INNOVATOR PROFILES
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ERHAN ARK
Job title Founder & CEO Company SignMetrix | AI
How did you get into AV? After successfully exiting my previous company, which enabled over 25 million IoT devices, I was ready for a bigger challenge. With 17 years of experience in tech, I was approached by Microsoft’s retail division. They needed a solution to enhance their shop-in-shop in-store customer experience and measure the product performance and campaign succession of their end caps. My team and I developed a simple yet effective solution that triggers content on digital signage devices when customers interact with in-store Xbox controllers. This project marked my entry into the AV industry, blending my tech background with innovative AV solutions. What are you currently working on? My team and I recently released our newest AI powered product, SignMetrix | AI, enabling AV professionals to harness the power of data analytics, enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of digital signage and ad networks. This leads to better audience engagement, optimised content strategies, improved
ROI and ad reach, making SignMetrix a valuable partner in the AV industry. Favourite project? One of my favourite projects is a global- scale software solution that can collect data from thousands of BrightSign players simultaneously. This innovation has opened up new opportunities for sensor-using digital signage companies to quantify the experiences they create. I love this project because it offers a quick and efficient solution without the need for in-person installation or set-up, yet it delivers impactful results. This innovation not only streamlines the process but also provides valuable AI insights. What does the future hold for AV? I believe the AV industry will make great strides in integrating analytics and AI into their frameworks. The combination of these technologies will offer invaluable insights into audience behaviour and ad reach, enabling businesses to curate highly personalised and engaging content. This is a key reason why my team and I have chosen to develop our
software solution SignMetrix | AI. I see a future where AI-driven analytics become integral to AV, driving more impactful and data-driven content strategies. What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech? Starting a career in AV tech is an exciting opportunity, and there are two key pieces of advice I’d offer. First, network and build relationships. Connect with industry pros, attend conferences and join AV associations. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights into industry trends. Second, be adaptable and innovative. The AV industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies like AI, data analytics and IoT. Stay curious and commit to continuous learning to keep up with these advancements and stay ahead. My career has spanned various projects, from IoT to AV technologies, because I remained open to new solutions. Staying curious and willing to learn will help you navigate and excel in the ever-changing landscape of AV tech.
Network and build relationships. Connect with industry pros, attend conferences and join AV associations”
GEORGE SCOTT Job title Operations director, EMEA Company Utelogy
Favourite project? Working with and deploying Utelogy at a significant construction company in Paris. Several key advantages emerged: first, energy-saving measures were implemented, contributing to sustainability and significant cost efficiency. Second, automated testing streamlined processes, ensuring quality and reliability. Lastly, instant alerting mechanisms kept stakeholders both informed and responsive. All of these efforts were implemented for a satisfied customer who appreciates our work. What does the future hold for AV? The future of the AV industry is starting with an overhaul; I anticipate simpler, faster and more user-friendly systems, designed to enhance our audio-visual experiences. These advancements won’t stop there – artificial intelligence is set to play a significant role. In the coming
How did you get into AV? After graduating from university, I landed a summer job at an AV business. During that time, I had the opportunity to travel to the US branch and share my expertise for a few months. Little did I know this experience would lead to a permanent position – I went home and never looked back. I have since held positions ranging from AV product specialist and AV product manager to technical operations manager – and now operations director. What are you currently working on? As the operations director at Utelogy, I oversee several critical functions in the department; these include onboarding new customers, providing training and support and ensuring customer success. I’m deeply involved in significant Utelogy deployments, where I assist enterprise clients in transforming their AV service workflows from reactive to proactive.
years, AI will revolutionise how we interact with AV technology, making it smarter, more intuitive and seamlessly integrated into our lives. Get ready for an AV landscape that combines simplicity with cutting-edge intelligence! What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech? The audio-visual industry is progressively aligning with the well-established IT market. As this convergence accelerates, professionals must equip themselves with a comprehensive understanding of both domains. I would consider ITSM workflows and monitoring/management tools. Being well-versed in these evolving landscapes means embracing IT practices, emphasising simplicity and leveraging data-driven insights. Whatever you specialise in, the future of AV lies at the intersection of tech and user experience.
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