January’s Road to 10K episode is all about starting the year with renewed intention—without pretending our mission resets on January 1. The discussions includes the real planning tension in higher ed: quarter/semester execution while still steering toward five- and ten-year outcomes, plus the deeper question of trouble-free vs best-in-class and what risk tolerance actually looks like when it matters.

For many leaders, New Year's doesn't always feel like a clean slate. It arrives more like a mirror, reflecting what they meant to accomplish and amplifying the restless sense that satisfaction is always somewhere further ahead. In this "Business of AV" article, Joe Way shares how 2026 for him isn't about creating a "resolution," but rather a "restoration," striving for contentment in the present by leading from behind, with the goal of team empowerment that spotlights them and their growth.

This episode of The AV Life reflects on major milestones in higher education AV while looking ahead to the future of the industry. Host Tim Van Woeart celebrates his 15-year anniversary in higher ed AV, sharing lessons learned, career growth, and the importance of people skills alongside technology.

This week, Joe Way kicks off another “January Push for ISE” episode with a big announcement: a brand-new education-focused collaboration happening alongside ISE 2026, EdTech Congress Barcelona (Feb 4–5). Joined by Alicia Berlanga, Cluster Manager for the Spanish EdTech Cluster, the conversation explores the event, its partnership with Integrated Systems Europe, and more.

Second round voting is now open for the AVNation “Best of 2025” Readers’ Choice Awards. Five of the six initial nominees in the higher ed vertical advanced to the semifinals. Vote now and show your support.

The confetti has been swept away, the champagne flutes washed and put back in the cabinet, and here we are again: a fresh calendar year stretching out before us. But this isn’t about reinventing yourself or becoming an entirely new person. The new year is really about something more grounded—a reality check, a renewal of focus, and a re-commitment to the professional and personal intentions that actually matter to you.