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 Patty Wanzer, President of Synigize. She entered the AV industry through her involvement with InfoComm (now AVIXA) and its CTS certification courses. Wanzer emphasizes the power of networking and social media in building connections and increasing visibility. She highlights her proudest accomplishment as creating a thriving community of industry professionals through a targeted social media campaign. She values the dynamic and collaborative nature of the AV industry and advocates for embracing emerging technologies, enhancing workforce development, prioritizing sustainability, and fostering collaboration between IT and AV professionals to improve the industry. Read #HerAVStory below.
Interview with Patty Wanzer, President, Synigize
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Patty Wanzer: I worked at InfoComm (now AVIXA) for nearly 10 years and took interest in their CTS certification courses.
And networking and social media can be incredibly powerful tools in our AV industry where connections and visibility really matter. I’m naturally social (sales and trade show marketing) helps me leverage these platforms effectively.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Wanzer: There are personal, yet common challenges like my concern for environmental issues, for example, seem to be a big one — whether it’s sustainability concerns, energy efficiency requirements, or dealing with disruptions caused by global events.
I think industry awareness and communication gaps (manufacturers to end users, for example) can be an obstacle.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Wanzer: One mentor who really shaped my path was a seasoned #avtweep who introduced me to key industry figures. They didn’t just share technical insights; they also showed me how to use AV social media and networking as tools to amplify my voice. I remember how they encouraged me to attend events and I followed up with genuine conversations — turning casual interactions into lasting professional relationships.
Many influential figures, and supportive colleagues who believed in blending technical expertise with personal connection helped me throughout my career. Their guidance helped me understand that while technical skills are essential, the relationships we build can open doors to unexpected opportunities. “It’s who you know…not always what you know.”
Both types of mentors provided tailored advice, helped me navigate challenges, and taught me that being authentic and proactive in networking can be a game changer.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Wanzer: My proudest career accomplishment was harnessing the power of networking and social media to create a thriving community of industry professionals. I initiated a targeted social media campaign that not only elevated my brand’s visibility but also connected me with influential figures in the AV world. This effort led to several key partnerships and collaborative projects, opening doors to new business opportunities and innovative ideas.
What makes this achievement especially meaningful is knowing that my proactive approach helped build a supportive network of people I call my dear friends that continues to drive success for both myself and my clients I work together on projects.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Wanzer: What I love most about working in the AV industry is its dynamic and collaborative nature. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate, whether it’s through cutting-edge technology (working with a great manufacturer like Aurora MM) or creative problem-solving.
I thrive on building relationships with passionate professionals, leveraging both networking and social media (#AVinTheAM, #WhatIff, #AVJam for example) to share ideas and drive change. It’s a field where creativity meets technical expertise, and where every project is a chance to learn, connect and make an impact
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Wanzer:
- Embracing (more quickly) Emerging Technologies: Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning can help optimize system performance—such as predictive maintenance, automated content personalization, and real‑time analytics.
- Enhancing Workforce Development: The industry can address the persistent shortage of skilled technicians by investing in training programs and certification pathways. Better education and cross‑training between IT and AV professionals can foster a more capable and collaborative workforce. (I hear this often from industry discussions and other social platforms)
- Prioritizing Sustainability: Adopting energy‑efficient equipment, smarter power management via IoT, and green installation practices can reduce environmental impact and operational costs. This focus on sustainable practices is becoming increasingly important to both manufacturers and end users.
- Fostering Collaboration Between IT & AV: Integrating AV systems early in the planning phase — together with IT professionals — helps ensure that network infrastructure and system design are aligned. This cooperation minimizes integration issues and creates a more unified, scalable solution for hybrid work environments. By tackling these areas, the AV industry can drive innovation, improve reliability and deliver seamless, high‑quality audiovisual experiences that meet the everchanging needs of users.
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].
