Philip Giffard interview with SCN: An overview of Solotech’s success story Leave a reply Philip Giffard, Global President, Sales and Systems Integration Division, enthusiastically discusses Solotech’s 45 years of success. Montreal, February 7, 2023 – Philip Giffard recently sat down with Systems Contractor News (SCN) to discuss – among other topics – milestones Solotech has reached over the past 45 years, the different strategies it has adopted to succeed, and the future of the audiovisual industry. This insightful article is not only a very interesting read, but it also sheds light on Solotech’s avant-garde vision. “Our first consideration is stabilizing and growing the business in the face of ongoing labor and equipment shortages, as well as pursuing our organic growth and diversification initiatives. In our 45th year, every decision made is to ensure we keep it going for at least 45 more years.” Read the full article here. Source: Executive Q&A: A 45-Year Success Story, par Mark J. Pescatore (Systems Contractor News) Contact 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
Resorts World Las Vegas by Solotech Leave a reply Las Vegas residents have waited 10 years for a new hotel-casino to appear on the Strip: Resorts World Las Vegas. After months of delayed construction due to the COVID lockdown, the establishment is finally coming to life thanks to the collaboration between Resorts World, Sceno Plus, AEG and Solotech. This ambitious and long-awaited event venue has been meticulously designed to accommodate any type of event and artist. This luxury building includes the new flagship theater of the world’s entertainment city: Resorts World Theater. Resorts World Theater aims to provide a world-class experience for all styles, for all programming and for all productions. Its two-way design caters to both the audience and performers. Its immersive sound system, unique in Las Vegas, includes a 14.1 surround system with 250 L-Acoustics speakers and draws on L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal technology. The viewer is immersed in an unparalleled world of sound: “We wanted to give the audience more than just better sound. We wanted to offer them a totally new experience,” says François Blais, Vice President of Sceno Plus. As with the rest of the design of the Resorts World Theater, the lighting and imaging teams are also committed to flexibility and creativity. Each individual light can be adapted to the specific needs of each production to make any event unique. Solotech’s mandate doesn’t end there. Other entertainment venues call this hotel casino home: a nightclub (Zouk), a day club (Ayu), an upscale restaurant (Fuhu) and a gaming bar (Red Tail). One of the keys to this project’s success is undoubtedly the geographical proximity of Resorts World and Solotech. Since they’re only a few blocks away from each other, Solotech can respond efficiently to all the resort’s product and labour needs. For more details, read the full article here. Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communication Advisor media@solotech.com
Best integrators: Solotech rises to 5th position Leave a reply Moving on up: Solotech cracks the top 5 on Systems Contractor News’ Top 50 list Montreal, Canada, December 6, 2022 – The world continues to be shaped in one way or another by the pandemic-fueled fluctuations in all aspects of business and life. Through those ups and downs, Solotech maintained a steady upward trend that saw it catapulted from 9th to 5th position on the 2022 Systems Contractor News Top 50 systems integrators in just one year. Equally impressive, Solotech remains the only Canadian company included in the global ranking. “The corporate world has faced many challenges these last couple of years,” says Philip Giffard, Global President, Sales and Systems Integration Division, “And with that, the need for expert systems integration has been in high demand. Solotech was able to leverage this by guiding our customers through the changes, adapt equipment to meet their various needs and increase their AV capabilities.” Boosting business efficiency became the rallying cry heard round the world. Solotech’s judicious US acquisitions (JSS, BCS Audio, SEAL, Show Systems, Miami StageCraft, Morris Light & Sound, PSSL, and Pro Sound & Video) in the last two years brought new opportunities and insightful resources. Also, the acquisition in Canada of CBCI Telecom Inc. last year opened doors to provide those sought-after unified communications solutions to new corporate, health, legal, educational and governmental sectors. Coupled with its existing expertise in the arenas of transportation, sports, houses of worship, and recreational settings such as theme parks, museums, theatres, and planetariums, Solotech is a driving force that meets, and exceeds, countless customers’ expectations. With operations in Canada, the US and UK, Solotech ably delivers high-end AV solutions and managed services at scale – all backed by 45 years of experience as well as our growing network of partners, including over 300 manufacturers. Continues Mr. Giffard, “All this is a true testament to our team and partners. They were agile and responsive, bringing innovative thinking and ingenuity to the table. Given this great news, you could say we rose to the occasion.” Contact media@solotech.com
The University of Québec in Montréal shifts campus to an AV-over-IP environment Leave a reply Like Solotech, the University of Québec in Montréal (UQAM) places innovation at the core of its identity. With that in mind, the university transitioned to an AV over IP (AVoIP) system for UQAM’s School of Business, powered by Sennheiser products and integrated by Solotech. This massive collaboration effort between the AV and IT departments delivered a flawless result. The new TCC2 system has been running smoothly for the last two semesters, notably in the amphitheater, a 300-student room heavily used around 12 hours a day, five days a week, plus occasional events over the weekend. Speaking with Commercial Integrator, AV and multimedia technical specialist Jean-François Duguay declared: “The clarity is perfect, especially with a lot of reverberation in the big amphitheater. The recordings are clean, and the students sound as if they are speaking in a close mic. It is an avant-garde system that is future-proofed with flexibility upon over time.” Read the full article here. Source: Commercial Integrator (November 8, 2022), UNIVERSITY OF QUÉBEC IN MONTRÉAL SHIFTS CAMPUS TO AV-OVER-IP, CommercialIntegrator.com Learn more about our Education AV Solutions. Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com
Solotech and RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta: a strong partnership Leave a reply Solotech and RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta: a strong partnership to drive immersive entertainment and planetarium experiences further Montreal, November 3, 2022 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology ranked among the Top 10 systems integrators by SCN, and RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta, a Konica Minolta Group Company, global leader in digital planetariums, are thrilled to announce their new partnership to support the planetarium industry in North America. The trendsetting and innovator RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta provides high-quality turnkey solutions and immersive environments worldwide to planetariums to achieve the best immersive experiences. With this partnership, Solotech stands in the front seat as an AV integrator in the planetarium market. This alliance is an extraordinary match that will give shape to the best ideas by combining unparalleled strengths and abilities to ensure outstanding quality and results for North American customers. We bring together our companies’ leading expertise and know-how in installing powerful immersive systems across the globe, cutting-edge technologies, innovative immersive content, and dedicated dynamic teams. “This new partnership opens new integration opportunities for Solotech and RSA Cosmos, allowing us to combine our unique AV and technology strengths both in Canada and the US”, says Philip Giffard, Global President, Sales and Systems Integration, Solotech. “We are pleased to continue our journey alongside a seasoned leader in the planetarium industry to deliver more immersive and memorable projects for our clients.” Nicolas Boyer, Managing Director, RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta, adds: ‘’We are delighted and proud to announce our partnership in North America with Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with a strong foothold across North America. This partnership offers multi-site local support and unlimited potential to planetariums and every immersive environment in the US and Canada.” For more than 45 years, Solotech has provided worldwide audiovisual and entertainment technology solutions for numerous projects, from simple to highly complex. With this new alliance, Solotech brings its extensive experience in special events, live tours, festivals, permanent installations, major corporate events, sports arenas, museums, and many others. RSA Cosmos joined the Konica Minolta Group in 2019. This alliance brought together complementary companies and merges the strengths of RSA Cosmos and Konica Minolta Planetarium. Together they created a very strong global company in the industry, focused on ongoing innovation and customer satisfaction. They offer the most innovative turnkey solutions to planetariums and the ultimate solutions in the industry, along with customer proximity and support worldwide. Solotech and RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta worked together to install the Infinity Dome Theater, in Calgary, Canada, and the early success of their collaboration revealed the potential of a partnership. The new agreement announced today marks the next step of this incredible journey to drive immersive entertainment and experiences further in the US and Canada! Philippe Giron, Business Developer, Solotech, will support all new planetarium projects in collaboration with Bahar Gumus, Sales Manager, RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta, Steve Hatfield, Sales Manager, Konica Minolta Planetarium, and local sales representatives for RSA Cosmos – Konica Minolta in the US. Contact media@solotech.com
Jean-François Huot Appointed Sales Director, Quebec City Leave a reply Quebec City, October 14, 2022 – Philip Giffard, Global President, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Solotech, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean-François Huot as Director of Sales for the Quebec City office. Jean-François Huot, a determined and strategic professional, will be responsible for leading the sales teams to optimize Solotech’s positioning, revenues and market share in the greater Quebec City area. With more than 20 years of experience at Solotech as a business developer, Jean-François Huot is a seasoned professional recognized for his expertise in audio-visual, his managerial ability and business acumen, and his in-depth knowledge of the corporate sector. He maintains his role as Global Leader of the corporate market, ensuring an international watch and strategy to develop this sector across all Solotech offices. Jean-François Huot is a graduate of Cégep de Limoilou in Electrical Engineering and Communications Electronics. His in-depth knowledge of the company, his business sense and his customer approach are major assets for Solotech. As the number one integrator in Canada, Solotech is proud to count on Jean-François Huot’s talent in its pool of seasoned professionals. This reinforces Solotech’s position as the only Canadian company on the Systems Contractor News Top 50 Systems Integrators list. Contact Héloïse Meunier Conseillère, Communications corporatives media@solotech.com
5 minutes with… Michael Conner, Sports Venues Global Market Leader Leave a reply Solotech introduces the talent behind its unparalleled world-renowned expertise. We sat down with Michael Conner, newly appointed Sports Venues Global Market Leader, who joined Solotech in November of 2021. Q: Michael, congratulations on your Sports Venues Global Market Leader appointment. First, tell us what a typical workday at Solotech looks like for you. Michael Conner: Each day looks a little different! My daily routine includes supporting the ongoing development of numerous projects and finding creative solutions. Collaborating with many highly talented and skilled teams within and outside Solotech is a treasured activity. Additionally, I strengthen my bonds with colleagues throughout the Sports and Entertainment community and endeavor to extend the Solotech suite of product and service solutions to a broader family of professionals. Q: What roads did you take to get to Solotech? MC: I’ve always had a passion for sports, technology, and production, which has taken me on a journey around the globe while working on some of the most remarkable events and projects. I have produced documentaries, directed ceremonies at the Olympics, and worked on NFL Games and Super Bowls as Director of Game Presentation for the Arizona Cardinals. During my time at the latter, I had the advantage of forging a strategic alliance with the team at Pro Sound and Video. During our collaboration the absolute commitment and extraordinary sacrifices that both the Pro Sound crew and the Arizona Cardinals staff invested in bringing many complex and challenging projects to impressive conclusion resulted in a remarkable success story and placed me on the road that would eventually lead me to Solotech. Q: Growing up, what did you want to become? MC: In my youth, I had a few modest aspirations: pilot, aeronautical engineer, NFL pro football player. They were professions inspired by the people in my life and in my community, and they taught me to dream and do the hard work. While I may not have attained any of these dreams, I found a passion for technology and my love for sports, both things that would serve me well in my career. Q: What is the best part about your job? MC: The most cherished part of my job is working with a team of highly motivated, skilled, and experienced professionals who aspire to be the best at their respective crafts. I love collaborating with others to deliver extraordinary experiences and indelible memories. Q: Can you explain your role as a Sports Venues Global Market Leader and the importance of such a program within Solotech? MC: My role is to utilize my experience in sports and entertainment production to design, develop, and execute a global strategy to build a business unit capable of becoming a world leader in systems integration and ultimately attaining this objective. This goal is accomplished through communication, and the effective use of Solotech’s internal resources, departments, and business units. A key component of this position is to act as an ambassador for Solotech, its values, culture, passion, and commitment. Q: Why did you choose to specialize in sports? MC: My experience in sports production has created deep bonds across many teams and leagues. I want to continue to partner with these people to create exceptional environments that enable passionate entertainment professionals to deliver extraordinary experiences. Q: What makes sports AV projects different from any other projects Solotech does? MC: It takes years to become a top performer in live sports entertainment production. Some portions of a show are heavily scripted and rigidly follow the prescribed format, but much of sports production is fast-moving, with game action driving the production components. The production crew must be agile and resilient. The tools they depend upon must be designed and crafted to support this fast-paced and high-profile environment. Q: Do you have a different approach when you work on sports venue projects? MC: The scale of sports venue projects can be monumental. Budgeting both time and money effectively is essential. These are often large and highly visible projects with enormous pressures to perform at the upper reaches of the possible. The work must be exact, and the outcome must be assured. The approach is customer-centric, and the fan experience is prioritized. This industry is built on solid relationships. Understanding the pressures in presenting live sports entertainment to tens of thousands of passionate fans is living in truly rarified air. Still, it is necessary to serve the needs of this unique community. Q: What has been your favorite project to work on since starting with Solotech? MC: My favorite assignment since joining the Solotech team is developing expertise in cloud-based & virtual production workflows. Researching new and emerging technologies requires connecting with the best minds in the industry who are advancing these capabilities as software developers, manufacturers, and service providers across the globe. These efforts will help advance capabilities, products, and services within Solotech’s Systems Integration division and yield positive results across the Solotech brand. Q: What do you see in the future for Solotech? MC: The result of Solotech’s commitment to the passionate pursuit of excellence and innovation, applied to every task and every project across the organization, will lead the company to dominate the market with a comprehensive array of solutions irresistible to those clients seeking an inspiring environment to create rewarding experiences and delivering extraordinary outcomes. Q: Since we are a global company, where is your favorite place to travel? MC: There are so many places in the world that I love to visit, but there’s no place like home. Cayucos, California – Beautiful central coast vistas, giant sequoias, coastal redwoods, and most of all, family. Globally, however, there are so many compelling candidates, but my mind often goes to Paris, so yes, France it is!
Two Solotech projects shortlisted for the 2022 AV Awards Leave a reply Solotech is proud to have two of its projects nominated for the 2022 AV Awards shortlist: ABBA Voyage and Resorts World Theatre. This recognition showcases the extensive expertise of both our Live Productions and Sales and Integration Divisions in the UK and USA. ABBA Voyage shortlisted for Events and Entertainment Project of the Year Possibly the most eagerly anticipated live music event of the decade, ABBA Voyage brings the 70s supergroup back to the stage in a seamless blend of the virtual and physical worlds. Solotech provided audio, lighting, and video solutions capable of pushing the boundaries for live productions in a purpose-built arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in London. Resorts World Theatre in the run for Venue Project of the Year Resorts World Theatre is a 5,000-seat state-of-the-art immersive theatre, home to some of the industry’s biggest names to perform in the Entertainment Capital of the World. Solotech installed a permanent L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive system, designed by Scéno Plus. In addition to the theatre, Solotech integrated technology with the greatest precision in the clubs, restaurants, and lounges at the spectacular Resorts World Las Vegas, the Strip’s first new hotel-casino in a decade! The AV Awards are presented by AV Magazine. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on November 4th.
5 minutes with… Aaron Beck, Business Development Manager Leave a reply Solotech introduces the talent behind its unparalleled world-renowned expertise. We sat down with Aaron Beck, Business Development Manager & Senior Engineer, who has been with our Las Vegas team since February of 2019. Q: Aaron, thanks for doing this! First, what does a typical day at Solotech look like for you? AB: A day at Solotech is never the same. When I walk in to start my day, I have no idea who will contact us with a need for a technological solution. It is very exciting to be learning new things daily and delivering world class solutions for our clients. Q: What roads did you take to get to Solotech? AB: I had worked with Solotech and Bob Barbagallo on 3 previous Cirque du Soleil projects. I was on the other side as Head of Audio and Project Manager. I knew the quality of work Solotech delivered and the high level of skilled staff at Solotech. It was a natural fit for me to join! Q: When you were growing up, what did you want to be? AB: Audio Engineer on Broadway Shows. Q: What is the best part about your job? AB: I love working with amazing people and providing world class solutions to our clients. Q: What has been your favorite project to work on since starting with Solotech? AB: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, home of the San Diego Symphony. Q: What sets Solotech apart from our competitors; from both a partner standpoint AND as an employer? AB: As a partner, it’s our people, our expertise, and our relationships with our suppliers. As an employer, I would say it’s the trust put into the staff and willingness to invest in our people with training and growth. Q: What excites you most about the evolving tech in your division? AB: Technology is becoming more a part of our daily lives. It is exciting to assist our clients in making new ideas and technology come to life. Q: What do you see in the future for Solotech? AB: We have a very bright future! The growth potential in Las Vegas and all around the United States is unlimited. Q: Since we are a global company, where is your favorite place to travel? AB: Montreal is great to catch a hockey game and Orlando has so much to see and do with all the theme parks. It is exciting to visit these cities knowing Solotech has an involvement in these venues and projects. Q: What is your favorite food? AB: A great Ribeye and glass of red wine is hard to beat.
Solotech Positions Itself as a Leader in Las Vegas Leave a reply Solotech expands in the entertainment capital of the world. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, August 15, 2022 – Solotech announces its move to a new and improved space in Las Vegas, Nevada, to support its continued spectacular growth. Whether it’s for gambling, a wedding, a celebration, taking in a show, or going on a desert adventure, one thing is sure: Las Vegas knows how to make an impression… and so does Solotech! That’s why it was a natural choice to move into a state-of-the-art, 80,000-square-feet facility in this iconic city. From this strategic location, the company will be able to efficiently serve the entire West Coast, including the dynamic cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Jason Rauhoff, Operations and Project Manager at Solotech Las Vegas, says: “It’s well laid out and has great features. We’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way, and we know where we want to go.” As a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, Solotech strives to stay on top of the latest technologies in the marketplace, making it a preferred choice for high-profile clients, including The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and AREA15, two popular venues for visitors. “With the world and technology changing so quickly, we need to stay ahead of the game,” says Aaron Beck, Business Development Manager and Senior Engineer at Solotech Las Vegas. For his part, John Flynn, Senior Director Production Services at Solotech Las Vegas, is proud to say: “Our workforce is incredibly experienced and knowledgeable in many fields.” Therefore, the company is able to create spectacular effects not only in performance halls but also in casinos, theatres, hotels, and nightclubs. “The future is looking good,” he says. Whatever your short- or long-term projects, you can count on Solotech to push the boundaries and grow with you. Let us show you the scope of our talents! Contact one of our experts today! Contact details: 7970 S Valley View Blvd., Suite 100 Las Vegas, Nevada 89139, USA 702-614-8882 Check out Solotech’s new location in Las Vegas: Contact Roch Carignan Social Media and Digital Content Advisor media@solotech.com
