Solotech’s United Way Campaign Sets New Company Record

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Solotech’s United Way Campaign Sets New Company Record

Solotech is proud to announce that its 2023 United Way campaign raised $105,000, setting a new company record for charitable efforts. The amount represents a 5% increase over last year; a record that is especially significant, given that 2023 is United Way’s 50th anniversary.

The campaign, which took place in all Solotech Canadian offices from October 30 to November 17, saw employees energetically organize and participate in various activities with the goal of raising donations. In 2022 alone, United Way’s efforts supported 7 million vulnerable Canadians from coast to coast, and Solotech takes pride in supporting their cause year after year.

A sincere thank you goes to all employees who answered this important call to action.

 

 

Contact: media@old.solotech.com

CDPQ becomes a shareholder of Solotech to accelerate the company’s international growth

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Montréal, November 29, 2023 – CDPQ today announced it acquired a minority stake in Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology. The goal of this transaction, which represents the largest investment in the company since 2013, is to support Solotech’s acquisition and organic growth strategy to expand its presence in various markets and create more value for its customers.

Solotech highlights

  • Founded in Montréal in 1977, Solotech has recognized experience in event and technology solutions, as well as in selling and integrating audiovisual systems.
  • The company has 2,000 employees in 20 strategic locations in North America, Europe and Asia.
  • Since 2013, the company has been held by a group of Québec-based shareholders—Claridge, Investissement Québec and Desjardins Capital—that CDPQ now joins.
  • 10 acquisitions completed since 2018.
  • Over 12,000 projects delivered annually.

 

“With this investment—the largest in the last decade for Solotech—CDPQ will support the company in its next growth stage. Aligned with CDPQ’s priorities, this means not only shifting activities into high gear, but also facilitating the company’s global expansion and promoting its audiovisual and technological know-how,” said Kim Thomassin, Executive Vice-President and Head of Québec at CDPQ.

“CDPQ’s commitment is a gauge of confidence in our business model, and their financial investment will allow us to seize new business opportunities as a global audiovisual and technology consolidator,” noted Martin Tremblay, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solotech.

“We enthusiastically welcome a new world-class partner like CDPQ. We firmly believe that we will benefit from an expansive additional network that will enhance our perspectives on the Board of Directors, notably in terms of growing Solotech,” added Pierre Boivin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Claridge and Chair of the Board of Directors of Solotech.

With a solid network of partners, Solotech offers audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging and control and collaboration systems, as well as eSports and webcasting technology. The company leverages its unrivalled know-how to create unique experiences around the world. It has made a name in various markets, including music, sports, business, transportation, culture and education. It also has an e‑commerce platform offering new and used audiovisual equipment.

From Las Vegas to London and Miami to Ottawa, Solotech’s experienced team has been involved in corporate events, nearly 280 festivals per year and musical tours, including by Taylor Swift, P!nk, Harry Styles, Adele and The Weeknd. A major share of its annual revenues is generated by complex and large-scale audiovisual installations, including Resorts World Las Vegas, Outernet and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Disney World, Bell Centre, Caesars Palace, Hong Kong International Airport and many more.

Solotech ranks 5th among the top 50 system integrators in the world, and among global leaders in event solutions. In 2023, the company won the Parnelli Award for Video Production Company of the Year for its The Weeknd project. In 2022, it won the AV Events and Entertainment Project of the Year Award from AV Magazine for ABBA Voyage in the United Kingdom. In 2019, the company supported six of the top 10 tours in Billboard Magazine’s 2019 Year-End Touring Chart.

Martin Tremblay concludes: “We’re thrilled by the new possibilities for our teams that CDPQ’s arrival will provide to further promote their expertise and talent. Serving clients around the world is the genesis of our expansion, and even today it’s what motivates us to offer quality service and the best technology for their ambitious projects.”

About Solotech

Founded 45 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 20 strategic locations in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. 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 employs 2,000 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Frankfort, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saguenay, Halifax, Macau and Hong Kong. Learn more at old.solotech.com.

About CDPQ

At CDPQ, we invest constructively to generate sustainable returns over the long term. As a global investment group managing funds for public pension and insurance plans, we work alongside our partners to build enterprises that drive performance and progress. We are active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. As at June 30, 2023, CDPQ’s net assets totalled CAD 424 billion. For more information, visit cdpq.com, consult our LinkedIn or Instagram pages, or follow us on X.

CDPQ is a registered trademark owned by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and licensed for use by its subsidiaries.

MTELUS Elevates Concert Experience with Solotech’s L-Acoustics K3 Sound System

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MTELUS Elevates Concert Experience with Solotech’s L-Acoustics K3 Sound System

Montreal’s iconic MTELUS venue has raised the sonic bar with the installation of a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics K3 sound system from by Solotech. This 140-year-old venue, renowned for hosting legendary acts, has further enhanced its reputation with a cutting-edge audio offering.

Solotech and L-Acoustics Elevate Concert Experience at MTELUS

Solotech’s Martin Berthiaume collaborated with MTELUS’ Chief Audio Engineer, Reno Richard, to introduce the L-Acoustics K3 system, now delivering impeccable sound quality to the 2,300-capacity venue. The system, comprised of a left-right configuration with ten K3 flown per side and four KS28 ground-stacked, cardioid-configured subs per side, expertly navigates the venue’s acoustic challenges, including low balconies and unique architectural features.

The successful integration, accomplished within a tight schedule during 2023’s festival season, exemplifies the synergy between Solotech and L-Acoustics engineers. For a venue with a storied history hosting iconic artists, the new L-Acoustics sound system ensures MTELUS continues to be a preferred destination for world-class performances, solidifying its position as a premier live entertainment space.

Solotech and L-Acoustics Elevate Concert Experience at MTELUS

Read the full article here.

 

Source: SVC Online (November 8), Montréal’s MTELUS Sounds Trés Bon With L-Acoustics K3

Solotech Launches Webcasting Solution LiveSphere

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Montréal, Québec, November 3, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is proud to announce the North American launch of LiveSphere, an innovative white-label webcasting solution.

LiveSphere offers a versatile platform that adapts to a wide range of scenarios. Whether it’s corporate events, government meetings, live entertainment, or hybrid experiences, LiveSphere opens new possibilities for connecting with a global audience of tens of thousands per event.

Martin Carrier, President, Live Productions Division, Canada | Global Media and Entertainment Technologies at Solotech, underscores the significance of this launch, “LiveSphere introduces a new dimension to event hosting for Solotech clients. It transcends geographic boundaries, making our clients’ events accessible to a worldwide audience while minimizing the ecological footprint.”

LiveSphere offers a customizable and secure platform that caters to each client’s unique needs, prioritizing security and reliability to ensure a seamless experience. One of the most compelling and innovative features of LiveSphere is its accessibility from any device, eliminating the need for desktop applications. The platform comes equipped with an administrative dashboard for managing events, chat moderating, and user analytics. It supports multiple audio tracks and video streams with closed captioning, as well as third-party integration for polling, voting, and ticket sales.

“User engagement through LiveSphere can boost conversions, foster customer loyalty, enhance brand visibility, and drive growth. It’s a holistic approach tailored to each client,” emphasizes Michel Poirier, Business Development Director at Solotech.

In addition to LiveSphere, Solotech offers a suite of additional services to enhance event experiences. From post-production to streaming show operation and production services, Solotech provides support to make events unforgettable.

LiveSphere’s first version was launched in 2020 with select clients to ensure the platform’s features and functionality maintained the company’s standard of excellence before the full launch. With over 45 years of experience in the AV industry, Solotech is well-positioned to deliver outstanding event experiences via LiveSphere.

Contact

media@old.solotech.com

Major Audiovisual Upgrade at The LeTourneau University Belcher Center

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Major Audiovisual Upgrade at The LeTourneau University Belcher Center

Longview, USA, September 5, 2023 – Solotech and The LeTourneau University Belcher Center are excited to announce the successful completion of major technological upgrades to the performance center. The new audiovisual equipment, installed over the summer, is set to debut for the 2023-2024 live events season and will significantly improve the audience experience for the wide variety of events hosted at the Belcher Center.

The installation of new audio and video gear makes the Belcher Center a premiere destination for live performances, chapel services, lectures, screenings, and exciting experiences tailored to the local public.

Cody Bowen, Senior Director at The Le Tourneau University Belcher Center, is excited to welcome guests to the new and improved venue.

“We are so thrilled to have completed this project in time for the start of the events season,” says Bowen. “As we unveil the transformed Belcher Center, we’re not just introducing cutting-edge audiovisual technology; we’re opening the door to a new era of possibilities for live events and community engagement here in Longview.”

Major Audiovisual Upgrade at The LeTourneau University Belcher CenterIn collaboration with LeTourneau University, Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual entertainment technology, designed, sourced, and installed cutting-edge equipment at the LeTourneau University Belcher Center, with the goal of providing extraordinary experiences for the local community.

Business Development Representative Tom Stotler spoke with enthusiasm about Solotech’s noteworthy partnership and the project’s outcome.

“Our mission was clear: to integrate state-of-the-art technology that would elevate each performance and create an unforgettable experience for audiences,” he explains. “Through our partnership with LeTourneau University, The Belcher Center, and our manufacturing collaborators, I’m proud to say we’ve achieved just that.”

This project involved a comprehensive audio and video enhancement for the main performance area. The audio setup featured top-of-the-line equipment by L-Acoustics, featuring the K3 line array known for its excellence in live audio reproduction. To manage the audio, DiGiCo consoles were installed; two Quantum 338 and one Quantum 225 digital mixing console. The video system is comprised of three Barco UDM 4K22 projectors with lenses, new DaLite custom motorized screens, and six Blackmagic 12K Cameras with Fujinon Lenses, four of which are automated with MRMC automated subject tracking capabilities.

Major Audiovisual Upgrade at The LeTourneau University Belcher Center

This endeavor was made possible thanks to an outstanding collaboration. Despite a very short window during LeTourneau’s summer break, Solotech successfully installed the major upgrades to The Belcher Center’s audiovisual equipment.

“It’s been a very positive experience working alongside a dedicated team for this upgrade to be delivered on time,” says Stotler. “The Belcher Center’s technical director Anthony ‘Fro’ Horner’s expertise provided invaluable direction right from the start. It was a real team effort to make sure this project was delivered for the start of The Belcher Center’s fall event season.”

The Belcher Center’s live events lineup begins September 14th with the Unite 2023 event hosted by Tim Tebow and Pastor Earl McClellan. Audiences can expect world-class live music, comedy, theatre, and more, now hosted in a modern performance venue.

Major Audiovisual Upgrade at The LeTourneau University Belcher Center

“The dedication and teamwork behind this project have truly set the stage for unforgettable experiences,” says Bowen. “We can’t wait to share the magic of this upgraded venue with our community, where every performance will be a celebration of excellence.”

To learn more about The LeTourneau University Belcher Center or to purchase tickets, visit their website at www.belchercenter.com.

Contact: media@old.solotech.com

Solotech announces new business office in Frankfurt, Germany

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Frankfurt, Germany, June 8, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in AV entertainment and technology, has announced the opening of a new business office in Frankfurt, Germany.

Located at 60314 Frankfurt, Hanauer Landstrasse 172, Solotech shares the space with Studio 301, the renowned recording studio, formerly known as Abbey Road Institute.

“Providing our clients with a local approach is absolutely key for Solotech,” said Bryce Jewell, Managing Director – UK & Germany. “We are delighted to be opening this new office. Demand for high-quality, innovative events continues to grow across the continent and these premises will provide a platform for us to manage the future growth in the region. We have some ambitious plans, across both Live Productions as well as our Systems Integrations business, and our presence in Frankfurt will enable us to really start realizing these.”

Industry veteran, Holger Schader, has been Senior Consultant Concert Touring and Special Events at Solotech since 2019. In the same year, he secured a global tour with Rammstein, which saw Solotech deliver the audio and video solutions. This year his team, which includes fellow industry veteran, Frank Simon as Project Manager, have gone one better and are currently delivering the 2023 arena tour for German artist, Helene Fischer. This tour sees Solotech delivering the full 360⁰ solution, providing lighting, video, and audio as she performs at venues across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Holger will work alongside John Probyn, the Head of Business Development in Europe for Live Productions Division at Solotech. John comments, “The team in Germany is highly experienced, having delivered some of Europe’s most technically challenging and spectacular events. Holger epitomizes that standard.”

This German presence is part of Solotech’s ongoing expansion strategy. With roots in audio dating back 45 years, the company continues to supply the biggest festivals, tours and live events across the UK, Europe and beyond, with a client list that includes Isle of Wight Festival, Reading & Leeds Festival, Hyde Park BST Summer Series, Download, Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Rammstein, Helene Fischer, and many more. In recent times, Solotech has expanded its UK offering into video, lighting and full 360⁰ services, including the internationally heralded ABBA Voyage project.

Solotech has also been expanding, not only in its long-time role as a powerhouse in live production, but also as a Top 5 AV global systems integrator across the Corporate, Worship, and Transportation sectors. Its strong presence in the UK systems installation market is illuminated by inclusion on top tier projects like Outernet London, Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, Ascot Racecourse, among countless others. This is augmented by a strong sales department that sees Solotech as one of the leading suppliers of new and used professional audio, lighting, and video suppliers in the UK.

Martin Carrier joins Solotech as President of the Live Productions Division in Canada

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Martin Carrier joins Solotech as President of the Live Productions Division in Canada

Montreal, Quebec, March 30, 2023 – Martin Tremblay, President and CEO of Solotech, announced today the appointment of Martin Carrier as President of the Live Productions Division in Canada.

“I’m pleased to welcome an exceptional leader who will play a key role on our management team thanks to his extensive experience in the entertainment industry. Martin Carrier is a visionary who, along with his team, will drive the Live Productions business in Canada within a large-scale market,” said Martin Tremblay.

Martin Carrier has over 25 years’ experience in senior management roles in a variety of industries, including video games, television and film production, and technology. He joins Solotech from MELS Studios & Postproduction, where he served as President. Previously, he held executive positions at renowned companies such as Frima Studio, Warner Bros. Games and Ubisoft.

“I’m honoured to join a leading Canadian company in audiovisual and entertainment technology. I’m looking forward to taking the helm of a renowned team in Canada that rolls out over 5,000 live production projects each year,” says Martin Carrier.

Martin Carrier is known for his visionary leadership as well as his focus on business growth, technological innovation, and customer service excellence. Effective April 24, 2023, he will take leadership of overall activities related to tours, festivals and local live productions events in Canada. His mission will be to spearhead the Canadian operations and business development activities, and to ensure that Solotech remains an industry leader. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and an Executive MBA from McGill-HEC Montréal. He is also involved in the industry as a board member, notably as President of the Digital Alliance.

Martin Chouinard, who previously held this position, will continue with Solotech in a new strategic role of Chief Global Operations and Asset Officer.

This new appointment is in line with Solotech’s strategic plan for accelerated growth as it expands across Canada and around the world.

 

Contact

media@solotech.com

New UK headquarters to continue expansion in Europe

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Solotech announces new UK headquarters to continue its live productions and systems integration expansion in Europe

Birmingham, United Kingdom, January 26, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in AV entertainment and technology, is delighted to announce the opening of a new UK headquarters. Located in Birmingham, the new modern facility will serve as a hub for audio, video and lighting rental stock and corporate offices, as well as a central location for its booming sales and systems integration activities. From this strategic location, the company is well positioned to efficiently serve the UK market and deliver its future projects in Europe. The install process is underway, and operations will begin in the upcoming months. Other Solotech locations in the UK continue to operate to serve client audiovisual needs.

Solotech strives to stay on top of the latest technologies in the marketplace, making it a preferred choice for high-profile clients. With roots in audio dating back 45 years, the company continues to supply the biggest festivals, tours and live events across the UK, Europe and beyond, with a client list that includes Isle of Wight Festival, Reading & Leeds Festival, Hyde Park BST Summer Series, Download, Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Rammstein, and many more. In recent times,

Solotech has expanded its UK offering into video, lighting and full 360o services, including the internationally heralded ABBA Voyage project.

John Probyn, Head of Business Development in Europe for the Live Productions Division, Solotech, comments:

‘This new facility gives us an operational advantage by providing efficient workflows that help us deliver the high-quality projects that our customers have come to expect. This great workplace also ensures our staff have modern facilities with the highest health, safety and welfare standards.’

Solotech has also been expanding, not only in its long-time role as a powerhouse in live production, but also as a Top 5 AV global systems integrator across the Corporate, Worship, and Transportation sectors. Its strong presence in the UK systems installation market is illuminated by inclusion on top tier projects like Outernet London, Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, Ascot Racecourse, among countless others. This is augmented by a strong sales department that sees Solotech as one of the leading suppliers of new and used professional audio, lighting and video suppliers in the UK.

Solotech UK Managing Director Bryce Jewell: ‘We’re delighted to have cut the ribbon on our new UK headquarters with our team this week. We have seen unprecedented growth in recent years, and this gives us the space and environment to keep us on that trajectory. Our team is very inspired for what’s ahead with our partners and clients.’

Always looking at ways to implement Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) best practices and to reduce its environmental footprint, Solotech chose this location to be the new UK headquarters because it is a Net Zero Carbon building. Construction has been completed to a high-quality sustainable specification, with a BREEAM Excellent accreditation and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) target rating of Band A*. This is in addition to a solar array on the roof which will helps to reduce power consumption.

Bryce Jewell adds: ‘The impressive facilities will allow us to provide an environment that will make us an employer of choice for our staff–our most precious resource, and to give our employees access to exceptional production standards and capabilities within Solotech to serve our clients.’

 

New Solotech Location in Nashville

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Nashville, TN, May 17, 2022 – Earmarking the extraordinary growth that Solotech has experienced in recent years, the company has announced the opening of its massive new facility in Nashville, Tennessee.

Covering more than 120,000 square feet of space, Solotech’s new Nashville facility is a powerful picture of what the company has become, and a clear indication of where it’s headed. The global leader in AV and entertainment technology has been expanding, not only in its long-time role as a powerhouse in live production, but also as a Top 10 AV system integrator in North America across the Corporate, Worship, and Transportation sectors.

Recent notable projects in the region include the expansion of Nashville International Airport, as well as new sound, lighting, and video in several of the city’s iconic Broadway honky tonks, several major corporate headquarters, and a number of large houses of worship. And of course, Solotech continues to be a major player in the touring circuit, including current sojourns with Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood.

The new Nashville facility is stocked with more gear than ever, offering a comprehensive array of brands and technologies to suit virtually every demand and rider. In addition, the building offers on-site rehearsal facilities and full stage setup, providing artists and production crew the opportunity to test out touring systems under real-world conditions. Solotech’s new facility also offers a new, state-of-the-art Pre-Production Visual Mapping, enabling clients to visually design and stage their new setup or facility. And the Nashville digs also house a complete fabrication department, making it easier than ever to fill all aspects of designing and creating systems for their ever-growing range of clients and projects.

As Lee Moro, Solotech’s VP of Operations, Live Productions, observes, versatility and a comprehensive offering are some of the company’s strengths.

“We can be working on the Airport, and then go out on Tour with Michael Bublé. That shows the diversity of the company. That’s what we’re all about.”

Michael Casey, Solotech Business Development Representative, agrees. “On the integration side, we have the ability to build our projects in our own shop. On the live side, we can bring artists into the shop and have their rehearsals here, in our spaces, with the equipment they’re going to have out on tour.”

“We’re always pushing the limits,” Moro concludes, pointing to the Solotech team as an indispensable part of the company’s success. “If you ask people to go above and beyond, the only way they’re going to do that is if they’re happy. You have to like where you’re working. I think we’ve created something pretty special here with an incredible team of passionate and seasoned professionals. Moreover, if you want to be part of the big Solotech family, now is the time, we’re currently looking to expand our pool of talents!”

Take a quick tour of the brand-new Solotech office in Nashville: https://youtu.be/jr3-5XKUhT8

Solotech acquires Morris Light & Sound

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A strategic initiative from the AV and entertainment company to expand its reach for a powerful presence and offering in the United States.

 

 

Nashville, TENN., March 22, 2021 – Following the February 23 release, Solotech announced today the completion of the acquisition of Nashville-based Morris Light & Sound. As expected, Solotech, expands its activities in the United States and solidifies its presence in the Nashville region by joining forces with the talented live production and systems integration team (InteRise) at Morris Light & Sound.

Martin Tremblay, President and CEO, Solotech, shares why this acquisition is highly strategic: “Our joint capabilities enable us to significantly strengthen our footprint in the US, and much more in Nashville, to the benefit of all our clients. It also provides assurance of our unrivaled readiness to our clients in the live productions industry, signals our enhanced ability to offer compelling innovative services and solutions when activities resume after the global crisis ends. We continue to grow based on long-term relationships and delivery excellence to propel our footprint locally, nationally and globally.”

Solotech will leverage its current systems integration experts and resources in the area and all over the United States, as they already design, develop and integrate some of the most advanced systems in a variety of venues, in numerous verticals.

Mickey Curbishley, President, Live Productions Division, US and UK, Solotech, and Philip Giffard, President, Global Sales and Systems Integration Division, Solotech, will oversee a strong leadership in place in Nashville to manage all operational aspects and ensure a smooth and efficient transition. “The Morris teams are dynamic, they hold an innovative vision and together we will successfully put forward our best practices, ideas and service offerings, namely with InteRise in the Houses of Worship market where they have extensive reach already”, mentions Rod Sintow, President, Sales and Systems Integration Division, US, Solotech.

Zack Morris, COO, Morris Enterprises adds: “Morris and InteRise have always focused on delivering quality service to our clients, and our team is excited to continue providing our expertise while growing as part of the Solotech family.”

Solotech is delighted to welcome the Morris and InteRise teams and looks forward to sharing common values toward commitment to employees and focus on clients. The acquired company will be operating under Solotech’s umbrella as “A Solotech Company” and continues to build on its excellent reputation with the industry-leading player.

 

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 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. 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, 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 Morris Light & Sound

Morris’ approach is simple: every application is different, so the most effective lighting and sound solutions need to be customized to be truly impactful. From light and sound experiences for multi-stage festivals, conferences, sold-out stadiums, houses of worship and businesses, the Morris teams take the time to consult, strategize and thoroughly design audio-visual environments tailored to each client’s goals. With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry outfitting tours for world-renowned artists like Alabama, Kenny Chesney, and Old Dominion, as well as integration work in preeminent houses of worship and corporate campuses and healthcare facilities, Morris is a premier audio and lighting provider working with clients across the globe. For more information, visit www.experiencemorris.com.

 

Contact

Matt Zahn

Director of Marketing

mzahn@experiencemorris.com