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 

Solotech introduces the talent behind its unparalleled world-renowned expertise.  

We sat down with Allison Mutton Senior Business Developer and Theme Parks Global Market Leader.  

Summary of our chat with Allison, who joined Solotech in June of 2021.  

Q: What does a day in your life at Solotech look like? 

AM: It can be quite a mix…I spend time visiting potential and established customers, preparing quotations, following up on existing orders, planning product demonstrations for company/client events, researching different geographical and client markets to pursue new business, work with our integration team on installation projects. 

Q: What roads did you take to get to Solotech? 

AM: I started in the business on the manufacturing side in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I held a few different marketing and sales positions while I was there, one being for me to get the theme parks to incorporate specific products into their parks. Spending so much time in warmer climates prompted my move to Florida. Since being in Orlando, I have held sales and management positions with a few companies before starting with Solotech. 

Q: When you were growing up, what did you want to be? 

AM: I wanted to be a TV broadcaster! 

Q: What is the best part about your job? 

AM: I love getting to know my customers and vendors! Many of them have become good friends outside of the work environment. 

Q: What has been your favorite project to work on since starting with Solotech? 

AM: It is hard to pinpoint just one, but since I love theme parks, it is always fun to know that we had something to do with several major rides and venues at various parks around the US. 

Q: What sets Solotech apart from our competitors? 

AM: Our sales and project & installation staff are top-notch. Even though Solotech is a global company, we treat every customer, large or small, like they are our only customer. Because we are able to offer sales, design, installation, integration, and service of lighting, audio, and video, it allows us to provide for all aspects of a project. 

Q: What excites you most about the evolving tech in your division? 

AM: There is always something new to learn…new product development and offerings seem to change on a daily basis. 

Q: Do you have any unusual/crazy work-related stories? 

AM: When I was in grade school, my family took a vacation to one of the Orlando theme parks. I told my parents that when I grew up, I was going to work there! I never ended up specifically working at a theme park, but little did they know that my career would allow me to work with several theme parks on various projects! 

Q: Since we are a global company, where is your favorite place to travel? 

AM: My favorite place is the Caribbean! 

Q: What is your favorite food? 

AM: Thin-crust pizza! 

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:

As Senior Technical Specialist, Business Development

Montreal, Canada, October 12, 2021 – Solotech is proud to announce the arrival of Nicolas ‘’Nico’’ Labbé in its Montreal Live Productions team. Mr. Labbé will act as Senior Technical Specialist, Business Development.

Over the last 35 years, Nico Labbé worked as a Lighting Designer with the biggest names in the music industry, such as Charles Aznavour, Véronique DiCaire, Garou, Lara Fabian and Roch Voisine. He is also well known and respected in the television industry, where he served as director and designer of photography on multiple live show recordings.

Mr. Labbé will also play a crucial role as an ambassador of Solotech’s multiple technological solutions. His lighting and video expertise will help the Solotech team to better support Canadian designers. He will work closely with all the representatives of the Live Productions Division to offer the best services to our clients. His know-how and unique approach will contribute to the development of new business opportunities.

The entire Solotech team wishes him a warm welcome and much success in his new position.

To contact an expert from Solotech’s Montreal office:

5200 Hochelaga Street, Montreal, QC H1V 1G3
514-526-7721

About Solotech  

Founded over 40 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 19 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 1,550 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Chicago, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saguenay, Halifax, Macau and Hong Kong.

Find out more at old.solotech.com

Contact

Roch Carignan

Communications and Marketing Advisor

media@old.solotech.com

Dealing with the new normal

The festival season came later than usual this year, but it still feels great to be back working on live events!

Some festivals had to reimagine their way of doing things to keep people safe and reduce risks of COVID transmission among the staff and festivalgoers.

Mickey Curbishley, President, Live Productions, Solotech U.S. and U.K., sat with Systems Contractor News and gave some insights about the new reality of music festivals and the importance of prioritizing health and safety.

Read the full story here.

Reference : Beaugez, J., (2021, September 2^nd). Music Festivals Are Back. Are You Prepared to Deal with the New Normal? Systems Contractor News

About Solotech

Founded over 40 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 16 strategic locations in Canada, the United States and in the United Kingdom. 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 & 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, and is fully supported by three major shareholders: Claridge, Desjardins Capital and Investissement Québec. Solotech employs 1,550 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Chicago, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City and Saguenay. Find out more at old.solotech.com.

Find out more at old.solotech.com

Contact

Roch Carignan
Communications and Marketing Advisor
media@old.solotech.com

An enhanced e-store offering and shopping experience

with an extensive choice of renowned AV products and solutions

Westminster, California, July 20, 2021 – Philip Giffard, President, Global Sales and Systems Integration, Solotech, is pleased to announce that the company is launching its expanded US Online Store, following the addition of ProSound And Stage Lighting.

PSSL is a renowned Californian company for over 40 years now and is one of the largest and most respected sources of professional audio and lighting equipment in the United States. This initiative is perfectly aligned with Solotech’s digital strategy and vision: to further expand its e-commerce global reach and provide a single source for pro AV and entertainment technology to customers worldwide. The combination of PSSL’s expertise and impressive inventory and Solotech’s US Online Store brings customers’ shopping experience to a whole new level as they now access the single e-destination for world-class AV and entertainment technology.

Philip Giffard explains: “Solotech’s strategy and strength is all about diversification, especially in this post-COVID era. To maintain our competitive advantage and leadership position, we make sure we offer customers what they want, wherever they are: an opportunity to easily find online high-quality AV products and services. On a single platform they can access a massive array of new/used equipment, exclusive brands, complementary services, multi-expertise for all needs, trendy gear, amazing deals, etc. This alliance with PSSL simply means customers get the best of both worlds and from companies that are known for their ability to deliver at all times!”

Dave Rice of PSSL adds: “Solotech is a unique company with a compelling service offering and great people. The addition of PSSL brings an exponential expansion and numerous cross-selling opportunities. Both PSSL and Solotech’s customers can benefit from the complimentary tribal knowledge and distinct service offerings each company and their teams possess. PSSL brings e-commerce experience to Solotech’s US Online Store, and Solotech brings substantive financial backing; broad and upmarket product offering; powerful vendor relationships; a worldwide network of systems’ engineers and production professionals.”

This large-scale e-commerce platform and greater offering targets all markets, as PSSL and Solotech can undertake and service any project across the globe, including businesses, big and small, houses of worship, government, nightclubs, military bases and major theme parks.

About Solotech

Founded over 40 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 16 strategic locations in Canada, the United States and in the United Kingdom. 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, and is fully supported by three major shareholders: Claridge, Desjardins Capital and Investissement Québec. Solotech employs 1,550 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Chicago, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Quebec City and Saguenay.

About ProSound And Stage Lighting

ProSound And Stage Lighting (PSSL as we have become to be known) has grown to one of the largest and most respected sources of professional audio and lighting equipment in the United States. We are located in Westminster, California – right down the road from Disneyland! Our goal at PSSL.com is to exceed our customer’s expectations at every point of contact. To meet this goal we must provide excellent products and outstanding customer service, all at guaranteed low prices. Total customer satisfaction will always be our bottom line.

Contact

Héloïse Meunier

Advisor, Corporate Communications

media@old.solotech.com

New focus on the esports entertainment industry and digitalization

Montreal, Canada, June 1, 2021 – Martin Tremblay, President and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Solotech Inc., is pleased to announce that Solotech has acquired Waveform Entertainment, a highly regarded Canadian esports entertainment company specializing in full services esports solutions, including creative and design, technologies, event execution, brand solutions, digital marketing, talent management, sponsorships, and virtual and live production services. The company is well known in the gaming industry for its contribution to numerous high-profile programs, namely on Twitch, Rainbow6 Canada Nationals Year 2, Complexity’s WOW Race to World First, Get On My Level, EGLX Digital, Rising Stars. Thanks to Solotech’s international reach, this strategic partnership will enable Waveform to become a global esports entertainment company and connect with a bigger and ever-growing gaming audience.

Waveform is also a turnkey agency that provides comprehensive creation, production, and digital marketing services. With its proprietary event platform and production software, the company can produce impressive virtual events and reach an online audience of varied clients from the video game and entertainment industries and the corporate and government markets.

According to Martin Tremblay, “Customer demand for cutting-edge digital services continues to grow and the gaming industry is blooming more than ever. This acquisition enables us to roll out numerous live events, esports and virtual production broadcasts, including augmented and virtual reality. Gaming alone is a strong and growing 160 billion market. I see this acquisition as a perfect fit with our new Media and Entertainment Technologies Division and our diversification strategy, namely with online tournaments, fans engagement and sponsorships. Our goal remains to be recognized as the audiovisual partner and leader of choice for top content creators, including film, television, advertising and games. Waveform has worked with major industry players like Ubisoft, Dreamhack, Cineplex and major esports events, as well as teaming up with well-known brands and partners including NXNE, AMD and CSL.”

Simon Tremblay, Vice-President, Operations, Media and Entertainment Technologies Division at Solotech, adds: “This company is composed of genuine, exceptional people who are dedicated to the gaming and esports industry. Waveform’s business model is scalable and can fully adapt to the realities and demands of the industry, particularly with its outstanding virtual event platform and streaming solutions and services. The company’s spirit is based on ambition, innovation, passion and problem solving, which is totally in line with Solotech’s image! Together, we will become a strong industry benchmark.”

“This is a great fit for our two organizations since we already collaborate on several major virtual productions. It will allow Waveform to reach even more fans from the gaming world! We’ve developed a unique set of esports event services and earned credibility in the gaming industry as a result. We pride ourselves on our strong reputation and proven experience in esports and broadcasting on local and international stages. We will continue to grow into a company with a solid global impact and presence within the next few years by leveraging Solotech’s presence and resources in the USA and UK. We are embarking on a gratifying experience with Solotech,” says Tamir Kastiel, President of Waveform.

This acquisition will act as a trigger for global expansion that will benefit both Solotech’s clients and the teams of experts that have come together to support this broad, high-end service offering.

About Solotech

Founded over 40 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 16 strategic locations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. 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 & 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, and is fully supported by three major shareholders: Claridge, Desjardins Capital and Investissement Québec. Solotech employs 1,550 professionals in its offices in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Chicago, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City and Saguenay. Find out more at old.solotech.com.

Find out more

Contact

Héloïse Meunier

Advisor, Corporate Communications

media@old.solotech.com

About Waveform

Waveform is a full-service agency established with the vision of providing clients with guidance and access to the gaming and esports industry. We aim to bring a torrent of creativity, interactivity and engagement to the projects we work on. From competitive tournaments to music festivals, we are committed to the rising tide of gaming and esports in mainstream culture. Established in 2018, Waveform has formed several strategic partnerships focused on enhancing service quality, from ideation to execution and products offered to new and existing clients. We have been on the leading edge of esports event production and broadcast for several years, servicing some of the world’s most prestigious esports tournaments and events, including Dreamhack, Cineplex Entertainment, and Enthusiast owned EGLX.

Find out more at https://waveform.gg/

A strong IT expertise that propels Solotech’s service offering

Montreal, Quebec, May 17, 2021 – As part of its growth strategy, Solotech is pleased to announce today the acquisition of CBCI Telecom Canada Inc. (CBCI). The company headquartered in Montreal has been established for over 30 years across Canada. CBCI is a Canadian leader in providing the most comprehensive audiovisual and video conferencing solutions. Cisco, Microsoft Teams and Logitech solutions are part of its service offering, including personalized cloud services and video conferencing interconnection. CBCI has advanced expertise in audiovisual and unified communications services and solutions for companies in various business sectors, health and education sectors, and provincial and federal government agencies. This strategic acquisition is an important addition for Solotech, particularly in terms of expertise and geographic footprint, as it will expand its presence in Quebec and Ontario and a new presence in Western Canada and shortly in the Maritimes.

“Solotech is very proud to join forces with this company renowned for the quality of its technological solutions and services. This transaction aligns perfectly with our growth strategy and confirms our position as the number one Canadian leader in sales and integration of audiovisual systems. CBCI’s portfolio of services and cutting-edge IT expertise enhance, among other things, our collaboration technology offering, including cloud computing, particularly in the corporate, government and educational segments in which we operate. We are delighted that Solotech’s seasoned team is growing”, explains Martin Tremblay, President and CEO of Solotech.

“CBCI’s reputation is well established: it’s led by a strong team of experts who serve an impressive client base. This is a staple synergy due to the complementarity of the services of our companies. Unified communications and collaboration technology is a sector of great needs, and we are better equipped than ever to continue to meet them. In addition, CBCI’s information technology expertise complements Solotech’s service offering very well in the corporate market. That way, we mutually gain proximity and specialization and improve our agility in an industry where the demand is strong. I am pleased to welcome Denis Dumouchel, a prominent industry leader, and his entire team to Solotech”, adds Philip Giffard, President Global, Sales and Systems Integration, Solotech.

“The culture of Solotech and CBCI is based on a philosophy where collaboration and innovation play a central role and are reflected in service quality. It felt just right to join our two organizations to enrich the services and solutions offering for our clients and provide greater opportunities for all CBCI employees who benefit from Solotech’s positioning as a Canadian leader. I look forward to working closely with Philip Giffard and his team”, mentions Denis Dumouchel, President of CBCI.

This acquisition, which highlights a successful model based on a diversified, dynamic and accessible technological offering, is deployed with the full support of Solotech shareholders: Claridge, Desjardins Capital and Investissement Québec. “Once again, we are pleased to help propel Solotech’s expansion. Alongside our partners of the financial ecosystem, we fully play our role, which is to support a leading player in the entertainment and AV/IT systems integration industry by providing flexibility and the tools to become a key player, locally and beyond borders”, adds Guy LeBlanc, President and CEO of Investissement Québec.

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About Solotech

Founded over 40 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 15 strategic locations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. 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 & 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. Solotech employs 1,550 professionals in its offices in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Chicago, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City and Saguenay. Find out more at old.solotech.com.
Find out more at old.solotech.com

Contact

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

About CBCI

For more than 30 years, the Montreal-based company has been at the forefront of videoconferencing implementation across the country. As an industry leader in Canada, CBCI has developed expertise in providing visual communication equipment and services to corporate, health, legal, education and federal/provincial government sectors. CBCI provides solutions in collaboration with over 40 technology partners.
Find out more at www.cbcitelecom.com