Audio Visual Spotlight: Christy Ricketts of the AVIXA Women’s Council

AVIXA Women's

Audio Visual Spotlight: Christy Ricketts of the AVIXA Women’s Council

“I am Christy Ricketts, mom of 2 middle school kids and passionate about travel and food. I have been in the AV industry for the past 6 years, most recently working for a manufacturer in Dallas Texas. Previously I worked for a website design agency and in the Entertainment Industry for Feld Entertainment and American Airlines Center in Event Marketing. I have been involved with the AVIXA women’s Council for the past 4 years.” – Christy Ricketts

Q: What is something unique about the Audio Visual industry that not many people know?

A: The AVIXA Women’s Council is open to ALL men and women and is focused on creating events throughout the year in local cities so that everyone can attend AVIXA Events, not just the people that get to attend InfoComm each year.

Q: What is something in life that you are passionate about?

A: I am passionate about helping people. I love to mentor college and high school students and women of any age. I love to help connect people and find things in common. I have really enjoyed being a part of the AVIXA Women’s Council because I have gotten to know so many great women and men that I would have never met if I was not a part of the Council.

Q: What would you do differently if you were starting in your industry now?
A: I would meet as many people as I could, ask questions, take people out to lunch and find out what their job is and what they love about it or their company. I would also do all the free trainings that are offered, online and in person.

Q: What’s the best advice about the Audio Visual industry you have ever received?

A: That everyone is very passionate about this industry and to many, this industry is family. When you work hard, volunteer your time, help others, and get to know people in the industry, they really want to help you. They want you to succeed, advance in your career and learn new trends. It is a small industry but they do have your back, especially the ladies!

Q: What would you recommend as the best strategy for someone who wants to follow the same career path as you?

A: I definitely took the long route to the AV industry but I was dabbling in it for years. Now, many of the arenas and entertainment companies are attending InfoComm because the arenas and stadiums are so technology-driven. For someone interested in working in live events, entertainment or arenas I would tell them to do internships, as many as possible. Intern in high school, college and talk to family members, friends, parents and teachers about their jobs. Learn about new technology and follow companies you are passionate about on social media. Interact with them socially by liking posts and commenting and see if they offer opportunities intern. Connect on Linkedin with people you meet in the industry and ask them for advice on how to get a job at their company.

Q: Tell us about your involvement with the AVIXA Women’s Council, how you got involved and all of the great work you’ve put into it thus far.

A: The Council has been one of my favorite things about this industry. I got involved about four years ago through the mentoring program and then wanted to start a group in Dallas. I also helped plan the InfoComm Breakfast for the past two years. It has been a labor of love but getting to know all these amazing women in this industry has been absolutely the best part of the Council. It is not very often manufacturers cross paths with other manufacturers so getting to know so many women on a professional level has been awesome. They support one another and really help each other out.

Q: How would you describe the relationship between A/V and IT?
A: The relationship, right now, is a sibling rivalry but soon I think, IT will become the parent in the relationship. IT will eventually absorb AV and it will all become the IT Department.

Q: What do you see as the future of A/V?

A: The future is so bright for AV and it is massive! I think this industry will continue to expand and become all about the content and the experience the technology delivers. Gone are the days of wheeling a TV into a classroom or ballroom just to watch a cable channel or video. Now companies are utilizing displays in every type of building to communicate and message 24/7.  Networks will become expansive, with the ability to easily control content and sources. AV will be everywhere and the need for skilled labor to help sell, install, maintain and manage will only increase.

AVIXA Women's

 

Connect with Christy on Linkedin!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyricketts/

 

 


Follow TierPM AV/IT Workforce Solutions on social for the latest industry news and insights!

 @TierPM | Twitter @TierPM | Like TierPM TierPM | LinkedIn TierPM

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *