Q1 @HETMA_org asks: Representation of women & people of color in the AV industry dropped over the pandemic despite DEI initiatives like #HETMA’s #PrismScholarship & #AVIXAWomen/#AVIXADiversity programs. “#NowWhat?” What steps can/should we take as an industry? #AVinTheAM #HETMA23
@chris_neto @HETMA_org Saddens me women/BIPOC feel they're better off in other industries. That's on us. Initiatives aren't enough. Relationships, mentoring, & bringing ppl into the circle is what's needed. Opening a door isn't enough the other side isn't worth walking thru for. #AVinTheAM #HETMA23
@chris_neto @HETMA_org If pay scale matches to FAANG, doctors, and lawyers, I’m sure this will be an easy conversation. Yes, money is not be all end all but talents follows money. #AVinTheAM
@chris_neto @HETMA_org IMHO, you cannot force attractions. People are not asking for unreasonable demand: reasonable hours, compensations, and benefits. Can we honestly say the AV industry is offering a competitive package compared to other industry? #AVinTheAM
@chris_neto @HETMA_org If a highschooler or college kid says "I want to work in A/V" what do we tell them? We really need to work on our recruitment and training pipeline. I feel like most of us just kind of fell into this industry, which makes it hard for others to replicate. #avintheam #HETMA23
@chris_neto @HETMA_org We also have to remember that once we get underrepresented people into the field, the work is not done, we need to continue to foster an inclusive environment with our language and actions. #AVinTheAM #HETMA23
@chris_neto @HETMA_org Lead by example. Schools need money to do live broadcasts, to use A/V, to get kids interested at a younger age. I thinks schools could expound on their “skilled trade” programs and offer graduating credits…like auto mechanics. #AVinTheAM
@chris_neto @HETMA_org There are so many good responses to this question already. Please read the rest of them. I'm going to continue to listen, learn, try to grow and support. #AVinTheAM
@chris_neto @HETMA_org The industry could always do better. We as individuals need to do better. There are opportunities to be an #Ally everyday. Those little changes and being #intentional about it is the only way we can make systemic changes. #AVintheAM #NowWhat? #HETMA23
@chris_neto @HETMA_org Take the pledge: *I won't be on a panel if there is no diversity representation *I won't exhibit at a conf. if there is no on-line bit for the disabled/homebound *I won't accept an award for [women/group] in [industry] ever again. I will wait till awards go to everyone #AVInTheAM
@chris_neto @HETMA_org We got to know we have unconscious bias as 99.999996% of information we process is unconscious so we need to be a ‘gooder’ person #AVintheAM #HETMA23 (I’m reading The Person You Mean To Be)