Top 5 Audio-Visual (AV) Conferences

The demand for real-time communication, streaming, and over-the-top (OTT) services is continuously increasing in this digital age. This has led to an increase in competition among providers who strive to attract more users and provide the best possible experience to surpass their competitors.

With constant improvements and innovations in the AV industry, these services need to be maintained and improved regularly. To stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in the field, professionals from all over the world gather at various conferences to share their experiences and communicate their ideas for further improvements.

If you're looking to enhance your knowledge and stay ahead of the curve, we've compiled a list of the top 5 audio-visual conferences you should attend. Whether you're a software developer or quality assurance engineer or have a general interest in the field, these conferences are a must-attend. So, get ready to embark on a journey through the exciting world of audio-visual conferencing and discover new opportunities to expand your expertise.

Kranky Geek

Online conference

WebRTC is a rapidly evolving technology, and Kranky Geek is among the best places to keep up to date with the latest advancements. Kranky Geek is an exceptional conference that is highly focused on real-time technologies, and it holds particular relevance for individuals interested in WebRTC.

The event was founded by Tsahi Levant-Levi and Chris Koehncke in 2014, and Chad Hart joined them later. Each of them qualifies as an expert in the field, and they all have their own blogs about WebRTC. 

At Kranky Geek, attendees can expect to be exposed to the latest developments in WebRTC as well as related topics, including messaging and IoT. The conference features a diverse range of talks and presentations from industry leaders, such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), providing a valuable opportunity to learn from experts in the field.

Here are some industry leaders in WebRTC and related fields that regularly attend and speak at Kranky Geek:

• Google. WebRTC platform and related technologies.
• Microsoft. Teams platform and other communication tools.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS). Amazon Chime and other communication services.
• Twilio. APIs for messaging, voice, and video communication.
• Agora. A provider of real-time communication solutions for various industries.
• Vonage. Cloud-based communication services.
• Krisp. An AI-powered noise-cancellation technology for voice and video communication.

Overall, Kranky Geek is an important conference for anyone involved in real-time communication development, and especially those interested in WebRTC. By attending, participants can gain useful insights from industry leaders, keep abreast of the latest advancements, and establish valuable connections within the industry, all while enjoying the perplexity and richness of the content.

Watch a video recording of the last conference: Kranky Geek WebRTC Fall 2022.

@Scale

@Scale is a global community of engineers who come together to share knowledge and best practices related to building and maintaining large-scale systems. The community was founded in 2013 by engineers from companies such as Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn who were looking for a platform to share their expertise in building and scaling large systems:

• Android, video, and web
• Data, systems, and networking
• DevOps tools, privacy, sustainability, and performance
• Fighting abuse and security
• Machine learning and AI

In this blog post, we have decided to feature two @Scale series events that are closely related to the AV industry—RTC @Scale and VIDEO @Scale.

RTC @Scale

Online conference

RTC @Scale is a must-attend event for developers and engineers involved in the rapidly evolving world of real-time communication (RTC) technologies. The conference features an impressive array of presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to provide attendees with the latest insights and knowledge in RTC technology, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.

What makes RTC @Scale particularly valuable is its focus on scaling RTC applications and services to meet the needs of large audiences. This is crucial for businesses and organizations that need to deliver real-time communication to customers and users around the globe. By attending the conference, participants can learn from various industry leaders and experts in the field, such as:

• Facebook. Messenger Rooms for video conferencing and live audio rooms for live audio conversations.
• Google. Google Meet for video conferencing and Google Chat for messaging and collaboration.
• Twilio. Programmable Video for embedding video chat and voice calling into applications.
• Agora. Real-time engagement platform for video, voice, and interactive broadcasting.
• Vonage. Vonage Video API for embedding video chat and messaging into applications.
• Zoom. Zoom Meetings for video conferencing, webinars, and phone systems.

The conference provides ample networking opportunities, both during scheduled sessions and in informal settings, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded individuals and potentially collaborate on future projects.

Whether you have years of experience as a Real-Time Communications (RTC) developer or you are new to this field, attending the RTC @Scale event can prove to be a perfect opportunity to enrich your knowledge, build valuable connections, and stay ahead of the game in this dynamic and thrilling industry.

Watch video recordings of the last conference: RTC @Scale 2022

VIDEO@scale

Online conference

Video@Scale is a conference that stands at the forefront of delivering video at scale. This conference is tailor-made for developers and engineers involved in video development, covering topics related to video encoding, streaming, and delivery.

During the conference, you can anticipate hearing from industry specialists who will provide their invaluable insights on the newest advancements in video technology, through an array of presentations and talks. 

In past conferences, esteemed speakers have included:

• Facebook. Video hosting, sharing, and streaming on Facebook and Instagram, Facebook Live for live video streaming, and Portal for video calling.
• Netflix. Video streaming service for TV shows and movies, original content production, and content delivery through Open Connect.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS). Video encoding, storage, and delivery through AWS Elemental services, Amazon Kinesis Video Streams for real-time video streaming, and Amazon Prime Video for video streaming service.
• Google. YouTube for video sharing and streaming, Google Cloud Video Intelligence for video analysis, and Google Cast for streaming to TVs.
• Twitch. Live video game streaming platform, Twitch Studio for broadcasting software, and Twitch Prime for free games and in-game content.
• Vimeo. Video hosting, sharing, and collaboration tools, Vimeo OTT for video streaming service, and Vimeo Create for video creation and editing tools.

Attending Video @Scale has several key benefits, including the chance to stay up-to-date with the latest video technology trends and innovations. 

If you are a software developer or engineer who specializes in delivering video content at scale, attending the Video @Scale conference should be on your priority list. This conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from industry experts, stay updated on the latest trends and innovations, and, of course, expand your professional network.

Watch the video recordings of the last conference: Video @Scale 2022

Demuxed

Hybrid conference

First held in 2015 and since organized by a group of volunteers from the video technology industry, Demuxed, the premier conference for video technology and streaming, caters to the needs of developers and engineers who specialize in video technology. 

The latest and greatest in this exciting field is on full display during the event, providing attendees with a comprehensive look at what's new and noteworthy in the video technology industry, including cutting-edge topics like adaptive bitrate streaming, content delivery networks (CDNs), and machine learning. 

Demuxed offers an all-encompassing educational experience that comprises a diverse range of learning activities, including presentations, panel discussions, and networking events. These activities afford ample opportunities to acquire knowledge from distinguished luminaries in the industry and establish invaluable relationships with other proficient professionals in the field.

The event has featured several renowned speakers and industry leaders from various organizations, including:

• Google. Google Cloud Video Intelligence for video analysis, Google Cast for streaming to TVs, and Google ExoPlayer for open-source media player.
• Netflix. Open Connect for content delivery network, Dynamic Optimizer for video encoding, and Content Delivery API for streaming.
• Vimeo. Advanced video player and hosting, video analytics and optimization tools, and customizable embed options for video sharing.
• Mux. Mux Video for video encoding, streaming, and analytics, Mux Data for video performance monitoring, and Mux Live Streaming for live video streaming.
• Hulu. Hulu Streaming Library for video streaming service, Hulu Live TV for live TV streaming, and Hulu Ad Manager for video advertising.
• AWS Elemental. AWS Elemental MediaConvert for video transcoding, AWS Elemental MediaLive for live video processing, and AWS Elemental MediaPackage for video packaging and origination.

One of the key distinguishing features of Demuxed is its focus on "demuxing," a technical process that involves separating different multimedia components such as audio and video streams. This unique focus on the technical details of video technology sets Demuxed apart from other conferences in the industry.

At Demuxed, attendees can gain valuable insights into the technical aspects of video encoding, transcoding, and delivery.

Watch video recordings of the last conference: Demuxed 2022 

Streaming Media Connect

Hybrid conference

Streaming media is a news media company, originally founded in 1998 and led by a team of recognized industry experts, that provides news, analysis, and education for professionals in the streaming media industry. In addition to their website, Streaming Media hosts several conferences and events throughout the year. 

Streaming Media Connect is a conference that focuses on the latest trends and technologies in online video, streaming media, and OTT (over-the-top) services. It brings together experts and innovators from all over the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving industry.

One of the key benefits of attending Streaming Media Connect is that it offers unique insights into the latest technologies and strategies for delivering high-quality video content to viewers. Attendees also have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the industry, exchange ideas, and learn about the latest tools and technologies.

The conference provides an extensive agenda that encompasses informative presentations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and engaging workshops, offering a great chance to learn from prominent figures in the industry, such as:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS). Amazon Elastic Transcoder for video transcoding, Amazon Kinesis Video Streams for real-time video streaming, and Amazon Prime Video for video streaming services.
• Google. YouTube for video sharing and streaming, Google Play Movies & TV for digital video rental and purchase, and Google TV for streaming platforms.
• Microsoft. Microsoft Stream for video sharing and management, Xbox Video for digital video rental and purchase, and Microsoft Movies & TV for video streaming services.
• Netflix. Netflix for video streaming services.
• Vimeo. Vimeo OTT for video streaming services, Vimeo Create for video creation and editing tools, and Vimeo Livestream for live video streaming.
• Bitmovin. Bitmovin Video Infrastructure for encoding, player, and analytics for online video and streaming.

Overall, anyone involved in the online video and streaming media industry will find attending Streaming Media Connect worth their while. Whether you're a developer, a content creator, or a business leader, you'll find valuable insights and inspiration at this event.

Watch the video recordings of the last conference: Streaming Media Connect August 2022. 

Other conferences from Streaming Media:

• Streaming Media West.A conference held in California that covers a range of topics related to streaming media, including live streaming, video production, and content delivery. This conference attracts a diverse range of attendees, from developers to business leaders.
• Streaming Media East.A conference held in New York City that focuses on the latest trends and technologies in online video and streaming media. Attendees can expect to learn about the latest advancements in video codecs, delivery, and monetization.
• Streaming Media Summit.A virtual event that brings together thought leaders and innovators in the streaming media industry. This conference covers a range of topics, including video production, distribution, and monetization, as well as the latest developments in real-time communication and video quality.

VQEG (Bonus)

Meetings

The Video Quality Experts Group, or VQEG, was born from a need to bring together experts in subjective video quality assessment and objective quality measurement with its first meeting held in 1997.

The main contributors to VQEG are experts from industry, academia, and government organizations. Its members are from around the world, and its work is supported by organizations such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

The VQEG is dedicated to the assessment and standardization of video quality and serves as a hub for the latest research in video quality assessment, as well as related topics like subjective testing methods, objective metrics, and quality-of-experience (QoE) models. 

Face-to-face meetings are generally held twice a year where major decisions are made. These meetings are free to attend and are usually held alternately in Europe, North America, and Asia, and last 5 days. The meetings themselves are made up of presentations, discussions, and working group sessions, which offer a unique opportunity to collaborate with other experts in the field.

One of the most significant benefits of attending VQEG conferences is the chance to stay current with the latest advancements and best practices in video quality assessment. This is particularly important given the rapid pace of technological change in the video industry. 

It is worth noting that VQEG's work extends far beyond video quality assessment, having a broad impact on the entire video industry. The standards and best practices that VQEG develops are crucial to manufacturers, content providers, and service providers, all of whom depend on high-quality video experiences to stay competitive in the market.

For those involved in video quality assessment and standardization, VQEG is an essential organization, and its conferences are particularly relevant for researchers and engineers in the video industry. 

Video recordings of past VQEG meetings are available to watch online.

Final thoughts

All of the aforementioned AV conferences are essential for AV enthusiasts looking to broaden their knowledge and stay ahead of the curve. Each of the events gathers experts from the industry to share their knowledge, providing some valuable insights in the field. 

By attending such events, not only can you listen to the speakers and watch their presentations, but you can participate as well, as there are Q&A sessions and some behind-the-scenes talks, which can help you build some new connections in the industry.

Most of the conferences are held online, while some are offline, but no worries! All of the conferences we mention provide recordings and materials from the event, so you are able to watch recordings on your own time.