MY LDI 2025 RECAP

I am absolutely thrilled about this industry and the electrifying atmosphere of events like LDI, InfoComm, and NAB! These gatherings are not just showcases of cutting-edge technology; they are vibrant celebrations that can transform into non-stop parties or serve as gateways to invaluable connections. Imagine mingling with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion, or TOP rep’s of some of the BIGGEST name in AV—where else can you find such an incredible opportunity to network and collaborate? Read on as I explored the magic of LDI this year.

Omar Colom Speaking engagement at PIXELHUE HQ in Vegas

I am truly honored to have received an invitation to speak at the Pixelhue HQ in Las Vegas, where I’ll shared some exciting developments for 2025! Not only will we I be conducting classes for Pixelhue, but we’re also thrilled to create a series of engaging content together. A heartfelt thank you to Pixelhue for believing in me and AV Educate as we step into this promising new year. If you're interested in a demo or learning more about PIXELHUE, I’d be happy to connect you with the right people!

AV Leaders in the Education Space of Corporate and Live Events

I am honored to have shared the stage with such remarkable individuals at this event. Among them were my friends Kevin Ring from Evolve Technology, Matthew Costa from Mayco, Brad from PixelHue, and myself, Omar from AV Educate. While it may appear that we compete in the educational space, our true focus is on nurturing the next generation of technicians, one class and one student at a time.This group genuinely cares about the industry's future. Whether you're training with Mayco, Evolve, or AV Educate, rest assured that we're all committed to helping you level up and improve your skills. Your success in the field contributes to the industry's overall growth and advancement.

Meet the Trainers

• Brad (PixelHue Training): PixelHue offers cutting-edge courses for 2025 that are unparalleled in the industry. Check out their offerings at https://www.pixelhue.com/index.php/Content/train.html.

• Matthew Costa (Mayco Training): Mayco provides excellent training opportunities. Explore their programs at https://mayco.live/training.

• Kevin Ring (Evolve Technology): Evolve Technology, where I initially learned and later served as Director of Education, continues to offer top-notch training. Visit https://evolveacademy.live/ for more information.

• Omar (AV Educate): At AV Educate, we strive to provide comprehensive training for AV professionals. Discover our classes at https://www.aveducate.com/classes.

Our collective goal is to ensure that after completing any of our training programs, you emerge more skilled and knowledgeable than when you began. Your success is our success, and together, we're shaping the future of the AV industry.

Drew Taylor & Omar Colom Meet for the first time

I recently had an incredible encounter with Drew, a fellow second-generation AV professional who is actively pushing the industry forward. We met at the Christie Spyder Booth, discussing the brand new Spyder-S system. Despite this being our first in-person meeting, it was immediately clear we share a passion for advancing AV technology. Drew is the owner of High Resolution Engineering (HRE), and true to his company's name, our conversation was deeply technical and engaging. As a second-generation AV professional like myself, he brings a unique perspective to the industry.

Key Highlights

• Training Opportunities: Drew offers comprehensive classes on cutting-edge systems like the Christie Spyder X80, Ross, and Disguise platforms

  https://www.highresolution.tv/training/

• Location: Based near Phoenix, Drew is an excellent resource for those seeking in-depth AV knowledge.

• Content: Follow his micro-content on Instagram for valuable industry insights.

• https://www.instagram.com/high_resolution_engineering/

Pro Tip: If you're looking to expand your AV expertise, reach out to Drew through his training website or social media. His classes and content are invaluable for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Richard Cadena + Omar Colom

Richard Cadena is a distinguished figure in the AV industry, renowned for his expertise as a lighting designer, master electrician, and author of two influential books. His classes are so highly regarded that they even offer RU credits through AVIXA.I recently had the pleasure of meeting Richard for coffee to discuss future collaborations between AV Educate and his lighting courses. Our conversation delved into the current state and future of the AV industry, particularly focusing on education. We both firmly believe that education remains crucial for the industry's growth, despite being just two voices among millions.

Richard Cadena's Contributions

• Author: Penned two authoritative books on lighting and electrical systems

• https://www.amazon.com/dp/0415714834?tag=aveducate09-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

• Trainer: ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician and ETCP Recognized Trainer

Educational Offerings

• Academy of Production Technology: Richard offers comprehensive courses through his training platform

• ARRI Academy: Leads the "Lighting Systems Control" course, covering essential lighting protocols

• Entertainment Electrics: Conducts a 3-day class on electricity, power distribution, and control systems

• https://www.aptxl.com/

Richard's expertise spans from basic electricity to advanced power distribution, safety protocols, and cutting-edge control systems. His courses cater to both beginners and advanced professionals in the live event production industry

Joaquin Martinez + Omar Colom

Joaquin Martinez is not only a good friend but also a rising star in the field of AV education, making a significant impact through his expertise and dedication. This year at LDI, Joaquin was teaching Watchout, showcasing his skills as a media server specialist with the Evolve team. Joaquin and I first met while working together at Evolve, and his passion for the industry is evident not just in his work but in his everyday life. At LDI, I had the chance to catch up with Joaquin over drinks at the Circle Bar. True to his energetic nature, he was busy running around and getting things done. Joaquin’s commitment to the industry is inspiring, and he continues to contribute through his exceptional training sessions.

Joaquin's Training Offerings

• Courses: Joaquin teaches Pixera, Disguise, Resolume, and more through the Evolve Academy.

• Expertise: Media server solutions, projection mapping, and system integrations.

If you're looking to expand your knowledge in media servers or AV technology, I highly recommend checking out Joaquin’s classes with Evolve Academy. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the field make him an outstanding educator. Learn more about Evolve Academy here: https://evolveacademy.live/
https://evolveacademy.live/

Analog Way, Core Play Solo Demo

For over a decade I have been using AW products, I’ve had the privilege of being a Train-the-Trainer for AW for the last 3 years, and it remains one of my favorite systems to work with. My journey with AW began with the Ascender, long before the Aquilon was introduced, making it the first system I truly dove into. As an instructor, I always prioritize hands-on experience with the latest gear because I know students will come to class with questions—and I want to be ready with answers. Recently, I had the opportunity to demo AW’s newest products for my future training offerings. I spent a significant amount of time with the team, exploring every detail and feature you could imagine. This preparation ensures that when we meet in class next time, I’ll be fully equipped to help you navigate these systems effectively. So, if you’re planning to bring your AW gear to training, rest assured—I’ll be ready for it!

Erica Manni + Omar Colom

Lastly, I had the unexpected pleasure of running into Erica Manning at the event. If you’re familiar with the world of business and virtual production, you’ve likely encountered Erica, who has played a pivotal role in supporting some of the biggest names in AV. She is truly impressive, both in front of the camera and behind it, making her an invaluable asset to any team. literally Google her name and she ranks #1 all over the place.

This was our first time meeting in person, and I was thrilled to exchange insights with her. Erica shared some fantastic tips for 2025, about the business of VP and particularly on getting AVE some clout among the Internet of Things. Currently, she is working with the NEP Group, where her expertise continues to shine.

For those interested in connecting with Erica or learning more about her professional journey, here’s her LinkedIn page:

[Erica Manning on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-manni-7677081b0/).

It was a great experience to meet such a talented individual, and I look forward to collaborating with her in the future!

As I reflect on the incredible connections made and insights gained throughout this event, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to engage with so many talented professionals in the AV industry. Hands-on experience with the latest technology is essential, not just for me as an instructor but for all of my students. I want to ensure that when we come together in class, we are fully prepared to tackle any questions that arise.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the event. I’m excited about the future of AV education and can’t wait to share more experiences and knowledge with all of you. Stay tuned for upcoming classes and opportunities to learn together!