AVIXA chief executive David Labuskes has expressed plans to retire at the end of 2026, concluding a leadership tenure that began in 2012 and oversaw significant change across the association and the wider AV industry.

During his time at AVIXA, David led the shift of the AV industry from a product and systems-led sector to one focused on delivering integrated experiences. This broader industry evolution contributed to the 2017 rebrand of InfoComm International to AVIXA, reflecting the growing role of experiential design, content creation, IT integration and end users across multiple markets.

“The responsibility and privilege inherent within the role I played for a tiny part of that timeline was one that could not have been fulfilled without the brilliance of the team of executives, industry volunteers and dedicated AVIXA employees giving everything they have to deliver on our mission every day,” David says.

Global expansion was a key focus of his contribution. Today, more than 50% of AVIXA’s revenue is generated outside North America, with the association’s strongest audience growth also occurring internationally. AVIXA certifications have continued to expand globally, with CTS holders reaching 15,000 worldwide in 2025 and 30% of all certification holders now based outside North America. In 2024, AVIXA also launched the Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP) certification.

David also prioritised diversity and inclusion, leading to the establishment of AVIXA’s Women’s Council and Diversity Council. The Women’s Council is now the association’s largest, with more than 1,100 members.

He further guided AVIXA through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the cancellation of live events, supporting members through major business disruption and accelerating the development of digital engagement platforms and reimagined event formats.

AVIXA Board chair Tobias Lang thanks David for his time: “His vision and leadership have been instrumental in establishing the AV industry as a globally relevant profession with a strong and positive outlook for the future.”

Tobias confirmed the board has begun the search for David’s successor.