AVIXA Names Marco Pardi as New CEO
Pro AV integrators and event operators will see AVIXA's new leader take over its accreditations and industry data on January 1, 2027.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in People
AVIXA has named Marco Pardi as its next chief executive officer, succeeding David Labuskes, who retires December 31, 2026. Pardi takes over January 1, 2027, after leading Informa's Tech Events portfolio, a relevant move for pro AV firms and event businesses tracking leadership at the audiovisual industry association.
Why it matters
Leadership transitions at trade associations shape the standards, certifications, and market data that AV integrators, equipment makers, and event operators rely on. Pardi's background in large-scale event portfolios across North America, Europe, and Asia signals how the association may approach global growth and member services.
AVIXA's CEO search lasted 12 months and weighed applications from more than 100 candidates before selecting Marco Pardi. Labuskes's 14-year tenure stands as the benchmark for the role, while Pardi's prior team oversaw more than 200 professionals across three continents.
The players
AVIXA
AVIXA is the international trade association for the audiovisual industry, whose accreditations and industry research shape how pro AV integrators and equipment suppliers operate.
Marco Pardi
Marco Pardi is an events executive who previously served as president of the Tech Events portfolio at Informa, leading more than 200 professionals across North America, Europe, and Asia.
David Labuskes
David Labuskes is the outgoing AVIXA chief executive who served 14 years, overseeing the association's rebrand from InfoComm International and launch of the ANP accreditation and Pro AV Business Index.
Informa
Informa is a global business intelligence and events company whose Tech Events portfolio Pardi ran before joining AVIXA.
The details
AVIXA's senior volunteers led the evaluation of applicants over the 12-month search, which is how the association arrived at its choice. Pardi comes from Informa, where he was president of the Tech Events portfolio, giving him direct experience running technology-focused trade and event businesses. Under Labuskes, AVIXA rebranded from InfoComm International and introduced the ANP (Audiovisual Network Professional) accreditation and the monthly Pro AV Business Index, programs an incoming leader must maintain or reshape.
Timeline
December 31, 2026: David Labuskes retires as AVIXA CEO.
January 1, 2027: Marco Pardi takes over as AVIXA CEO.
Market Landscape
AVIXA's leadership change comes as the pro AV sector consolidates its professional credentials and market metrics, with the ANP accreditation and Pro AV Business Index serving as its benchmarks. Pardi's Informa experience places AVIXA alongside global event operators that run multi-region trade shows and technology conferences.
Pro AV integrators, equipment suppliers, and event operators should track how the new CEO sets priorities for AVIXA's certifications and industry data over 2027. Members relying on the ANP accreditation and Pro AV Business Index should watch for any program changes after the January 1, 2027 handover.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at industry associations often reset program priorities, so operators who depend on AVIXA credentials and benchmarks should monitor announcements from the new CEO in early 2027. Reviewing any member-facing changes to accreditation or industry research after the handover will show whether the association's direction shifts.
Further reading
For more on executive moves across the trade and events sector, see People.
