We all know how much Australians love their sport. Ask someone what their most memorable sporting moments are and you’re likely to hear about Cathy Freeman winning the 400m at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 or Steven Bradbury’s stroke of luck in Salt Lake City back in 2002.
When I think of the Olympics, I think about just how much they have helped to transform and change Australia’s AV industry forever over the years. Not that we’re alone – many other countries around the world have drummed up further momentum in terms of their AV industry thanks largely to the Olympics.
So why is this the case? It all comes back to the maths – what used to be a $1 billion industry in the year 2000, is today closer to a $50 billion industry. We’re talking huge numbers! We’ve all seen the impact that globalisation has had across numerous industries. In terms of Australia’s AV industry, we’ve been lucky to maintain a maintain a financially strong network of wholesalers thanks to companies like Jands, TAG, Crestron, Panasonic, Epson, NEC and Bose.
Of course, as the times have changed, so has how these companies conduct business on a daily basis. Over the last 40 years, many of these brands that I’ve mentioned here, have continued to move and evolve with the times. As a result, contractors have had a stable supply of product to feed the ever-growing market. It’s fair to say that consumers hungrier than ever to see improvement and change in the AV industry.
In 2017 more so than ever, the contracting industry is made up of a diversified supply model. What does this mean? Well, gone are the days of a standalone AV business… someone like me, who’s been in the industry for many moons, remembers the days when standalone AV businesses existed and thrived. Today, specialisation within the industry sees companies specialising in certain areas. While some focus on the residential sector, others clearly dominate the corporate sector. What we’re seeing more of now, especially over the last five years, is even greater diversification. These days, tier one electrical companies with a turnover in excess of $100m are starting their own AV divisions (take the Star Group for instance). Meanwhile, a company with a $2b turnover and in excess of 22,000 staff that is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and focuses on large infrastructure projects, is more than likely to have its own AV division as well.
There’s no doubt that technology has changed the playing field forever in terms of the AV industry. Moving forward, growth will almost certainly continue to be fuelled by technology advances that have helped to transform the industry in the past (iPhones, iPads, slimline notebooks and so on).
Looking ahead, there is little doubt in my mind that this industry will continue to prosper in the next 30 years or so. We’re at the forefront of exciting times as the working environment is on the cusp of change as agile workplaces slowly become the norm. The fact that recent projects in Australia are climbing towards the $10m mark per project and client, only reiterates the industry’s continued success if you ask me. It’s an exciting time to be involved in the AV space.
If you are looking to upgrade your AV requirements, simply connect with me or visit http://avlounge.com.au/
