President’s Report
Dear Members,
Thanks to everyone who joined us for this year’s AGM on January 29 – we had a record turnout with almost all member companies represented. A special thank you to our volunteer board of directors for their continued support, particularly outgoing Treasurer Rennie Colelli (BB Blanc) for his service in 2024, and a warm welcome to our new board member, Jason Wagner (Fifty North Events).
2024 was our most impactful year yet, with significant progress made at the Competition Bureau and in communicating our messaging surrounding venue preferred vs exclusive services and contracting to the event planner community. In addition to the reports and data we provided to the Competition Bureau, we also published our “Venue RFP Language Template” to assist planners in receiving pricing transparency on venue exclusive services and protecting their AV supplier freedom of choice. Additionally, we also published our “Considering hiring a foreign AV supplier?” document, providing information on Canadian immigration rules surrounding foreign workers coming into Canada for events.
Platinum Sponsors:
Speaking of events, in 2024 CAVPA exhibited at Expo-Scene in Montreal and CMEE in Toronto, as well as hosting a reception at Infocomm in Las Vegas. While we will not be at CMEE in 2025, we will be back with an even larger presence for both Expo-Scene and Infocomm Orlando. In addition to trade shows, I was honored to be asked to speak at the Go West conference in Edmonton earlier this month, where I was on an expert panel covering AV topics including AV price inflation, venue preferred vs exclusive services, and tips on managing AV costs on events. The conference saw strong engagement and interest in these AV issues, with a growing awareness of the importance of addressing them earlier in the event planning process, particularly in venue contracts.
With the recent trade tensions between Canada and U.S., there has never been a better time to promote a message of “Buy Canada” and supporting Canadian OWNED audiovisual companies. Earlier this month, you should have received the new CAVPA member badges (in English and French). These can be displayed on your website, social media, email signatures, and proposals to highlight that your business is not only Canadian but Canadian-owned—an important distinction. In the coming weeks and months, you will see
Continued…
Canadian
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
Cal McCarthy
SW Event Technology
1-325 Bay Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y7S3
T: 250-868-3333 ext 2233
E: cmccarthy@sw-online.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
Tyler Tardiff
TKNL
1349 Rue Gay-Lussac Boucherville, QC J4B 7K1
T: 514-777-7335
Jason Wagner
Fifty North Events Unit 2-1051 Marion Street Winnipeg, MB R2J 0L1
T: 204-227-8951
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Carolyne Vigon
T: 416-491-2886
E: carolyne@cavpa.ca
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS (Ottawa Consultants)
Michael Wood
T: 613-265-9967
E: mike@cavpa.ca
CAVPA being more active on social media and in other channels to promote this message, as well as lobbying the federal government to better recognize and favour Canadian owned suppliers in their procurement processes.
As we move forward into 2025, CAVPA remains committed to advocating for Canadian-owned audiovisual companies, strengthening our industry’s voice, and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. Your ongoing support and engagement are what drive our collective success. I encourage all members to stay involved, share your insights, and take full advantage of the growing set of resources CAVPA provides. If you have not yet taken advantage of your CFIB membership, I encourage you to explore the wide range of tools and resources available on their website. Please contact the CAVPA office if you need assistance setting up your CFIB account.
Thank you for being a part of this journey—we have much more to accomplish together. Wishing everyone a successful and prosperous year ahead!
Tim Lang, President
Platinum Sponsors:
Annonce !
Nous sommes ravis d’accueillir Event Safety Alliance Canada pour une journée de formation pré-salon sur le thème de la sécurité événementielle!
Le forum régional de l’ESAC offrira une série de sessions traitants de sujets pertinents liés à la sécurité événementielle et présentées par des experts dans le domaine. Une occasion unique de réseauter et de partager votre expérience et expertise avec des pairs de l’industrie, en plus de faire le plein de connaissances et de mettre à jour vos pratiques et vos normes.
Mardi 15 avril 2025 | 9h00 à 16h30 HE
Lieu de la formation : Palais des congrès de Montréal
Coût pour la journée :
- Membres de l’ESAC et du CITT/ICTS | 50,00 $ + TVH
- Non-membres | 75,00 $ + TVH
Plus de détails + Inscription : bit.ly/ForumESAC2025
Psst! D’autres formations seront bientôt annoncées
Inscrivez-vous pour votre badge visiteur gratuit dès maintenant et soyez les premiers informés! : bit.ly/2025_VisiteursInscription
Announcing!
We’re delighted to welcome Event Safety Alliance Canada for a day of event safety programming!
The ESAC Montréal Regional Forum will feature a series of sessions on relevant event safety topics presented by experts in the field. A unique opportunity to network and share your experiences, expertise and perspectives with your industry peers, and a great way to update your practices and standards!
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Location: Palais des congrès de Montréal
Cost for the day:
- ESAC and CITT/ICTS members | $50.00 + HST
- Non-members | $75.00 + HST
Details + Registration: bit.ly/ESACForum2025
Psst! More pre-show training will be announced soon.
Register now for your free visitor badge and be the first to know! bit.ly/2025_VisitorRegistration
EXPO-SCÈNE est présenté par / is presented by CITT/ICTS APRIL 16 - 17 AVRIL | Palais des congrès de Montréal
AV-CANADA
Danny Dobriansky 1655 Queensway East Mississauga, ON L4X 2Z5 905.566.5500 x222
Orange Frog Productions Inc.
Pierre Marleau 2880 45 Avenue SE, Suite 285 Calgary, AB T2B 3M1 403-703-77302
Production World Inc.
Kelly Kimo 12410B – 142 Street Edmonton, AB T5L 4K2 780-918-8606
New Member Spotlight
Danny Dobriansky, Co-President
1. What do you do in a nutshell? I am Co-President / CEO
2. What is your favourite part of your job? Growing the business and networking with our clients and associates.
3. If you could mentor a student, what advice would you give them about the industry? Stick to it! Don’t jump from job to job. So much change leading to advancement can take place in a very short time.
4. Why did you join CAVPA? To support the association and broaden our network.
5. What is your favourite past time? Motorcycling through the mountains in Arizona.
Expo Scene
Infocomm 2025
CAVPA Summer Get Together
Montreal April 16-17, 2025
Orlando June 12, 2025
Location TBA August 2025 (date TBA)
Canada’s Premier Entertainment Technology Show ... in the heart of Montréal! ... in the heart of Montréal! ... in the heart of Montréal!
TRADE SHOW TRADE SHOW TRADE SHOW
LIVE DEMOS DEMOS LIVE DEMOS
TALKS
⇢ CONNECT with industry leaders
⇢ EXPERIMENT with the best technology available on the market today
⇢ SHARPEN your knowledge
⇢ IMMERSE yourself in a unique, stimulating and friendly atmosphere
EXPO-SCÈNE is... EXPO-SCÈNE is... EXPO-SCÈNE is...
PRO AUDIO • PRO SOUND • PRO LIGHTING STAGE TECHNOLOGY • RIGGING • SPECIAL EFFECTS
AV • MULTIMEDIA • INTEGRATION• IMAGE & BROADCAST BUSINESS & EVENTS SOLUTIONS and more!and more!and more!and more!
EXHIBIT
BE PART OF EXPO-SCÈNE 2025!
Share the floor with industry leading suppliers, manufacturers and live events professionals.
! Early-bird rate deadline is November 30, 2024 !
VISIT
VISITOR REGISTRATION OPENS MID-NOVEMBER.
Stay up to date! Join our mailing list to receive exclusive updates on the show.
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.
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:
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
Orange Frog Productions Inc.
Pierre Marleau 2880 45 Avenue SE, Suite 285 Calgary, AB T2B 3M1 T - 403-703-7730
Production World Inc.
Kelly Kimo 12410B – 142 Street Edmonton, AB T5L 4K2 780-918-8606
SASKATCHEWAN
ProAV LTD
(Professional Audio Visual Ltd)
Mark Kowalyk 1370 Cornwall Street Regina, SK S4R 2H5 T - 306-565-0100
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
Fifty North Events
Jason Wagner Unit 2 – 1051 Marion street
Winnipeg, MB R2J 0L1 T - 204-227-8951
CAVPA MEMBER ROSTER CONT’D
Impact AV Solutions
Randy Woolman 86 Guided Court – Unit M Toronto, ON M9V 4K6 T – 877-462-3174
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
ONTARIO
AV-Canada Inc.
Danny Dobriansky 1655 Queensway East Mississauga, ON L4X 2Z5 T – 905.566.5500 x222
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
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
QUEBEC
Duoson Multimedia
Héléne Drolet
6120 Rue Christophe - Pélissier Trois Riviéres, QC G9A 5C9 T – 1-819-373-4701
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
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!
ASSOCIATE MEMBER CITT/ICTS
Bureau national 1200 Avenue McGill College Suite 1100 Montréal, QC. H3B 4G7 Direct: 514 504-9997 Canada: 1-888-271-3383
