Solotech is proud to announce that they continue to be among top leaders of the global audiovisual and live event production industry, having recently supported more than 350 festivals worldwide, a 46% increase since 2019, in addition to some major industry milestones that remain unapparelled.

This includes iconic 2024 events from the UK, such as BST Hyde Park in London, to Canada’s VELD, Osheaga, Île Soniq, LASSO, and Boots and Hearts festivals, demonstrating Solotech’s unique expertise in delivering world-class experiences. In a major milestone, Solotech has been the official video supplier for Adele’s highly anticipated residency in Munich, Germany in late August, achieving a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® for the Largest Continuous Outdoor LED Screen (temporary).

The arts and entertainment sectors are experiencing a robust post-pandemic resurgence – the global events and exhibitions market is projected to grow from $54.3 billion in 2024 to $70.26 billion by 2029, driven by increased demand for immersive, live experiences. Worldwide, Solotech delivers over 13,000 live production and system integration projects each year, including more than 5,000 corporate, immersive, music and other live events in Canada.

In North America, 85% of people expressed excitement about live concerts, with a similar percentage keen on attending music festivals. Live music alone is forecasted to generate $27 billion in revenue by 2026, signaling that the appetite for live experiences is only growing. Audiences now seek more interactive and immersive experiences at festivals and live shows, pushing organizers to raise the bar in creativity and technology. As a result, Solotech, with their expertise in audiovisual technology and solutions, are leading the charge to meet these market requirements while enhancing the overall audience experience.

“The demand for exceptional live experiences has never been greater,” says Martin Carrier, President – Live Productions Canada – Global Media and Entertainment Technologies, Solotech. “At Solotech, we prioritize combining state-of-the-art technology with creative ingenuity, ensuring every performance we support leaves a lasting impression to help clients exceed these new standards.”

Audience expectations and the ‘WOW’ effect 

Stunning visual effects achieved via LED screens, lighting, and other technologies captivate viewers and heighten their immersion in performances, as do leveraging audio solutions that are equally detailed and powerful. “Artists are under increasing expectation to make their festival performances stand out visually and trend on social media,” says Robert Kennedy, Director of Business Development, Live Productions Canada, Solotech. “Performances need to look just as impressive on a 4-inch screen as they do live, which has changed how we approach production for festivals.”

“This requires close collaboration with artists and show designers to create unique, memorable experiences. Today, a festival’s overall experience and reputation are just as important as the lineup in driving ticket sales and engagement,” Kennedy adds.

Setting New Standards in Production 

For any live performance client that Solotech works with, creating cutting-edge audio, lighting, video, staging, and rigging solutions requires constant innovation and close collaboration with various stakeholders.

One recent example of this is the collaboration between Adele, her production team, and Solotech, which highlights the importance of technological advancements in the entertainment industry. “This Munich residency is unlike anything that has ever been done before. There was no template, no comparison—only possibilities. What makes this show groundbreaking isn’t just the scale of the record-breaking LED screen, but the innovative thinking that made it possible. This production redefines how live entertainment can be experienced. Working alongside Adele’s visionary team and all the other top-tier suppliers, we were able to push beyond the limits of what anyone thought was possible. It’s this spirit of collaboration and innovation that made the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® for the Largest Outdoor LED Screen achievable.” – Ian “Woody” Woodall, Solotech’s Director of Global Touring and Special Projects.

Over the 2024 season, Solotech has provided many highly innovative offerings in Canada, notably a mesmerizing holographic effect for Eric Prydz at Toronto’s renowned Veld Festival. “A collaboration with Roe Creative Display that provided us access to pioneering technology like the Vanish V8T Transparent LED panels and enabled us to create captivating visual experiences that align with the evolving expectations of global audiences,” Carrier adds.

In Quebec City, Solotech provided a 360-degree AV solution for this year’s Festival d’été de Québec, which included the largest panoramic LED screen in the event’s history.

Meanwhile, in the UK, Solotech’s team is serving a growing number of festivals. “In 2024, Solotech is providing advanced AV solutions for over 60 UK festivals, including London’s Finsbury Park,” says Dan Bennett, UK Head of Audio – Live Productions, Solotech. “We redesigned systems to boost sound levels onsite while significantly reducing off-site noise. By partnering with manufacturers and investing in cutting-edge products, we ensure that the audio and visuals are detailed and impactful, even for events with over 100,000 attendees.”

AV Technology of the Future 

The future of live experiences will increasingly hinge on the integration of advanced audiovisual technologies. To stand out and captivate audiences, events will need to go beyond traditional setups and embrace innovative AV solutions that offer immersive, multi-sensory experiences. It is becoming essential for creating memorable moments that resonate long after the event concludes.

“As always, our focus is on expanding our capabilities across diverse sectors, from traditional live productions to e-sports and virtual events,” Carrier concludes.

“The future of live entertainment will blend the physical and digital, and we are positioning ourselves to lead this evolution by investing in the best technology, the best people, and the best partnerships.”

Photo Credit: Susan Moss