InfoComm Forum to Feature Key AV Manufacturers

The International Communications Industries Association, Inc.® (ICIA®) is promoting an industry forum of key display, projection, control system and audio companies at InfoComm 03, to be held May 31 to June 6 in Orlando, Florida.

The Manufacturers Industry Forum, hosted by ICIA’s Manufacturers Council, will precede the InfoComm Opening Welcome Reception on June 2, 2003, and will feature top executives from NEC, Sony, Crestron, Extron and Telex. Journalist Pete Putman will moderate the one-hour event as the leaders in the professional audiovisual industry present their perspectives and perceptions of trends in growth and demand for AV technologies in their markets around the world. Following individual presentations from the panelists, Putman will lead a stimulating question-and-answer session using questions compiled from the press and others interested in submitting questions in advance. To submit questions for consideration by the moderator, e-mail [email protected] by May 9, 2003.

The Manufacturers Industry Forum will wrap up with a presentation of the 2003 ICIA Distinguished Achievement Award winner, after which InfoComm will hold its Opening Welcome Reception.

Ron Gillies, senior vice president for the Visual Systems Division (VSD) of NEC Solutions America, leads the overall business strategy for the North American division, which involves sales, marketing and facilitating the development of a broad range of visual display technology. Products include DLP- and LCD-based mobile, installed and large-venue projection systems, and plasma displays.

Sony’s Jay Dellostretto, vice president of the display systems division for Sony Electronics' Business Solutions and Systems Company, is a 20-year veteran of Sony. He is responsible for overseeing all sales and marketing activities related to Sony projectors and flat-panel plasma and CRT professional monitors.

Andrew Edwards, president of Extron Electronics, oversees the worldwide operations of Extron USA, Extron Europe, Extron Asia and Extron Japan. He has over 37 years of experience in the home and professional AV industries. Extron Electronics is a manufacturer of computer-video interfaces, switchers, distribution amplifiers, computer-video scan converters and high resolution cable.

As president and CEO of Crestron Electronics, Inc., a world leader in integrated control systems, George Feldstein has been instrumental in the creation and development of the multi-media and audiovisual industry. He has guided the growth of Crestron from a one-man basement operation over 30 years ago to a global enterprise with annual revenues of nearly $200M and 600 employees in 26 worldwide offices.

Telex Communications President Mathias von Heydekampf, with responsibility for the Telex Pro-Audio Group – Worldwide, brings the audio perspective to the forum. Telex Communications, Inc.® is a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of sophisticated audio, wireless, multimedia, aircraft, broadcast and communications equipment for commercial, professional and industrial customers.

Moderator Pete Putman, president of ROAM Consulting, Inc., is a senior contributing editor for PRIMEDIA Business Magazines & Media, Inc. Over the past two decades, he has authored hundreds of technical articles, reviews and columns for magazines including Video Systems, Sound & Video Contractor, Millimeter, Entertainment Design, eTown.com, The Perfect Vision, EMedia, Electronic House, Stereophile Guide to Home Theater and Home Theater magazines.

Two other industry forums will be held at InfoComm 03. On Tuesday, June 3, the ICAT and SAVVI member councils of ICIA will jointly host an Integrators/Design Consultants Industry Forum. On Wednesday, June 4, the Rental and Staging Council will host a Rental and Staging Industry Forum. Details are available on the InfoComm 03 website at www.infocomm.org.

The International Communications Industries Association, Inc.® (ICIA®) is the premier trade association for the professional audiovisual communications industry. ICIA is the founder of InfoComm, the conference and trade exposition for audiovisual communications professionals who come to learn about the latest technologies and available services as well as new and alternative applications. As a key industry event, InfoComm is the educational and interactive marketplace for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, systems integrators, rental and staging companies, independent representatives, independent design consultants, architects, facilities managers, engineers, presentations designers and end users, including AV and IT professionals, sales and marketing staff, meeting planners and purchasers. InfoComm attracts a broad spectrum of market sectors, including business, government, military, education, religion, health care, entertainment and conventions. ICIA also serves its worldwide membership as the pre-eminent provider of education, training and certification.