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
Solotech wins AV Award for ABBA Voyage Leave a reply Solotech are delighted to have picked up the ‘Events and Entertainment Project of the Year’ award at the AV Awards 2022 for work on the ABBA Voyage Project. The AV Awards 2022 took place at Evolution London on 4th November, a celebration of the best talent and projects in the AV industry over the past 12 months. ABBA Voyage has been possibly the most eagerly anticipated live music event of the decade and has brought the 70s supergroup back to the stage in a seamless blend of the virtual and physical worlds. The project was Solotech UK’s foray as a high-end 360-equipment supplier, as it delivered audio, video and lighting technology and expertise to the show. Solotech drew on its experience as live production specialists to aid in the process from the design stages to installation and opening night to help deliver the incredible event. Solotech UK Director of Video who was extensively involved from the outset: “This project has been special as we spent two years of our lives working on it. It is the most technically complicated and challenging project I have ever been involved in. The award is recognition for the amazing team that produced such fantastic results.” Read more on ABBA Voyage here. The AV Awards 2022 winners…
Solotech Hosting L-Acoustics Training in London Leave a reply Solotech is Hosting four L-Acoustics training sessions at their Park Royal, West London offices. As an L-Acoustics Accredited Training Centre, Solotech is hosting a series of L-Acoustics training sessions including System & Workflow, Soundvision, Drive System and M1 sessions. For L-Acoustics training, delegates start with System & Workflow, before progressing to modules on system design and control. It is essential that delegates for design and control training have completed System & Workflow (or the previously offered System Fundamentals). However it is not necessary to complete both at the same time. Solotech, 3 Cumberland Avenue, Park Royal, London NW10 7RX Date Course Price 07 November 2022 System & Workflow £130 ExVAT 08 November 2022 Soundvision £130 ExVAT 09 November 2022 Drive System £130 ExVAT 10 November 2022 M1-P1 Measurement & Tuning £130 ExVAT System & Workflow session This course introduces the users to the L-Acoustics system approach and project workflow, giving an overview of all L-Acoustics tools and all professional roles involved. That is the prerequisite for all other product training courses. Soundvision Learn the most advanced software functionalities for 3D venue modelling, system simulation and line source optimisation. Drive System Master the configuration, contro and monitoring of a L-Acoustics system from the source output to the loudspeaker inputs. M1-P1 Measurement & Tuning Learn how to record measurements with the P1 processor and how to perform a loudspeaker system tuning with the M1 software. Lunch will be provided on each training day. Places will be allocated strictly on a first come first served basis. These courses are extremely popular so book now to avoid disappointment. To book on to these courses, follow the link below to our registration form and select the session you would like to attend:
Solotech to host Shure Training in Redditch Leave a reply In association with Shure UK, Solotech is hosting A Shure Wireless Masterclass and a Shure Wireless Workbench in Redditch. Where Solotech UK HQ Redditch B98 9PA When Shure Wireless Masterclass – 15th November 2022 Shure Wireless Workbench – 16th November 2022 Solotech and Shure are excited to present two days of in-depth training on the deployment of wireless systems for live events. We will focus on the fundamentals of Wireless Systems design and creating complex coordinations using Wireless Workbench. Shure Wireless Masterclass The ever-changing RF landscape can be the key to a successful or stressful performance. Dave Phillips (Senior Sales Manager) will take us through the fundamentals of RF (Radio Frequency) technology, from basic physics to system design and deployment. This popular course helps RF engineers at any level get the best out of their equipment and provides the tools for quick and efficient troubleshooting. Shure Wireless Workbench Wireless Workbench has become an industry standard for managing wireless inventory and coordinating frequencies for events of all sizes, from 2 systems in a house of worship up to 200 systems on a stadium tour (and everything in between!). Join Jack Drury (Market Development) for a full run-through of the software. We’ll cover how to manage an inventory, how to coordinate frequencies and how to monitor your systems during the show. By the end of the day – we’ll work through some real-world examples of complex shows and you’ll leave with all the tools you need to set up and execute a successful coordination. ***Please bring a laptop to this session with WWB downloaded.*** We are running these sessions over two days with separate registration for each day. While not compulsory, we would highly recomend attending both days if possible. A buffet lunch will be provided each day. Places for this FREE event are strictly limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. Click on the links below to secure your places today.
Sam Ainge Joins Solotech as UK Director of IT Leave a reply Solotech has announced the appointment of Sam Ainge as Director of IT for its UK operation. Sam joins Solotech with over 20 years’ experience in the IT sector. His career includes fifteen years as Group Head of IT for ATS Euromaster. He also served as Global Head of IT Applications for TriMas packaging, a position he held prior to taking up the post at Solotech. Solotech UK MD Bryce Jewell commented on Sam’s appointment: “We’ve created the new role of IT Director as we continue to expand our operation in the UK. IT plays a key role in everything we do, from the leading-edge technology that goes into our Live Productions and Sales and Systems Integration work, to the infrastructure that’s required to support our staff on a day-to-day basis. We’re part of a global corporation and we need systems that can help us work collaboratively around the world. “Sam brings with him a wealth of experience working at a global level. He’s been responsible for the deployment of Sales and Customer Service solutions and helped several businesses grow and transform. I’m delighted that Sam has joined our organisation and am confident he can play the key role required as we take Solotech to the next level.” Chief Information and Technology Officer at Solotech Mathieu Laforge added, “I am thrilled to welcome Sam to the technology team. His expertise with complex systems and his experience with large global companies will helps us continue to drive change and innovate in our industry. Having him lead our local efforts also demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our UK presence by empowering local key talents.” Sam Ainge commented: “Solotech is an exciting company that I want to be a part of. I feel the company’s values very much align with my own. From integrating audio solutions across an entire racecourse to providing live productions for some of the world’s leading artists, they are continually pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible. I’m passionate about technology and strongly believe that innovation is crucial to an organisation’s long-term success.”
5 minutes with… Ryan Thomas, Solotech UK Head of Sales Leave a reply Solotech introduces the talent behind its unparalleled world-renowned expertise. Solotech UK Head of Sales Ryan Thomas reflects on his 20-year career in pro AV, what it takes to make a great company culture, and the time he spilled Tango on Missy Elliot’s shoes. Q: Ryan, how long have you been with Solotech? RT: I joined in august 2011 and have been here ever since. Q: Give us a quick look into your background. RT: I started 20 years ago and gained experience in the industry with a manufacturer. That’s where I picked up the sales bug. Q: What’s the best thing about your job? RT: It is definitely the customers. They make the day and job what it is, and without them, we wouldn’t be who we are. Q: Which projects are you proud to have worked on? RT: One of the things I’m most proud of is setting up the SSE Audio North office, as it was the first organic expansion of SSE in the UK and opened the company to new opportunities. The sales department has grown year after year over the last decade, and I’m pleased to be a part of it with the team. Q: What makes Solotech a great employer? RT: It’s got to be the culture and the teamwork. Everyone on the sales and systems integration team work together to bring our services forward to the next level. Q: What excites you most about working in pro AV? RT: It’s the people and the passion the industry has for what it does and what it delivers it’s infectious. I didn’t set out to work in this industry 20 years ago, but I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. Q: Do you have any funny stories from working for Solotech? RT: I dropped a bottle of Tango on Missy Elliot’s shoes once.
New Solotech location in Nashville Leave a reply Solotech goes big in Nashville Nashville, TN, May 17, 2022 – Earmarking the extraordinary growth that Solotech has experienced in recent years, the company has announced the opening of its massive new facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Covering more than 120,000 square feet of space, Solotech’s new Nashville facility is a powerful picture of what the company has become, and a clear indication of where it’s headed. The global leader in AV and entertainment technology has been expanding, not only in its long-time role as a powerhouse in live production, but also as a Top 10 AV system integrator in North America across the Corporate, Worship, and Transportation sectors. Recent notable projects in the region include the expansion of Nashville International Airport, as well as new sound, lighting, and video in several of the city’s iconic Broadway honky tonks, several major corporate headquarters, and a number of large houses of worship. And of course, Solotech continues to be a major player in the touring circuit, including current sojourns with Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood. The new Nashville facility is stocked with more gear than ever, offering a comprehensive array of brands and technologies to suit virtually every demand and rider. In addition, the building offers on-site rehearsal facilities and full stage setup, providing artists and production crew the opportunity to test out touring systems under real-world conditions. Solotech’s new facility also offers a new, state-of-the-art Pre-Production Visual Mapping, enabling clients to visually design and stage their new setup or facility. And the Nashville digs also house a complete fabrication department, making it easier than ever to fill all aspects of designing and creating systems for their ever-growing range of clients and projects. As Lee Moro, Solotech’s VP of Operations, Live Productions, observes, versatility and a comprehensive offering are some of the company’s strengths. “We can be working on the Airport, and then go out on Tour with Michael Bublé. That shows the diversity of the company. That’s what we’re all about.” Michael Casey, Solotech Business Development Representative, agrees. “On the integration side, we have the ability to build our projects in our own shop. On the live side, we can bring artists into the shop and have their rehearsals here, in our spaces, with the equipment they’re going to have out on tour.” “We’re always pushing the limits,” Moro concludes, pointing to the Solotech team as an indispensable part of the company’s success. “If you ask people to go above and beyond, the only way they’re going to do that is if they’re happy. You have to like where you’re working. I think we’ve created something pretty special here with an incredible team of passionate and seasoned professionals. Moreover, if you want to be part of the big Solotech family, now is the time, we’re currently looking to expand our pool of talents!” Take a quick tour of the brand-new Solotech office in Nashville: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdFMGPr6uNg About Solotech Founded over 45 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 18 strategic locations in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. Thanks to an inventory encompassing over 300 renowned manufacturers, Solotech is the single source for audio, video, lighting, rigging, soft goods, control, and collaboration solutions and services. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise in Live Productions and Systems Integration in various markets, namely music, sports, business, culture, and education. Clients can also benefit from its Service Center, Online Store, and virtual technology know-how. Solotech is fully supported by three major shareholders: Claridge, Desjardins Capital and Investissement Québec. The company employs 1,360 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saguenay, Halifax, Macau, and Hong Kon. Find out more at www.solotech.com Contact Elizabeth Mclead Director, Marketing and Communications elizabeth.mclead@solotech.com
5 minutes with… Phil Goldsworthy, UK Head of Systems Integration Leave a reply Solotech introduces the talent behind its unparalleled world-renowned expertise. We sat down with Phil Goldsworthy, UK Head of Systems Integration, who counts over 19 years of experience working for Solotech’s UK companies. During this time, he has been involved in exciting projects in the world of festivals, theme parks, attractions, and in the house of worship market. Q: Phil, how long have you been with Wigwam, SSE Audio, and Solotech? PG: I started at my full-time job with Wigwam back in January of 2003, so it’s been 19 years! I was working with Wigwam for nearly nine years as part of SSE Audio and have worked for just over three years with Solotech. Q: Give us a quick look into your background. PG: I have always been involved in music, first when I was playing in a band at the local Church. I quickly started taking an interest in gear and what was happening behind the consoles, so I moved into setting up the PA and mixing. This began when I was studying Live Performance Technology at Derby University and started working for Wigwam during holiday breaks, and in the summer for festival work. My early years as a full-timer at Wigwam were spent prepping gigs or working on-site. After a few years, I moved into the sales department. Q: What is the best thing about your job? PG: My role has changed and evolved quite a bit over the 18 years, but now as a leader of a department, I love the opportunity to work with so many different talented people. I really like the Jack Welch quote: “When you were made a leader you weren’t given a crown, you were given the responsibility to bring out the best in others.” Working with my team and ensuring we all develop both individually and as a team is my favourite part. Q: What projects have you enjoyed working on the most over the years? PG: From a Live Productions perspective, I used to love the variety of gigs we did from working at the New Wine Festival to mixing monitors for jazz legend Herbie Hancock. The Grand in Clitheroe was a special installation project, as it was the first live music venue in Europe to have both a high-end live music venue and a recording studio linked together. York Minster was also a great cathedral project to work on due to the technology that was integrated successfully into a very important, historic building with absolute sympathy to the heritage and architecture of the space. Q: What makes Solotech different as an employer? PG: For me, it’s all about the culture and the working environment that is created by all the great people who work here. Many organisations will talk about culture, but very few deliberately set out to create or change one so that it is collaborative. This is where I believe Solotech is very different. It makes recruitment an exciting challenge because I am trying to find people that fit from both a cultural perspective as well as have the necessary skill sets. Progression is at the heart of great work culture. The most important thing to remember is that we need to work at a high level and always improve from show to show and project to project. This is also when having excellent co-workers pushes you because they are always helping you further the limits of the technology by finding the best ways to create a seamless and immersive experience for the people who are using the spaces. Work is a big part of your life, so you want to work alongside good people in a fun and friendly environment. Q: What is the most memorable experience you have had while working here? PG: Well, I was once following the MD to an installation in my car, when a car pulled out in from of him. I stopped, but he stopped quicker, and I ended up smashing into the back of his car… Oops! I’ve still not lived that one down!! Sorry Mick.
Solotech marks its 45th anniversary Leave a reply An audiovisual expertise as spectacular as ever, and ready for the future! Montreal, Canada, April 21, 2022 – Solotech is proud to blow out 45 candles this year! As a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, it has brilliantly supported numerous well-known projects around the world since its creation: The Rolling Stones, Resorts World Las Vegas, Celine Dion, Bridgestone Arena, Taylor Swift, Burj Khalifa, Caesars Palace, Elton John, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Lady Gaga, Ascot Racecourse, Paul McCartney, Montreal International Jazz Festival and Ubisoft, to name a few! Over time, the company has evolved by continuously enriching its technological services and products offering. Now recognized worldwide as a partner of choice, Solotech has proven that it can meet all audiovisual and entertainment technology needs. Becoming the benchmark in the industry with audacity Founded in 1977 by Denis Lefrançois and André Riendeau, Solotech was initially dedicated solely to audio. Then, lighting, video, audiovisual expertise and collaboration tools were added. Forty-five years later, the company has 18 locations across the planet, 1,360 employees and an overflowing project portfolio! This success is based on significant milestones, including the arrival in 2013 of three major Canadian investors solidifying its foundation, ambitious organic expansion plans, and multiple acquisitions in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. And recently, the addition of an Online store and virtual technology expertise to an already extensive offering. Solotech was agile with its growth into new, state-of-the-art facilities to better manage its operations and immense equipment inventory. The company also expanded its clientele far beyond entertainment to include, among others, corporate, transportation, government, houses of worship, and education. Martin Tremblay, President and CEO of Solotech: “I am thrilled by this anniversary, its shows how seasoned Solotech is in the industry. For 45 years, customer needs have inspired us to consistently deliver the best of technology and the best of ourselves. The outstanding know-how of our employees is at the heart of our success, and I am very proud of it. We look to the future with enthusiasm as we have just added virtual productions, webcasting and augmented reality to our expertise; it will allow us to support even more clients in achieving avant-garde projects.” The professionals at Solotech continue their mission to deliver on the highest quality of standards, from boardrooms to arenas and everything in between. Their work perfectly embodies the values of the company: passion, innovation, excellence, respect, and collaboration. After more than four decades, Solotech has always remained true to its mission to develop and implement innovative AV and entertainment technology solutions to create a unique experience every time, everywhere. What really sets Solotech apart today? Its uniqueness: no other company has such a comprehensive and diversified offering under one roof. Solotech is proud of how far it has come and, above all, is looking forward to celebrating its future milestones with its valued employees, customers and partners. Technology for the future of business and entertainment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSMqHUvNKgY About Solotech Founded 45 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 18 strategic locations in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Thanks to an inventory encompassing over 300 renowned manufacturers, Solotech is the single source for audio, video, lighting, rigging, soft goods, control and collaboration solutions and services. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise in Live Productions and Systems Integration in various markets, namely music, sports, business, culture and education. Clients can also benefit from its Service Center, Online Store and virtual technology know-how. Solotech is fully supported by three major shareholders: Claridge, Desjardins Capital and Investissement Québec. The company employs 1,360 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saguenay, Halifax, Macau and Hong Kong. The company owns many brands, including SSE Audio, Wigwam, Capital Sound, BCS Audio, Pro Sound & Video, SEAL, Miami StageCraft, Morris Light and Sound, PSSL, CBCI, in addition to its partners Waveform and XR Studios. Find out more at www.solotech.com Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com
Bryce Jewell Talks to TPi Magazine Leave a reply Solotech UK’s new MD sat down with TPI magazine to discuss the challenges of his new role and his vision for the future. Where were you prior to joining Solotech? “I spent the past two decades in various roles in the IT and telecom sector. Most recently, I oversaw the US and UK enterprise businesses at Global Cloud Xchange, who own and operate one of the largest subsea networks, but I have always shared an interest in professional audio, and of course, music.” What was it that intrigued you about the role? “Solotech has a great team in the UK and North America, and a clear vision. The knowledge, heritage, and experience of the people at Solotech is remarkable. Our teams have a passion for this industry and can bring our client’s dreams into reality. For them, this isn’t simply a job, it’s a lifestyle. “We are proud to be world renowned for our audio expertise and honoured that the practices we have developed have become industry standards. “In North America, we are known as leaders in lighting and video technology in the entertainment market. We are building on our legacy of audio expertise, which remains our core market, while adding lighting and video capabilities to offer 360 opportunities to existing clients and new markets. We have some huge projects underway that include audio, lighting, and video. “Solotech is a diversified business that delivers premier audio-visual solutions to arenas, houses of worship and corporate markets through our systems integration teams. Likewise, the area that will be very exciting to see play out over the next few years is the work we are doing with our MET (Media and Entertainment Technology) Division, following the acquisition of XR Studios.” How is 2022 shaping up for the UK operation? “The demand we have seen from our live productions clients is extremely encouraging, and we have launched a large recruitment drive to enable us to deliver our impressive order book. Being part of a large group enables us to leverage our resources and assets to support that demand. “It is great to see this sector really come back to life, and we are here to support it in any way we can, as business partners and fans. I see further consolidation in the UK entertainment market. We are in a great position with the resources and skills to supply the UK’s top festivals, tours, and events with the technology needed to create amazing experiences for the audience. These investments have advanced our industry and the things we can do.” What steps are being taken to integrate the brands in the group? “Solotech has acquired over 10 brands. Integration is something that we have become good at. We have offices all over the globe in 18 strategic locations, but we work as one company. We have landed in the video and lighting world in a big way and will continue to build on this success, while continuing to invest in our audio business and the support we offer our clients. “The demand is there, and we are ready for any challenge.”
You think you know Solotech? Think again! Leave a reply The past year has been a source of renewal for Solotech. In addition to making four acquisitions, the global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology diversified and expanded its service offering by adding new technologies and solutions. The year 2022 is very promising for Solotech with the return of Live Productions activities and the continued growth of its Sales and Systems Integration and Media and Entertainment Technology Divisions. Discover Solotech’s rich services and solutions offering, provided, as always, with the same passion at the heart of Solotech’s success for now over 45 years. See the video here:
New Appointments for Solotech’s UK Leadership Team Leave a reply Ryan Thomas and Phil Goldsworthy take on UK Sales and Systems Integration leadership. Solotech has announced two significant appointments to its UK management team. Ryan Thomas and Phil Goldsworthy have taken over UK Sales and Systems Integration leadership for SSE Audio, Wigwam Acoustics, Capital Sound and BCS Audio. The new roles will see Ryan and Phil report to Solotech UK MD Bryce Jewell,working in close collaboration with Solotech Live Productions leaders as well as overseeing corporate functions. They take over after the departure of Alex Penn, who served as Sales and Systems Integration Managing Director at SSE Audio before leaving to pursue other professional interests. Phil brings over 17 years of experience at Wigwam Acoustics and two years as the UK Group’s Systems Integration Manager to his new role as Head of Systems Integration. His extensive experience, versatility and deep knowledge of the business will guarantee success for the Division, which is seen as one of the major growth areas for the company. Ryan will serve as Head of Sales for Solotech’s UK companies. With over 20 years of experience in various pro audio sales functions, he will continue the success he brought to his previous role as SSE Group Sales Manager. Ryan will drive the growth of the Division and ensure it remains one of UK’s leading sales centres for world-class AV equipment. Bryce Jewell commented: “Ryan and Phil bring experience and enthusiasm to these critical new roles in our UK sales and integration business. They have both been instrumental in helping us maintain our position as the UK’s leading supplier of AV technology. We are in a great position with Ryan and Phil as leaders of talented and crucial teams that contribute to our continued growth in the UK market.”
