In this episode of AV in the Wild, Neil and Iffat sit down with Mike Sponza, Founding Partner and Director of Music & Licensing at M-Cube, to discuss music, technology and brand experience. Mike also reflects on how content delivery has evolved over time, and why, despite advances in connectivity, local storage and reliable infrastructure remain critical to consistent playback.

The conversation dives into the complexities of music licensing, where Mike unpacks how copyright rules vary by country and why ongoing dialogue with collecting societies remains essential, particularly as technology evolves. He also reflects on changes in content delivery over time, from hard‑drive distribution to store‑and‑forward systems, and explains why local storage continues to be critical, even in markets with advanced connectivity.

Mike shares his perspective on the growing role of AI in functional music, discussing both the efficiencies it unlocks through adaptive playlists and the ethical and creative considerations it raises. The episode also touches on how the consumption of audio evolved during the COVID period to meet changing industry needs, the increasing importance of sustainability initiatives, and how music, visuals and digital platforms are coming together to shape more immersive, brand-led environments.

Special thanks to Mike Sponza for joining us and offering a thoughtful look at how music‑led environments can enhance both brand identity and customer experience.

• (00:00:00) - AV in the Wild
• (00:00:31) - In the Elevator With Mcube Group's Director of Music and
• (00:02:56) - Transferring Music From Store to Cloud
• (00:06:13) - M Cube's commitment to the local economy
• (00:08:32) - The Future of Music With AI
• (00:14:23) - Music in the Store
• (00:15:20) - AI and the future of radio in store
• (00:17:50) - Vintage Cars
• (00:20:33) - Eco Cars: The Answer to Pollution
• (00:21:58) - In store Music and In Store Video
• (00:25:17) - McCube
• (00:26:19) - AV in the Wild

In this episode of AV in the Wild, Iffat and Sam speak to presenter, PR consultant and Director of Boost, Hannah Shellswell, for a practical and encouraging conversation about confidence, communication and growth in the AV industry. Hannah shares insights from her work hosting live events, presenting on AVIXA TV and engaging with emerging technologies alongside her experiences training professionals to feel more confident on stage and screen. The discussion explores what it really takes to put yourself forward, particularly for those new to the industry or navigating imposter syndrome. This episode is packed with actionable advice, including tips for preparing personal stories, building stronger connections at events, and managing nerves through mindset, body language and simple pre-presentation rituals. Hannah also introduces techniques for overcoming deeper limiting beliefs and reflects on how confidence can be built over time through experience. Thank you to Hannah for joining us for such a supportive and practical episode focused on showing up, learning from mistakes and remembering that audiences are far more encouraging than we often expect.

• (00:00:00) - AV in the Wild
• (00:00:50) - Meet Hannah Shelsewell
• (00:01:21) - Say Yes to Opportunities
• (00:04:08) - How to Prepare Yourself for a Presentation
• (00:09:17) - Talking to myself
• (00:12:02) - Hannah Schell on learning from mistakes
• (00:13:57) - AV in the Wild

In this episode of AV in the Wild, Iffat and Neil are joined by award-winning writer, director, podcaster and advocate, Sam Grierson, for an open and reflective conversation about neurodiversity, creativity and belonging.

Sam shares their journey to a later-life diagnosis of autism and ADHD, reflecting on identity, self-discovery and the lack of visible role models for autistic women and non-binary people. The discussion explores the value and limitations of labels, the concept of hyperfocus, and how Sam’s experiences have shaped both their perspective and creative work.

The episode also looks at Sam’s writing career, including the plays and audio dramas created during COVID that place neurodiverse characters at the centre, many of which are made freely available to improve accessibility and representation. Broadening the conversation, the group discuss rising diagnoses, post-diagnosis support, intentional use of technology, and how the AV industry can create more inclusive, supportive spaces.

Thank you to Sam for sharing such thoughtful and personal insights highlighting the power of representation, community and safe spaces.

• (00:00:00) - AV in the Wild
• (00:01:59) - Being diagnosed autistic: the grief of the diagnosis
• (00:08:02) - Autistic parents on the autism spectrum
• (00:10:14) - Writing as a Late Life
• (00:12:54) - Adaptation of Crocodile the Musical
• (00:13:59) - Miriam Margulies in The Autism Play
• (00:16:13) - Keynote Speaker on Autism
• (00:19:06) - Have ADHD and Autism been overdiagnosed?
• (00:22:23) - How to Live With Technology

How is distribution changing in a world of cloud, AI and the connected workplace?

In our latest episode, @Neil and @Iffat sit down with Monique Rezai, CRO of @Midwich US, to discuss growth in North America, acquisitions, managed services and why distributors must evolve to stay relevant

• (00:00:00) - AV in the Wild: Midwich on Air at ISE 2022
• (00:01:29) - WSJDLive: Distributor of AI-related Tech
• (00:02:37) - Having the role as Midwich's CRO
• (00:05:23) - Midwich vs. Staren: How Can Midwich Help You
• (00:07:13) - Five Strategic Focus Areas for the Company
• (00:10:09) - Have You Reached a Point of Controversy?
• (00:11:28) - Are You Seeing a Shift towards E-commerce in Your Sales?
• (00:13:08) - Microsoft Corp. On Adding Value to the Enterprise Channel
• (00:14:42) - Midwich Microsystems on Collaboration with Netspeak
• (00:20:02) - Midwich Distributor: Bringing the Innovation to Life
• (00:22:14) - How To Win an M&A Deal
• (00:24:52) - Midwich: Our vision for the Connected Workplace

In this episode of AV in the Wild, hosts Neil, Iffat and Sam step inside one of the most talked-about spaces at ISE 2026: the Connected Classroom Powered by Logitech.

Joined by guests Jeff Boggess, Ian Wright and Jay Lyons, the team explores how education is evolving from the technologies shaping how students learn to how teachers deliver content. We look at the shift toward digital learning and immersive tools and the growing importance of AI, accessibility and sustainability - the conversation offers a clear look at the trends influencing modern education.

Filmed live on the show floor, this episode highlights how the Connected Classroom feature brings these innovations together and demonstrates what the future of learning could look like.

A big thank you Jeff Boggess, Jay Lyons from Logitech and Ian Wright from T1V for taking the time to talk with us at ISE!

• (00:00:00) - AV in the Wild: The Connected Classroom
• (00:00:38) - Logitech at ISE 2017: The Connected Classroom
• (00:02:03) - ISE 2027: What's the Connected Classroom?
• (00:05:19) - The Best Studio in the IFA
• (00:06:23) - Logitech at ISE 2017
• (00:08:44) - Logitech's School Headset
• (00:13:03) - Teaching in the Digital World
• (00:16:50) - Logitech on the Assistive Learning Market
• (00:21:36) - Logitech's 'One Planet' Headset
• (00:24:44) - Keyboards that are solar powered
• (00:26:36) - Logitech at AIC 2017
• (00:28:35) - ISE 2026: The Connected Classroom
• (00:29:49) - Logitech's Connected Classroom
• (00:33:04) - WSJD Live: The Connected Classroom
• (00:34:06) - The Future of Connected Classrooms
• (00:35:09) - AV in the Wild

In this episode of AV in the Wild, hosts Iffat and Neil dive into one of the most exciting parts of ISE 2026: Fast Forward Friday - a designated day designed to champion the next generation of AV talent. Joined by an expert line-up of guests, including Matt Nimmons, Lee Kirkwood, Joseph Valerio and Daniel Centelles, the episode explores why investing in emerging professionals has never been more important.

Special thanks to all our guests and the AVIXA TV Studio team for letting us use the studio as a backdrop to this important conversation.

Presenter: Neil Fluester and Iffat Chaudry

Location: ISE 2026, Barcelona

• (00:00:00) - STEVE IN THE WILD: Fast Forward Friday
• (00:02:01) - Cabling Conference 2017: Feedback from the students and employers
• (00:06:00) - CEDIA: Bringing more apprenticeships into the industry
• (00:08:18) - Fast Forward Friday
• (00:12:29) - Getting employers more involved in the career pathway
• (00:13:24) - The Future of Work at ISE
• (00:16:15) - Q&A: Next Year
• (00:17:21) - AV in the Wild

Our hosts are joined by Jeff Hayward, presenter of the Integrated Home Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the world of home integration, what's new in the industry, and most importantly, ISE 2026! Comment down below who you would like to see next!Our hosts are joined by Jeff Hayward, presenter of the Integrated Home Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the world of home integration, what's new in the industry, and most importantly, ISE 2026! Comment down below who you would like to see next!

• (00:00:00) - AV in the Wild: The Integrated Home
• (00:00:54) - Interactive with ISC: Residential and AV
• (00:04:37) - House Cinema & Audio at CES 2017
• (00:09:55) - Lighting and Automation at Lutron
• (00:11:04) - Are Pro AV and Residential Integrators at ISE 2017?

In this special ISE preview episode, Neil and Iffat speak to managing director Mike Blackman, aka ‘Mr ISE,’ to explore what’s ahead for ISE 2026, 3-6 February in Barcelona. As well as an exclusive reveal, the discussion also touches on event features and big news – including ‘Spark’, a new 4-day creative industries event – plus, insights into ISE’s mega trends including AI and cybersecurity, and a look at what’s happening away from the show floor. Along with practical advice for exhibitors and attendees, hear how ISE continues to Push Beyond industry expectations.

With special thanks to Mike Blackman for sharing his expertise and behind-the-scenes updates only on AV in the Wild.

Presenters: Neil Fluester, Iffat Chaudhry

• (00:00:01) - AV in the Wild: New Year, New Scoops
• (00:01:45) - what makes ISE 2026 so unmissable?
• (00:04:49) - Push Beyond
• (00:07:19) - The IT & Cybersecurity Show
• (00:14:10) - Barcelona's cyber security
• (00:21:17) - Exhibitors at ISE 2017
• (00:25:04) - The Spark Community at ISE 2026
• (00:29:01) - What happens between now and the ISC 2026 launch?
• (00:35:44) - Visit ISE 2017
• (00:38:10) - AV in the Wild