Raymond Kent’s nomination recognises his sustained impact across innovation, mentorship, DEI, policy and business growth.

With more than four decades’ experience in leadership, Raymond, has shaped AV practice through ground-breaking work at institutions such as the Smithsonian, Arts United Center and Cleveland Museum of Art.

Raymond’s designs integrate emerging technologies to transform audience engagement. As a dedicated educator, DEI advocate and sustainability pioneer, he has elevated industry standards and mentored future leaders.

When asked what winning the AV Awards Americas for AV Professional of the Year, Raymond says: It’s validation not just of my work, but of my preferred approach to the work – one that insists technical rigour and human experience are inseparable. Theatre has been my family’s language for three generations, and I’ve spent my career trying to honour that legacy while pushing it somewhere new.

I’ve spent years arguing that the best AV design is invisible – the audience feels something but has no idea why. It’s humbling for that philosophy to be recognised. I’m most proud of the accessibility work. The performing arts have a history of designing for audiences without truly designing with them – with consequences for who feels welcome in these spaces.

I’ve tried to build a practice where universal design isn’t a compliance checklist, but a creative framework. Some of my most technically complex projects have also been the most deeply human ones: visual-aid systems that integrate seamlessly into the architecture; sensory-inclusive environments; and hearing-assist installations designed so that no patron must identify themself to participate fully. The intersection where sophisticated AV technology meets genuine equity is where I want to live professionally. If this award draws more attention to that corner of our industry, that matters more to me than the recognition itself.

Asked about how the AV Awards Americas can elevate the role of individuals within the wider AV community, Raymond says:

The industry has a visibility challenge because it’s most successful when no one notices it – the room sounds great, the system is intuitive, the experience is seamless. That invisibility, which is the whole goal, can make it hard to articulate the craft to outsiders. Awards create a moment of translation that gives us a platform to explain what we do and why it matters. Awards are especially important for younger professionals trying to figure out whether it’s worth committing to a career in AV.

Seeing individuals recognised signals that people are the engine of this industry. Looking ahead to the next generation of AV professionals, Raymond believes Mentorship doesn’t live in a classroom or institution. It happens wherever the conversation is. I’m honest about the parts of this work that are hard, including the undervaluation and the projects where the AV consultant is the last seat at the table.

I also try to highlight the benefits of the work: the AI-assisted design pipelines, integrated hearing-assist installations and projects where good AV design changes what a space means to the community it serves. This recognition gives me a bigger platform to make that case – that AV is a discipline worthy of career investment.

Judges’ comments

• A standout nominee for his deep and sustained impact across the AV industry.
• Raymond’s passion, leadership and focus on sustainability, accessibility, education and policy are evident.
• He has driven technical excellence and lasting industry change.
• Raymond’s innovative design and passion for fostering the next generation sets a high benchmark for cross-sector leadership.
• The entry exemplifies the full breadth of what an AV industry leader can achieve – a deserving winner.