President’s Report
Dear Members,
As we head into summer, thank you for your continued support and engagement. CAVPA is building strong momentum, and that’s only possible because of the time and commitment from members, volunteers, and sponsors across the country.
Since our last newsletter, we’re pleased to welcome three new member companies to CAVPA, bringing out total member count to 39 companies nationally. Thank you to our newest members Avante Audio Visual, Digital Media Integrations and RnR Productions for joining and adding strength to our national voice. Every new member reinforces our credibility with government, venues, and industry stakeholders, and helps ensure Canadian-owned AV companies are heard and represented.
Platinum Sponsors:
Gold Sponsor:
I’m also very pleased to share that we’ve signed on a new Gold Sponsor: GerrAudio Distribution. Thank you to the GerrAudio team for supporting CAVPA and investing in the long-term health of Canada’s AV community. To all of our sponsors at every level, thank you. Sponsor support remains critical to CAVPA’s ability to operate, advocate, and show up in the places that matter. Quite simply, we wouldn’t be able to run CAVPA without you.
In April, CAVPA returned to EXPO-SCÈNE in Montréal with our booth and “Play & Learn” hands-on AV stations, along with a member dinner. Although I wasn’t able to attend this year, it was a great opportunity for members to connect in person, meet new faces, and continue building awareness of CAVPA’s role in supporting Canadian-owned AV providers.
Looking ahead, we’ll be taking a fresh look at how we participate in Expo-Scène for 2027. Specifically, we want to evaluate whether a booth remains the best use of time and budget, or whether we should shift our focus to something like a reception or another format that creates stronger member and stakeholder engagement. I’d value your feedback. Please reach out with suggestions on what would be most meaningful.
A major focus this quarter has been the continued work of our lobbyist, Michael Wood, on government procurement and the broader “Buy Canada” message, including CAVPA’s
Continued…
PRESIDENT
Tim Lang
Marketing
Proshow Audiovisual Burnaby, BC
T: 604-293-1771
E: timlang@proshow.com
VICE–PRESIDENT
Bruce DeMond
Advanced Systems
Halifax, NS
T: 902-454-4742
E: bruce@advancedsystems.ca
TREASURER
Cal McCarthy
Marketing SW Event Technology
Kelowna, BC
T: 250-868-3333 ext 2233
E: cmccarthy@sw-online.com
DIRECTORS
Martin Blanchard
Sponsorship Expert’Ease Productions Montreal, QC
T: 514-444-7723
E: martin@expertease.ca
Kyle Brooks
Marketing Chair, Strategy Bespoke Audio Visual
Etobicoke, ON
T: 647-797-9911
E: kyle.brooks@bespokeav.ca
Garry Hale AVentPro
Winnipeg, MB
T: 204-226-5565
E: hale@aventpro.com
Jim Harris
Membership Eastern Audio Limited
St. John’s, NFLD
T: 709 722 0864
Tyler Tardiff TKNL Boucherville, QC
T: 514-777-7335
Jason Wagner
Marketing Fifty North Events
Winnipeg, MB
T: 204-227-8951
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Carolyne Vigon
T: 416-491-2886
E: carolyne@cavpa.ca
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS (Ottawa Consultants)
Michael Wood
T: 613-265-9967
E: mike@cavpa.ca
President’s Report Cont’d
letter and campaign related to the Winnipeg Convention Centre AV RFP. This work contributed to several important outcomes: the RFP deadline was extended, a proponents’ meeting was added, and the process created greater opportunity for Canadian companies to bid competitively against the incumbent. It’s a strong example of how focused advocacy can drive real-world improvements, and why it’s so important that CAVPA remains active and consistent in this space.
Many of you will have seen the Encore IPO released last month. I encourage members to read it if you haven’t already. There’s a lot of interesting and potentially valuable information, particularly for anyone tracking the broader direction of our sector.
As CAVPA matures, our committees are playing an increasingly important role in keeping the association moving forward. We currently have three active committees:
• Membership Committee, chaired by Jim Harris
• Sponsorship Committee, chaired by Martin Blanchard
• Marketing Committee, chaired by Kyle Brooks
These committees are where much of the practical work gets done, including member growth, sponsor relationships, and outreach strategy, and we’re always looking for more volunteers to help. If you’re interested in contributing, even in a small way, please consider joining one of these groups. The impact of all three committees this year has been evident in our membership growth, a new sponsor, and a significant increase in social media engagement.
I particularly want to thank Kyle and the Marketing Committee, as there has been a significant increase in engagement across CAVPA social channels. Our “Buy Canada” messaging and industry-facing content are reaching more planners and stakeholders than ever, and that visibility matters. If you haven’t already, please follow CAVPA on LinkedIn and other platforms, and help amplify our reach by liking, sharing, and engaging with posts.
I also want to share an important board update. Due to the Avera merger, Kyle Brooks and Martin Blanchard will be departing the board effective July 1. Both Kyle and Martin were founding members of CAVPA and have served on the board since its inception, and I want to thank them for their incredibly impactful service. While no longer on the board, both will continue to support CAVPA and will remain in place as chairs of their respective committees.
Their departures will create two openings on the CAVPA board. If you’re interested in joining and helping guide the association’s direction, please reach out to me directly.
A reminder for those of you attending InfoComm: CAVPA will be hosting our annual InfoComm reception on Thursday, June 18 at 5:00 PM at the Barco Booth (N7231). If you’re planning to attend but haven’t yet responded to the RSVP, please do so as soon as possible so we can plan our numbers accordingly.
To close, thank you again for your ongoing support of CAVPA. Whether you’re participating in advocacy efforts, contributing ideas, volunteering, sponsoring, engaging online, or showing up to events, your involvement is what keeps this association strong and moving forward.
Tim Lang President, CAVPA
Event Highlight
CAVPA members enjoy a night out during Expo Scène 2026
Manage Your Entire Workflow
IntelliEvent Lightning is cloud-based rental business management software that helps rental companies, venues, and AV and production pros manage every aspect of your dynamic business.
www.scmediacanada.com
SC Media Canada is a Montreal-based high-end Audio/ Video Distributor. We opened our doors in 1983 and have continued to grow ever since. We believe in providing value to our customers at every turn, whether it be through the products we distribute, or the services we provide.
www.theatrixx.com
Based in Montreal, Theatrixx Technologies is a manufacturer and distributor of technical equipment specially adapted for the performing arts, events and entertainment sectors. We manufacture custom equipment which offers innovative solutions to video, lighting, power and cabling challenges.
www.gerr.com
GerrAudio supplies and supports professional audio and communications systems for some of Canada’s most demanding productions. System design, training, and ongoing technical support are core to our approach, making value-added distribution our specialty.
Avante Audio Visual
Kinga Starzyk
246 Stewart Green SW #1420
Calgary, AB T3H 3C8
403-830-6289
Digital Media Integrations
Dustin Milne 1137 45 Ave NE
Calgary, AB T2E 2P2
403-861-8333
RnR Productions
Rob Evans 4121 23B St NE
Calgary, AB T2E 7V9
1-855-876-7776
Event Highlights
The CAVPA booth at Expo Scène 2026 in Montréal
New Member Spotlight
Digital Media International
We have been providing expertise in the Audio Visual (AV) industry since 2004. Owned and operated by Dustin Milne, who founded the company in 2910, Digital Media integrations takes pride in delivering exceptional AV solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
Digital Media Integrations has extensive experience, and we are backed by numerous manufacturer training certifications including but not limited to QSC Q-SYS and Crestron Programming. We are always staying up to date in an ever-evolving world of AV Technology.
Our hands-on approach, coupled with a commitment to client satisfaction, means we’re always available to assist—from initial planning to project completion. Whether you’re looking to enhance a space with cutting-edge AV installations or elevate an event with seamless production services, Digital Media Integrations is here to help.
We’re one of Alberta’s few, offering everything under one roof —from AV sales and installations to full-scale productions.
Dustin Milne, President
Why did you join CAVPA?
Mostly cause im sick of seeing encore charge what ever they want and do a horrible job cause they are the in house and not even canadian owned. I feel like the CAVPA has the best chances of making a change to this bringing canadian owned and operated companies together.
What led you to the audio-visual industry?
I have always had a passion for this industry and have loved doing installs and shows since I started doing it out of high school.
How many years have you been in the industry?
Professionaly since 2004 but I would always do the tech for events and dances in school.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Listen to the old timmers when they say “lift with your knees and not your back” or “thats a two man lift”.
What changes have you seen in the industry over recent years?
Encore taking over the rigging and in house of almost every venue.
What changes do you see facing our industry in the future?
I would like to see venus support local and canadian AV providers more.
What is your favourite pastime?
I enjoy Baseball, Spending time with my Dog Dexter and Wife Kelsi, Camping in the summer, Vacationing and Movies!
New Member Spotlight
Avante Audio Visual
We bring a fresh perspective to corporate audiovisual solutions by blending the precision of corporate AV with the agility and efficiency of Rock n’ Roll touring.
Founded on over 16 years of hands-on experience across a spectrum of live events, we know how to deliver high-quality, cost-effective AV solutions tailored for medium to large corporate events.
Our approach is driven by smart planning and strategic gear investments. By analyzing the most common needs across nearly two decades of corporate AV, we have identified equipment that supports 70% of event requirements—streamlining our operations and reducing warehouse preparations. We’ve also revolutionized setup and breakdown processes by applying streamlined practices from touring, cutting load-in times by up to 75%.
Kinga Starzyk, Co-Founder & CEO
Why did you join CAVPA?
Because advocacy matters — and so does community. The AV industry is competitive, and it’s easy for clients to default to the big multinationals without fully appreciating what Canadian-owned companies bring to the table: genuine accountability, local relationships, and a real stake in the outcomes. CAVPA is making the case for that, and I’d rather be at the table helping shape that conversation than cheering from the outside. Forward, together — as we say at Avante.
What led you to the audio-visual industry?
I came at it from the client side. As a Certified Meeting Professional and Digital Event Strategist, I spent years producing events and working alongside AV teams — and what I remember most from those experiences isn’t the gear or the spec sheets, it’s the people who went above and beyond. The crew that stayed late to help put the flags up, the technician who spotted a problem before the client did, the team that made you feel like your event was the only one that mattered. That level of care and partnership is what makes a show truly great — and honestly, it’s something that started quietly disappearing from the industry over the past five years or so. That’s what Etienne and I set out to rebuild with Avante. He brought the technical mastery and I brought the producer’s perspective. Together we built something nimble, creative, and relentlessly client-focused. Going forward together isn’t just a tagline for us; it’s the whole point.
How many years have you been in the industry?
Close to 20 years (yikes I’m getting old!) across event production, and more recently on the AV side — which, if anything, makes me appreciate how much there is still to learn.
Avante Audio Visual Spotlight Continued
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. This industry will throw you into a ballroom at 5am with a truck full of gear and a client who just changed the run-of-show — and your job is to make it look effortless. Say yes to every experience early on, especially the unglamorous ones. And always, always be the calmest person in the room. Technical skills are learnable; composure is what separates the people who get called back.
What changes have you seen in the industry over recent years?
The pandemic accelerated about a decade’s worth of change in two years. We all pivoted hard into hybrid and virtual, and while live events have largely bounced back, client expectations have permanently shifted. The bar for engagement, interactivity, and post-event data is now much higher — clients want to know what happened at their event and why, not just that it happened. Production quality has also become a baseline expectation rather than a differentiator. LED walls and real-time streaming were luxuries five years ago; now they’re almost standard asks. It’s really the people that make the difference.
What changes do you see facing our industry in the future?
AI will reshape a lot of our planning and logistics workflows but I’d push back on any doomand-gloom narrative: if anything, live experiences are becoming more precious, not less. People are more selective about where they show up in person, which means when they do, it has to count. The companies that thrive will be the ones that use technology to deepen human connection rather than substitute for it. I’d also like us to focus on accessibility — clients are starting to ask harder questions, and our industry needs to change how we produce events that have everyone at the forefront of the experience.
What is your favourite pastime?
I love to travel but with time being limited, I do whatever I can to keep sane - working out, hiking and learning Spanish. The more I focus on burning my energy at the gym, the less likely I am to nag Etienne and my colleagues :)
CAVPA News
CAVPA will be hosting our fourth annual “Canadian Reception” at Infocomm Las Vegas:
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: Barco Inc. Booth N7231, North Hall, 2nd Floor
Our thanks to Barco, Inc. and Advanced Systems for their sponsorship of this event.
If you are attending Infocomm, we extend an invitation for you to join us. This will be a great opportunity to meet industry colleagues and learn more about CAVPA and its initiatives. We encourage you to share this invitation with potential members.
Please RSVP at the following link so we can confirm our numbers:
New Member Spotlight
RnR Productions
RnR Productions specializes in providing top-notch audio visual consulting, equipment rentals and event management services to ensure your events are impactful and memorable.
Rob Doak, Co-Founder
Why did you join CAVPA?
I believe that strong and diverse Canadian industries will lead to a stronger country and community. Local business support local communities more effectively than large multi national corporations.
What led you to the audio-visual industry?
From Engineering in live network broadcast and film production the meandering path of life brought me to live event technical production. I enjoy the blend of creative and technical elements in event production. We get to do Great events with great people. Who wouldn’t enjoy that?
How many years have you been in the industry?
More that 30 years in associated technical event and broadcast production fields.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Learn how to over-under cables. Seek an informed understanding of why? Read more, and Ask questions to enhance your knowledge, so that you can contribute in a more meaningful way. Seek mentor ship and opportunities to become a mentor.
What changes have you seen in the industry over recent years?
From Reel to reel and physical slides to media servers, 4k native and active moving shaped LED. In the end its all new toys and tools. Tools that if we are proficient with can be used to enhance the industry we love. Also of note is the consolidation of independent operators into monopolies led by private equity.
What changes do you see facing our industry in the future?
Mega Monopolies will face increased criticism. Technology will increase in power and complexity. The need to connect with people will increase. Oh and theres this thing called AI. It will change our world in ways we wont recognize in 20 years.
What is your favourite pastime?
Does Collecting Hobbies count? I’m a Father, Husband, Nerd, Leader, Mentor, and caffeine addict who’s building a business in his 50’s. I’ve Kayaked, skydived , Skied, Snowboarded, Enjoy Camping, fishing, spending time with family and trying to be a better human.
Continued…
RnR Productions Spotlight Continued
Rob Evans, Co-Founder
Why did you join CAVPA?
We joined because we believe in a collective voice for Canadian-owned AV companies. The industry is facing real pressures — consolidation, venue exclusivity arrangements and a lack of pricing transparency that puts event planners in a tough spot. CAVPA represents the kind of advocacy and peer network that matters: operators who care about standards, accountability and the future of this industry in Canada.
What led you to the audio-visual industry?
I got my start in high school. It was fun, it was exciting and I completely fell in love with it — the work and the people doing it. That feeling never really went away.
How many years have you been in the industry?
25+ years.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Listen with your eyes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learn how to over-under a cable and stay caffeinated. But honestly? Have fun. Laugh with your colleagues. Build relationships that stand the test of time because in this industry, those relationships are everything.
What changes have you seen in the industry over recent years?
Significant consolidation at the top, a handful of large multinationals have absorbed a lot of the independent market. That’s come with venue exclusivity contracts, opaque pricing and a model that doesn’t always put the client first. At the same time, technology has exploded; LED walls, hybrid production, 4K workflows — the creative ceiling keeps rising.
What changes do you see facing our industry in the future?
The consolidation pressure isn’t going away, but neither is the appetite for independent, clientfocused operators. I think the future belongs to companies that are agile, transparent and genuinely accountable, not ones buried in corporate layers. CAVPA’s advocacy work is a big part of making sure that future actually arrives.
What is your favourite pastime?
Spending time with family, getting outside and exploring new places with my wife. And watching the Blue Jays win — emphasis on win.
2026 EVENT SCHEDULE
Infocomm 2026
CanSPEP Conference
Las Vegas June 17-19, 2026
Regina, SK June 22-24, 2026
NOTE: CAVPA has no involvement with this event but please advise if your company will be participating
CAVPA Summer Get Together TBA TBA
Who Are We?
CAVPA is a non-profit association representing Canadian-owned audio visual, sound, and lighting companies from coast to coast by engaging with the event industry, facilitating government advocacy, and creating career awareness.
Government Advocacy
l Facilitate and conduct direct government advocacy at the Provincial and Federal levels on issues of importance to our members.
l Educate governments on the significance of our industry and its economic and employment contributions.
l Promote recognition of our sector as a critical supply chain service provider supporting live events and communications for many other key sectors.
l Challenge monopolistic and anti-competitive practices that seek to harm the competitiveness and viability of Canadian owned AV companies.
l Collaborate with other aligned organizations’ advocacy efforts to help amplify our messages and goals.
Industry Engagement
l Engage with event planners, venues, and other industry stakeholders.
l Promote the benefits and value provided by Canadian-owned audio visual companies.
l Promote a fair opportunity for Canadian owned AV businesses to provide their services at events and venues across the country.
l Educate event planners on the options available when booking venues to help enable freedom of choice in AV vendor selection.
Career Awareness & Education
l Raise awareness of the many career opportunities with our members and industry.
l Engage with post secondary institutions to identify existing programs applicable to, but not targeted at, our industry such as stagecraft, film & television and recording programs, and work to promote our industry as a viable career option for graduates of these programs.
When you join CAVPA, you also get a membership in CFIB!
With 97,000 members, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association dedicated to increasing the odds of success for business owners. All CAVPA members can enjoy exclusive CFIB savings on essential business services like payment processing, banking, shipping, and payroll processing. Plus, you can get expert advice on virtually any HR, compliance, or business issue - and a stronger voice at all levels of government!
Platinum Sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors: Gold Sponsor:
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Platinum
l Maximum of 5 sponsors in this tier
l Sector protection
l 3 year commitment and first right of refusal for renewals
l Logo on CAVPA signage, website, newsletter & other promotional materials
l Optional participation at AGM & member events
l Complimentary advertisements in CAVPA newsletters (large size)
l Complimentary email distribution to CAVPA members (max once per month)
l $10,000/year ($CAD) annual sponsorship (paid annually)
Gold
l Sector protection
l 2 year commitment
l Logo on CAVPA website, newsletters and other select promotional materials
l Optional participation at AGM & member events
l Complimentary advertisements in CAVPA newsletters (medium size)
l Complimentary email distribution to CAVPA members (max once per quarter)
l $6,000/year ($CAD) annual sponsorship (paid annually)
l 2 year commitment
l Logo on CAVPA website, newsletters and other select promotional materials
l Optional participation at AGM & select member events
l Complimentary advertisements in CAVPA newsletters (small size)
l $3,000/year ($CAD) annual sponsorship (2yrs paid up front)
CAVPA MEMBER ROSTER
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Lumera Productions Inc.
Shane Archer 1563 Fremont Pl. Victoria, BC V8N 4R4 T - 250-412-7159
Proshow Audiovisual
Tim Lang
Unit A – 8105 North Fraser Way Burnaby, BC V5J 5M8 T – 604-612-7129
Riggit Services Inc.
Rick Smith 8021 Enterprise St. Burnaby, BC V5A 1V5 T – 604-653-9391
Russell Audio-Visual
Jon Russell 710 3rd Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3C5 250-617-2969
SW Event Technology
Cal McCarthy 1-325 Bay Avenue Lake Country, BC V4V 1N2 T – 250-868-3333 Ext. 2233
ALBERTA
Avante Audio Visual Kinga Starzyk
246 Stewart Green SW #1420 Calgary, AB T3H 3C8 403-830-6289
Black Cab Productions
Oli Kiddell 23 Covecreek Close Calgary, AB T3K 0J4 T - 587-664-9802
Digital Media Integrations
Dustin Milne 1137 45 Ave NE Calgary, AB T2E 2P2 403-861-8333
EK Productions
Darrell Garton 4709 14ST NE Unit 8 Calgary, AB T2E6S4 T - 403-680-0145
Event Technology Solutions
Brent Taylor 52-9903 209 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5T 5X9 T – 780-446-9495
invert720 Productions Inc.
Justin Armstrong 101, 17628 103 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5S 1J9 T – 780-999-5792
KDL Audio Ltd.
Kyle Lupul PO box 3301 Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T2 T - 780-498-6336
Kiwi Productions Inc.
Bryce Lambert 13119 208 street NW EDMONTON, AB T5S0L5 780-886-0547
Production World Inc.
Kelly Kimo 12410B – 142 Street Edmonton, AB T5L 4K2 T - 780-918-8606
RnR Productions
Rob Evans 4121 23B St NE Calgary, AB T2E 7V9 1-855-876-7776
SASKATCHEWAN
ProAV LTD
(Professional Audio Visual Ltd)
Mark Kowalyk 1370 Cornwall Street Regina, SK S4R 2H5 T - 306-565-0100
Saskatoon Audio Visual
Chris Lawrie 324C 105th St East Saskatoon, SK S7N 1Z3 T - 306-261-4055
CAVPA MEMBER ROSTER CONT’D
MANITOBA
AVentPro Inc.
Garry Hale B-635 Camiel Sys Street Winnipeg, MB R2J 1B5 T – 204-226-5565
Fifty North Events
Jason Wagner Unit 2 – 1051 Marion street Winnipeg, MB R2J 0L1 T - 204-227-8951
ONTARIO
AV-Canada Inc.
Danny Dobriansky 1655 Queensway East Mississauga, ON L4X 2Z5 T – 905-566-5500 x222
Baldwin Studio
Alex Coon 9 Capella Court, Ottawa, ON K2E 8A7 T – 613-227-3645
bb Blanc Inc.
Rennie Colelli 41 Keyes Court, Unit 2, Vaughan, ON L4H 4V6 T – 416-360-0440
Bespoke Audio Visual
Michael Wilson
CAVPA MEMBER ROSTER CONT’D
907 Oxford St., Toronto, ON M8Z 5T1 T – 647-797-9911
Carbon Arc Projects Inc.
Sean Hooper
8-290 Thompson Dr., Cambridge, ON N1T 2E3 T - 416-492-1063
Impact AV Solutions
Randy Woolman
86 Guided Court – Unit M, Toronto, ON M9V 4K6 T – 877-462-3174
Stagevision Inc.
Bryce Engelman 5915 Coopers Avenue Mississauga, ON L4Z 1R9 T - 905-890-8200
Straight Street Event Services
Keith Kissner
C1-115 Saltsman Drive Cambridge, ON N3H 4R7 keith@straightst.com T - 519-893-3668
Systech AV Canada
Mark Cabuenas
715 Fenmar Drive North York, ON, M9L 1C8 T – 416 741-5994
QUEBEC
Duoson Multimedia
Héléne Drolet
6120 Rue Christophe - Pélissier Trois Riviéres, QC G9A 5C9 T – 1-819-373-4701
Les Productions expert’ease
Martin Blanchard 7836 rue Jarry Est, Montreal, QC H1J 2A1 T – 514-444-7723
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
CanadianAV Inc
Andy Jordan 22 Pearl Place
St. John’s, NL A1E4P3 T - 709-739-6666
Eastern Audio Limited
Jim Harris 5 Waterford Bridge Road St. John’s, NL, A1E 1C5 jim@easternaudio.com T - 709-722-0864
TKNL
Tyler Tardiff
1349 Rue Gay-Lussac Boucherville, QC J4B7K1 T - 514-777-7335
NOVA SCOTIA
Advanced Systems
Bruce DeMond Box 31005 Halifax, NS B3K 5T9 T – 902-454-4742
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
House-Front Production Services Inc.
Lee Forster 14D Exhibition Drive Charlottetown, PE C1A 5Z5 902-566-1760
Pater Audio
Phil Pater 355 York Point Road Cornwall, PE C0A1H4 902-629-5737
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
CITT/ICTS
Bureau national 1200 Avenue McGill College Suite 1100
Montréal, QC. H3B 4G7
Direct: 514 504-9997
Canada: 1-888-271-3383
Join CAVPA today as we become the voice of CanadianAudio Visual providers in Canada
