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@old.solotech.com

United Kingdom, October 25th, 2022 – Solotech, a leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Probyn as Head of Business Development in Europe for the Live Productions Division.

This new position is an important milestone towards continued growth in the global market of live productions. Probyn will be responsible for the business development of the company’s touring activities in Europe. He will be cultivating new relationships while continuing to provide expert service to Solotech’s customer base.

With almost 20 years’ experience in leadership positions at Live Nation Music UK, Probyn has earned a strong reputation in the audiovisual and entertainment technology industry. John started his career in live music in the late 80’s and was responsible for creating and producing the ‘Party in the Park’ series of sponsored music events for several radio stations throughout the country. In 1997, he started his own consultancy company offering health and safety planning and management that brought him to a diverse range of music and sporting events throughout the world.

In 2001, he joined Clear Channel Entertainment (now Live Nation Entertainment) in the UK as Operations Director and worked his way up to Chief Operating Officer to deliver thousands of touring shows, stadium concerts for the likes of U2, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bon Jovi. Also creating and bringing to life festivals such as Download, Wireless and Hard Rock Calling and special events including Live 8, Live Earth, The Concert for Diana, Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday concert and the London 2012 Olympic live sites. In 2015, John stepped down from his COO role to spend more time with his family but soon found he missed the challenge and joined Festival Republic in 2017 working for Melvin Benn on a wide range of festivals and projects.

“With an outstanding track record in music festival, touring and events, Probyn will be an amazing addition to our team. He has such a broad live production background and vast experience, he will undoubtedly play a crucial role in supporting Solotech’s continued growth in Europe,” states Mickey Curbishley, President, Live Productions, US, UK, Solotech.

“I’ve worked with Solotech UK brands Capital Sound, Wigwam and SSE Audio for many years and they have always been an important part of what I have achieved. Their global vision for the future in terms of growth and development excites me and I relish the challenge of helping them to achieve their ambitions,” adds Probyn.

The entire Solotech team welcomes John and wishes him great success in his new role.

Contact

media@old.solotech.com 

Luc Richard is appointed Chief Administrative Officer of the Media and Entertainment Technology Division (MET).

Montreal, Canada, October 19, 2022 – Martin Tremblay, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solotech Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Luc Richard as Chief Administrative Officer of the Media and Entertainment Technology Division (MET).

Created in 2021 to meet the demand for live and virtual production services, the MET Division aims to develop new technological solutions at the crossroads of three realities: artists and their fans, content producers, and online gamers. With two acquisitions to its credit – Waveform Entertainment in the esports area and XR Studios in 2021 – MET already boasts over 100 employees. Luc Richard’s appointment is in line with MET’s accelerated growth and its need to develop an agile administrative and operational model and structure that can respond to the needs of this booming market.

“Luc comes to us with many years of experience in renowned companies and organizations, notably in the video game industry, an asset that makes him a notable addition to our management team,” says Martin Tremblay, President and CEO of Solotech Group. “We’re delighted to be able to count on his expertise to build a solid foundation for the MET Division in the months and years to come.” 

For over 30 years, Luc Richard has held strategic and executive positions within fast-growing organizations, including several years in the video game industry at Ubisoft. Luc also served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 20 years, where one of the positions he held was Director General of Strategic Operations and Resource Planning. Throughout his prolific career, he has developed expertise in leading corporate finance activities, financial planning and analysis, operations management, and administration. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University, an MBA from HEC Montreal and is also a Fellow of the Order of CPAs.

“I feel privileged to join a world-class team like Solotech’s. I look forward to contributing to the virtual revolution that’s underway,” says Mr. Richard.

Luc Richard will work closely with Martin Tremblay as well as with the leaders of MET’s various business units (streaming, esports, XR production) and support services. He’ll play a significant role in ensuring MET’s continued growth and international success.

Contact

media@old.solotech.com

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! 

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. 

Jack White trusted Mathieu Larivé for a third time to showcase his last two albums, Fear of The Dawn and Entering Heaven Alive. Mathieu oversaw the tour’s production and lighting and called on Solotech to execute this unique project.

Why was it such a unique challenge? Because Jack White doesn’t perform a set program of songs. Indeed, he has over one hundred in his repertoire, which he plays on the piano or electric guitar, depending on his mood or the context. Therefore, the production had to be agile and versatile to create ambiances in line with the chosen musical set.

The stage was 40 feet wide by 24 feet deep and was overhung by an Austrian curtain and a background video screen. The latter was made up of ROE Visual CB5 LED panels housed in Air Frames flanked by IMAG and extendable back and side lighting towers on either side of the stage.

In a nod to one of his latest music videos, a 6-foot lighted Hawaiian statue was controlled by a footswitch to change color depending on the song: red for the White Stripes, green for the Raconteurs, and blue for Jack White’s solo material.

Despite all the sonic and visual challenges, Lüz and Solotech’s collaboration made for a memorable performance for the audience.

Read the full article here

Source: Event Focus (2022, July 12) Lüz Studio Reflects on Jack White: The Supply Chain Issues Tour. TPI

Contact

Héloïse Meunier
Corporate Communications Advisor
media@old.solotech.com 

Toronto, Canada, August 3rd, 2022 – Alexandre Pecqueux, Vice-President, Operations Canada, Innovation & Operational Excellence Global, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Jacobs as Operations Director of Solotech’s Toronto office.

After a prolific career in the aeronautical field, mister Jacobs joins our Toronto brigade with the mandate to supervise and accompany our design, planning, and execution teams in the various Sales & Systems Integration Division projects.

“It’s been a nice adventure so far,” declared Stephen Jacobs. “I see an openness of spirit. The team wants to connect, work well together, and open lines of communication.”

“Stephen Jacobs’ arrival within our organization is excellent news for our Toronto activities,” said Alexandre Pecqueux. “We can count not only on his vast technology experience but also on his qualities as a natural leader. Our entire team in the Ontario metropolis will benefit from his presence.”

The new Operations Director added: “Solotech grants me the potential to make a real impact on the company and I am grateful for that opportunity.”

The entire Solotech team wished him great success in his new role!

If there’s one event that can kick off the festival season in style, it’s Coachella.

The industry didn’t miss the opportunity, and Solotech led the charge. The magic recipe for its return? To have the pop star of the moment, Harry Styles perform in a sequined suit under more than 250 VL5LED WASH lights, purchased especially for the event by Solotech.

To offer a result as sparkling as offbeat as Styles’ image, the circular lighting effect was designed and implemented thanks to the skills of the Silent House teams and the technical expertise of Solotech. The Vari-lite teams were also on hand to support this large-scale project from start to finish.

The VL5LED WASH fixtures were packaged to create a huge circular structure above the singer. Working in harmony, the VL5LED WASH fixtures unveiled a colorful performance with a retro feel and just the right amount of “extra-ordinary”.

In the aftermath, Harry Styles’ design team is reportedly interested in working with Solotech again. The lights also caught the eye of other designers for upcoming events.

All in all, Styles made this Coachella comeback simply spectacular…

Read the full article here

Source: Vari-Lite, Solotech invests in vl5led wash for Harry Styles’ headline set at coachella 2022, Touring

Contact

Héloïse Meunier
Corporate Communications Advisor
media@old.solotech.com 

Eric Thibault, Senior Sales Director, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Solotech, is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Brito as Sales Director of the company’s Ottawa and Maritimes markets.

As a natural leader and expert in his field, Mr. Brito is a prime addition to Solotech’s management team. He will be responsible for the leadership of the sales teams to optimize Solotech’s business position in the federal government and corporate markets, as well as developing two strong markets in the Ottawa area: crown corporations, and museums. Outside of Ottawa, Mr. Brito will also be responsible for developing new business opportunities in our recently added territory: the Maritimes.    

With over 28 years of extensive experience in the AV and related industries, including the last five as Senior Account Manager at CBCI, Mr. Brito had the chance to collaborate with the best in his field around North America. During that time, he has led, designed, programmed, or installed more than 500 projects, which allowed him to master both technical and creative aspects of multimedia integration. His deep understanding of Federal Government clients and procurement makes him the perfect person to lead Solotech’s sales team in the nation’s capital.   

As Canada’s prime integrator, Solotech is proud to add Mr. Brito’s experience to its pool of seasoned professionals, reinforcing its positioning as the sole Canadian company listed in 2021’s  Systems Contractor News’ Top 50 Systems Integrators. 

Contact

Roch Carignan
Advisor, Social Media and Digital Content
roch.carignan@old.solotech.com

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 old.solotech.com 

Contact
Héloïse Meunier
Corporate Communications Advisor
media@old.solotech.com