Series 8

the future of commercial a/v

Season 8 of Surroundscapes explores the ideas, technologies, and people shaping the future of commercial audio. From emerging Pro AV trends and experiential design to music technology, licensing, open standards, and smarter approaches to system configuration, the series takes a practical look at what’s changing across the industry — and what it means for integrators, consultants, and end users.

Along the way, we’ll hear from industry experts, spotlight key partners and consultants, and go behind the scenes of real-world installations to see how thoughtful audio design is creating better, more engaging commercial spaces.

Episode 12

Case Study - ExPat Barbecue with General Manager Zach Brown

Oct 28, 2025: Case Study – ExPat Barbecue with General Manager Zach Brown

In this episode of Surroundscapes, Craig Cooper sits down with Zach Brown, General Manager of Expat BBQ in St. Louis, to explore how thoughtful sound design enhances the dining experience. They discuss the unique challenges of outfitting multi-level spaces—from indoor dining rooms to rooftop patios—and how Bluesound Professional’s flexible audio solutions help create cohesive yet dynamic atmospheres across the Niche Food Group’s venues.

Episode 11

Case Study - TED2026 Chill Out Zone

April 28, 2026 – TED2026

Episode 11 of Surroundscapes Series 7 wraps up the season with a compelling case study from the TED Conference in Vancouver, showcasing how immersive sound design can transform real-world environments. From the creation of a biophilic “listening room” powered by generative soundscapes to its impact on attendee wellbeing, focus, and engagement, this episode explores the growing role of sound in shaping human experience. It also highlights how these solutions are extending into workplaces, healthcare, and beyond—driving productivity, reducing stress, and redefining how we design spaces for people.

Episode 10

Tech Talk with Ross & Reza - The Lost Art of Troubleshooting

Apr 21, 2026: Tech Talk with Ross & Reza

Episode 10 of Surroundscapes Series 7 dives into the fundamentals of troubleshooting, exploring why a methodical, back-to-basics approach is more critical than ever in today’s networked AV environments. From starting simple and isolating variables to navigating complex configurations, VLANs, and AV-over-IP systems, this episode breaks down practical strategies to diagnose issues faster and more effectively. Whether you’re an integrator or technician, it’s a valuable reminder that strong troubleshooting isn’t just a skill—it’s essential to delivering reliable, efficient deployments.

Episode 9

Hot Topic - TED Talks Audio Summit Preview with Julian Treasure

April 14, 2026: Ted Talks with Julian Treasure

Episode 9 of Surroundscapes Series 7 explores the power of listening with renowned speaker and author Julian Treasure, diving into why listening is one of the most overlooked yet critical skills in business and everyday life. From the global impact of poor listening—affecting communication, leadership, and wellbeing—to the role of sound in shaping human experience, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how we engage with the world through audio. With insights from TED, emerging research, and real-world applications, the conversation highlights how better listening can transform organizations, relationships, and the environments we design.

Episode 8

Episode 8 - Partner Spotlight - Custom Channels with Head of Partnerships Mark Willett & CEO Joe Comer

April 7, 2026 – Partner Spotlight – Custom Channels

Episode 8 of Surroundscapes Series 7 shines a spotlight on Custom Channels, exploring how music, messaging, and technology are transforming the in-store experience. From licensed streaming and curated playlists to advanced scheduling, advertising, and API-driven integrations, this episode dives into how businesses can turn audio into a powerful brand and engagement tool. With insights into retail media networks, interoperability, and the future of AI in music curation, the conversation highlights how sound is evolving from background noise to a strategic driver of customer connection and revenue.

Episode 7

Hot Topic - Workplace Futures with KBM Hogues' SVP Innovation Tracy Wymer

Sept 31, 2026: WORKPLACE FUTURES

Episode 7 of Surroundscapes Series 7 explores the future of the workplace with Tracy Wymer, a leader in design, research, and workplace strategy. From human-centered design and interdisciplinary collaboration to the evolving role of sound, wellness, and flexibility in modern environments, this conversation challenges traditional thinking around offices and work culture. Drawing on insights from the Work Futures Initiative and the book Unfiltered Voices, this episode uncovers how businesses can create more adaptive, engaging, and people-first spaces in a world where change is the only constant.

Episode 6

Tech Talk with Ross & Reza - the Bluesound Professional CP200's New Features

Mar 24, 2026: CP200’s New Features

Episode 6 of Surroundscapes Series 7 takes a deep dive into the Bluesound Professional CP200, showcasing how customizable control interfaces are transforming the user experience in AV installations. From branded touchscreens and multi-level access control to real-time feedback like volume, artwork, and system status, this episode highlights how integrators can build tailored, scalable solutions with ease. With powerful API integrations, dynamic UI elements, and even unique features like weather widgets, the CP200 unlocks a new level of flexibility and creativity in system design.

Episode 5

Partner Spotlight - NetGear with Director Devan Cress & System Engineer Nicoel Lewis

Mar 17, 2026: Partner Spotlight with Netgear

Episode 5 of Surroundscapes Series 7 features a Partner Spotlight with Netgear, as Nicoel Lewis and Devin Cress join the conversation to explore the growing role of networking in the AV industry. From simplifying AV-over-IP deployments and reducing installation costs to enabling scalable, secure infrastructures, the discussion highlights how purpose-built networking solutions are helping integrators work faster and smarter. The episode also dives into key industry trends—including AV/broadcast convergence, cybersecurity, and the expanding role of AV across sectors like education, courts, and enterprise environments.

Episode 4

Hot Topic - Music Tech with Rock Paper Scissors CEO Dmitri Vietzi

September 15, 2026: Dmitri Vietze, founder of Rock Paper Scissors and Music Tectonics

Episode 4 of Surroundscapes Season 8 welcomes Dmitri Vietze, founder of Rock Paper Scissors and Music Tectonics, for a wide-ranging conversation about the forces reshaping music, technology, and professional AV. From building stronger connections between creators and technologists to rethinking how sound can create more intentional, immersive experiences, Dmitri and Graeme explore where these increasingly connected industries are headed. The discussion also dives into AI and human creativity, new opportunities for artist monetization and super fandom, and how emerging technologies could create more interactive and engaging experiences in retail, hospitality, and beyond.

Episode 3

Case Study: Westridge Market with Manny Rodriguez

September 8, 2026: CRAIG COPPER WITH MANNY RODRIGUEZ

In Episode 3 of Surroundscapes Series 7, we dive into a hands-on Tech Talk showcasing the new Bluesound Professional Speaker Calculator — a powerful, browser-based tool designed to take the guesswork out of ceiling speaker design. From understanding dispersion and SPL targets to optimizing overlap, wattage, and amplifier power, this episode walks integrators through how to design smarter, more efficient systems in minutes. With dynamic heat mapping, drag-and-drop layouts, floor plan overlays, and instant PDF exports, this free tool is built to streamline workflow and improve accuracy on every project.

Episode 2

Tech Talk: The Speaker is the System (speaker config)

September 1, 2026: ROSS EBERLIN & REZA MOHAMMED

Episode 2 of Surroundscapes Season 8 explores the idea that “the speaker is the system” and how intelligent, all-in-one networked speakers are simplifying commercial audio. Ross and Reza discuss how bringing streaming, DSP, amplification, and the loudspeaker together in a single endpoint can reduce installation complexity while unlocking greater flexibility, scalability, and control. From dynamic zoning and remote monitoring to proactive troubleshooting and new managed-service opportunities for integrators, this episode looks at how smarter endpoints are changing the way commercial audio systems are designed, installed, and supported.

Episode 1

Hot Topic - Trends in the Pro AV Industry with Roland Hemming of RH Consulting & Copper Leaf Media

August 25, 2026: ROLAND HEMMING

Episode 1 of Surroundscapes Season 8 kicks off the new season with AV industry veteran Roland Hemming for a fascinating conversation on the trends, technologies, and ideas shaping the future of professional AV. Drawing on decades of experience—from landmark projects like the Millennium Dome and the London Olympics to consulting, standards development, and marketing—Roland shares his perspective on AI, cybersecurity, immersive experiences, sustainability, and the evolution of systems integration. It’s an insightful discussion packed with real-world expertise and a forward-looking view of where our industry is headed.