Middle Atlantic Products' today announced the release of the company's L7 Series adjustable-height lectern, which unites innovative engineering and stylish design in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to meet the needs of any user in any learning space. With its elegant curves and versatile adjustment options, this first-of-a-kind lectern visually transforms presentation spaces while delivering the ergonomic flexibility essential to users with varying height requirements. The L7 Series Lectern will be on display at InfoComm2018 June 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in Legrand's booth C3683

In 2017, Middle Atlantic began extensive research to address unmet needs in learning spaces at the intersection of technology and furniture. The company discovered a series of conflicting requirements between higher-education stakeholders, such as facilities and faculty members, and the integration community. Uniting these needs in a single solution, Middle Atlantic has pioneered the path to designer, height-adjustable technical furniture with the L7 Series Lectern. The stylish, innovative solution merges a modern, curved design with motorized height-adjustability that complies with ADA requirements.

As technology continues to weave itself into the fabric of our everyday lives, ADA compliance and the ability to meet the needs of all users has become a common conversation in the AV industry. Higher-education facility managers are met with the challenge of designing a single space to meet the needs of all faculty members. Setting ADA guidelines aside, the difference in the average height of men and women is six inches. A height-adjustable solution that enables users to engage effectively with the technology in the space — no matter the stature of the individual or whether they are standing or seated — maximizes the flexibility of the classroom.

"Flexibility in function should by no means represent sacrifice in design," explained Megan Knedler, director of product management for furniture at Middle Atlantic. "Integrators need solutions that will appeal to users and can adhere to design standards for modern, active learning spaces."

The L7 Series Lectern is designed to flaunt dramatic curves that highlight its generous workspace, and it boasts mixed materials of brushed aluminum and wood-grain finish — resulting in a lectern that looks appealing in both standing and seated positions.

Designed with both integrators and educators in mind, the L7 Series Lectern provides a welded steel frame with modular rackmount and storage options; additional small device storage available below the worksurface on patented, removable Lever Lock™ mounting; integrated power, cable and thermal management for ultimate system reliability; and included popular AVIP plates for higher education applications. The L7 also offers instructors a generous 61-inch by 31-inch workspace to accommodate personal devices, a wireless charging pad to keep Qi cellular devices charged during class, ample USB and AC outlets, and storage for markers and microphones.

"Middle Atlantic and Crestron have been strategic partners for years," said Bob Bavolacco, manager of partner programs for Crestron. "When they approached us to collaborate on the new L7 lectern with the integration of our touch panels, we were honored. The L7 lectern provides a refined, modern aesthetic for today's classrooms and offers the integrated experience and flexibility required by today's technology managers."

To provide additional information about ADA requirements in AV, Middle Atlantic is offering a training session "Understanding Sit/Stand Furniture Applications and the Impact of ADA Requirement on Space Design and Infrastructure in Corporate and Higher Education AV Solutions" on June 8, 8:30 - 10 a.m. in room N229.

More information about Middle Atlantic is available at www.middleatlantic.com.