President’s Report
Dear Members,
It’s been a busy and productive few months at CAVPA, and I’m excited to share some updates and initiatives that are well underway.
Our Buy Canada marketing campaign officially launched this month on Facebook and LinkedIn. This included a boosted (paid) LinkedIn post that ran from May 1–15, specifically targeting Canadian event and meeting planners, associations, and professionals across the nonprofit, hospitality, and performing arts sectors. I’m pleased to report strong engagement, with over 18,750 impressions and 152 clicks to our website, resulting in a clickthrough rate (CTR) of 0.81%—well ahead of the LinkedIn national average of 0.44%–0.65%. We’ll continue running boosted ads during the first half of each month for the rest of the year, featuring a rotating set of graphics and messaging. Please keep an eye out and share these posts from both your personal and company accounts—your support significantly amplifies our reach and visibility.
Platinum Sponsors:
Regarding the ongoing Canada–U.S. trade tensions, we’re happy to report that the impact on our industry so far appears to be minimal. Most AV equipment used in our sector is either not manufactured in the U.S. or is not affected by counter-tariffs. On the event front, while some U.S.–based events have scaled back or cancelled, many Canadian organizations are choosing to keep their events in Canada. All in all, it appears to be a fairly neutral outcome for now.
I’m also pleased to welcome four new member companies since our February newsletter:
• Canadian AV (St. John’s, NL)
• Carbon Arc Projects (Cambridge, ON)
• SAVI (Toronto, ON)
• EK Productions (Calgary, AB)
You can learn more about Carbon Arc and SAVI in the new member spotlights in this issue. Every new member strengthens CAVPA—not only through their dues, but more importantly
Continued…
Canadian Audio Visual Providers Association | Association Canadienne des fournisseurs de services audiovisuels
PRESIDENT
Tim Lang
Proshow Audiovisual
8105 N Fraser Way
Burnaby, BC V5J 5M8
T: 604-293-1771
E: timlang@proshow.com
VICE–PRESIDENT
Martin Blanchard
Expert’Ease Productions
7836 Rue Jarry E Montreal, QC H1J 2A1
T: 514-444-7723
E: martin@expertease.ca
TREASURER
Cal McCarthy
SW Event Technology
1-325 Bay Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y7S3
T: 250-868-3333 ext 2233
E: cmccarthy@sw-online.com
DIRECTORS
Kyle Brooks
Bespoke Audio Visual 907 Oxford St. Etobicoke, ON M8Z 5T1
T: 647-797-9911
E: kyle.brooks@bespokeav.ca
Bruce DeMond
Advanced Systems
5678 Stanley Street Halifax, NS B3K 2G1
T: 902-454-4742
E: bruce@advancedsystems.ca
Garry Hale
AVentPro
45 Beghin Ave #6 Winnipeg, MB R2J 4B9
T: 204-226-5565
E: hale@aventpro.com
Jim Harris
Eastern Audio Limited PO. Box 997, 5 Waterford Bridge Road
St. John’s, NFLD A1C 5M3
T: 709 722 0864
Tyler Tardiff TKNL 1349 Rue Gay-Lussac Boucherville, QC J4B 7K1
T: 514-777-7335
Jason Wagner
Fifty North Events Unit 2-1051 Marion Street Winnipeg, MB R2J 0L1
T: 204-227-8951
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS (Ottawa Consultants)
Michael Wood
T: 613-265-9967
E: mike@cavpa.ca
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Carolyne Vigon
T: 416-491-2886
E: carolyne@cavpa.ca
by adding to our collective voice when engaging with government and industry stakeholders.
Looking ahead to InfoComm 2025, we’re excited to host this year’s CAVPA reception on June 12 from 5:00–6:30 p.m. at Sam & Bubbe’s Lobby Bar in the Rosen Centre, Orlando. This event is generously sponsored by IntelliEvent, and each member company attending will receive two complimentary drink tickets, courtesy of CEO Don Romeka. You should have received an RSVP email earlier this month—please respond if you plan to attend so we can confirm numbers. Members are also welcome to invite potential future CAVPA members by forwarding the invitation.
In July, we’re shaking things up by replacing our usual Town Hall format with an in-person CAVPA Summer Get-Together in Montreal on July 16. The action-packed day will include a morning tour of the brand-new Theatrixx factory, followed by lunch and a more casual Town Hall session (with remote access available via Teams), then an afternoon visit to the SC Media offices, and finally a group dinner downtown. Invitations and RSVP details will be going out soon—we hope to see many of you there!
On the advocacy front, with the recent federal election and cabinet shuffle causing a temporary pause in our national lobbying, our lobbyist Michael Wood has been making progress at the provincial level in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta. He’s helping to push our Buy Canada message in government-run AV procurement and raising concerns about publicly funded convention centres and facilities where non-Canadian AV suppliers are positioned as in-house providers and using restrictive policies to limit competition.
We also had a productive meeting with the CFIB national executive team, where we elevated these same concerns. We’re now collaborating with CFIB on a correspondence campaign aimed at drawing more attention to these issues within government and industry procurement channels.
As spring event season wraps up, I wish all of you continued success and a smooth transition into summer. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, feedback, or ideas for the board—we’re here to represent you.
Tim Lang President, CAVPA
Platinum Sponsors:
CanadianAV Inc
Andy Jordan 22 Pearl Place St. John’s, NL A1E4P3 709-739-6666
Carbon Arc Projects Inc.
Sean Hooper 8-290 Thompson Dr. Cambridge, ON N1T 2E3 416-492-1063
SAVI
Avi Yurman
601 Magnetic Drive Toronto, ON M3J3J2 9056697284
EK Productions
Darrell Garton 4709 14ST NE Unit 8 Calgary, AB T2E6S4 4036800145
New Member Spotlight
Carbon Arc Projects provides professional Audio, Video, and Communications systems for large-scale live and virtual experiences. We specialize in building the technical backbone that allows our clients to tell compelling stories—on stage, on screen, or across digital platforms.
Our work spans a wide range of industry applications, including media server programming and operation, projection mapping, LED and xR deployment, comms systems, and AV over IP integration. From concept to execution, we offer system design, deployment, and consultation services that bring clarity, precision, and creativity to complex productions.
Sean Hooper -
Sean operates at the intersection of content and technology, working closely with both creative and AV teams to develop workflows that maximize the potential of today’s evolving tools. With a focus on solving complex challenges through inventive solutions, he has collaborated with production teams worldwide to deliver technically ambitious screen-based experiences.
Kyle Killing -
With over 16 years in the professional video industry, Kyle brings deep expertise in projection and display systems. Prior to co-founding Carbon Arc Projects in 2021, he held key roles at Christie Digital Systems Inc., including Advanced Technical Trainer, Field Application Engineer, and National Sales Manager for Image Processing and Events & Entertainment. His work reflects a strong foundation in both the technical and strategic sides of large-scale video production.
Sean Hooper
Kyle Killing
New Member Spotlight
Avi Yurman Managing Director
Why did you join CAVPA?
To be a part of a growing community of like minded professionals
What led you to the audio-visual industry?
Accidentally got into this when I needed a job during my college days, and fell in love.
How many years have you been in the industry? 20
What advice would you give to a new employee?
You are only as good as your last cue
What changes have you seen in the industry over recent years? Collaboration between vendors and disciplines has become more common, requiring a more agile, team focused approach to delivering seamless events.
What changes do you see facing our industry in the future?
Personalization will become more important with data driven experiences tailored to attendees’ preferences and behaviors.
What is your favourite pastime? Snowboarding
Infocomm 2025
CAVPA Summer Get Together
Orlando June 12, 2025
Montreal July 16, 2025
Manage Your Entire Workflow
IntelliEvent Lightning is cloudbased rental business management software that helps rental companies, venues, and AV and production pros manage every aspect of your dynamic business.
SC Media Canada is a Montrealbased 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.
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.
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:
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)
Silver
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
SW Event Technology
Cal McCarthy 1-325 Bay Avenue Lake Country, BC V4V 1N2 T – 250-868-3333 Ext. 2233
ALBERTA
Black Cab Productions
Oli Kiddell 23 Covecreek Close Calgary, AB T3K 0J4 T - 587-664-9802
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
Orange Frog Productions Inc.
Pierre Marleau
2880 45 Avenue SE, Suite 285 Calgary, AB T2B 3M1 T - 403-703-7730
Production World Inc.
Kelly Kimo 12410B – 142 Street Edmonton, AB T5L 4K2 T - 780-918-8606
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
MANITOBA
AVentPro Inc.
Garry Hale 6-45 Beghin Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2J 4B9 T – 204-226-5565
EventLight.ca Inc.
Cameron Friesen 1051 Marion Street Winnipeg, MB R3M 3M9 T – 204-232-5165
Fifty North Events
Jason Wagner Unit 2 – 1051 Marion street Winnipeg, MB R2J 0L1 T - 204-227-8951
CAVPA MEMBER ROSTER CONT’D
Impact AV Solutions
Randy Woolman
86 Guided Court – Unit M Toronto, ON M9V 4K6 T – 877-462-3174
Carbon Arc Projects Inc.
Sean Hooper 8-290 Thompson Dr. Cambridge, ON N1T 2E3 T - 416-492-1063
ONTARIO
AV-Canada Inc.
Danny Dobriansky 1655 Queensway East Mississauga, ON L4X 2Z5 T – 905.566.5500 x222
bb Blanc Inc.
Rennie Colelli 41 Keyes Court, Unit 2 Vaughan, ON L4H 4V6 T – 416-360-0440
Bespoke Audio Visual
Michael Wilson 907 Oxford St. Toronto, ON M8Z 5T1 T – 647-797-9911
Byrne Production Services
Matthew Byrne 760 Laurentian Drive Burlington, ON L7N 0A4 877-233-9242
Carbon Arc Projects Inc.
Sean Hooper 8-290 Thompson Dr. Cambridge, ON N1T 2E3 T - 416-492-1063
SAVI
Avi Yurman
601 Magnetic Drive Toronto, ON M3J3J2 T - 905-669-7284
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
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
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
Pater Audio
Phil Pater 355 York Point Road Cornwall, PE C0A1H4 902-629-5737
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
CanadianAV Inc
Andy Jordan 22 Pearl Place St. John’s, NL A1E4P3 T - 709-739-66660
Eastern Audio Limited
Jim Harris 5 Waterford Bridge Road St. John’s, NL, A1E 1C5 jim@easternaudio.com T - 709-722-0864
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
