USAV Blog

USAV Weekly Highlights: June 24th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • USAV JUNE PARTNER SHOWCASE RELEASED

  • 4 DAYS…

  • TABOO@INFOCOMM CONTEST REMINDER


THE JUNE 2022 USAV PARTNER SHOWCASE WAS RELEASED.

Catch Exertis/Almo, Legrand | AV, Liberty AV, Sharp NEC, Draper, Harman, Jabra, Solutions360 & D-Tools showcase submissions. We are still waiting on a winner to claim some awesome prizes if you email marketing@usavgroup.net your final guess for Taboo@InfoComm - USAV Edition!


4 DAYS…


Did you figure out the secret phrase?

TO BE CONSIDERED:

Follow USAV on LinkedIn, @USAV, a Division of PSA

Share the "Taboo@InfoComm Explained" video that was posted June 8th.

Email marketing@usavgroup.net your final guess.

Thanks to Liberty AV for contributing a Microphone/Webcam, DL-WFH-CAM120 for the winner of Taboo@InfoComm - USAV Edition!

USAV Weekly Highlights: June 17th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • INFOCOMM RECAP

  • TABOO@INFOCOMM CONTEST REMINDER


Read USAV’s InfoComm 2022 Recap!


Did you figure out the secret phrase?

TO BE CONSIDERED:

Follow USAV on LinkedIn, @USAV, a Division of PSA

Share the "Taboo@InfoComm Explained" video that was posted June 8th.

Email marketing@usavgroup.net your final guess.

USAV Weekly Highlights: May 20th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • USAV MAY BANDWIDTH RELEASED

  • USAV SPRING PARTNERS MEETING PHOTOS, VIDEO & RECAP

  • ADI and Commercial Integrator Make a Difference Award

  • INFOCOMM REGISTRATION OPEN


Talent Acquisition: Part 4 - Internal Processes

When it comes to talent acquisition in this business, we have to take a look at how the rising market cap is not only causing more integrators’ demand, but is also shaping a more competitive landscape. In this episode of USAV Bandwidth, we are once again joined by Chris Nakiso, Founder & CEO of Chris Edward Consulting, which is helping companies identify and secure talent. Chris shares some meaningful insights on the importance of clear internal processes to attract better talent, as well as the most common challenges of adopting a hybrid environment. We also discuss skip talks and stay interviews. Join us in this amazing conversation focused on the candidate experience!


2022 SPRING PARTNERS MEETING RECAP

The Spring Partners Meeting photos and video are now available. If you haven’t already check out the recap!

The Spring Partners Meeting presentations and content is available behind the login under Education.


ATTENTION USAV INTEGRATORS!

Have you seen this great opportunity? ADI and Commercial Integrator Make a Difference Award - meant to honor integrators who have done charitable, philanthropic, community-affirming work.

DEADLINE: Friday, May 20


SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS NOW:

AV Integrators – Now Accepting Nominations for the Make a Difference Award! - Commercial Integrator


UPCOMING:

USAV INFOCOMM RECEPTION 2022

Join USAV at the Brooklyn Bowl in the Las Vegas LINQ Promenade to kick off a night of networking and entertainment.  

June 8, 2022 | 6:00 PM - PT

USAV Members and Partners are invited to attend this exclusive reception for the group in "One of the most incredible places on earth,” according to Rolling Stone. 

USAV Weekly Highlights: May 13th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • SPRING PARTNERS MEETING RECAP

  • USAV MAY PARTNER NEWSLETTER RELEASED

  • INFOCOMM REGISTRATION OPENED


2022 SPRING PARTNERS MEETING RECAP

The 2022 USAV Spring Partners Meeting officially kicked off in Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday morning at the Almo E4 event. We connected with USAV strategic partners including Legrand AV, Sharp/NEC, Netgear, Sony, Jabra and Kramer on the show floor. We listened to Gary Kaye’s keynote which was well attended and included impactful information. The show floor was a great source of education, and everyone was happy to be back together in person.

The Spring Partners Meeting presentations and content is now available behind the login under Education.


Check out what's new with your USAV Partners this month!


UPCOMING:

USAV INFOCOMM RECEPTION 2022

Join USAV at the Brooklyn Bowl in the Las Vegas LINQ Promenade to kick off a night of networking and entertainment.  

June 8, 2022 | 6:00 PM - PT

USAV Members and Partners are invited to attend this exclusive reception for the group in "One of the most incredible places on earth,” according to Rolling Stone. 

2022 Spring Partners Meeting Recap

2022 SPRING PARTNERS MEETING RECAP

The 2022 USAV Spring Partners Meeting officially kicked off in Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday morning at the Almo E4 event. We connected with USAV strategic partners including Legrand AV, Sharp/NEC, Netgear, Sony, Jabra and Kramer on the show floor. We listened to Gary Kaye’s keynote which was well attended and included impactful information. The show floor was a great source of education, and everyone was happy to be back together in person.

Candice Aragon, Cheryl Walton & Patrick Whipkey.

After Almo E4 we headed to Windy City Wire, where their team rolled out the red carpet for us. We enjoyed a wonderful spread of food and drinks in their café area and then broke into groups of 15 to check out the manufacturing floor. The entire site was clean, and organized and was running like a well-oiled machine. A combination of humans and robots were working in unison to create all types of low voltage wires. We want to thank Windy City Wire for hosting such a wonderful event and letting us tour their impressive facility.

DAY ONE

Wednesday morning began with a networking breakfast, followed by a few words from Matt Barnette, CEO of PSA Security. He touched on the values of the partnerships, the network and the appreciation to the USAV members and partners. He also broke the news that Chris Salazar-Mangrum is leaving USAV and moving onto another role outside of the industry. Chris has been a key part of the USAV family for the last five years and will be missed. We wish him the best in his new endeavors.

Patrick Whipkey kicking off day one of the Spring Partners Meeting.

Exertis/Almo started the education meeting with Melody Craigmyle, breaking down their 75th year in business and showing us how they gave back to 75 different charities. There were many benefits for companies to put together a plan of giving back, from employee engagement to helping your community and even building your brand awareness. We are looking forward to seeing how others within the USAV community are giving back.

We switched over to the topic of “Hybrid Work and What Does it Mean?” ET Group has been working with the top 100 companies on defining what the hybrid model is and how to best implement it within your company culture. It’s not about when you work but how you work together. Synchronous vs. asynchronous learning and the company’s ability to provide platforms for both situations.

Next on the agenda was the Sharp/NEC tour where they captured the famous catchphrase “May the fourth be with you” from Star Wars. They executed it perfectly, their screens filled with Star Wars-themed content and character cut-out boards. They exhibited the different use cases in real-world environments for their display technology in different vignettes, retail, hospitality, theater, corporate, command and control, education and digital signage. We ended the fantastic tour with some great refreshments before we headed to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs vs. White Sox game. A classic inner-city rivalry and networking was the best way to experience Chicago and end day one of the USAV Spring Partners Meeting.

Some great photos from the Sharp/NEC tour & CUBS GAME BELOW!

DAY TWO

Beginning day two, we had yet another successful networking breakfast with many conversations about the Cub’s game and the discussion from the day before. After breakfast, we started with a presentation from Liberty AV regarding the hybrid work approach and how integrators are adapting the hybrid selling model of service and projects. It was a very interactive discussion that provoked a lot of thoughts and opinions. Legrand AV was on the podium next to talk about all things sustainability, this topic has been growing within our group and we were curious to hear what a global manufacturer was doing to support the cause. It was interesting to see how big of topic sustainability was and how much people cared about it. Legrand AV has an entire plan on how they are going to improve their products, packaging and how something gets from point a to point b. It’s truly remarkable how much thought and action went into such a great cause.

Legrand AV was a great segway into our next presentation from Cleartech AV. Christina and Joe discussed how they developed a nonprofit organization specifically for AV integrators to help with sustainability. SAVe is a company that Christina and Joe have stood up for specifically focusing on how the AV community can help be a part of the bigger sustainability picture. Next, we broke out into two different breakouts. One was focused on sustainability within AV and the second was a deeper dive into the hybrid work model.

Cheryl presented the importance of dealer reporting, maximizing rebate potential, new manufacture introductions and upcoming USAV events such as the InfoComm Reception and Fall Integrator Meeting. Stay tuned for more information to follow.

We closed out the afternoon and the meeting with a visit to Shure’s downtown office. They gave us an in-depth tour and demo of the different conference rooms and their technology in each room. Since it was Cinco de Mayo, they had a great spread of Mexican tacos and margaritas on tap! The entire team was so passionate for their company that you could feel the energy as they gave the tour and talked about the use case of the products.

Some great photos from the SHURE tour BELOW!

Each Spring Partners Meeting looks and feels a little different each year but what remains unchanged is the networking that goes on throughout the meeting. From lifelong friendships to brand new business opportunities, this is certainly USAV’s flagship event. Thank you to everyone who attended and of course a big thanks to all our vendor sponsors. Next up, InfoComm in Las Vegas June 8-10, we will see you there!


Patrick Whipkey

Vice President of USAV

USAV Weekly Highlights: May 6th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • USAV 2022 SPRING PARTNERS MEETING

  • CREATIO - INTEGRATOR HIGHLIGHTS


2022 SPRING PARTNERS MEETING

USAV concluded its first in person Spring Partners Meeting since 2019. We had a successful meeting consisting of eight hours of educational content, group participation and break-out activities. Along with impressive networking opportunities, Sharp NEC, Shure and Windy City Wire factory tours.

There will be a more in-depth recap, photos and video of the Spring Partners Meeting coming soon.


CREATIO - OMNITRACS

The goal of Omnitracs was to do more than a place to work, a hub of connection and collaboration, tied to the same concept of the office of the future of CREATIO, reinventing office spaces in a productive, connected and comfortable destination.

The Mexican integrator Creatio Entornos Inteligentes, with its integration into the corporate Omnitracs of Mexico, obtained the majority of the votes and was the winner of the AV Latino 20210 Contest.

USAV Weekly Highlights: April 15th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • APRIL BANDWIDTH RELEASED


APRIL BANDWIDTH RELEASED: EXIT STRATEGY

In this episode of USAV Bandwidth, we were accompanied by former president and CEO of PSA, Bill Bozeman. Bill’s career took off when he understood that outstanding companies have to be run like they’re ready to be sold. Bill has broad experience leading integrator companies for a variety of industries. His interview includes recommendations of learning assets, information sources and other references like the PSA and M&A sessions for new learners. Join us as Bill shares his views on the importance of recurring revenue within valuations and the smartest way to sell and cash out.

 We also are excited to have a new host join USAV Bandwidth, Candice Aragon, vice president of marketing and events for PSA. Candice has over 13 years of marketing and public relations experience, serving in marketing leadership roles in the credit union industry. She has also held public relations positions at Realtor.com and Promocodes.com. In past roles, Aragon has overseen traditional marketing, media relations, digital marketing, social media, content strategy, technology integrations, corporate communications and more.


UPCOMING:

2022 SPRING PARTNERS MEETING

PLEASE BE COURTESY AS THIS EVENT IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR USAV ISG MEMBERS AND PMP/PSP ONLY.

On May 3rd-5th, USAV will be hosting our Spring Partners Meeting for the Integration Services Group (ISG) and PMP/PSP in Chicago, Illinois. Each day will consist of four (4) hours of educational content, group participation and break-out activities. Along with networking opportunities, Sharp NEC, Shure and Windy City Wire will be giving factory tours. USAV will have a reception at Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs take on the White Sox on May 4th.

USAV Weekly Highlights: April 1st, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • 2022 ELITE RETREAT

  • 2022 SPONSORSHIP PRESS RELEASE

  • 2022 SPRING PARTNERS MEETING


2022 USAV Elite Retreat

Two years of planning created an epic experience and a successful event with USAV’s top ten integrators, top ten partners and staff. USAV hosted its Elite Retreat, formally known as the Fourteener Trip, last weekend in Sonoma, California. Originally, this trip was planned for the Spring of 2020, but with Covid-19 on the rise, we had to adapt to new regulations. After the long-awaited two years, there was an overall pent-up demand to be in person again as everyone was comfortable traveling again.

On Friday the 25th, we kicked off the welcome reception on the Breezeway Lawn outside the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. This was the first indication it was going to be a special weekend as the weather was perfect, people were ready to have fun and the venue was picturesque. We’d like to recognize the wonderful accommodations from the Fairmont, making this a contributing factor to a great weekend!

We kicked off day two as we headed to Viansa Winery, where we toured the facility and enjoyed some wine tasting and lunch outside. The scenery was breathtaking as it overlooked the mountains to the left and the vineyards and water to the right. The atmosphere was relaxed and gave plenty of opportunities to build relationships.

Our next stop was B.R. Cohn Winery where the theme was music! It was founded by the manager of the Doobie Brothers, Bruce Cohn. There was a unique stage that overlooked the vineyards in which we were nestled under a beautiful tasting pavilion. This was the ultimate location for a group picture.

We ended the evening back on Breezeway Lawn outside of the Fairmont Inn where we enjoyed a delicious family-style dinner followed by live band karaoke. To say the least, wine was consumed and rock stars were born. Overall, everyone had a great time and looking forward to the next trip. Thank you to our sponsors for making this trip a reality.

What is being said about the Elite Retreat?

“Thank you to USAV, a Division of PSA, for this past weekend's #EliteRetreat. We spent a beautiful weekend in Sonoma Valley taking in the gorgeous views and drinking delicious wines with some of our best dealers and friends and co-sponsoring vendor partners. It was a relaxing and fun-filled weekend, capped off by live-band karaoke where some of us overcame our nerves and pretended to be rock stars for the crowd.”

Almo Professional A/V

 

“What a way to spend a weekend or should I say wine-end. 🍷 Avocor had a wonderful time at our first ever USAV, a Division of PSA Elite Retreat. There was wonderful food, wine, and scenery but even better company. Thanks Annie Sunseri for being a fun date and rocking it!”

Kylie Pfile, Regional Sales Manager at Avocor

Sharp NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc. was so grateful to be a partner and sponsor for the USAV, a Division of PSA retreat in sunny California. Great time being together with integrators and other manufactures and enjoying a great event. Thank you Patrick Whipkey, CTS-I and team!”

Kristin Spiewak, Senior Manager Demand Generation at Sharp NEC Display Solutions of American, Inc.

 

“We built some great relationships and created fun memories! Thank you to our partners for making this trip a reality!”

Candice Aragon, Vice President of Marketing and Events at the PSA Network


2022 Sponsorship Press Release

WESTMINSTER, Colo. – March 30, 2022USAV, a division of PSA, today announced its lineup of sponsors for 2022, made up of 22 USAV Preferred Manufacturing Partners (PMPs) and Preferred Service Providers (PSPs). This year includes 4 new sponsors (Avocor, Huddly, Sony & Digital Labor Solutions) as well as 18 returning sponsors increasing their sponsorship level.

Watch Chris Salazar-Mangrum, vice president of technology partners, announce the lineup of USAV 2022 Sponsorships. For more information about USAV or any of its partners, visit: https://www.usavgroup.net/.


UPCOMING:

2022 SPRING PARTNERS MEETING

PLEASE BE COURTESY AS THIS EVENT IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR USAV ISG MEMBERS AND PMP/PSP ONLY.

On May 3rd-5th, USAV will be hosting our Spring Partners Meeting for the Integration Services Group (ISG) and PMP/PSP in Chicago, Illinois. Each day will consist of four (4) hours of educational content, group participation and break-out activities. Along with networking opportunities, Sharp NEC, Shure and Windy City Wire will be giving factory tours. USAV will have a reception at Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs take on the White Sox on May 4th.

USAV Weekly Highlights: March 25th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • 2022 MARCH SHOWCASE

  • 2022 MARCH DAC MEETING

  • ELITE RETREAT


March 2022 USAV Partner Showcase was released!


March DAC Meeting Recap

Tuesday, March 22nd, the USAV Dealer Advisory Council (DAC) and USAV staff held their monthly meeting discussing the upcoming USAV Spring Partners Meeting in Chicago, the 2023 USAV Elite Retreat and new integrator updates. The group feels a lot got accomplished in this month’s meeting and is looking forward to seeing everyone in Sonoma, CA for the 2022 USAV Elite Retreat!


2022 USAV Elite Retreat

The Elite Retreat has kicked off with USAV integrators, partners and staff enjoying fine wine and dining in Sonoma, CA. They will be having a great weekend of fun networking opportunities at Viansa Winery and B.R. Cohn Winery!

USAV Weekly Highlights: March 18th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • emerging technology Special interest group meeting

  • spring partners meeting registration open

  • USAV and PSA 2022 Financial Review of the Industry

  • UPCOMING EVENTS: ELITE RETREAT


March 16th USAV Emerging Technology SIG Meeting

The USAV Emerging Technology Special Interest Group (SIG) held their March meeting.

Interested in joining a SIG?


REGISTRATION OPENED FOR SPRING PARTNERS MEETING

Please be courtesy as this event is exclusively for USAV ISG members and PMP/PSP only.

On May 3rd-5th, USAV will be hosting our Spring Partners Meeting for the Integration Services Group (ISG) and PMP/PSP in Chicago, Illinois. Each day will consist of four (4) hours of educational content, group participation and break-out activities. Along with networking opportunities, Sharp NEC, Shure and Windy City Wire will be giving factory tours. USAV will have a reception at Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs take on the White Sox on May 4th.


USAV and PSA 2022 Financial Review of the Industry

USAV and PSA are continually striving to provide its members with the information and tools they need to remain competitive in their markets. One of the ways it accomplishes this goal is the USAV and PSA Financial Review of the Industry.

This research program collects targeted financial, operational and compensation data among member companies to help USAV and PSA members benchmark their companies’ metrics with those of their peers. Once the data is received, we will compile a report and share the findings in a confidential format with our members who participated. Complete the survey before March 25!


UPCOMING EVENTS:

Next week, USAV's top 10 integrators, PMP/PSPs, and members of PSA and USAV take on Sonoma, California for a fun networking opportunity at Viansa Winery and B.R. Cohn Winery!

USAV Weekly Highlights: March 11th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • Marketing Masterminds Recap

  • USAV March Newsletter released


Marketing Masterminds – That’s A Wrap!

USAV and PSA hosted the first of many Marketing Mastermind events for its members in Irving, Texas, on Feb. 22. The event hosted more than 25 members and partners from across the nation to take a deeper dive into branding and workshop the impact it can have on their organizations. Thank you to all sponsors, speakers and attendees who participated!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 

MARKETING MASTERMINDS WILL RETURN FALL 2022!


Check out what’s new in March with your USAV Partners!


Marketing Masterminds – That’s A Wrap!

USAV and PSA hosted the first of many Marketing Mastermind events for its members in Irving, Texas, on Feb. 22. The event hosted more than 25 members and partners from across the nation to take a deeper dive into branding and workshop the impact it can have on their organizations. Thank you to all sponsors, speakers and attendees who participated!

Mark your calendars! 

Marketing Masterminds will return Fall 2022!


MARKETING MASTERMINDS RECAP

Branding Home Runs from Industry Experts
Presented by John Nemerofsky, Gina Sansivero and Danielle Moore

The event kicked off with Branding Home Runs from Industry Experts. John Nemerofsky of SAGE Integration, Gina Sansivero of AtlasiED and Danielle Moore of Jabra each shared their companies’ unique branding stories and what the impact of such strong brands has had on the industry.

Download Branding Home Runs from Industry Experts slides below to learn more.

SAGE Integration Rebranding Plan Presentation

AtlasiED Brand Evolution: Beyond the Logo Presentation

Jabra’s Awareness in the AV Community Presentation

Digital Marketing and Branding
Presented by Tad Druart

Following the Home Runs presentations was a session on digital marketing and how that can be used to increase brand awareness from Tad Druart of Eagle Eye Networks. Druart’s session dug into the “superpowers” of digital marketing and how it increases opportunities and revenue for an organization.

Download Digital Marketing and Branding slides for more information on Tad’s presentation.

Finding and Articulating Your Organization’s WHY
Presented by Candice Aragon and Jillian Chamberlain

The event wrapped with a workshop from PSA’s very own Candice Aragon and Jillian Chamberlain, a freelance digital strategist. The two lead the group through a branding exercise to help attendees establish their organizations’ “why” and helped frame the elements of a strategic marketing plan. Attendees left with action plans for how to approach their brand’s articulation and great marketing connections from within the industry!

Download Finding and Articulating Your Organization’s WHY slides here.


If you have any ideas or suggestions for the USAV and PSA team, we want to hear them! Contact marketing@usavgroup.com or complete this survey!


SEE YOU FALL 2022!

USAV Weekly Highlights: March 4th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • Monthly Dealer Roster Released

  • SPRING PARTNERS MEETING


March Monthly Dealer Roster Released

Login to download the March USAV Member Roster!


On May 3rd-5th, USAV will be hosting our Spring Partners Meeting for the Integration Services Group (ISG) and PMP/PSP in Chicago, Illinois. Each day will consist of four (4) hours of educational content, group participation and break-out activities. Along with networking opportunities, Sharp NEC, Shure and Windy City Wire will be giving factory tours. USAV will have a reception at the Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs take on the White Sox on May 4th.


USAV Weekly Highlights: February 25th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • Marketing Masterminds - BLC

  • 2022 February Showcase


MARKETING MASTERMINDS

Marketing Masterminds was presented this past week in Irving, Texas at the 2022 BLC and it was a success thanks to our speakers!

We would also like to congratulate two of our USAV Partners Legrand AV and Sharp NEC for being recognized at the BLC 2022 awards ceremony and receiving the 2022 Excellence in Product Innovation! Legrand AV being recognized in the area for Ease of Customization: Vaddio IntelliSHOT ePTZ Camera and Sharp NEC being recognized in the area of Technology Platform: ActiveScene™.


February 2022 USAV Partner Showcase was released!


USAV Weekly Highlights: February 4th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • Marketing Masterminds

  • Integrator Highlights

  • New USAV Dealer


MARKETING MASTERMINDS PRESENTED BY PSA AND USAV

LOCATED: IRVING, TX CO-LOCATED WITH BLC


Introducing Integrator Highlights!

This is a new blog series that will be located on USAV's website under the "Integrators" tab.

HOW TO BE FEATURED?

  • Write an article & send to marketing@usavgroup.net

  • Share a published article with us and we'll feature it on our site!


New USAV Dealer Alert!

Ultimate Technologies Group

ultimatetechnologiesgroup.com

has become a Buying Group member of USAV effective: February 1, 2022.


USAV Weekly Highlights: January 21st, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • Marketing Masterminds: Branding Home Runs from Industry Experts

  • January USAV Bandwidth Released

  • January Partner Showcase released

  • USAV Townhall - January 18th, 2022


MARKETING MASTERMINDS PRESENTED BY PSA AND USAV

LOCATED: IRVING, TX CO-LOCATED WITH BLC

In this Marketing Masterminds session, respected industry veterans will walk you through the development, execution and results of their branding homeruns over the past two years. Here's what to expect!

Branding Home Runs from Industry Experts:

SAGE Integration's Successful Rebrand

SAGE Integration Chief Operating Officer John Nemerofsky will cover the rebranding of SAGE from two very different organizations to a symbolic, carefully crafted brand and the challenges they faced.

AtlasIED's Modified Atmosphere Launch

AtlasIED Vice President of Marketing Gina Sansivero will discuss the new Atmosphere platform that launched within three months of a global shutdown forcing AtlasIED leadership to re-evaluate go-to-market strategies, make the decision to modify plans for an in-person release and move forward with the launch in a performance that was both creative and engaging.

Jabra's Awareness in the AV Community

Jabra was relatively new to the AV and video collaboration space prior to the pandemic. Marketing Manager Danielle Moore looks at how they effectively reached this market to gain more awareness and traction outside of Jabra's well-known audio solutions.


Directly from Dublin, Ireland, our friend Tomás Mac Eoin from Hereworks joins the show to talk about the company’s efforts to develop an interface that helps to gather data from all systems inside a building and make the information tangible. We also go deep into what the role of a system should be like in network-based environments, as well as the future of integrator systems, systems security as a top priority, the importance of friendly and accessible UX and the positive impact it has on compliance. Listen to this episode and discover the difference between smart buildings and intelligent buildings!


January 2022 USAV Partner Showcase was released!


USAV January Townhall Recap

We started the year off with some great USAV updates including DAC changes, upcoming events, and 2020 financial recap. We jumped into what does 2022 look like from an integrators perspective. Talked about supply chain outlooks, labor shortages and overall backlog. For the most part companies are expecting a flat year with minimal growth.

As the uncertainty of covid-19 still lingers, so does the back to the office movement. Big back logs were pushed from 2021 into 2022 and overall sales look good for the first quarter. As we are looking forward to getting back to in person events there is still some hesitation with the covid-19 spikes. Overall, the engagement was exceptional as always and it was great to see everyone.


USAV Weekly Highlights: January 14th, 2022

Here is your recap of what USAV did this week!

  • Marketing Masterminds Meet the Speakers!

  • Social Media Strategy BLOG

  • Blood Drive


MARKETING MASTERMINDS PRESENTED BY PSA AND USAV

LOCATED: IRVING, TX CO-LOCATED WITH BLC

You’re invited to our Marketing Masterminds event co-located at BLC 2022 in Irving, Texas! Marketing Masterminds will take place Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, the day before BLC kicks off.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Candice Aragon

Vice President of Marketing and Events

The PSA Network

Jillian Chamberlain

Digital Marketing Strategist

Freelance

Tad Druart

Vice President of Global Marketing

Eagle Eye Networks

Gina Sansivero

Vice President of Marketing

AtlasiED

John Nemerofsky

Chief Operating Officer

SAGE Integration

Danielle Moore

Marketing Manager

Jabra


Whether you’re refreshing your company’s social strategy for the new year or considering introducing a strategy for the first time, USAV and PSA’s Marketing Consultancy is here to guide you toward success in its latest blog.


VIRTUAL BLOOD DRIVE

Join USAV and PSA in the commitment to save lives through hosting a virtual blood drive. Schedule your appointment today!


Social Media Strategy: Why It Works And What It Can Do For You

In an online world with more content, networks and notifications than ever before, a successful social media strategy gives you the tools you need to cut through the noise and put your brand in the best position to meet your goals.

Whether you’re refreshing your company’s social strategy for the new year or considering introducing a strategy for the first time, PSA Marketing Consultancy is here to guide you toward success.

What Makes a Compelling Social Media Strategy?

A compelling social media strategy outlines what you plan to do and hope to accomplish on social media. There are four simple steps to creating a compelling social strategy: define your objectives, understand your audience, curate content and review performance.

1. Define Your Objectives

A quality plan has objectives that will measure its success and return on investment. Start by asking yourself what you want to gain from social media. Then, align your answers to the company’s business objectives.

Common, obtainable goals include increasing brand awareness, growing your followers, generating leads, driving traffic and boosting community engagement. While these are all important, they are broad. It’s crucial you dive deeper into these topics to set realistic objectives for your unique brand. The smaller you start, the more you can scale.

Professionals suggest two to three goals to start your strategy. Keep in mind this will determine how much time and effort goes into your social media.

2. Understand Your Audience

Your audience consists of existing followers and who you want to target as prospective followers. To identify and target your audience, you need to learn everything you can about them.

Research is key. Remember your followers are real people, so assumptions will not take you far when creating audience personas. To help with this process, there are online data tools, resources and services such as PSA Marketing Consultancy. To help you get started today, explore the following list of characteristics to consider for your audience.

  • Their most active social platform

  • The popular times and days for social activity

  • Their most liked and engaged with content

  • Demographics including age, industry, average income, location, interests, etc.

  • What are they looking for on social media? Business, connection, lifestyle, etc.

3. Curate Content

After drilling down your goals and getting to know your audience, you’re ready to start posting! Well, planning to post.

A social media content calendar ensures your curated content lands at the perfect time. Here, you’ll layout when and where your content will have the most success based on social platform, relevance and balance.

When creating content, aim for a consistent voice, appropriate platform and opportunity in your industry. Analyzing your competitors’ content will show you what’s working and what topics are missing or undervalued. Seizing missed opportunities in your industry can be a jumpstart for your content’s engagement while you master your common, day-to-day topics such as company news, product and service promotions, culture, business insights and more.

4. Review Performance

Fortunately, nothing is final. Social media will shift and so will your business.

There are many moving parts in a successful strategy. To maximize its performance, it requires constant monitoring and maintenance. If something isn’t working, tweak it and try again. Social media is a trial-and-error process. Measuring your objectives and making small changes can lead to big wins!

How Does a Social Media Strategy Benefit My Company?

Following a social media strategy and content calendar is less time consuming and less daunting in the long run. If your company lacks the bandwidth to devote staff to social media, a strategy and calendar make it possible to run successful company profiles without sacrificing valuable time.

USAV and PSA’s Marketing Consultancy offers social media strategy and services, so you have more time to focus on your business while simultaneously generating growth on social media. If you’re interested in a custom strategy or want to learn more about our offerings, schedule a FREE consultation today!


Michaela Austin

PSA Marketing Coordinator