Latest Industry Faces: Discussions with Extron, Planar, L-Acoustics, and Various Others
News Article: Pro AV Industry Updates - Mid-2025
In the realm of Pro AV, the second quarter of 2025 has been marked by a flurry of partnerships, appointments, and expansions, signifying a focus on supporting integrators, fostering innovation, and integrating AV solutions into various professional fields.
Xilica Partnership and Appointment
Xilica, a pioneer in AI-driven AV solutions, has become the first official partner of the Professional Audio Visual Society of Canada (PAVSC), demonstrating a commitment to strengthening the Canadian AV community. Simultaneously, Xilica appointed Jim Seretis to lead market development in Australia and New Zealand, aligning with the launch of its AI-driven RoomHub platform at the Integrate show.
Draper, Inc. and Ellipsys Partnership
Draper, Inc., a renowned Pro AV manufacturer, has partnered with Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group, a buyer group formed to meet the needs of system integrators.
AVer's Gold Partnership and Award Win
AVer, a leading provider of AI-powered AV solutions, has been named a Gold Partner of the Higher Education Technology Managers Association (HETMA) to promote AV solutions in higher education. The company's AI-powered TR315 Auto Tracking Camera recently won Best Camera Technology (PTZ) at HETMA’s Higher Ed AV Awards during InfoComm 2025.
Backup Tech's Expanded Partnerships
Backup Tech, a key player in the Pro AV industry, enhanced its partnership network early in 2025 by adding Core Pro Audio and TMB as new partners, strengthening its industry collaborations.
InfoComm Asia 2025
InfoComm Asia 2025 showcased significant involvement from leading AV partners such as AVI-SPL and Vega Global, with prominent industry figures from broadcast, live events, and entertainment sectors in attendance. This emphasizes the growing convergence of Pro AV with major industry verticals.
New Appointments and Launches
- Eric Webb has been promoted to VP of information technology and logistics at USSI Global, a position he has earned after 16 years with the company, the last five of which he spent as director of IT and logistics.
- Planar has appointed Filip Cogghe as VP of sales, marketing, and service for Europe. Cogghe brings over 25 years of experience in the AV and display technology industries to his new role.
- K-array has launched an e-learning platform, offering a full portfolio of courses covering topics from system design and installation to expert-level insights into different product types and ranges. The courses, curated by K-array's Daniele Mochi, include the first offerings - K-array Certified Designer and K-array Certified Installer. Each course provides two AVIXA CTS Renewal Units upon completion, as well as an official K-array certificate. The courses are available free of charge via the online e-learning portal.
- L-Acoustics has invested in French-based MagREEsource, establishing exclusive partner rights in the professional audio industry for sustainable and sovereign, European-based rare earth magnets. The partnership introduces a breakthrough circular economy model for the professional audio industry through innovative magnet recycling and manufacturing technology.
- J. Ross Publishing has released a new book titled "Acoustic Essentials for Architects", authored by Michael Fay, a 45-year veteran AV and acoustical design engineer.
- Jetbuilt is holding its 6th Annual Global User Summit in Nashville, TN on October 16-17, 2025.
Industry Partnerships
- The partnership between Extron and CENTEGIX integrates the CENTEGIX Safety Platform with the Extron GlobalViewer Campus Communication Suite, enhancing school safety technology.
- Laia Technologies North America has opened a new Demo Lab in Fairfield, NJ, where customers can demo Laia's full breadth of cameras and software solutions by appointment or remotely.
These developments illustrate a trend toward strategic partnerships supporting integrators, technology innovation with AI-driven products, and deeper integration of AV solutions in education and other professional fields, with leadership appointments enhancing regional market focus.
- In the Pro AV industry, Xilica's partnership with the Professional Audio Visual Society of Canada and Jim Seretis's appointment for market development in Australia and New Zealand, coinciding with the launch of its AI-driven RoomHub platform, signal a focus on business expansion and technology innovation.
- The collaborative efforts between Draper, Inc. and Ellipsys Commercial Technology Group aim to cater to the needs of system integrators, further integrating digital signage and AV solutions into various professional fields.
- AVer's gold partnership with the Higher Education Technology Managers Association and its AI-powered TR315 Auto Tracking Camera's recognition as Best Camera Technology (PTZ) at HETMA’s Higher Ed AV Awards underscores the rising importance of AI-powered gadgets in education.
- Backup Tech's expanded partnership network encompassing Core Pro Audio and TMB represents an increased commitment to maintaining and nurturing industry collaborations for providing digital signage installations and other AV products and services.
