Audio Visual Spotlight: Vijita U.G.

“I am an experienced AV industry marketing professional well-known for my loyalty, passion, and genuine interest in helping teams and companies succeed, as well as my ability to navigate the often-fluid nature of the AV industry. Also, I’m adept at communicating brand messaging, connecting with the integration/design community, and am ready to dive-in and make a difference. I’m grateful to be part of such a wonderful and exciting industry.” – Vijita U.G.

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

A: I am passionate about cooking and baking—it’s something that I recall enjoying my whole life! I love experimenting with new foods and cooking techniques. I co-founded the #AVFoodies social media movement last year to share baking and cooking images with #AVTweeps. As for what I like to bake, I guess you could say that I’m the queen of cookies…the brain behind biscuits—white chocolate cranberry oatmeal, M&Ms chocolate chip, and cappuccino chip candies.

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

A: Well, from the outside looking in, most people don’t understand what a truly fun, magnanimous, and exciting group of people we have in our industry. Nerds get a bad wrap for being stale, but #AVNerds are a different story altogether. Some of the best times I’ve had are working with my fellow #AVNerds, adventures at AV tradeshows, and just getting to know everyone over the years. I love it. Of course, I also learned really valuable things like: “Projectors do not project black.” (I worked for a projection screen company that made seamless projection screens 40 feet by 90 feet!)

Q: When did you first learn of the A/V industry and how did you first get involved?

A: It was by chance that I started working in the AV industry. I finished a contract position with a law firm, and it just wasn’t for me. I went to a local job agency and told them what I enjoyed in my previous position. The recruiter said a position in the AV industry just posted, and the person in the position was being promoted. It was a sales support role at a well-known company. I jumped on the opportunity, and we began making AV history together.

Q: What is the best advice about the audiovisual industry you have ever received? (or about life in general).

A: I love this question because I have a passion for learning. And the best advice I’ve received is to always keep learning. Technology is constantly changing and there is always a new product or solution. Right now, we have webinars, virtual product training, and podcasts from manufacturers and AV industry professionals to digest. Plus, all the CEDIA and AVIXA education vaults are available to everyone. I am ISF certified, and I am looking to become CTS certified. I’m all over all of it, all the time!

Q: Tell us about your involvement with the AVIXA Women’s Council and what it means to you. (Feel free to include any other councils you participate in as well)

A: I am a member of the LA/OC AVIXA Women’s Council even though I moved to the Reno/Tahoe area last year. The LA/OC chapter will always be my #AVTribe because they are so supportive, and I look to many of them as industry mentors. It is great that we can continue to connect via virtual happy hours and networking events.

Q: How would you describe the relationship between A/V and IT?

A: There is no denying that AV and IT are converging, and it’s a trend that is picking up more momentum as IT departments are inheriting AV technology such as video conferencing systems and creating work from home setups. The rapid expansion of networked AV technologies means that IT and AV departments are inevitably moving closer to one another, sharing a common infrastructure to accomplish their goals.

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

A: Newer technologies like AI and voice control technology will continue to proliferate and become the norm, along with AV in automation. Touchless technology and telemedicine are a growing demand due to COVID-19. It is the ever-changing technology that makes me love the AV industry.