David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA, will retire at the end of 2026, after leading a transformative era for the association that began in 2012.
During his time with AVIXA, Labuskes recognised and encouraged the evolution of the audiovisual industry from one that offers products and systems toward an industry and profession that delivers integrated experiences that connect people to people and, in so doing, transforms the world.
During his tenure, the industry expanded to include experiential designers, content creators, IT companies, and users of AV solutions across a growing cross-section of markets. This led to the rebrand of InfoComm International to AVIXA (the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association) in 2017.
“I would have never predicted the level of personal growth and fulfilment that accompanied these many years at the helm of AVIXA,” said Labuskes.
“The audiovisual industry has been a part of human evolution since the use of signal fires in early civilisation. The association now known as AVIXA was established in 1939, well before most of us were born. The responsibility and privilege inherent within the role I played for a tiny part of that timeline was one that could not have been fulfilled without the brilliance of the team of executives, industry volunteers, and dedicated AVIXA employees giving everything they have to deliver on our mission every day. I look forward to being in the stands watching the future successes of AVIXA and our industry around the world.”
Ensuring AVIXA represented the industry globally is key to Labuskes. Today, over 50% of AVIXA’s revenue – from training, trade shows, certifications, and additional offerings – is generated outside of North America. The highest and most impactful rate of audience growth for the association is taking place outside of North America and reflects the transformation of AVIXA into a global community.
AVIXA certifications continue to be highly respected credentials that demonstrate valued skillsets. In 2025, the number of CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) holders reached 15,000 worldwide. In addition, in 2024, AVIXA launched the Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) certification, a credential that provides pro AV and IT professionals with the ability to demonstrate their experience of integrating AV into a network. Today, 30% of certification holders are outside of North America.
Labuskes championed diversity throughout the association’s many platforms to ensure an array of voices were represented. During his tenure, AVIXA’s Women’s Council and Diversity Council were established. The Women’s Council is the largest AVIXA Council with more than 1,100 members and draws hundreds of attendees year after year to its annual breakfast at InfoComm in North America.
In addition, Labuskes led AVIXA through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included navigating the cancellation of live events globally, supporting a critical part of the AVIXA community through a monumental disruption to their business models, as well as supporting the wider AV industry through the transformation demanded by remote and hybrid workplaces. During this time, AVIXA introduced and grew new digital engagement platforms for the AVIXA community as well as reimagined event experiences with the association’s trade shows and conferences around the world.