In the premiere episode of HETMA Presents, the leadership team kicks off the “Road to 10K” initiative with a candid, unscripted conversation about growth, purpose, and what success really looks like for the HETMA community. Host Ryan Gray is joined by Joe Way, BC Hatchett, and Troy Powers to explore the launch of HETMA’s new themed year—one focused not on sales or metrics, but on authentic personal and professional development across the higher ed AV vertical.
This month’s theme, “True North: The Future of You,” asks members to reflect on their mission, their goals, and the values that guide their decisions. The group discusses the reasons behind the year-long framework, how engagement—not just membership—is the real target, and why doing the work themselves as volunteers matters deeply to the organization’s identity.

Topics Discussed

• The origin and purpose of the “Road to 10K” initiative
• How the initiative represents a return to HETMA’s founding values
• The difference between member count and active engagement
• Monthly themes as a structure for personal and community growth
• Why AV isn’t the headline—and why that’s intentional
• The role of volunteerism in leadership development
• Building sustainable events and operational templates
• Creating belonging through participation and shared work
• What “True North” means to each leader
• Hopes for how the community will grow by June 2026

Continue the conversation at community.hetma.org