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. For International Women’s History Month, Commercial Integrator sought out to honor their achievements with a special series. Throughout the month, asked some of the most remarkable women in AV, celebrating their contributions and sharing their stories to inspire and empower others in our industry.
With the popularity of the series, we have extended #HerAVStory and welcome contributions throughout the year!
This week, we spotlight Rebecca Meier, national strategic alliances director, AVI-SPL. Meier has been part of the commercial AV industry for decades, starting at PictureTel Corp — one of the first videoconferencing product companies. Meier has led an illustrious career with many milestones under her belt including the creation of the CRE JLL program. Read #HerAVStory below!
Interview with Rebecca Meier of AVI-SPL
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Rebecca Meier: I started at PictureTel in 2001 (PictureTel Corporation was one of the first commercial videoconferencing product companies). Yeah…I go back that far! Before this, I was selling infrastructure (networks and routers) with no visual results, but my line was “Build it and it will come.” And it did when I had an opportunity to sell videoconference solutions and got to stay in the industry.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Meier: Not being taken seriously when going to client meetings where the room was all men.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Meier: Two successful woman in the industry Diane Bettini, global account manager, AVI-SPL and Lauri Berg, vice president, product marketing, AVI-SPL.
It’s not that they helped me; they taught me with their actions. Laurie and Diane, I’ve known them pre-AVI-SPL (15-plus years) and we all ended up at AVI-SPL. They taught me to be confident in their demeanor; never show uncertainty, to be adaptable and to pivot when something isn’t working. I still look to them for guidance.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Meier: Creating a CRE (JLL) program 10 years ago uniquely to our industry and AVI-SPL. I started in networks and infrastructure, but just like anything in AV, you organically move where you find your passions. There was a gap between our AV solutions and the real estate community who now, 10 years later revere us as a valued technology partner. It takes patience, perseverance (and lots of walks outside in the mountains where I live), but I am proud to say AVI-SPL is a nationally recognized name within JLL.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Meier: The finished project and being able to look back at all the hard work of members on our team who worked together to accomplish it. There will always be another project, but the ability to create best in class results delivered to our customers is what I love.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Meier: Focus on user-friendly technology (user experience), AI solutions, sustainable practices while also investing in on-going change and communication training. My experience with real estate has taught me how important compassion is to people — not just the products.
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].
