Tech Insights: The Influence of Connections: A Deep Dive into the Impact of Intimacy in Technology
Hey there! As I sit down to write this essay, I've just returned from the ISE conference in sunny Barcelona. Now, if you're not familiar with ISE, let me briefly enlighten you – it's a massive event gathering the best minds in the AV and collaboration sectors. It's a mind-blowing virtual festival of endless exhibitors, sprawling halls, and dazzling tech displays that leave you in awe of the industry's innovative prowess.
But, nostalgia bites as I remember humble beginnings, when smaller, regional conferences truly shaped the field. Back then, it wasn't all about grandeur, but rather about meaningful conversations and forging genuine connections. And these moments often unfolded in the warm, intimate settings of local events, far from the echoing caverns of colossal expos.
Lift-off, Fall, and Rebirth
Take me back to my inaugural conference years, where I once stumbled upon my future employer. Caught up in the crowd during an InfoComm event, I gave a speech on unified communications, addressing a rather modest audience of 30 or so. The audience member who thanked me for finally making unified communications clear after years of confusion left an indelible impression. These unforgettable moments were rarely experienced in the jam-packed halls that now hold thousands of enthusiasts.
Peak Perspectives: Videoconferencing in the Same Sandbox, but Different Toys
It's worth noting that the videoconferencing industry is hotter than ever, but regional events are making a stellar comeback. The nonprofit IMCCA is doing a fantastic job reviving the post-pandemic era by hosting UC Week events across various venues in New York City, accommodating a comfortable 50-100 attendees. These interactive and educational sessions were the hallmarks of regional events that I cherished dearly. Keep a lookout for UC Week in late February if you'd like to check it out yourself (details available at imcca.org)!
Industry veteran Mike Brown-Cestero has taken it upon himself to revive cavlo events, which are specifically designed for cities often overlooked by larger industry players. Set to debut this fall, cavlo events aim to create a level playing field where marketing castles are replaced by meaningful interactions. It's about putting solutions and the conversations they inspire at the forefront.
Why Small Events Spark Big Change
When I asked Mike about his motivation for rekindling intimate gatherings, he said, "We need smaller events with high-quality spaces where vital manufacturers and contractors can connect as equals." His words encapsulate the importance of fostering real connections in an industry that can sometimes get lost in flashy spectacles.
Smaller events offer numerous advantages over their larger counterparts:
- Deep Dive Discussions: In a more intimate setting, attendees have the time and space to probe, share ideas, and truly connect, leading to richer and more impactful conversations.
- Fair Opportunity: Standardizing booths ensures exhibitors compete on the merits of their solutions and not their marketing budgets.
- Accessible Access: Regional events cater to local professionals and small businesses who might lack the resources or time to attend global expos.
- Substance over Spectacle: Free from distractions, these events put the tech and its jaw-dropping applications squarely in the spotlight.
Balancing Act: Large and Small
While I have tremendous respect for big-ticket conferences like ISE, NAB, InfoComm, and even CES, I can't help but advocate for smaller, regional events, too. They offer priceless opportunities to connect and grow in ways that larger events sometimes struggle to achieve.
Whether you're marching through the colossal halls of InfoComm or discussing critical matters with a handful of peers, remember this: Our industry flourishes on human connections, and sometimes the most meaningful moments happen in the simplest of spaces.
[1] Tech Perspectives: Videoconferencing Industry in Same Sandbox but with Different Toys[2] SCN Goes Inside: NSCA Boosts Next-Generation Integration at XBO Experience[3] TED Talks 2025: The Power of Experiential Learning in Corporate Conferences
- The nonprofit IMCCA is revitalizing the post-pandemic era by hosting UC Week events, which provide intimate and educational sessions that small businesses and regional professionals value, just like the days when small events sparked significant changes in the industry.
- As Mike Brown-Cestero revives cavlo events, he emphasizes the need for small, high-quality spaces where manufacturers and contractors can forge equal connections, exemplifying how these events can bring substance over spectacle to the tech scene, much like the industry's humble beginnings.
