Technology trends reinvent the business of communicating.

Visual communications and collaboration technologies are a necessary component in today's business environment. From sophisticated boardrooms to high performance training and control rooms--from lobby display and digital signage applications, to large venue auditoriums, the new digital age is changing the landscape of our workplaces.

Dramatic advances in display technology and the ongoing convergence of A/V and IP have brought a new dimension to the way we interact, exchange ideas, and push and pull information in the 21st century. The advantages and benefits provided by the integration of these technologies are undeniable. It is estimated that inefficiency cost U.S. business $1.1 billion per day according to a study conducted by Tandberg, one of the world's leading suppliers of video conferencing solutions.

The study also reported that 56% of business professionals estimate they waste 30 minutes or more each day on inefficient methods of communication. The implementation and thoughtful execution of communication systems can drive productivity upward and reduce costs significantly. Determining which of these technologies can best serve your business needs and how you can most realize positive impact on your company's performance can be challenging. Keeping pace with the evolution of technology and having the knowledge base to make intelligent choices is essential to attaining the best ROI on your investment.

For Audio Visual Innovations (AVI), a provider of audio/visual systems design and installation integration services, these dramatic advances in communications technology have caused the 25-year-old AV company to rethink its core design/build expertise in the face of increasingly sophisticated system and infrastructure demands from a diverse, world-wide client base.

Long past are the days when audio visual demands were left to somewhat obscure technicians whose primary responsibilities were to insure that a video tape recorder was playing back properly or that an overhead projector was in need of a bulb change, While some of those tasks still exist, today's user has much more to consider. Technical expertise now demands consideration of ergonomics, acoustics, aesthetics, practicality and a keen sense of architectural design in the workplace environment.

Further, it is the belief Of AVI and most other leading integration companies that whether designing a conference room/boardroom, upgrading your current AV compliment or in the early stages of planning and/or managing an AV application, information is the key to making the correct decision for your company's or client's current and future requirements. Taking a proactive approach by elevating the level of understanding of these critical communication technologies will enable your business to employ superior solutions with the highest results.

It is because of this digital revolution and the challenges presented by it, that AVI developed AVI University, The Professional Series. Philosophically, a national program intended to provide the guidance and resources needed to identify cutting edge end-to-end solutions. What formerly was introduced 5 years ago as an internal technology and training show case designed to educate and communicate technology advances to its 700 plus employees, has now evolved into a series of regional showcase expos.

AVIU/Professional Series bring all the pieces together through education, expertise and exploration. The day long event includes informational presentations and seminars accredited by AIA, IIDA, and IFMA presented by a team of the industry's leading experts. A technology expo is also part of this worthwhile event consisting of hands on exhibits from preeminent manufacturers of display and collaboration technologies as well as the products that support their implementation.

This unique one day event, the only event of its kind in the west, will be presented to the Southern California business community on March 16, 2005 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach. The event is complimentary with pre-registration and seating is limited. Seminar topics will include Visual Communication Spaces for the 21st Century, The Future of A/V System Integration, A/V Control Systems for Commercial Properties, Digital Signage and Visual Messaging, and more. Attendees will also have the advantage of experiencing product demonstrations and exhibits which support the seminar curriculum in the technology expo which will be open throughout the event.

The latest innovations in video conferencing, visual display, digital signage and collaboration tools will be available. The event will conclude with an after hour mixer where attendees can relax and mingle with peers and the experts hosting the event.

Information for this article was provided by AVI. To learn more, or to register for the March 16th event, please visit www.aviinc.com/events/asp.default or call 877-440-6205.