Jumpstart in Columbus, Ohio was, once again, exactly what I needed. This conference, hosted by Tom Stimson, is one of the rare AV industry gatherings that blends community and strategy in a way that feels both deeply personal, and professionally energizing.
This year’s theme, Management & Emerging Leaders, set the tone for incredible conversations with other VPs, Account Execs, Managers, and Business Owners who are doing great work all across the country (and beyond!). We connected not just as peers, but as people who genuinely care about creating outstanding experiences for our clients!
One of the most meaningful parts of this year’s conference was the strong female presence (cue “Run the World” by Beyonce!). Tom said that around 15% of the attendees were women, which is a notable and exciting shift in our male-dominated industry. For 20 years I’ve been a woman in AV, and I can tell you that seeing this number grow really matters to me. Connecting with other women who share the same passion and drive feels refreshing and empowering. We shared stories, meals…maybe a little wine… and a bond that reminded me just how much we bring to the table- creativity, attention to detail, leadership, and heart. These qualities aren’t just “nice to have”, they’re critical to the work we do in live events and hospitality!
As for what I took away from the conference sessions, one of the most talked-about topics was AI and how it’s beginning to shape our workflows. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks or helping with smarter scheduling and quoting, AI is already making a lasting impact. It was incredibly useful to hear which apps and tools others are using- from CRMs to equipment and event management platforms- and how they’re integrating them into their businesses. We live in a world of AI and apps now, and hearing what’s working for others gave me so many ideas for how Sound Ideas can evolve and become even more efficient.
And then there were the shop tours… a new-to-me feature at Jumpstart and an absolute highlight! We visited Mills James, Bartha, and Lasting Impressions. I was blown away by the scale and organization on display. Touring these spaces alongside peers made it even more impactful. We got to see firsthand how others operate: how they structure their teams, what their warehouses look like, and what’s working in their day-to-day logistics. It was inspiring, humbling, and motivating all at once! I am so thankful to these companies that pulled back the curtain for us to peak in.
I walked away from Jumpstart feeling grateful- for the knowledge shared, the connections I made, and the path ahead for Sound Ideas. Being able to learn, laugh, and grow alongside others who “get it” in our industry is a gift…and of course none of this would have been possible without Tom Stimson. Thank you, Tom, for continuing to create this space for our industry. It’s been invaluable.
Cheers to the next season of growth!
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