What happens when you bring together a campus digital signage expert from USC, a visionary AV industry leader, a startup CEO redefining ProAV, and one of the brightest minds behind Korbyt’s AI innovation? You get one of the most insightful, forward-looking conversations about how AI and AV are transforming campus communication I’ve had the pleasure of listening to.
Huge thanks to HETMA’s Britt Yenser for leading an engaging kickoff to our four-part podcast series with HETMA, The Higher Ed Tech Revolution: Future-Proofing Campuses with AI & AV Innovation. Episode one, AI & AV: How Smart Tech is Revolutionizing Campus Communication, dives into how data, automation, and thoughtfully integrated AI create more connected, responsive, and effective communication ecosystems across higher ed.
If you haven’t listened yet—start here.
AI Can Drive Campus Communication—but How We Communicate About AI Matters Too
One thing was clear during the conversation: AI is changing how campuses share information and connect. AI can take real-time feedback through QR codes, optics sensors, and other inputs making it easier to hear from and communicate to students instantly, AI-powered wayfinding helps guide them across campus, and adaptive content delivery ensures the right messages reach the right people at the right time. But the success of these tools hinges just as much on the conversations happening around them – transparency, inclusion, and a clear purpose are critical.
As Bill Fons, President of AI Initiatives and Regional VP at CTI, wisely put it, “AI has to be useful, not creepy.” That starts with thoughtful implementation and clear communication with all stakeholders. Faculty, students, and administrators are savvy so transparency in how data is used can go a long way in building trust across campus.
Real-Time Feedback = Real Connection
One of the highlights was the dialogue around QR code surveys. Lex Evans from USC nailed it: “We are meeting students where they are.” Embedding quick, scannable feedback tools in signage empowers students to share their voice instantly—and helps staff respond just as quickly.
This isn’t just about data collection—it’s about dialogue. It creates a communication loop that is dynamic, timely, and increasingly expected in our digital-first world.
Smarter Tools for Smarter Messaging
Max Guerrero, Korbyt’s Director of Product Management, is leading the way in integrating AI into our platform—not as a gimmick, but as a strategic asset. He shared how we’re using generative AI to cut content creation time dramatically and layering machine learning into smart playlists that adapt based on time, location, and audience data.
“Campuses are like small cities,” Max said. “Each college unit needs a personalized way to communicate—without having to become signage experts.” And that’s why at Korbyt, we’re focused on making AI practical, responsible, and easy to use.
Imagine content aware screens that automatically promote wellness events when foot traffic is high, show open study spaces in real time, or remind students about deadlines as they walk into advising centers. For staff, it’s about automating updates and streamlining messaging with clever playlists—so communication stays personal, dynamic, and easy to manage.
It’s not just about smarter signage, but smarter communication.
An Intentional & Inclusive Future
The conversation also explored how AI can support accessibility and inclusivity—adjusting content formats, languages, and visual elements to suit individual student needs. As Lex noted, “We want a good experience for everybody, and not everyone learns or communicates the same way.”
That’s the power of AI—not to replace human interaction, but to enhance and extend it in ways that are personalized, equitable, and aligned with campus values. We’ll explore accessibility further in episode 4, Breaking Barriers: Driving Accessible Digital Signage & Communication in Higher Ed.
The Opportunity Ahead
This podcast is just the beginning of an important conversation. AI offers incredible potential to build stronger campus communities, enhance learning, and drive innovation in higher education. But unlocking that potential means putting communication—not just technology—at the center.
Let’s not just talk about AI. Let’s talk about how we talk about AI—openly, collaboratively, and with purpose.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: AI & AV: How Smart Tech is Revolutionizing Campus Communication
Want to continue the conversation or explore how Korbyt can help future-proof your campus? Let’s connect on LinkedIn.
About Korbyt Partnerships
At Korbyt, we believe great solutions start with great partnerships. That’s why our Partnerships team is sponsoring this four-part podcast series—bringing together AV/IT leaders, university innovators, and partners like Sony and Zoom to explore how AI is reshaping higher education. Together, we’re building smarter, more connected campuses.
