President’s Report
Dear Members,
I hope you are all off to a good start with your summer and have some good vacations planned (and maybe even some golf!). I am pleased to share some important updates and upcoming events with you:
Competition Bureau Engagement
Following the production of our Canadian AV marketplace report in the spring, we engaged a top national competition lawyer who provided a detailed opinion letter confirming that the troubling practices surrounding exclusive wrap-around services in venues by the national monopoly player are very likely contrary to the Canadian Competition Act. Armed with this information and our report, I, along with our lawyer, had a highly productive 60-minute call with the Competition Bureau in June to present our case. We have now received a request for additional information and to speak with other CAVPA members about this situation, as well as a bunch of additional information and data.
You should have received an email from Nicky asking if you are willing to speak to the bureau, so please respond if you have not already. The board will be working on data gathering for the other information requests, which we hope to submit in August. If you have any specific examples (in writing/email) that demonstrate these practices, please let me know so I can either submit them or connect you directly with the Competition Bureau investigator.
Website
Platinum Sponsors: Continued…
You may have noticed that we have now implemented a private members portal on the CAVPA website, and all our newsletters and document library now require sign in to access. Not only does this protect our confidential information from outside access, but making the document library available to members only helps to drive value for membership and will hopefully encourage others to join.
Canadian Audio Visual Providers Association | Association Canadienne des fournisseurs de services audiovisuels
PRESIDENT
Tim Lang
Proshow Audiovisual
8105 N Fraser Way
Burnaby, BC V5J 5M8
T: 604-293-1771
E: timlang@proshow.com
VICE–PRESIDENT
Martin Blanchard
Expert’Ease Productions
7836 Rue Jarry E
Montreal, QC H1J 2A1
T: 514-444-7723
E: martin@expertease.ca
TREASURER
Rennie Colelli
bb Blanc Inc.
41 Keyes Court, Unit 2
Vaughan, ON L4H 4V6
T: 416-360-0440
E: rcolelli@bbblanc.com
DIRECTORS
Kyle Brooks
Bespoke Audio Visual 907 Oxford St. Etobicoke, ON M8Z 5T1
T: 647-797-9911
E: kyle.brooks@bespokeav.ca
Bruce DeMond
Advanced Systems
5678 Stanley Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2G1
T: 902-454-4742
E: bruce@advancedsystems.ca
Garry Hale
AVentPro
45 Beghin Ave #6 Winnipeg, MB R2J 4B9
T: 204-226-5565
E: hale@aventpro.com
Jim Harris Eastern Audio Limited PO. Box 997, 5 Waterford Bridge Road
St. John’s, NFLD A1C 5M3
T: 709 722 0864
Cal McCarthy
SW Event Technology 1-325 Bay Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y7S3
T: 250-868-3333 ext 2233
E: cmccarthy@sw-online.com
Tyler Tardiff
TKNL 1349 Rue Gay-Lussac Boucherville, QC J4B 7K1
T: 514-777-7335
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sherry Denesha
T: 416-491-2897 ext 234
E: sherry@cavpa.ca
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS
(Ottawa Consultants)
Michael Wood
T: 613-265-9967
E: mike@cavpa.ca
Upcoming Events
CAVPA Town Hall: Our Town Hall is scheduled for August 14 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm at the BB Blanc studio in Toronto, followed by dinner. You are invited to join in person or remotely via Zoom if you cannot make it in person. Please respond to the RSVP from Nicky so we can confirm our numbers.
Canadian Meeting & Events Expo (CMEE): CAVPA will be exhibiting at CMEE in Toronto on August 13 and 14, where we will be promoting our message to event planners and other industry suppliers. Please drop by the booth and say hi if you will be there.
IntelliEvent Connect Summit: IntelliEvent is hosting their annual “Connect” summit at Niagara Falls on August 15 and 16. We will have a good contingent of CAVPA members in attendance. There is still time to register if you want to attend; just contact IntelliEvent directly or sign up on their events page: IntelliEvent Connect Summit.
We are making significant strides in our advocacy efforts and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
Have a great summer!
Tim Lang, President
Platinum Sponsors:
Who Are We?
CAVPA is a non-profit association representing Canadian-owned audio visual, sound, and lighting companies from coast to coast by engaging with the event industry, facilitating government advocacy, and creating career awareness.
Government Advocacy
l Facilitate and conduct direct government advocacy at the Provincial and Federal levels on issues of importance to our members.
l Educate governments on the significance of our industry and its economic and employment contributions.
l Promote recognition of our sector as a critical supply chain service provider supporting live events and communications for many other key sectors.
l Challenge monopolistic and anti-competitive practices that seek to harm the competitiveness and viability of Canadian owned AV companies.
l Collaborate with other aligned organizations’ advocacy efforts to help amplify our messages and goals.
Industry Engagement
l Engage with event planners, venues, and other industry stakeholders.
l Promote the benefits and value provided by Canadian-owned audio visual companies.
l Promote a fair opportunity for Canadian owned AV businesses to provide their services at events and venues across the country.
l Educate event planners on the options available when booking venues to help enable freedom of choice in AV vendor selection.
Career Awareness & Education
l Raise awareness of the many career opportunities with our members and industry.
l Engage with post secondary institutions to identify existing programs applicable to, but not targeted at, our industry such as stagecraft, film & television and recording programs, and work to promote our industry as a viable career option for graduates of these programs.
When you join CAVPA, you also get a membership in CFIB!
With 97,000 members, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association dedicated to increasing the odds of success for business owners. All CAVPA members can enjoy exclusive CFIB savings on essential business services like payment processing, banking, shipping, and payroll processing. Plus, you can get expert advice on virtually any HR, compliance, or business issue - and a stronger voice at all levels of government!
Platinum Sponsors:
Thank you to everyone who joined us at for the CAVPA InfoComm Reception in Las Vegas, NV on Thursday, June 13th.
It was a great time had by all, thank you to all the CAVPA members that attended.
Engage with the vibrant Canadian live entertainment and performing arts community this summer at CITT/ICTS Rendez-vous 2024!
Whether you’re an emerging or seasoned professional, CITT/ICTS’s four-day annual conference stands as a pivotal annual gathering, fostering a vibrant convergence of professionals spanning the spectrum of live performance production.
Crafted with a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, this event serves as a catalyst for career advancement, equipping attendees with invaluable tools and insights essential for success within the dynamic realm of live performance entertainment.
The program features an array of training workshops, educational sessions, roundtables, and panel discussions covering all areas of production, including technical and production management, stage technology, stage carpentry, lighting, sound, video, properties, wardrobe, design, architecture, health and safety, and EDI.
Moreover, attendees can anticipate immersive backstage tours, social gatherings, and ample networking opportunities, facilitating meaningful connections with peers and aspiring professionals alike.
Partner Organization Special Offer!
CAVPA Members: CITT/ICTS extends its exclusive discounted member rate to you when you register! Contact us or CITT/ICTS for your special code. Early Bird Rate Deadline: Register before July 5 to get the lowest rate and attend the entire conference for only $215.00 or opt for a day pass for only $82.00.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Remai Arts Centre, situated along the tranquil banks of the South Saskatchewan River, the 2024 edition of Rendez-vous is scheduled to unfold from August 14 to 17, preceded by pre-conference workshops on August 13 and 14, and complemented by an industry Trade Show spanning August 15 and 16.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to enrich your knowledge, expand your network, and engage with industry peers!
Visit https://www.citt.org/annual_conference.html to learn more about the conference, view travel and accommodation special offers and to register for your conference pass.
Member Spotlight
RIGGIT Services Incorporated, a Vancouver-based boutique event company, excels in delivering exceptional technical services and value. Their lean management structure and utilization of industrystandard equipment allow them to offer competitive rates while maintaining a strong focus on safety, accountability, and responsiveness. RIGGIT’s expertise spans a wide range of projects, from largescale events like the Olympic Games to simple banner installations.
Their exclusive partnerships with prominent Vancouver venues solidify RIGGIT’s position as a leading provider in the region. Committed to community engagement, the company prioritizes local employment and supports Canadian-made products. RIGGIT’s mission and values, rooted in safety, service, teamwork, integrity, and excellence, guide every project they undertake. Additionally, they champion diversity, inclusivity, and actively support charitable initiatives focused on children.
RIGGIT’s commitment to excellence was recently recognized with the ILEA Award for Best Technical Support for an Event, for their exceptional work at the LNG 2023 event held at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Thank you to all our members for their support. If you are interested in spotlighting your company please provide a brief description and company logo to sherry@cavpa.ca
Member News
bb Blanc, a leading creative audiovisual production company, is excited to share the launch of its newly redesigned website. The revamped site reflects the company’s growth, expansion, and dedication to providing unparalleled service and innovation to clients nationwide. The new website highlights bb Blanc’s expertise in delivering exceptional event experiences, from state-of-the-art audiovisual production to immersive event design and engaging live entertainment.
CAVPA members are invited to visit bb Blanc’s new website at https://www.bbblanc.com
Manage Your Entire Workflow
IntelliEvent Lightning is cloudbased rental business management software that helps rental companies, venues, and AV and production pros manage every aspect of your dynamic business.
www.scmediacanada.com
SC Media Canada is a Montreal-based high-end Audio/Video Distributor. We opened our doors in 1983 and have continued to grow ever since. We believe in providing value to our customers at every turn, whether it be through the products we distribute, or the services we provide.
www.theatrixx.com
Based in Montreal, Theatrixx Technologies is a manufacturer and distributor of technical equipment specially adapted for the performing arts, events and entertainment sectors. We manufacture custom equipment which offers innovative solutions to video, lighting, power and cabling challenges.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Platinum
l Maximum of 5 sponsors in this tier
l Sector protection
l 3 year commitment and first right of refusal for renewals
l Logo on CAVPA signage, website, newsletter & other promotional materials
l Optional participation at AGM & member events
l Complimentary advertisements in CAVPA newsletters (large size)
l Complimentary email distribution to CAVPA members (max once per month)
l $10,000/year ($CAD) annual sponsorship (paid annually)
Gold
l Sector protection
l 2 year commitment
l Logo on CAVPA website, newsletters and other select promotional materials
l Optional participation at AGM & member events
l Complimentary advertisements in CAVPA newsletters (medium size)
l Complimentary email distribution to CAVPA members (max once per quarter)
l $6,000/year ($CAD) annual sponsorship (paid annually)
Silver
l 2 year commitment
l Logo on CAVPA website, newsletters and other select promotional materials
l Optional participation at AGM & select member events
l Complimentary advertisements in CAVPA newsletters (small size)
l $3,000/year ($CAD) annual sponsorship (2yrs paid up front)
CAVPA MEMBER ROSTER
BRITISH COLUMBIA
A.V. Strategies Ltd.
Fred Horsman 1295 Napier Street Vancouver, BC V6A 2H7 T – 604-879-3950
Innovation Production Technologies Inc.
Steve Matthews
7818 Express St. Burnaby, BC V5A 1T4 T – 604-398-2651
Lumera Productions Inc.
Shane Archer 1563 Fremont Pl. Victoria, BC V8N 4R4 T - 250-412-7159
Proshow Audiovisual
Tim Lang
Unit A – 8105 North Fraser Way Burnaby, BC V5J 5M8 T – 604-612-7129
Riggit Services Inc.
Rick Smith
8021 Enterprise St. Burnaby, BC V5A 1V5 T – 604-653-9391
Russell Audio-Visual
Jon Russell 3540 Opie Crescent Prince George, BC V2N 2P9 T - 250-617-2969
SW Event Technology
Cal McCarthy 1-325 Bay Avenue Lake Country, BC V4V 1N2 T – 250-868-3333 Ext. 2233
ALBERTA
Black Cab Productions
Oli Kiddell 23 Covecreek Close Calgary, AB T3K 0J4 T - 587-664-9802
Event Technology Solutions
Brent Taylor 52-9903 209 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5T 5X9 T – 780-446-9495
invert720 Productions Inc.
Justin Armstrong 101, 17628 103 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5S 1J9 T – 780-999-5792
KDL Audio Ltd.
Kyle Lupul PO box 3301 Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T2 T - 780-498-6336
MANITOBA
AVentPro Inc.
Garry Hale 6-45 Beghin Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2J 4B9 T – 204-226-5565
EventLight.ca Inc.
Cameron Friesen 1051 Marion Street Winnipeg, MB R3M 3M9 T – 204-232-5165
ONTARIO
bb Blanc Inc.
Rennie Colelli 41 Keyes Court, Unit 2 Vaughan, ON L4H 4V6 T – 416-360-0440
Bespoke Audio Visual
Michael Wilson
907 Oxford St. Toronto, ON M8Z 5T1 T – 647-797-9911
Impact AV Solutions
Randy Woolman
86 Guided Court – Unit M Toronto, ON M9V 4K6 T – 877-462-3174
CAVPA MEMBER ROSTER CONT’D
QUEBEC
Duoson Multimedia Héléne Drolet 6120 Rue Christophe - Pélissier Trois Riviéres, QC G9A 5C9 T – 1-819-373-4701
Stagevision Inc.
Bryce Engelman
5915 Coopers Avenue Mississauga, ON L4Z 1R9 T - 905-890-8200
Straight Street Event Services
Keith Kissner C1-115 Saltsman Drive Cambridge, ON N3H 4R7 keith@straightst.com T - 519-893-3668
Les Productions expert’ease
Martin Blanchard 7836 rue Jarry Est Montreal, QC H1J 2A1 T – 514-444-7723
TKNL
Tyler Tardiff 1349 Rue Gay-Lussac Boucherville, QC J4B7K1 T - 514-777-7335
NOVA SCOTIA
Advanced Systems
Bruce DeMond Box 31005
Halifax, NS B3K 5T9 T – 902-454-4742
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Eastern Audio Limited
Jim Harris
5 Waterford Bridge Road St. John’s, NL, A1E 1C5 jim@easternaudio.com T - 709-722-0864
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
CITT/ICTS
Bureau national
302-4529 rue Clark St. Montréal QC H2T 2T3 Direct: 514 504-9997
Canada: 1-888-271-3383
Toronto August 13-14, 2024 IntelliEvent Connect Summit Niagara Falls August 15-16, 2024
