With the novel coronavirus COVID-19 hitting swift and hard, the pro AV industry is bracing for hardships. In February, the impact of the pandemic hadn’t yet affected the pro AV industry. Sales growth stayed flat at 60.1, nearly the same score as last year when it was at 60.3, according to AVIXA’s Pro AV Business Index. Although survey respondents mentioned early signs of impact as supply issues began to arise, demand wasn’t hit too hard as of the end of February.
Fast forward to March and a recent survey taken by AVIXA AV Intelligence Panel members found 87 percent of AV providers have had a negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, while affecting 83 percent of end users. About one-third of both parties reported a “large” negative impact.
Fortunately, the pro AV industry hasn’t come to a complete stop. Nearly none of the respondents have closed down operations; merely adjusting by working from home, postponing events, reducing travel, and eliminating in-person meetings while boosting videoconferencing tactics.
The biggest impact has been the cancellation of pro AV events resulting from authorities imposing social distancing and restricting gatherings of groups of people. InfoComm, which is the largest North American pro AV trade show, was just canceled; it was to be held June 13-19 in Las Vegas.
"This was not a decision we made lightly but with careful consideration and as advised by public health authorities," said AVIXA CEO Dave Labuskes. “Thankfully, we did not have to make it alone and are grateful to our InfoComm community…InfoComm is not just an AVIXA trade show, it is the industry's show and it is important that we move forward to the benefit of the entire community.”
The following April events have been canceled: all of CEDIA Tech Summits (Irvince, CA; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX), Almo E4 Experience (Washington, DC), HTSA Spring Conference (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), NAB (Las Vegas, NV), PSA TEC (Denver, CO), Microsoft Ignite The Tour (Tel Aviv and Berlin).
The following May events have been canceled: Microsoft Ignite The Tour (Stockholm), Ingram Micro Cloud Summit 2020 (Miami Beach , FL), AVI LIVE (Minneapolis, MN).
Follow the CDC and WHO guidelines regarding the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and check their websites for continued updates. Remember to practice social distancing and stay-at-home measures. May we all be safe during these trying times.
