In the premiere episode of Practically AI, host Mark Metzger sits down with Zachary Fisher, AVIXA’s Director of Learning, to reveal the newly developed CTS Chat Buddy—an AI‑powered study assistant designed to support CTS candidates and AV professionals alike. This episode dives into how AVIXA trained this custom AI model using vetted educational content, why it’s a trusted companion for exam prep, and how it personalizes study plans, delivers sample questions, and supports ongoing learning in the field. Mark and Zach explore the broader implications of artificial intelligence in the audiovisual industry, discuss how AI can complement instructors rather than replace them, and share insights into what’s coming next as the tool evolves beyond its beta phase. Pursuing your CTS certification or curious about practical AI applications in Pro AV? This conversation offers a clear look at how AVIXA is shaping the future of learning.

In this livestream interview, Daniel Napier from Ikan joins us in the studio to break down how IP‑based PoE lighting and mobile studio solutions are transforming modern AV, broadcast, and corporate production environments. Daniel explains how Ikan has rethought traditional DMX lighting by introducing Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting systems—making professional lighting more accessible for corporate studios, Teams Rooms, education spaces, podcast rooms, and offices where power, ceiling height, and permitting are common challenges. We also get an exclusive look at Ikan’s upcoming Studio Rover, a modular, mobile studio cart designed to bridge the gap between simple “camera-on-a-monitor” setups and full-scale broadcast studios.