Eden Prairie, MN – April 1, 2026 — As venues across Europe implement new accessibility requirements under the European Accessibility Act (EAA), demand for modern assistive listening technologies continues to grow. Williams AV today announced Audio-Technica France as its newest international distribution partner, expanding the company’s global channel network to support this increasing demand.
Over the past six months, Williams AV has added distribution partners in Singapore, Panama, Morocco, and Spain, continuing its steady international expansion.
As accessibility initiatives and regulations such as the European Accessibility Act (EAA) take effect across Europe, venues are actively implementing solutions that improve accessibility for visitors. Demand for modern assistive listening technologies continues to grow, and France represents an important market for these solutions. Partnering with Audio-Technica France ensures local integrators have the expertise and support needed to successfully deploy them.
The new partnership builds on Williams AV’s strong relationships with Audio-Technica Central Europe and Audio-Technica Benelux. Together, these collaborations reflect a proven approach—working with trusted regional audio specialists to provide technical guidance, high-quality support, and reliable solutions for venues across Europe.
“Accessibility is quickly becoming a standard part of how venues plan new technology,” said Per Persson, Vice President of International Sales & Product Management at Williams AV. “With the European Accessibility Act now in effect, venues are actively looking for practical ways to meet accessibility expectations. We’re seeing growing interest in modern assistive listening technologies, and our experience working with the Audio-Technica teams in Central Europe and the Benelux region has been excellent. Expanding that partnership into France felt like a natural next step.”
“We’ve seen the strong results our colleagues in Central Europe and the Benelux region have achieved working with Williams AV,” said Evangéline Pirot, General Manager of Audio-Technica France. “As accessibility becomes a greater focus for venues across France, we’re excited to introduce Infinium to our customers and help them explore how this new technology can support their audiences.”
The addition of Audio-Technica France marks another step in Williams AV’s efforts to support accessible communication technologies as accessibility expectations continue to evolve across Europe.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
