David Pammenter is an experienced and forward-thinking professional in the field of audio-visual systems and multimedia integration. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, he serves as the Audio Visual and Multimedia Officer at the University of Edinburgh Business School. His work bridges the gap between technology and education, focusing on delivering effective AV solutions that enhance teaching and collaboration. With more than 15 years of experience in academic environments and a practical understanding of AV systems, David has become a trusted name in university-level multimedia operations.
Starting in AV: Laying Down the Cables and the FoundationX
David’s journey into AV systems began long before his current post. Between 2007 and early 2012, he worked as an AV/IT Technician with the Projects Team at the University of Edinburgh. This role introduced him to the complexities of designing and implementing AV systems within large academic environments.
From programming platforms like Extron and AMX to overseeing the tendering and installation of AV infrastructure, David was involved in the entire lifecycle of AV project delivery. He also played a crucial role in creating standardized documentation and forms for project proposals, contributing to better team-wide processes. During this time, he became familiar with not only hardware solutions but also the importance of system integration in educational contexts.
Elevating Classroom Technology: The Role at the Business School
Since 2012, David has taken on a pivotal position as Audio Visual and Multimedia Officer at the University of Edinburgh Business School. Over his more than a decade in this post, he has been responsible for planning, designing, implementing, and supporting AV systems that are aligned with modern educational practices.
Some of his major responsibilities include:
- Designing and Upgrading AV Spaces: From tendering AV upgrade projects to choosing the right tools and systems, David ensures each classroom is equipped to handle today’s learning methods. His work always starts with conversations with faculty to understand teaching goals, which then inform the space’s AV layout and functionality.
- Programming and Support: Much of the programming in these spaces is done using Extron systems. He also manages second-line support, handling advanced repairs and replacements, while training first-line staff and developing troubleshooting workflows to streamline issue resolution.
- Training and Documentation: David is a firm believer in making systems accessible to users. He creates instructional materials and offers hands-on training for staff, ensuring they can navigate new equipment and workflows with confidence.
Lecture Capture: A Campus-Wide Pilot Project
One of David’s more prominent projects was his leadership in a lecture capture pilot program. Over the span of three years, he helped implement and test AV solutions for recording lectures across more than 120 rooms. This pilot was later adopted by central IT services, showing how a targeted initiative can become a university-wide standard.
David’s approach to lecture capture included both the technical setup and the strategic design of the workflow. He focused on ensuring recordings were reliable, accessible, and integrated with existing systems. By leading from the front and working collaboratively across departments, he helped build the groundwork for a scalable recording infrastructure.
Agile Development: A Room Booking Solution
David’s work doesn’t stop at hardware. He also played a key role in an agile team that developed a multi-function room booking system. This system was more than a calendar — it integrated a standalone booking platform, pulled in data from the university’s central scheduling systems, and delivered live information on various digital screens around the campus.
This effort blended AV and IT in a meaningful way, reflecting David’s interest in how hardware and software combine to enable collaboration. The system continues to support real-time updates and scheduling efficiency, reducing confusion and making room management more effective for staff and students alike.
Certification and Technical Competence
David brings a range of certifications to his role. These include:
- Dante Certification Level 1 (Audinate) – Earned in March 2018, this certification demonstrates his knowledge of digital audio networking and how to implement Dante-enabled devices in scalable AV networks.
- AgilePM® Foundation (APMG International) – This 2016 certification shows his understanding of Agile methodologies, which he has applied to cross-functional projects like the room booking platform.
These credentials support his technical work and show his commitment to continuous learning in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
Representing AV Voices: Non-Executive Director at AV User Group
Outside his university role, David has served as a Non-Executive Director for the Scotland branch of the Audio Visual User Group since 2019. This group connects AV professionals, support staff, and technology suppliers, providing a platform for shared learning and advocacy.
David’s involvement helps represent user needs to manufacturers and industry bodies. He contributes to feedback on training requirements, standardization issues, and product design. The group also hosts technology briefings and networking opportunities, helping AV professionals stay current with developments in the field.
Interests and Focus Areas
While David’s role covers a wide spectrum, he has a particular interest in systems that promote collaboration. Whether it’s through video conferencing tools, touch displays, or networked AV solutions, he seeks out ways to make working together easier — especially in hybrid and flexible learning environments.
His work shows an awareness that modern education depends not just on delivering content but also on enabling dialogue, engagement, and accessibility across time zones and devices.
What Sets David Apart?
David’s career is built on a few consistent themes:
- End-to-End Thinking: He doesn’t just install systems; he thinks about how they’ll be used, how they’ll be supported, and how they’ll evolve. His designs reflect actual user needs rather than theoretical capabilities.
- Hands-On Collaboration: He works closely with lecturers, admin staff, IT professionals, and vendors. This collaborative approach ensures better adoption of new tools and fewer surprises during implementation.
- Sustainable Improvements: From documentation and training to scalable systems like lecture capture and room booking, David looks for solutions that last. He builds processes as well as tools, ensuring knowledge and functionality don’t vanish when projects end.
Facing the Challenges of Modern AV
David operates in an environment that is both technical and people-focused. The growing demand for flexible, tech-enabled classrooms brings with it challenges like:
- Managing aging hardware alongside new installs
- Training staff with varying levels of tech familiarity
- Integrating legacy systems with new software
- Staying ahead of security and privacy concerns in video-enabled environments
Through his systematic yet practical approach, David helps address these challenges, making technology an enabler rather than a distraction.
Looking Ahead
As AV technology continues to evolve — with trends like AI-driven lecture transcription, remote participation tools, and cloud-managed AV systems gaining ground — professionals like David will be central to integrating these advancements in ways that make sense for educators and learners.
The future likely holds more crossovers between AV, IT, and UX design. David’s experience on both hardware and software sides puts him in a strong position to lead in this next phase. His balance of technical knowledge and team-oriented thinking will remain essential as universities rethink how learning spaces function in a digital-first world.
Conclusion
David Pammenter’s career reflects a practical, systems-driven approach to audio-visual innovation in education. At the University of Edinburgh Business School, he has helped shape classroom and campus technologies to better support teaching, collaboration, and everyday operations.
Whether it’s building robust lecture capture systems, refining AV infrastructure, or designing workflows for easier troubleshooting, David’s work consistently focuses on solutions that are usable, scalable, and aligned with real-world needs. His dual roles — within the university and as part of the broader AV User Group — reinforce his commitment to both institutional and industry-wide improvement.
