AV Trade Talk

Mastering Connectivity Ep. 8: Cybersecurity Is Now an Integrator’s Responsibility: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare

In this episode of the Mastering Connectivity Podcast, hosted by Katye McGregor Bennett and presented by Kordz, the conversation makes one thing clear: as homes become more intelligent, automated, and interconnected, integrators must expand their role beyond performance and convenience to include protecting the integrity of the systems they deploy. Joining the discussion are James Chen, Managing Director of Kordz; Kyle Steele of GlobeWave Integration; and senior cybersecurity educator Jeff Sonnleitner. Together, they explore why every connected device can introduce risk, how cybersecurity is becoming foundational to systems design, and what integrators need to do now to be better prepared. The episode also reinforces a bigger idea: even as technology advances rapidly, the responsibility of the integrator remains deeply human. Designing and deploying smarter homes must go hand in hand with protecting the people who live in them. 🎙️ Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve and explore more connectivity insights, episodes, and engineering resources at kordz.com/articles [https://kordz.com/articles]. Thanks for listening, downloading, and supporting the AV Trade Talk podcast!

CEDIA Awards Season Is Here: Bob Archer and Lisa Montgomery Share What Makes a Strong Entry

In this episode of AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett is joined by Team KMB’s Bob Archer and Lisa Montgomery for a candid, practical conversation about CEDIA Expo, award season, and what brands and integrators should be doing now to prepare stronger entries.  Drawing from years of editorial experience, judging, and award-entry development, the conversation covers what really matters, from documentation, photography, and word counts to differentiation, approvals, usage rights, and the long-term marketing value of a well-built submission.  If you are considering the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, CE Pro Home of the Year, Technology Designer Performance Home Awards, or other industry recognition programs, this episode offers smart, useful guidance on how to get organized and make your work stand out. You’ll hear about: * Why documentation, strong photography, and using the full word count matter * How to frame project challenges and customization so judges see what makes an entry different * What to know about homeowner approvals, photographer rights, and usage terms before you submit or promote anything publicly * Why award entries can become valuable marketing assets long after the judging is done Thanks for tuning in to this episode of AV Trade Talk!

Krista Haughey on Leadership, Growth, and Knowing When It’s Time to Make a Move

Episode Description In this episode of AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett is joined by Bob Archer and special guest Krista Haughey for a candid conversation about career growth, industry leadership, and Krista’s new role at KEF. From starting out in the residential audio-visual industry in 1992 to becoming one of its most respected voices, Krista shares what she’s learned about building teams, navigating change, leading remotely, and knowing the difference between a job and a career. It’s an honest, insightful conversation about listening, humility, mentorship, and what it really takes to grow in the AV business. You’ll hear about: * Krista’s move to KEF and what made the opportunity the right next step * How the Women in Consumer Technology organization and CE Pro’s 40 Women to Watch are helping shape the conversation about women in leadership roles * Lessons on remote leadership, team building, and protecting your time * Why listening first may be the most underrated career skill in the business * And, yes, a little talk about New Jersey, bagels, dogs, and wine, too Thanks for tuning in to this episode of AV Trade Talk!

Rob Stott on the New Connected Design

Sometimes the return of a publication says a lot about where an industry is headed. In the latest episode of AV Trade Talk, Katye McGregor Bennett and Bob Archer sit down with Rob Stott to talk about the new Connected Design, the trends shaping the market, and why strong media relationships still matter. It is a candid, smart conversation about market maturity, the continuing convergence of design and technology, and the role media still plays in helping this industry communicate with clarity. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of AV Trade Talk!

AI, Automation, and the Integrator’s Bottom Line — with Jason Knott of D-Tools

AI is everywhere right now… but what does it actually do for a busy integration business trying to quote faster, design cleaner, document smarter, and keep projects moving in the field? In this episode of AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett is joined by Jason Knott, Data Evangelist for D-Tools, for a practical conversation about what’s new (and what’s coming next) with the D-Tools ecosystem—and how integrators can use these updates to reduce manual work, tighten workflows, and protect margins. We dig into: * D-Tools AI and how it can help generate scopes of work, restructure quotes, use natural-language search, and even apply margin logic in seconds * Interconnect Diagrams that make wiring intent clearer—mapped visually and tied directly to the BOM and product catalog  * D-Tools native mobile app and how it helps keep teams aligned on tasks, schedules, notes, and updates—especially when they're not behind a desk * Company growth & expansion and why D-Tools remains the go-to operational backbone for integrators—used by 8,000+ companies in 90+ countries To learn more, tune in to this episode of AV Trade Talk: AI, Automation, and the Integrator’s Bottom Line — with Jason Knott of D-Tools.   Want to learn more about D-Tools? Visit www.d-tools.com [http://www.d-tools.com]   (AV Trade Talk is all about the stories and insights behind the brands and people in the audiovisual—AV— industry)