Higher Ed Av Podcast

In this short solo episode, Joe Way gives less of a preview and rather a reminder to log in for the HETMA Virtual Conference, emphasizing that it is free, easy to access, and built to fit into a normal work week. He explains that all you need to do is create a free account on the HETMA community site, go to the Events and Replays area, open the Virtual Conference listing, and click the Zoom link to join, with the schedule and recordings also available through the community.From there, he reflects on why the virtual conference matters to the organization’s identity, because it was how HETMA began and how its “by us and for us” approach came to life, with the community choosing what it wanted to learn and bringing in the right experts rather than relying on a generic call for sessions. He notes that the virtual conference became an important platform for higher education voices, especially during the COVID era, and that it helped accelerate the organization’s growth, leadership development, and initiatives, inc

Integrated Systems Europe was bigger and better than ever before. Listen as Joe and the HETMA team break down the Best of #ISE2026!

HETMA hosted two simultaneous booths at #ISE2026 and the #EdTech2026 Congress in Barcelona. Joe and crew stream and record between the shows. Watch and listen to what will be one of the most entertaining shows yet!

Joe is live from the HETMA Booth on day 1 of ISE 2026!

Higher Ed AV PodcastEpisode 343Joe Way caps off his ISE preview series with one of his annual favorite conversations, welcoming back Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, the organizers of Integrated Systems Europe. Mike shares why ISE 2026 is on track to be the biggest edition yet, how the team plans the show as a year round reinvention cycle, and what “Push Beyond” really means in practice, not just as a theme, but as a commitment to raising the bar for the industry and the attendee experience.A big focus of the episode is how ISE has become more than a trade show inside a convention center. Mike explains the deliberate shift to making ISE a city wide experience that gives something back to Barcelona while also showcasing the best of AV to the public. Joe and Mike unpack how those external activations connect back to the show floor, the conference program, and the broader mission of ISE as a marketplace plus an editorial engine for learning.The conversation also goes deep on vertica

It's an annual tradition, the AVNation "Best of" Awards, and Chi Hang Lo is up for AV Professional of the Year, along with UCLA's Classroom Modernization Pilot, and HETMA for Best Technical Support! Take a listen as Joe Way sits down with Chi to discuss this honor and why you should #VoteForChi.Joe Way drops a special Friday episode to spotlight the AV Nation Awards (Readers’ Choice “Best of 2025”) and rally the higher ed community around three finalists: Chi Hang Lo for AV Professional of the Year, UCLA’s Classroom Modernization Pilot for Project of the Year, and HETMA for Best Technical Support. Chi joins to share what the nomination represents, why the UCLA pilot is different, and how the higher ed community lifts each other up through collaboration, shared evaluation, and real-world support. The episode closes with a clear call: go vote, support the people and projects pushing the industry forward, and keep building a better future together.Vote now: https://www.avnation.tv/avnation-best-of-2025-awards/Fe

Higher Ed AV PodcastEpisode 341Joe Way welcomes a packed house of HETMA leaders and volunteers to keep the pre-ISE 2026 hype rolling—this time with a full crew heading to Barcelona and a bigger presence than ever: two booths, expanded media coverage, and a brand-new stop on the itinerary, the EdTech Congress.Together, the group breaks down what attendees (and the folks following from home) can expect from ISE’s massive show floor, how HETMA is curating a higher-ed experience overseas the same way it does at InfoComm, and why this year is a pivotal “bridge” year as ISE and EdTech Congress move toward deeper integration in 2027. Along the way: practical survival tips (shoes, strategy, and navigation), sponsor/content plans, community events, and—because it’s HETMA—plenty of laughs.Guests FeaturedBC Hatchett — Director of Classroom Technology, Vanderbilt University; HETMA Co-FounderErin Maher-Moran — IT Manager for Classroom Technology, Johns Hopkins University; HETMA ChairTroy Powers — Support Team Lead, Northw

Higher Ed AV PodcastEpisode 340In this special episode, Joe Way is joined by Sahil Dhingra, Cofounder & CEO of XTEN-AV, and Chris Dechter, University of Wyoming and AV SuperFriends, for a practical, higher ed focused walk-through of how teams are using XTEN-AV to design, document, standardize, and scale AV work as more institutions bring design/installation in-house. They break down “where do I even start?” for new users, share real workflows from fast departmental refreshes to integrator handoff packages, and preview what’s coming next for the product.Featured GuestsSahil Dhingra: Cofounder & CEO, XTEN-AVChris Dechter: Manager for Instructional Technology, University of Wyoming; Founder/Host, AV SuperFriendsWhy this conversation matters (higher ed context)Higher ed teams are increasingly operating like in-house integrators, but many don’t have the same tools or documentation workflows as traditional integrators. This episode focuses on how XTEN-AV can become the “single source of truth” for BOMs, sch

This week, Joe Way kicks off another “January Push for ISE” episode with a big announcement: a brand-new education-focused collaboration happening alongside ISE 2026, EdTech Congress Barcelona (Feb 4–5). Joined by Alicia Berlanga, Cluster Manager for the Spanish EdTech Cluster, the conversation explores the event, its partnership with Integrated Systems Europe, and the ways the event supports the education vertical.Alicia Berlanga — Cluster Manager, EdTech Cluster SpainFormerly spent ~15 years at the Technical University of Catalonia working on international e-learning/education technology projects (starting in 1999)Later led professional training schools in Madrid and Barcelona for ~7 yearsNow leads the EdTech Cluster, bringing together companies, universities, schools, foundations, and associations to advance technology’s role across education and training1) What an “EdTech Cluster” is (and why it’s a big deal)Alicia explains the European “cluster” model—built around industry innovation and shared mission (

Epsiode 338Byron Tarry, NEXXTNEXXT eXplore ISE '26Joe Way kicks off the pre-ISE preview series (and debuts a new AI-made bumper) with Byron Tarry, Chief Transformation Officer of NEXXT, the industry initiative focused on AI-era transformation in pro-AV. Together they unpack why AI isn’t “a tool” so much as a toolbox and why the real opportunity isn’t slapping “AI” on products, but transforming how we run organizations, measure outcomes, and evolve the AV industry from “hanging stuff on walls” to delivering accountable, data-driven collaborative experiences.They also preview NEXXT eXplore ISE ’26, a free, two-day leadership + innovation + hands-on program happening Sunday–Monday, February 1-2, 2026, before the ISE show floor opens, built to serve everyone from executives to frontline technicians.Why “NEXXT” exists:AI went from abstract to tangible (hello, ChatGPT), but many people felt overwhelmed by the “you should be doing something” pressure.The AV industry lacked a trusted, industry-native voice to help pe

Higher Ed AV PodcastEpisode 337The Long-Awaited Special Guest EpisodeIn this special episode of the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe welcomes a long-awaited guest, his wife, Amy, for a candid, hilarious conversation that pulls back the curtain on their life behind the scenes. Together, they reflect on the sacrifices, support, and real-world tradeoffs that shaped Joe’s career journey, balancing ambition, family, and the grind of leadership. The episode closes on a powerful note as Amy shares a message about grace and contentment, reminding listeners they don’t have to build their lives alone.The conversation opens with pure “Way household” energy, Joe and Amy playfully spar over his signature intro, the pressure of being on video, and what it’s like stepping into a space where thousands of listeners feel familiar, even if Amy would rather stay behind the scenes. Joe admits he rarely scripts episodes, but tries this time… only to watch it immediately go off the rails in the best way. It’s light, authentic, and sets th

Joe Way returns to his “annual Christmas episode” roots with a personal reflection recorded during Christmas week. Using Isaiah 9:6 as the backbone, Joe walks through the four names—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—and connects them to a transformational year of health, leadership growth, humility, and a renewed focus on peace (both internal and relational). He also previews what’s ahead: a special episode next week, followed by four weeks of ISE prep with guests.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhy Joe brought back the classic Christmas episode format: reflection, grounding, and meaning—not “Santa’s bag of stuff.”The headline transformation this year: lifestyle change and losing nearly 80 pounds since ISE.A leadership reframe: moving from “my strength” to humility, team, and reliance on something bigger than yourself.The core theme: Isaiah 9:6 as a lens for personal growth and professional leadership in AV.A practical challenge for listeners: where are you seeking peace, an

Higher Ed AV Podcast335: Joe Way's Thanksgiving Episode In this special solo Thanksgiving episode of the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way steps “back to the roots” of the show with a reflective, unscripted gratitude list and a peek at what’s coming next. He explains recent changes to the podcast format including, inviting with executive and AV-adjacent guests, episodes stuck in limbo, and a refreshed bumper, while recommitting to the heart of the show… Elevating tech managers and support professionals across the higher ed AV vertical. He also teases the traditional Christmas episode and a mysterious “special” episode to close out the year, before resetting the show’s direction for 2026.Joe then walks through an extended, deeply personal ten-part gratitude list that tracks not just his career, but his growth as a leader, husband, father, and grandfather. He starts with his work at UCLA, celebrating how the Digital Spaces team and campus IT leadership have come together through reorgs, budget pressures, and shifti

This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes Peter Murphy Lewis, CEO and Fractional CMO of Strategic Pete, to the show. They discuss his role, evolving from teaching and to personal branding. Learn how to discover who your are, how to make true personal connection with others, and use that for professional growth. Watch and listen!Connect with Peter Murphy Lewis:Web: https://strategicpete.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis/Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiahway 

This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes Matt Bolton, AV Design Engineer at the University of Nebraska, to the show. They discuss his role and career trajectory, and navigating across a university system, designing with intentionality, and working with external teams. Oh, and some huntin'. Watch and listen!Connect with Matt Bolton:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-bolton-030371107/Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiahway 

This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes David Morales, CIO and SVP of Technology at Western Governors University, to the show. They discuss his role overseeing a global technology solution for an expansive online university. David offers advice on how to get the most from your teams, how to present your project proposals, and the power of data and student experience. They navigate how to run large-scale online infrastructure with reliability and security, using AI to personalize the student learning journey, creating a decision intelligence framework that applies real time data to education, and lessons from prior leadership roles and how we applies them to higher ed. Watch and listen!Connect with David Morales:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moralesdavid/Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiahwa

This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes Leom Holley, Assistant Chief Information Officer (ACIO) of Infrastructure Services at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to the show. They discuss Leom's role, how to manage a large enterprise organization, creating the community and strategic plan, a business mindset, and the importance of aligning with campus partners for success. Oh, and there may be a pretty influential hot take about pizza. Watch and listen!Connect with Leom Holley:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leomholley/Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiahway 

This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes Stephanie Orr, Director, Learning and Collaborative Environments, at The Ohio State University, to the show. They discuss her role overseeing space strategy, design, and the AVS group. Stephanie discusses gaining consensus through voice-of-the-customer and how to gain student feedback and input when it comes to designing the classroom and learning space experience. Oh, and don't miss the Halloween hot take. Watch and listen!Connect with Stephanie Orr:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orrville/Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiahway 

This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes Matt O'Reilly, Manager, Events and Classroom Technology, at the University of Toronto Mississauga, to the show. They discuss Matt's role and career trajectory, the differences in commerical integration and live events, the AVIXA certification committee, power of CTS, and involvement in the AV industry. Oh, and we play a fun game of overrated-underrated. Watch and listen!Connect with Matt O'Reilly:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-oreilly-cts-d/Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiahway 

This week on the Higher Ed AV Podcast, Joe Way welcomes Marc Cholewczynski, Associate Director of Academic Technology at Oregon State University, to the show. They discuss Marc's role, career at OSU, and the value in being able to work across your org. They also touch on the direction of AV, both audiovisual and "automation and visualization." And of course, they hit on a little AV Superfriends. Watch and listen!Connect with Marc Cholewczynski:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-cholewczynski/Connect with AV Superfriends:Web: https://www.avsuperfriends.comConnect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahwayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiahway