Women in the AV industry have long been trailblazers, breaking barriers, driving innovation and shaping the future of technology and integration. Their vision, leadership and expertise have left an enduring mark, inspiring progress across the field. This International Women’s History Month, Commercial Integrator is proud to honor their achievements with a special series. Throughout the month, we’ll be shining a light on some of the most remarkable women in AV, celebrating their contributions and sharing their stories to inspire and empower others in our industry.
Here, we spotlight Kristin Bidwell, CEO, Principal Consultant at AVCT. She shares her journey from musician to AV consultant, highlighting mentors like Alex Case and Randy Willis. She emphasizes the importance of supporting each other, celebrating project completions and the need for more hands-on training in the rapidly evolving AV industry. Read #HerAVStory below.
Interview with Kristin Bidwell CEO, Principal Consultant at AVCT
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Kristin Bidwell: My career started as a musician and as a live sound engineer. After attending Berklee College of Music, I worked as a recording engineer in NYC. In 2007, the recording studio scene was struggling so I reached out to Alex Case and Tony Hoover, both previous Berklee professors of mine, to discuss options. They introduced me to the world of consulting. I joined McKay Conant Hoover as a junior engineer and was mentored by Randy Willis. He was an amazing mentor and has had a large influence on my career as a consultant.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Bidwell: The AV industry has been, for the most part, a very positive experience. Many people have helped me along the way and provided opportunities for growth and success. That being said, I have faced obstacles such as harassment. Luckily, these experiences have been very rare, but unfortunately still exist in our industry today. It is important to lift each other up, to speak up against these difficulties, and help promote each other so we can thrive.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Bidwell: Alex Case not only made sure I received a job at MCH, but also taught me the ins and outs of advanced audio tech and is still a friend and audio geek hero of mine. Randy Willis was my first mentor in AV, is still a good friend and colleague, and prepared me for a career in the industry. David Meneely provided the opportunity for me to start AVCT with my team. Without him, I would not be the owner of AVCT. I appreciate his selflessness, guidance, friendship, and support.
Jeff Loether has always been supportive as a past employer and friend, and has continuously made himself available to discuss business strategy, AV and entrepreneurship. Victor Wooten and Anthony Wellington have had a substantial influence in my life. Both are amazing friends, two of the best musicians in the world, and have pushed me throughout my adult life to go after my dreams and goals, to be a good person and to make a positive impact. They helped me to understand my self-worth, and introduced a mindset that led me to know that I am capable of anything.
My family has also shown overwhelming support for my career choices and have always encouraged me to be an individual, to work hard and to value friends and family. It is important to surround yourself with mentors, friends, and family that lift you higher so that you can give that same gift back to others.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Bidwell: Anytime I walk on site for substantial completion is my proudest moment. I love seeing the finished product of all the hard work of the design team, GC, integrators and other trades. It is an honor to contribute to society through my passion. I am also continually proud of my team at AVCT. It is wonderful to see them grow, take on new challenges, and absolutely crush it!
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Bidwell: The people! A lot of my colleagues have become great friends over the years. I have a wonderful network surrounding me. I also have always been fascinated by audio tech, acoustics and architecture. Combining those passions is the perfect fit.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Bidwell: We need more hands-on, real world training. Education is falling behind and the tech is moving so fast that it is hard to keep up. I think one of the reasons we have an age gap in our industry is due to a lack of opportunities to educate our staff and new entrants. I see manufacturers (not all) shifting from in-person training sessions to in-person events where they are asking consultants for advice on products. I do not think one should substitute the other, both have value, but training is still necessary.
I have also noticed that consultant liaison positions are being replaced by sales and marketing. This is scary. We need engineering support and training, not another sales pitch. This may be due to the increase of M&A and PE funding in our industry.
Let us not let the business side be the downfall to our knowledge base and innovation within the AV industry. Instead, we should create more opportunities for education, certifications and engaging opportunities to experience AV.
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself! — to be featured in this #HerAVStory series? If so, just email Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, Emerald, at [email protected].
