The Indian AV industry is at an exciting inflection point—tech is evolving fast, the demand for immersive experiences is surging, and the need for skilled professionals has never been more urgent. At the heart of this momentum is AVIXA, the global Audio visual and Integrated Experience Association, which has long championed excellence, education, and inclusion in the AV world.
We had the privilege of talking to Sarah Joyce, Chief Global Officer at AVIXA, who brings a unique global lens and deep industry insight to the conversation. In this exclusive interview, Sarah shares her perspective on India’s rapidly growing AV landscape, the impact of CTS certification, and the incredible work led by the AVIXA Women’s Council.
1. AVIXA has a strong global presence. How do you envision the Indian AV market evolving in the next few years, and how is AVIXA planning to support this growth?
The innovation in India and rapid pace of adoption and change makes it a very exciting and growing market for pro AV companies and professionals. AVIXA’s latest Industry Outlook and Trend’s Analysis (IOTA) research is forecasting a 5.76% CAGR for the next 5 years (2025 to 2030) in India, with growth indicators from solution areas such as Broadcast AV, Conferencing and Collaboration and Learning solutions. Top segments such as content management and hardware, services and video displays are expected to grow significantly.
InfoComm India, taking place from September 9th to 11th, 2025 at the Jio World Trade Centre in Mumbai, is the premier event for connecting with AV professionals. It brings together top Indian Pro AV manufacturers, partners, consultants, and system integrators
The show will have more than 250 exhibitors, 11,000 visitors and more than 50 content, education and training sessions, including AVIXA’s Certified Technology Specialist™ (CTS® 2) in-person class for first time ever in India. The event it is the hub for the Pro AV community and showcase for innovation and growing market opportunities across India.
2. What are the key offerings from AVIXA specifically designed for the Indian AV community in terms of training, certification, and industry development?
Education, training, certification, industry development, events and networking are at the heart of AVIXA’s purpose and mission in India. AVIXA opened its office in India in 2014, providing Skills based education and training, then flowing on from that workforce development at the heart of our mission.
The region has a high rate of adoption of AVIXA’s Certified Technology Specialist™ (CTS®) which is ANAB-accredited to the ISO 17024 standard recognized. It is recognized for its credibility and integrity and is the leading professional credential for the professional audiovisual industry. In addition, AVIXA’s Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) certification serves as a tool to help AV and IT professionals prove their AV networking skills in the convergence of these two disciplines. I am delighted we will be holding CTS 2 : Applied AV and the AV Project Process from 7 – 9 September 2025 at InfoComm India.
3. Can you share how AVIXA’s Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification has impacted career progression for professionals globally and in India?
The impact of Certified Technology Specialist™ (CTS ®) certification on career progression is evident, in the fact that this global certification has greatly enhanced opportunities for professionals, both globally and specifically in India. Given its international recognition, the CTS certification opens doors to a wider geographical landscape, especially in regions like the Middle East and Europe, where certified professionals are in high demand. This recognition not only broadens career horizons but also enables individuals to bring their expertise to diverse markets.
The CTS® certification equips professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to remain current and competitive in the field, no matter where they are located. This continuous learning ensures that individuals can effectively adapt to the industry’s dynamic nature and business demands.
We have also observed a noticeable trend of individuals pursuing further specialization after obtaining their initial CTS® certification. The increasing number of professionals advancing to CTS-I (Certified Technology Specialist – Installation) or CTS-D (Certified Technology Specialist – Design) highlights the value that specialization brings to their careers. In fact, more are opting for dual certifications, underscoring the importance of comprehensive expertise in this region.
4.What advice would you give to AV professionals in India considering CTS certification for the first time?
For AV professionals in India, considering CTS® certification for the first time, I have a few key pieces of advice. First, obtaining this certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills, placing you on par with peers around the world. It’s not only a credential but a testament to your expertise and commitment to the AV industry.
Second, end users, particularly those within organizations with a global presence, often place a high value on certification. Having a CTS® certification can help you gain access to larger, more competitive organizations by serving as a significant differentiator. It essentially acts as a ‘foot -in- the -door,’ presenting new opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to secure.
Lastly, the process of earning this certification encourages interdisciplinary and project-level thinking, which are crucial competencies for any professional in today’s technology-driven industries. With these skills, certification helps you approach projects from a well-rounded perspective, improving your ability to contribute effectively to complex AV projects. This comprehensive perspective will not only elevate your career but also enhance your impact within any organization.
5. What are the current learning formats available for AVIXA’s training programs, and how accessible are they for professionals in smaller Indian cities?
AVIXA is dedicated to making its training programs accessible and beneficial for AV professionals, regardless of their location, including those residing in smaller Indian cities. To achieve this, we offer a variety of learning formats:
Online Self-Paced Courses: These courses are continually refreshed and updated, providing a clear pathway toward CTS® certification. They offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace, making them ideal for professionals balancing work and personal commitments.
Instructor-Led Virtual Trainings: Conducted throughout the year, these sessions allow you to engage with specialists and peers in a collaborative virtual environment. They are scheduled thoughtfully to accommodate various learning needs, allowing participants to benefit from interactive guidance and community support.
Online Community Access via Xchange Room: AVIXA’s Xchange network facilitates continuous learning and interaction with a global community. It enables networking, knowledge sharing, and engagement with fellow AV professionals around the world.
In-Person Contract Trainings: Offered through our network of members across different regions, these provide hands-on training opportunities for in-depth learning experiences.
In-Person Courses at Regional Trade Shows: We host these in-person courses, at a few of our global trade shows, offering immersive learning experiences and the chance to interact face-to-face with industry experts.
Regional CTS Holder Groups: We have established smaller, localized groups, such as the one in Ahmedabad, where existing CTS® holders support and mentor new candidates. This regional support system fosters a community-driven approach to learning and professional development, particularly beneficial for those in smaller geographical areas.
These diverse learning formats ensure that AV professionals across India have ample opportunities to enhance their skills and advance their careers, regardless of where they are based.
6. You’ve been a strong advocate for diversity in the AV industry. Could you walk us through the origin and growth of the AVIXA Women’s Council?
The group, known as Women of InfoComm (WIN) prior to the AVIXA rebranding, hosted breakfast meetings under the WIN name in 2013 and 2014. I attended one of these Women’s Breakfast Meetings at InfoComm and was immediately impressed by their mission “to provide a global community of AVIXA members and other professionals committed to supporting and empowering women who work in the technology and AV industry.” In 2015, the group was formally established as the AVIXA Women’s Council in the US. That same year also marked the first time I hosted a Women’s Council meeting at ISE in Amsterdam.
Now, the AVIXA Women’s Council has over 1120 members in 34 groups worldwide with one of the largest groups being in India. The AVIXA Women’s Council hosts webinars, regional meet ups and particularly exciting, CTS® prep classes run by women who have achieved their CTS®. This is an active part of the AWC in India where I had the honour to attend in Bengaluru back in 2019.
7. What are some of the most impactful initiatives led by the AVIXA Women’s Council in India so far, and what are the goals for the upcoming year?
Over the last few years, the initiatives by the AVIXA Women’s Council in India have steadily evolved and I can confidently say that our endeavors have made significant strides towards fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the AV industry.
One of our most impactful initiatives has been the celebration of International Women’s Day across multiple cities. In 2025, we witnessed unprecedented participation from women across five key cities in India, signaling a growing interest and commitment to breaking barriers and advancing careers in the AV sector. Supported by our member companies that host these gatherings, the events provide an invaluable space for sharing experiences and fostering community spirit among women professionals.
In collaboration with our sponsors in India, one of our flagship achievements has been offering free CTS® Prep classes specifically for women in AV. This initiative not only enhances technical expertise but also positions these professionals for career advancement within their organizations, reinforcing our commitment to gender parity and professional development in the AV industry.
In the upcoming years, our goals include expanding these educational opportunities and further increasing participation in our events.
By strengthening these initiatives, we hope to continue driving significant cultural change within our industry, where diversity and innovation go hand in hand.
8. How can women professionals in India get involved with the AVIXA Women’s Council, and what kind of support or opportunities can they expect?
The AVIXA Women’s Council exists to provide a global community of women professionals to network and to the support and advancement of the industry. They also serve as direct connect amongst individuals within the AV industry – irrespective of organizational or functional boundaries thus enhancing greater connection and learning opportunities. Within this, the local groups – typically a smaller geography help support this initiative at the ground level. Having the ability to meet and discuss and celebrate small successes with a diverse group enables a wider sense of belonging, giving opportunities for mentoring or even seeking support. We would recommend more and more women in AV to seek this opportunity and empower themselves with a greater skill set to succeed both in their careers and personal life!
9. With your experience in global AV markets, how do you see India’s AV ecosystem differing from or aligning with global trends?
Technology trends in the region are more towards aligning with global trends – and this is happening rather at a rapid pace. What used to take years to reach the region is now almost happening simultaneously.
Strategic investments in technology infrastructure by both government and private sectors are significantly influencing AV ecosystems. With key digital infrastructures such as 5G and mobile access already expanding and available even in remote locations, along with upcoming government support for content creation, there are significant opportunities for industry growth in various sectors, including workplace technology, education, healthcare and multimedia entertainment.
The establishment of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India, supporting diverse industries and organizations across the world, has placed considerable emphasis on the need for advanced collaboration and communication technology tools to facilitate their success. Additionally, the vast potential of Agentic AI is expected to drive significant transformations within the industry in the region in the foreseeable future.
10. AVIXA hosts several international trade shows. Could you share what Indian AV professionals and businesses can expect from InfoComm Asia and other upcoming events?
For InfoComm Asia, we have strategically integrated the Indian market into our broader Asia-focused initiatives, rather than creating content exclusive to India. We have actively included individuals from India in our Call for Papers and program outreach. Here are some topics that particularly resonate with both Asian and Indian audiences:
Opening Panel: “Reimagining Boundaries: The Future of Business & Technology in 2030” will delve into upcoming trends shaping our industry.
Regional Roundtable Discussion: “AI in AV Integration – Exploring Possibilities” aims to spark insightful conversations around AI’s role in audiovisual technologies.
Welcome Networking Reception: This event provides an invaluable opportunity for regional visitors to connect and foster relationships.
We are also hosting sessions on Emerging Trends and AI, ensuring that our content aligns with the interests and needs of our diverse audience.
11. What are some of the most exciting innovations you’re seeing in the AV industry globally, and how can Indian businesses tap into these trends?
The technology innovations and improvements that are having the biggest impact right now are related to AV over IP, or the usage of IP networks and backends to manage and distribute content. The evolution of options is really helping drive a lot of shifts in the market towards these systems, which enable more efficient distribution throughout a facility and beyond. This then creates more opportunities for software to add intelligence into the system for even greater optimization. Cloud services also have become more common as a result, further generating efficiencies.
Any integration firm, including those in India, can leverage this through building out of the related competencies among their staff, or put another way, via training and strategic hiring. The ANP certification from AVIXA is an example of a resource for providing this upskilling.
AVIXA’s various digital platforms like AVIXA TV, AVIXA Xchange, AVIXA social media channels and digital resources such as webinars, online courses, and newsletters also provide comprehensive offerings ensure that individuals and organizations can continuously adapt to technological advancements and maintain competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AV industry.
12. Finally, what message would you like to give to young AV professionals and students in India who are just entering the industry?
The AV industry is perfect for any young person with an interest in creativity, art, design, digital transformation, technology, engineering, innovation, problem solving and working in teams. Roles are diverse – marketing, sales, engineering, project management, design, installation – with multiple career paths and opportunities around the world. It’s a fast-growing industry and advances in technology and AI adoption make it rapidly evolving and exciting to be a part of. AVIXA provides you with a community of like-minded professionals who love to learn, network and support each other and we provide multiple education routes to start and support your career with lifelong learning.
I ‘fell’ into the AV Industry 28 years ago and have had roles in marketing, leading HR, sales, operations, service and ultimately leading System Integration business. I love this industry because I’ve found a community of supportive people who work hard and have fun, share a passion for what AV technologies do and can achieve, lifelong friends, a constant path of creativity, problem solving, and innovating with customers.
I now have the honour to be a part of a mission-driven global association in AVIXA, which supports the growth of the industry, development of its professionals and provides a hub and home for that community with places to connect with people at trade shows around the world and digital communities. You will find a home in the Pro AV industry and with AVIXA and a pathway to great success in whatever discipline of the industry you choose.
