New appointments support the development of AVIXA’s shows for the residential integration and lighting channels
FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 24, 2026 – AVIXA is pleased to announce four appointments who will lead RESIDE and Lightapalooza, shows for the custom integration and lighting communities, joining InfoComm 2027 in June in Orlando, Florida. Lisa Staszewski joins as Show Director, Keisha Wooten-Smith as Manager of Live Content, Vanessa Sayen as Senior Manager of Audience Development and Marketing, and Jody Larsen as Senior Account Manager.
Together, the four bring expertise spanning business development, marketing, event strategy, and live content. Sayen and Larsen offer decades of experience serving manufacturers, integrators, and industry partners across the residential market, while Staszewski and Wooten-Smith have led the growth and delivery of successful conferences, live events, and content programs.
“As we prepare for RESIDE and Lightapalooza to debut at InfoComm 2027, it was important to assemble a team that understands the needs of this community and opportunities ahead,” said Jenn Heinold, Senior Vice President, Expositions, Americas, AVIXA. “Vanessa, Jody, Lisa, and Keisha bring unique strengths and a shared passion for advancing the residential integration community. Together, they create a strong foundation for the shows and will help shape them into a destination for technology launch, learning, business growth, and industry connections.”
During her most recent role as Vice President of Marketing for NTP Events, Lisa Staszewski developed marketing and audience development strategies for major events, including SpaceCom, APTA, and NAB Show. Throughout her 13 years in the event and trade show industry, Staszewski has helped build audiences, generate large-scale partnerships, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and grow flagship events for nonprofit organizations and global brands.
Keisha Wooten-Smith brings more than 15 years of experience developing conference programs and live content experiences for nonprofit, corporate, media, and association audiences. Previously, Wooten-Smith led annual executive summits at Coqual, bringing together more than 500 leaders and professionals from Fortune 500 and other global companies. She also served as Vice President of Events at Magnet Media and held senior production roles at Essence Communications, contributing to high-profile live events and audience experiences.
Recognized as a CE Pro 40 Women to Watch honoree in 2024, Vanessa Sayen brings more than 25 years of experience supporting manufacturers, dealer networks, buying groups, architects, and designers across North America. Most recently, at LK & Associates, Sayen managed dealer engagement initiatives and communications programs supporting more than 30 partner brands. She has also served as a CEDIA Outreach Instructor.
Jody Larsen joins AVIXA after more than 20 years with CEDIA. During her time there as Director of Business Development and Sales, Larsen built strategic relationships with residential integrators, manufacturers, and industry partners while driving membership, sponsorship, and revenue growth across the residential integration industry.
“RESIDE and Lightapalooza represent an important opportunity to bring together the professionals and organizations shaping the future of residential technology,” said David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, CEO of AVIXA. “By creating a team with expertise across the residential market and event industry, we are creating the momentum needed to position the shows as the leading destination for the residential integration community.”
Debuting at InfoComm 2027 in Orlando, Florida, RESIDE will be a purpose-built event for integrators, manufacturers, and service providers shaping the residential market. Developed through a joint venture between AVIXA, HTSA (Home Technology Specialists of America), and ProSource, RESIDE will strengthen connections across the residential and commercial AV industries. Lightapalooza was established in 2022 by HSTA to serve the residential lighting channel, growing from 225 attendees in its first year to more 1,600 in 2026.
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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 3,000 enterprise members representing over 20,000 AV professionals, 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 www.avixa.org.