Avixa Names Marco Pardi as Next CEO, Succeeding David Labuskes
2026-11-05 · via invidis
Avixa has named Marco Pardi as its next CEO, ending a 12-month search to replace David Labuskes, who is retiring at the end of 2026. Pardi takes over on Jan. 1, 2027. For anyone running displays, menu boards or signage networks, Avixa matters because it sets standards, certifications and trade events, including InfoComm, that shape how ProAV and digital signage hardware gets specified and installed.
According to the announcement, Pardi beat out more than 100 applicants from around the world. He studied economics at the University of California, Berkeley, and has spent more than 25 years leading teams in B2B technology events. Most recently he was president of the Tech Events portfolio at Informa, the events and information services company, where he oversaw events, digital marketing services and training for the IT and health care sectors. The release says he led more than 200 employees across North America, Europe and Asia, with brands including The AI Summit, Data Center World and Network X.
"I feel both humbled and privileged to be assuming the role of Avixa CEO, and am confident that together, we can continue to grow the AV industry globally and enhance our community's influence at a time of tremendous technological change and opportunity," Pardi said in the announcement.
A search committee chaired by Mradul Sharma, Avixa's board vice chair, reviewed candidates with support from executive search firm Korn Ferry. Tobias Lang, Avixa board chair and CEO of Lang AG, said the committee was drawn to Pardi's experience managing large, diverse teams, his track record of revenue growth, his background in technology-driven industries, his international operating experience and what Lang described as his enthusiasm for the role.
What Labuskes leaves behind
Labuskes has led the association for 14 years. Under his tenure, Infocomm International rebranded as Avixa, and the organization rebuilt its core activities after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted trade shows and in-person events industry-wide. He also introduced the Audiovisual Network Professional accreditation, the monthly Pro AV Business Index and the Avixa TV video platform. Labuskes remains CEO through the end of 2026 before Pardi formally takes over.
The announcement does not detail what, if anything, Pardi plans to change about Avixa's programs, certifications or events once he is in the role, nor does it address how the leadership transition might affect InfoComm or other Avixa-run trade shows that digital signage vendors and integrators rely on for product launches and networking. Those details will presumably emerge as Pardi settles into the job next year.
The announcement in full
Reproduced from invidis for reference. Digital Signage Magazine did not write the text below.
Avixa has named David Labuskes' successor. The ProAV association’s next CEO is Marco Pardi, who beat out more than 100 applicants.
Marco Pardi will lead the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, the ProAV trade group known as Avixa. He succeeds David Labuskes, who retires at the end of 2026.
The new Avixa CEO studied economics at the University of California, Berkeley. He has led teams in B2B technology events for more than 25 years.
Marco Pardi most recently worked at events and information services company Informa. As president of its Tech Events portfolio, he oversaw events, digital marketing services and training for the IT and health care sectors. He led more than 200 employees across North America, Europe and Asia. His brands included The AI Summit, Data Center World and Network X.
“I feel both humbled and privileged to be assuming the role of Avixa CEO, and am confident that together, we can continue to grow the AV industry globally and enhance our community’s influence at a time of tremendous technological change and opportunity,” said Marco Pardi.
The search for a new CEO took 12 months. Marco Pardi prevailed over more than 100 candidates from around the world.
A committee chaired by Mradul Sharma, vice chair of the Avixa board, reviewed the applications. Executive search firm Korn Ferry supported the committee.
“The Search Committee was impressed by Marco’s experience of leading large and diverse talent pools, his consistent track record of revenue growth based on value, his background serving technology-driven industries, his ability to operate internationally, and above all by his sheer enthusiasm for the role and for the Association,” said Tobias Lang, chair of the Avixa board and CEO of Lang AG.
David Labuskes led the association for 14 years. Under his leadership, Infocomm International rebranded as Avixa. The association rebuilt its core activities after the Covid-19 pandemic.
It also introduced the Audiovisual Network Professional accreditation, the monthly Pro AV Business Index and the Avixa TV video platform.
David Labuskes will remain CEO through the end of the year. Marco Pardi takes over on Jan. 1, 2027.