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 

Toronto, Ontario, April 12, 2022 – Philip Giffard, Global President, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Solotech, is pleased to announce the appointment of Yasser Abdelkader as Sales Director of the company’s Toronto office. 

As a strategic-thinking and driven professional, Mr. Abdelkader will be responsible for the leadership of the sales teams to optimize Solotech’s business position, revenues and market share. He will oversee the development of existing accounts and new business opportunities while ensuring a solid diversification strategy to continue supporting activities in fast-growing market segments. 

 With 12 years of experience, including six years as Major Accounts Manager at CBCI (a Canadian leader in audiovisual communication services acquired by Solotech), Abdelkader is known for establishing strong relationships with customers, sales teams and key stakeholders to drive successful business outcomes. Previously, he worked at Meeting Zone, which provides a full range of Cisco Webex collaboration tools and services, as an International Operations Manager, in the United Kingdom and Canada.  

 Mr. Abdelkader holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto in Business Management and Communications Information Technology and numerous technological certifications. His in-depth knowledge of the business, vast expertise in systems integration, and leadership and management skills are key assets to the company.  

 As Canada’s prime integrator, Solotech is proud to add Abdelkader’s talent to its pool of seasoned professionals, reinforcing its positioning as the only Canadian company on the 2021 list of Systems Contractor News’ Top 50 Systems Integrators.   

 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.  

 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.com).

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.

Existing and new customers are invited to take advantage of this great news and to browse through tens of thousands of cutting-edge products by visiting PSSL’s website at www.pssl.com.

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.

Find out more at: old.solotech.com

About ProSound And Stage Lighting

ProSound And Stage Lighting (PSSL or PSSL.com 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.

Find out more at: www.pssl.com.

Contact

Héloïse Meunier

Advisor, Corporate Communications

media@old.solotech.com