Pre-Conference Workshop Speakers

Map the Maze: The Truth About AV Careers

Navigating a career in educational technology can feel like a maze. Standard professional development often leaves you with generic advice and zero direction. This workshop aims to changes that.

This session is a reality check. We are bringing in four industry veterans to dismantle the polite myths of career advancement and expose the hidden frameworks of academic, technical, and leadership roles. No slide decks. No lectures. Just raw, non-technical, human-to-human workflows designed to shake you out of your comfort zone. You will actively confront your blind spots, dissect powerful industry resources you have been ignoring, and map out a precise, deliberate trajectory. Stop waiting around for someone to hand you a map. Come ready to move, speak up, and take absolute ownership of your professional future.

Four Key Takeaways

  • The Unfiltered Career Playbook: Walk away with distinct, battle-tested blueprints for transitioning between technical execution, instructional design, and executive leadership.
  • A No frills resource list: Cut through the noise with a blunt evaluation of which certifications, associations, and networks actually advance your career.
  • Crowd-Sourced Battle Strategies: Gain immediate, peer-verified solutions for navigating frustrating institutional politics and securing funding for your growth.
  • An Active Professional Tribe: Build genuine, high-value connections with peers across the country through intense, collaborative problem-solving. 

Workshop Facilitators

 

George Chacko

George Chacko is an innovative technology leader with over 25 years of experience in educational technology, audiovisual, and IT fields. As Senior Director of Academic and Classroom Technology at Pace University, he leads strategic initiatives that transform teaching and learning through state-of-the-art, technology-enhanced classrooms, event spaces, and digital signage across multiple campuses. He also oversees the university’s learning management system and IT Helpdesk operations, ensuring reliable, student-centered support for teaching, learning, and academic services.

In addition to his administrative role, George serves as an adjunct faculty member, teaching courses in computer science, AV, IT, and media, where he connects real-world practice with the classroom to prepare the next generation of technology professionals. He is the co-founder and president of NextLvL Learning, focused on advancing practical, industry-aligned technology skills. He previously served as president of the Educational Technology Collaborative (ETC), collaborating with peer institutions to advance best practices in academic and classroom technology. George holds both a Master’s in Internet Technology and a Bachelor’s in Information Systems, with a minor in Business, from Pace University, and maintains multiple industry certifications, including CTS.
 

Gina Sansivero

Gina Sansivero is currently Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications at AtlasIED. She has 20 years of experience working within the audiovisual, security, and communication technologies industry in marketing and business/ market development roles at both start-up and SMB companies. As an experienced and energetic marketing leader, Gina has helped commercial technology manufacturers develop and strengthen their brand visibility, reputation, reach, and client retention as well as strategically align sales and marketing efforts with corporate goals to increase revenue generation and achieve sustainable growth.  As an active industry champion, Gina believes in giving back to the industry is or was on the board of directors for Women In AV/IT (co-founder), Educational Technology Collaborative (ETC), the NSCA Education Foundation, and AQAV. Gina also volunteers for several industry associations including NextLVL Learning, SIA, and AVIXA among others and is a proud mentor to women in the AV/IT industries. 
 
 

Bradford Terry

Bradford Terry is an educational media professional based in Brooklyn, New York, currently serving at Pace University. In his role, he oversees the development, implementation, and management of audiovisual technology that supports classroom instruction and campus operations. He is a graduate of Pace University’s Lubin School of Business and holds several industry-recognized certifications, including a Certified Technology Specialist (CTS). With extensive experience in audiovisual systems and educational technology, he is dedicated to advancing innovative solutions that enhance the academic environment.