Author of West Point Woman Sara Potecha Will Keynote the AVIXA Women’s Council Breakfast at InfoComm 2020
The Show Will Host Additional Events to Promote Inclusivity in the AV Industry
FAIRFAX, Va., March 6, 2020 – The AVIXA™ Women’s Council, a global community for supporting and empowering women in the pro AV industry, will host its annual breakfast event at InfoComm 2020, on Thurs., June 18, with keynote speaker Sara Potecha, author of West Point Woman.
“I’m always fascinated by industries where women are not the majority – where they’re going up the same hill I faced in the military and in some of my corporate jobs,” said Potecha. “During the AVIXA Women’s Council event, I will talk about how the power of sharing our stories can unite each and every one of us by bonding over our similarities and learning about our differences. Being an effective storyteller enables you to connect with people on a deeper level. Our mind is wired to receive stories – that’s how we remember things. That’s how you will leave a lasting impression.”
Potecha began her career as an Army Officer supervising more than 300 highly skilled technicians while stationed in Europe. The technical expertise gained through her military experience served her well when she began her corporate career working in the information technology department for a large bank. However, it was her leadership skills that propelled her career as she was called upon to solve complex employee relations issues. This led to her role as Director of Change Management for a mortgage company. Potecha launched her management consulting firm in 2014 and recently published her book West Point Woman, which shares the fundamental leadership principles she learned at a young age at the United States Military Academy and applied throughout her career.
“Last year, I was sent a copy of West Point Woman by council leader Gina Sansivero,” said Brandy Alvarado, Chair for the AVIXA Women’s Council and Business Development Manager at Mad Systems. “I took away so many lessons from the book – the one that resonated most was the importance of building camaraderie. Embracing our differences and respecting, empathizing and empowering one another are the guiding principles for continued growth among professional women. I’m thrilled that Sara Potecha will join us for our annual Women’s Council Breakfast to share the insight she’s gained on her career journey.”
The AVIXA Women’s Council Breakfast takes place Thurs., June 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Registration for the event is available when registering for InfoComm 2020 at infocommshow.org. Each attendee will receive a free AVIXA edition of West Point Woman, with the book’s foreword written by Brandy Alvarado.
The Women’s Council will also host a roundtable event on Thurs., June 18, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The roundtable discussion will center on topics surrounding women in the AV and IT industries. This will be a collaborative, open-forum conversation that will dive into the challenges women face in their professions and the unique strength and perspectives women bring to this exciting and rapidly changing vocation.
To add to the events that promote inclusion in the pro AV industry, the Diversity Council will host a reception on Fri., June 19, at 1 p.m. at the AVIXA booth. The council’s mission is to ensure that everyone feels welcome in this industry. The reception is an opportunity to network and learn how to get involved with the council’s initiatives. The event is free to attend, and registration is not required.
InfoComm 2020, the largest pro AV show in North America, returns to Las Vegas June 13-19, 2020, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
InfoComm 2020 is sponsored by Presenting Show Partner Samsung, Strategic Show Partners Blackmagic Design and Crestron, and Supporting Show Partners LG Business Solutions and Maxell Corporation of America.
About InfoComm
InfoComm is the largest technology exhibition and conference in North America focused on the pro AV industry. The exhibition currently ranks as the 28th largest in the United States by Trade Show Executive and 30th largest in the United States according to Trade Show News Network. InfoComm is part of a global alliance of trade shows produced by AVIXA and its partners, including InfoComm Brasil; InfoComm China, Beijing; InfoComm China, Chengdu; InfoComm Colombia; InfoComm India; InfoComm México; InfoComm Southeast Asia; Integrate; Integrated Systems Europe; and Integrated Systems Russia.
About AVIXA
AVIXA™ is the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, producer of InfoComm trade shows around the world, co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe, and the international trade association representing the audiovisual industry. Established in 1939, AVIXA has more than 11,400 enterprise and individual members, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, consultants, programmers, live events companies, technology managers, content producers, and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. AVIXA members create integrated AV experiences that deliver outcomes for end users. AVIXA is a hub for professional collaboration, information, and community, and is the leading resource for AV standards, certification, training, market intelligence, and thought leadership. Visit avixa.org.