40 to 80 thousand voters in years past, so we hope to keep that statistic up. You can go ahead and vote RIGHT NOW on our website.?

Verizon Business Redesigns BlueJeans Spaces Platform for Hybrid Workspaces

BlueJeans created the first return-to-work collaboration system, BlueJeans Spaces! This product is aimed at millennials and GenZ. This is the first return-to-work collaboration system that I have seen that I think is worthy of integrating into our own office. Collaborating on message boards is nice, but this is a whole new ballgame. Steph wonders if it’s simply just cool or if this would actually make work easier. Does this remind anyone of Mii’s and how they used to look? The design is a bit nostalgic of the 90s and early 2000s. This is a hybrid between Zoom and just texting, an interesting combo. Go to ravepubs.com to check out more of the story.?

Part 3: Simple Expectations of InfoComm 2021 — Use QR Codes

I released part 3 of my “Simple Expectations of InfoComm 2021” series. This series teaches manufacturers the best way to spend their dollars to exhibit at the show. Part 1 and 2 discussed simplifying your booth and only showing off one new product. Integrating QR codes into your booth is a great way to save money and promote touchless interactions. Think about all the places that use QR codes: doctor’s offices, restaurants, etc. These are useful now even though they’ve been around a long time. The code is also better for long-term sustainability.?

“Thanks, COVID, for bringing that little vintage piece of technology back,” Steph said. One of the only good things COVID has done!

JBL Professional Debuts JBL-LCT 81C/TM Lay-In Ceiling Tile Speaker

JBL released a new version of their ceiling tile speaker system. They are now accommodating both U.S. and European standards as they become more globally aware. These speakers are part of the “audio everywhere” trend where people are incorporating audio in almost every space. Conference rooms, airports, restaurants and others can undoubtedly use these speakers.?

Legrand AV Creates a Zine?

Legrand has published a zine about government products, how you can sell them into agencies and more. You can flip through the pieces in a magazine style. One of the pieces is about the American Rescue Act. Each one of these zines tries to cover a different vertical, which is useful for a lot of people. The link can be found in the LinkedIn comments. This is a great piece to read if you are an integrator working in government spaces. Go to legrand.com to check it out.?

It’s All About Your People

Lee Distad wrote a rAVe [PUBS] blog about the power of YOUR people. I know the people in our office and in the AV industry make audiovisual what it is. He discusses how difficult it has been to not see the majority of our people and teams for two years. But, he is hopeful that there will be an emphasis on people once we return to office spaces. What do you think businesses will emphasize upon our return? This piece is reflective and highlights what we all know? — it is about your people.?

Meyer Sound Powers Usher’s Immersive Ushh: Backstory Pass Experience at Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Steph’s case study of the week features one of her favorite musicians, and no, it’s not Machine Gun Kelly this time! It’s Usher! Meyer Sound has been working with Caesars Palace Las Vegas in support of Usher’s limited residency. Usher worked with the Meyer team to create an experiential audio experience. Steph never thought Usher would try something new like this, but she said it’s very neat he is doing this, all thanks to the AV industry.?

Thank you for joining us for another episode of rAVe [TV]! We’re an equal opportunity directional show, always LIVE and always FUN. We will be back with another episode next Wednesday at 12 p.m. EST.?