5-minutes with…Athan Antoniadis Leave a reply Solotech introduces the talent behind its unparalleled and world-renowned expertise. Get to know Athan Antoniadis, newly appointed Lighting Project Manager for Solotech in Las Vegas. Q: Congratulations on your new position, Athan! You’ve been with the company since 2009 – what does a typical workday look like for you these days? Athan Antoniadis: We have an incredible team here, and it’s my responsibility to manage the projects that come through our shop. From entering the orders into our system, to booking the crew and equipment necessary to get the show up and running, prepping and loading gear; these productions wouldn’t happen without attention to detail and precise execution. Q: What does your road to Solotech look like? AA: My first gig was as a technician at my high school theatre back in 2000. I got my first job in the industry when I turned 16, working for a local lighting company in the San Francisco Bay area. At 17 I started working in a club on weekends, mixing sound and running lights. After finishing high school, I spent a few years working for a good friend at his newly founded company, growing it into a major regional rental house. I also spent time working as a stagehand at IATSE Local 16. I moved to Las Vegas in 2008, found Solotech a year later, and haven’t looked back since! Q: What was your dream job growing up? AA: Confession time: Top Gun was my favorite movie growing up, so I wanted to be a fighter pilot…turns out I’m no Tom Cruise. Q: What is the best part of your job? AA: I get to interact with awesome people every day; from our incredible clients to our technicians in the shop and in the field – we wouldn’t be able to pull off such fantastic shows and events without a group of amazing people. Q: What’s been your favorite project since starting with Solotech? AA: My favorite project would have to be the Justin Timberlake 2020 Experience World Tour. It was an amazing experience with equally amazing people onstage and behind the scenes. It opened many doors for me in my career, and I forged a lot of lasting friendships thanks to that show. Honourable mention to Robert Plant; he is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and a true pleasure to work with. Q: What would you say sets Solotech apart? AA: I think it’s the people, and how we’re all able to work so well together to achieve the end result. I vividly remember a production manager on a tour I worked on who regularly complimented us on how well we worked together and how we would help each other out, regardless of what department we were in. Turns out teamwork really does make the dream work! Q: What excites you most about the evolving tech in your division? AA: I’m passionate about tech and how we’re able to constantly keep up to date on the latest gear and apply it to its full potential. Staying informed on the latest technology, keeping our productions cutting edge, and applying the gear to its maximum potential is what excites me about coming into work every day. Q: What do you see in Solotech’s future? AA: I see a lot of growth on the horizon, especially here in Las Vegas. We’re in a great location geographically to serve our existing clients and expand our client base, not only in Las Vegas but all along the west coast. Q: What’s something not everyone knows about Solotech that we should be talking about more? AA: We’re all really nice people – come on in and say hi! Q: Where is your favorite place to travel? AA: I love visiting Montreal both for work and as a tourist. I think my favorite places I’ve been working on a tour would have to be Rio de Janeiro, Prague, Russia, and Australia.
Solotech and DX7 Design help Miley Cyrus shine Leave a reply Miley Cyrus stole the show on New Year’s Eve The pop star marked the occasion with a performance on NBC live from Miami’s Telemundo Studios, with appearances from celebrities like Sia, Paris Hilton and Dolly Parton. While the performances had the star power to make for a memorable evening, Solotech’s technology was there to help them shine! VL5LED Wash lighting fixtures, mostly rigged to the arches of the scenic structure over the main stage, helped achieve a classic rock concert feeling behind the performance area. Tom Sutherland, CEO and Lead Designer at DX7 Design who delivered the lighting design, was singing the praises of Solotech’s gear. “The most impressive feature of the VL5LEDs by far was the brightness,” Sutherland said. “They were never above 50% intensity for the entire show, yet still easily competed with the other conventional and arc sources on the show.” For more details, read the full article here. Source: TPI Magazine (March 14, 2023), vari-lite vl5led wash delivers vintage looks and club-style effects for miley cyrus Contact media@solotech.com
Martin Carrier joins Solotech as President of the Live Productions Division in Canada Leave a reply Montreal, Quebec, March 30, 2023 – Martin Tremblay, President and CEO of Solotech, announced today the appointment of Martin Carrier as President of the Live Productions Division in Canada. “I’m pleased to welcome an exceptional leader who will play a key role on our management team thanks to his extensive experience in the entertainment industry. Martin Carrier is a visionary who, along with his team, will drive the Live Productions business in Canada within a large-scale market,” said Martin Tremblay. Martin Carrier has over 25 years’ experience in senior management roles in a variety of industries, including video games, television and film production, and technology. He joins Solotech from MELS Studios & Postproduction, where he served as President. Previously, he held executive positions at renowned companies such as Frima Studio, Warner Bros. Games and Ubisoft. “I’m honoured to join a leading Canadian company in audiovisual and entertainment technology. I’m looking forward to taking the helm of a renowned team in Canada that rolls out over 5,000 live production projects each year,” says Martin Carrier. Martin Carrier is known for his visionary leadership as well as his focus on business growth, technological innovation, and customer service excellence. Effective April 24, 2023, he will take leadership of overall activities related to tours, festivals and local live productions events in Canada. His mission will be to spearhead the Canadian operations and business development activities, and to ensure that Solotech remains an industry leader. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and an Executive MBA from McGill-HEC Montréal. He is also involved in the industry as a board member, notably as President of the Digital Alliance. Martin Chouinard, who previously held this position, will continue with Solotech in a new strategic role of Chief Global Operations and Asset Officer. This new appointment is in line with Solotech’s strategic plan for accelerated growth as it expands across Canada and around the world. Contact media@solotech.com
Martin Chouinard Appointed Chief Global Operations and Asset Officer Leave a reply Montreal, Quebec, March 22, 2023 – Martin Tremblay, President and CEO of Solotech, a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Chouinard as Chief Global Operations and Asset Officer. “Martin Chouinard is a seasoned executive who knows the company’s activities deeply, and he’s the perfect candidate to oversee this newly crafted global operations role. With his leadership, we will further propel our business with cutting-edge technology, unified processes and best practices,” explained Martin Tremblay. The Global Operations and Asset Officer function is a newly created position aiming to better support the core business activities of both the Live Productions and Sales and Systems Integration Divisions, including Technology, Business Intelligence, Asset Management, Strategic Sourcing, Research & Development, PMO, and Operational Excellence and Transformation. This new organizational structure places assets, data, technology and processes at the heart of Solotech’s operations worldwide. “Since I started at Solotech in 2006, it has been a privilege to work closely with all teams,” Chouinard said. “I’m looking forward to working towards our common goal of maintaining excellence in our business practices and supporting our international growth for both the Live Productions and Sales and Systems Integration Divisions.” Chouinard has been President of the Live Productions Division (Canada) and Global Operations since 2016. He arrived at Solotech with a wealth of managerial experience in the entertainment industry. This new appointment is in line with Solotech’s strategic plan for accelerated growth as it expands worldwide. Contact media@solotech.com
Weekends with Adele Leave a reply Solotech delivers a heartwarming experience with its video production in Las Vegas. In a feature published on February 11, 2022, La Presse shone a spotlight on Solotech’s key contribution to Adele’s Caesars Palace show in Las Vegas, where she’s been in residence since November 2022, as well as the company’s beehive of activity in Las Vegas. Adele’s show leverages cutting-edge tech tools like giant wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screens and an LED wall that make it possible to stream video and simulcast the show. “With the screens, camera work, projections and LED lights, the result is heartwarming. It’s the same feeling you get when you listen to a song on vinyl rather than Spotify!” says Ian Woody Woodall, Director of Special Projects at Solotech. Read the full article here (in French). Source: Les Québécois qui font briller Adele by Marissa Groguhé (La Presse) Contact media@solotech.com
Solotech recognized as one of Montreal’s Top Employers (2023) Leave a reply Solotech recognized as one of Montreal’s Top Employers (2023) Montreal, Quebec, February 28, 2023 – Solotech Inc., a global leader in audiovisual (AV), entertainment and technology, has just been named as one of Montreal’s Top Employers (2023). This recognition as a leader in the AV industry in 2023, following a record number of applications submitted, is an honor and testament to Solotech’s continuous commitment to put people at the core of its business. Montreal’s Top Employers is an annual prestigious designation that recognizes employers in Greater Montreal who are leading their industries by creating exceptional places to work while offering progressive and forward-thinking programs. It is organized by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which also conducts the renowned annual ranking of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. “We have made a strong commitment over the past few years to be the best employer in our industry. We are very proud to receive this distinction, confirming we are moving in the right direction. Solotech has an exceptional reputation for offering the best to our clients, and this is the result of our employees’ unparalleled know-how, expertise, and passion.” – Claudine Ricard, Chief Human Resources Officer, Solotech. At Solotech, our people are at the heart of everything we do and are behind our success. Not only are we renowned globally for our AV expertise and high-quality projects, but our personnel are also known and recognized as the best talents in the industry. We prioritize career growth, professional development, well-being, an attractive work environment, and comprehensive benefits programs for our 2,100 employees globally. Our focus remains steadfast on offering an outstanding workplace experience to all our employees. “We are honored and extremely proud to be recognized among the best employers of Montreal. We are committed to offering a positive employee experience, a unique culture and social connections, career growth opportunities, and attractive HR programs. This award is dedicated to our most precious asset: the employees that make us a proud Montreal Top Employer,” she adds. Receiving this recognition is also a statement that sends a clear message to anyone looking to join the best employer in the AV industry. As our business continues to grow successfully, we have numerous job opportunities available in our Montreal headquarters and other locations in Canada, the US and the UK. Moreover, Solotech has also been selected as an employer of choice in The Career Directory (2023), Canada’s longest-running and best-loved employment guide for recent graduates. Read Montreal’s Top Employers feature about Solotech. Contact media@solotech.com
Jesse Dunning appointed Operations Director, Sales and Systems Integration, US Leave a reply Las Vegas, United States, February 21, 2023 – Solotech, world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is delighted to announce the appointment of Jesse Dunning to the key role of Operations Director, Sales and Integration, US. After many years in the construction trade, Jesse Dunning comes to Solotech from the wireless telecom industry. With a keen mind and instincts ideally suited to project management and team building, he’ll be an invaluable asset to the company. His duties will include overseeing S&I Project Managers and Technicians, as well as the Design Team. “Jesse is an established professional with a ‘get it done’ attitude. He’s passionate about building a solid team and growing the Las Vegas office. He has a laser focus on achieving results, which he’s already proven during his time on the MSG Sphere project. We’re happy to have him aboard,” says David Shoemaker, President, Sales and Systems Integration, US. The entire Solotech team wishes him every success in his new role. Find out more at www.solotech.com Contact media@solotech.com
Solotech awarded Solidaires prize from Centraide (United Way) Leave a reply Solotech contributes to Centraide of Greater Montreal’s 2022 campaign and garners Solidaires Mobilization award Montreal, February 17, 2023 – Centraide of Greater Montreal recently announced that it has raised a record-breaking $65.3M during its 49th campaign in 2022. For their part, Solotech employees showed unparalleled solidarity through multiple fundraising events, with Solotech matching a portion of each individual contribution. Thanks to the stellar results of this year’s Centraide campaign at Solotech, Centraide recognized the company as a major contributor, awarding it the Solidaires Mobilization prize. As a committed corporate citizen, Solotech also won the StartUp award for its Centraide campaign in 2018. Solotech has been supporting the organization for many years due to its substantial social involvement and active fight against exclusion and poverty. Its mission is aligned with the values of mutual aid, collaboration and solidarity that are so important to Solotech. Source: Read Centraide’s press release here. On the picture: Héloïse Meunier, Corporate Communications Advisor and Christine Latour, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Solotech (photo credit: courtesy of Centraide). Contact media@solotech.com
Awakening at the Wynn Resort: the magic of immersion Leave a reply How do you add a futuristic twist to the winning recipe of Las Vegas shows in terms of design and technology? That’s the challenge producers Bernie Yuman, Baz Halpin and Michael Curry set themselves in partnership with Wynn Resorts and director of entertainment operations Rick Gray for the Awakening show. The challenge of creating an immersive environment for the audience is possible, in part, by the audio and video equipment that Solotech provided. For this event, video has an undeniable supporting role in the experience. Upon entering the venue, the audience notices the massive LED stage floor, which accompanies the show as it evolves: “It’s incredibly useful to use the floor as a light source (…) especially to support the illusions” Tom Colbourne director of screen content. This custom LED stage set with variable resolution and pixel count is designed by 5Ten, a visual technology company. The stage wall is composed of ROE Visual Vanish V8 high transparency LED panels. The imagery is broadcast through eight disguised media servers. For audio, sound designer Peter Hylenski sought to combine the intimacy of headphone listening with the energy that flows through a large venue system. By using Meyer Sound products, the sound can be gathered from all sides and create an unparalleled harmony in the room. The immersive experience for each listener is well respected. For more details on the equipment provided by Solotech, read the full article here. Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com
Solotech wins its first inAVation award for best “Live Event” Leave a reply For the first time in its history, Solotech won the 2023 InAVation Awards for the Best “Live Event” in Barcelona on January 31, 2023. The company is proud to have been recognized for its audio, video, and lighting work on Katy Perry’s “Play” residency at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas. Katy Perry, the undisputed “Queen of Camp” not only came to play, she came to put on a sensory experience that made her show stand out among the rest – not an easy feat in the city renowned for over-the-top glitz and glam. Throughout the well-choreographed performance, a fully immersive environment was created that submerged concertgoers in a colourful world populated with oversized toys, bathroom items and even magic mushrooms. At the integrated Resorts World venue, Katy Perry put on a show that was opulent, quirky and extravagant, yet maintained an intimate rapport with the audience of 5,000. The ultra-high-resolution L-ISA Immersive hyperreal technology installed by Solotech and state-of-the-art visuals made every seat the best seat in the house! Photo : John Shearer, Getty Images / AEG Presents Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com
New UK headquarters to continue expansion in Europe Leave a reply Solotech announces new UK headquarters to continue its live productions and systems integration expansion in Europe State-of-the-art facilities to further equip Solotech UK team with technology and high AV production capabilities. Birmingham, United Kingdom, January 26, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in AV entertainment and technology, is delighted to announce the opening of a new UK headquarters. Located in Birmingham, the new modern facility will serve as a hub for audio, video and lighting rental stock and corporate offices, as well as a central location for its booming sales and systems integration activities. From this strategic location, the company is well positioned to efficiently serve the UK market and deliver its future projects in Europe. The install process is underway, and operations will begin in the upcoming months. Other Solotech locations in the UK continue to operate to serve client audiovisual needs. Solotech strives to stay on top of the latest technologies in the marketplace, making it a preferred choice for high-profile clients. With roots in audio dating back 45 years, the company continues to supply the biggest festivals, tours and live events across the UK, Europe and beyond, with a client list that includes Isle of Wight Festival, Reading & Leeds Festival, Hyde Park BST Summer Series, Download, Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Rammstein and many more. In recent times, Solotech has expanded its UK offering into video, lighting and full 360o services, including the internationally heralded ABBA Voyage project. John Probyn, Head of Business Development in Europe for the Live Productions Division, Solotech, comments: ‘This new facility gives us an operational advantage by providing efficient workflows that help us deliver the high-quality projects that our customers have come to expect. This great workplace also ensures our staff have modern facilities with the highest health, safety and welfare standards.’ Solotech has also been expanding, not only in its long-time role as a powerhouse in live production, but also as a Top 5 AV global systems integrator across the Corporate, Worship, and Transportation sectors. Its strong presence in the UK systems installation market is illuminated by inclusion on top tier projects like Outernet London, Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, Ascot Racecourse, among countless others. This is augmented by a strong sales department that sees Solotech as one of the leading suppliers of new and used professional audio, lighting and video suppliers in the UK. Solotech UK Managing Director Bryce Jewell: ‘We’re delighted to have cut the ribbon on our new UK headquarters with our team this week. We have seen unprecedented growth in recent years, and this gives us the space and environment to keep us on that trajectory. Our team is very inspired for what’s ahead with our partners and clients.’ Always looking at ways to implement Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) best practices and to reduce its environmental footprint, Solotech chose this location to be the new UK headquarters because it is a Net Zero Carbon building. Construction has been completed to a high-quality sustainable specification, with a BREEAM Excellent accreditation and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) target rating of Band A*. This is in addition to a solar array on the roof which will helps to reduce power consumption. Bryce Jewell adds: ‘The impressive facilities will allow us to provide an environment that will make us an employer of choice for our staff–our most precious resource, and to give our employees access to exceptional production standards and capabilities within Solotech to serve our clients.’ Contact details Solotech UK Group Headquarters – Birmingham Unit 1 Connexion II Blythe Gate Solihull B90 8DX www.solotech.co.uk Media Contact media@solotech.com
Solotech Las Vegas: a strategic move Leave a reply TPI magazine had the opportunity to find out a little more about Solotech’s new Las Vegas office. This office move is a strategic expansion in response to the growing demand for projects of all kinds on the West Coast. Solotech’s new 80,000 squares foot facility will allow us to keep offering high standard AV solutions and services, while increasing our team’s responsiveness and reducing our carbon footprint for transportation. This strategic choice also allowed the company to gather its forces and bring together the Sales and Systems Integration and Live Productions teams under the same roof. Indeed, during the pandemic, the cohesion of the two divisions allowed the business to continue running during this difficult period: “Thankfully, Solotech is like a family, so it was nice to be able to turn to another division in adversity. From a business perspective, our investment in equipment is not just for live production but can be used for multiple disciplines and verticals.” John Flynn, VP of Operations for Solotech in the US. The exponential demand experienced in the United States is also creating a need for workforce for the company, so an office expansion was necessary. Although 2022 was rich in recruiting, some positions are still available. Solotech is striving to find the key people who can grow within the company while receiving the best possible training from the company’s most experienced employees. As a result, this new Las Vegas facility offers a demo and training room, a pre-vizualisation suite, and upgraded preparation spaces. This new chapter for the Las Vegas team heralds even more spectacular projects while maintaining the expertise that we know. Read the full article here. Source: Jacob Waite (January, 2023) SOLOTECH ALIGNS ITSELF AS A KEY FIGURE IN LAS VEGAS’ SUPPLY CHAIN. TPi Magazine. Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com
