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 Theresa Benson, VP, Marketing & Product Management at Mersive. She discusses her entry into the AV industry, driven by the challenge of reimagining collaboration in a post-COVID world. She highlights the importance of strategic thinking, customer-centric product development and building high-performing teams. Benson expresses pride in her current work at Mersive, focused on pushing the boundaries of user experience and simplifying collaboration. She emphasizes the AV industry’s role in enabling communication, fostering inclusivity and ensuring accessibility, while also advocating for ethical AI integration and greater diversity within the field. Read #HerAVStory below.
Interview with Theresa Benson, VP, Marketing & Product Management at Mersive.
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Theresa Benson: I came into the AV industry through a background in technology, product marketing, and product management, drawn by the challenge of reimagining collaboration in a post-COVID world. The intersection of software, hardware and user experience in AV was a natural fit for my skills and passion.
What really pulled me in, though, was the creative and visionary energy of this space — how AV shapes the way people connect, share ideas and experience the world. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with a brilliant team and help define what’s next.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Benson: One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome (and still slip up on) is saying “TV” when I really mean “display.” It’s a work in progress.
But in all seriousness, stepping into the AV space meant developing a whole new depth of knowledge — one that’s been both humbling and rewarding. I love the energy of this industry, the creative and visionary work that so many people take for granted when they walk into a conference space, auditorium, lobby, meeting room or classroom. Getting a good handle on how these solutions come together still fascinates me, and I know I’ll never stop learning.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Benson: I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who emphasized strategic thinking, leadership and customer-centric product development. Their guidance helped me refine my ability to translate vision into action and build high-performing teams.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Benson: One of my proudest accomplishments is happening right now — having built out an incredible team to reimagine the space we helped invent. We’ve taken a “yes, and” approach to what’s possible, pushing the boundaries of user experience, intuitive setup, ease of use and remote management.
Our product and user experience leaders have been digging deep into industry-wide user pain points to define something beautiful, while our marketing team is ensuring we’re not just building the right product but also telling the right story in the way our customers need to hear it. Seeing this vision come together, knowing it will transform how people collaborate, is incredibly rewarding.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Benson: AV is all about communication — not just the technology, but how it shapes the way people connect, share ideas and experience the world. I love that our work goes beyond products; it enables new perspectives, brings people together and makes collaboration more inclusive. Whether in a boardroom, a classroom or a global conference, AV has the power to remove barriers and create more meaningful interactions. That impact is what makes this industry so exciting.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Benson: The industry can continue to evolve by prioritizing interoperability, user experience and accessibility. Focusing on solutions that simplify rather than complicate workflows will drive greater adoption and long-term success.
Beyond technology, we also have a responsibility to ensure AV is an enabler — empowering communication, fostering inclusivity, and making spaces more accessible for everyone. As AI becomes more integrated, we must be intentional about its ethical and responsible use, ensuring it enhances human connection rather than replacing it.
Finally, creating a welcoming industry for people from all backgrounds will bring in diverse perspectives, driving better innovation and a stronger future for 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].
