Category

Freeman

Dec 07
0

Heidi Welker Elected 2018 Board Chair for Meetings Mean Business Canada

By | Freeman, Freeman Audio Visual Employees, Meeting Planners, Press Releases

Contact:  Madeleine Bart
905.366.9241

Toronto, ON – December 7, 2017 – Freeman Audio Visual Canada is proud to announce that Heidi Welker, Senior VP, Business Development & Industry Partnerships has been elected as 2018 Chair for Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC). MMBC relaunched in January 2017 to advocate on behalf of the Canadian Business Events Industry and has since grown rapidly cross-country with over 100 senior executives signing on to show support and raising over $100,000 CAD in initial funding.

“It has been a pleasure being part of the board this past year. I am honoured to have been elected as the 2018 Chair and look forward to continuing the excellent work of the 2017 Executive Team” said Welker speaking about her appointment. “We need to keep the momentum going and gain support cross-Canada for our unified voice to be heard”.

Welker brings to the role an extensive track record of leadership within the Canadian Business Events Industry. An active member of various industry associations, she has served as President for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Canada East Chapter and was instrumental in launching the Events for Communities and Sustainability (ECOS) project with Meeting Professionals International (MPI). In addition to her involvement with MMBC, Heidi currently sits on the PCMA Board of Trustees and the Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP) Advisory Council.

Alongside Welker’s appointment, the following individuals have also been elected onto the 2018 MMBC Executive Team: Clark Grue, President & CEO of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, will serve as Vice Chair, Reggie Lang, Manager, Business Development Groups, Conventions & Incentive Travel at WestJet will serve as Secretary/Treasurer and Grant Snider, CEO of Meeting Escrow Inc. will serve as Past Chair.

About Freeman Audio Visual

As part of the world’s largest brand experience organization, Freeman Audio Visual uses the power of technology to make meaningful connections with a multitude of audiences through the production of meetings, conventions, special events and trade shows. Freeman invests heavily in maintaining and growing its stable of state-of-the-art technology around the world. Freeman Audio Visual provides a full range of services to support the way audiences engage with content as the landscape continues to change.

Freeman Audio Visual has a deep, rich history of success and has received numerous awards recognizing its outstanding performance in technical, staging, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, customer service excellence and partnerships. Together with its customers and partners, Freeman Audio Visual will continue to serve clients throughout North America and the rest of the world through its growing global network. For more information, visit www.freemanav-ca.com.

About Freeman

Recognized by Advertising Age as the world’s largest brand experience company, Freeman uses the power of integrated digital and live brand experiences to move markets, connect markets, connect people, support growth and generate revenues for the world’s leading companies and associations. Freeman derives insights that help define program strategies, target key audiences, deliver meaningful messages and drive revenues and results. Through its expansive network of offices, talent and global partnerships, Freeman has the reach and access that is unmatched in the industry. A family- and employee-owned company, Freeman is known for its stability, strength, customer service mentality and its success over its 90-year history. A values-driven company with a strong and purpose-built culture, Freeman is dedicated to making meaningful connections with audiences. This is accomplished through a process of continuous innovation and improvement. Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually and 11,000 other events worldwide. Freeman has been awarded multiple consecutive J. D. Power awards for its Customer Call Center. For more information, visit www.freeman.com.

Sep 20
0

Helene Moberg Appointed General Manager to Atlantic Canada

By | Freeman, Freeman Audio Visual Employees, Press Releases

Contact:  Madeleine Bart | 905.366.9241

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, ON – September 19, 2017 – David Campbell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Freeman Audio Visual Canada, is pleased to announce the appointment of Hélène Moberg to General Manager for Atlantic Canada.

“We are thrilled to be bringing a game-changer like Hélène to our team.” said Campbell. “In this role, Hélène will continue to develop and build new partnerships for us in Atlantic Canada and remain very active locally and within industry associations such as Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners, and Meeting Professionals International.”

With extensive knowledge and over 35 years’ experience in the meetings and conventions and travel trade markets,  Hélène brings to the role a successful track record in developing and implementing innovative market strategies, securing new partnerships, and leading high performing teams.

“I’m a Proud Maritimer looking forward to leading the team in Atlantic Canada” said Moberg.  “I’m also excited to be working with industry partners as well as new and existing clients in this new role”. Hélène starts her new role effective September 26, 2017.

About Freeman Audio Visual

As part of the world’s largest brand experience organization, Freeman Audio Visual uses the power of technology to make meaningful connections with a multitude of audiences through the production of meetings, conventions, special events and trade shows. Freeman invests heavily in maintaining and growing its stable of state-of-the-art technology around the world. Freeman Audio Visual provides a full range of services to support the way audiences engage with content as the landscape continues to change.

Freeman Audio Visual has a deep, rich history of success and has received numerous awards recognizing its outstanding performance in technical, staging, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, customer service excellence and partnerships. Together with its customers and partners, Freeman Audio Visual will continue to serve clients throughout North America and the rest of the world through its growing global network. For more information, visit www.freemanav-ca.com.

About Freeman

Recognized by Advertising Age as the world’s largest brand experience company, Freeman uses the power of integrated digital and live brand experiences to move markets, connect markets, connect people, support growth and generate revenues for the world’s leading companies and associations. Freeman derives insights that help define program strategies, target key audiences, deliver meaningful messages and drive revenues and results. Through its expansive network of offices, talent and global partnerships, Freeman has the reach and access that is unmatched in the industry. A family- and employee-owned company, Freeman is known for its stability, strength, customer service mentality and its success over its 90-year history. A values-driven company with a strong and purpose-built culture, Freeman is dedicated to making meaningful connections with audiences. This is accomplished through a process of continuous innovation and improvement. Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually and 11,000 other events worldwide. Freeman has been awarded multiple consecutive J. D. Power awards for its Customer Call Center. For more information, visit www.freeman.com.

Sep 18
0

How to Bring a Sense of Excitement and Newness to Every Meeting

By | Freeman

Q&A with Michelle Smith of Real Communications on strategic planning for unique experiences

As a boutique event agency, Real Communications has thrived in a competitive and rapidly-changing industry for more than a decade. Owner and partner Michelle Smith shared with us the key elements of a sound event strategy and her unique approach to continually providing innovative, quality and meaningful event services that produce exciting brand experiences for clients.

Q: What principles drive you and the work you do for Real Communications?

MS: We strive to develop that special kind of experience you’d find at live sports events, concerts, and music festivals. I’m not a huge sports fan, but I love going to sporting events and witnessing how excited people get in that environment. Take, for instance, the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team; they haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967 and rarely make the playoffs. They can easily draw 18,000 fans — most of whom, at any moment, can just jump to their feet and go crazy. Why does this happen? It’s because fans really don’t know what’s going to happen and they get caught up in something electric and unforgettable — something that will truly only happen at that game for those fans. Attendees get excited by the entertainment and the unpredictability of the event.

When planning an event, we try to find out how to tap into that same energy for the audience — that feeling of anticipation for something new and unexpected — then walking away with wonderful memories to share with their friends, families, or coworkers.

Q: What are some ways to tap into that energy for meetings and shows?

MS: It’s focusing on producing innovative, creative, and meaningful events — each one with a unique spin or tweaked in a completely different way. Sometimes it’s simply finding a unique venue, entertainment or content that an audience hasn’t experienced before but still aligns with the event’s objectives.

For example, we worked with a client who wanted something remarkable and different for its two-and-a-half-day conference. For the more casual gala we recreated a pep rally atmosphere including bleachers, food service in the stands, a marching band, and cheerleaders. The experience was like being at a sporting event or going back in time to a high school assembly. The high point was a basketball game between the executives and management on a regulation-size court with professional nets, paired with professional referees, intermittent music and state-of-the-art time clocks to make it completely authentic. The gala was hugely successful! At the same time, we reached the client’s goals of increased participation and found an unforgettable way to uplift the employees who were being honored.

Q: How does strategy play into leveraging such amazing creativity and originality?

MS: Strategic planning is simply the “how” of making an event successful. It’s also about being clear on what the objectives are and working towards reaching those objectives. Let’s say it’s a sales meeting: What needs to happen to ensure that members of the sales force leaves the meeting or rally with all the information they need to sell a product? What can be done to motivate them during the meeting, while at the same time educating them on the product?

Going back to the gala example, a primary objective was both entertainment and recognition for some of the attendees. Our client wanted a small group of 30 people at this event to feel special, almost as if they were winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Beyond the basketball game, we honoured them with a marching band introduction and VIP, front-row comfy game seats. The second goal was broader corporate recognition: ensuring that the two-hundred managers present were thanked in various ways and immersed in an atmosphere of camaraderie. And, of course, it was important that everyone could unwind after a taxing day of work meetings.

Basically, creativity was harnessed as part of the strategy to reach and go beyond the client’s objectives. And originality is always part of a good strategy because, as I mentioned, it encourages and creates a special, unique and memorable experience that guests and employees will remember and treasure.

Q: How important is measurement with strategy?

MS: It’s essential. You always need measurement in place to track an event. There isn’t one way to measure, as it all depends on the type of event and the overall objectives. In the case of a sales event, the metrics would be tracking the product sales after the event. For something like a golf tournament or charity event, we would measure how much money was raised and how enjoyable the experience was for guests. You are measuring ROI, but ROI is different for each kind of event.

Real Communications utilizes various measurement tools. We often employ a feedback survey or a post-event interview at the exit to gauge attendee reactions. This information is invaluable because we can capture fresh insights. We often develop event specific apps that allow attendees to vote on certain aspects of the event, providing very reliable, real-time data.

We also create and archive comprehensive post-event reports for every event we produce, which includes the agenda, feedback, budget, technology, creative, entertainment, menus, etc. These documents serve as solid precedents for us to develop new and even more engaging and memorable events.

“Good strategy always involves taking a risk.” —Michelle Smith

Q: Once you’ve found a successful template or enough data, can your strategy take on risks?

MS: I would say good strategy always involves taking a risk. An old mentor used to tell me, “If you don’t risk, you risk a lot.” I mentioned our documented precedents, but we never recreate the same meeting or event. We always build upon previous successes to develop even better options. I believe you must challenge yourself if you want to stay ahead of the competition and grow with your clients. If you’re armed with data and have a grasp on the latest trends, it’s both about taking a risk and elevating the experience.

We had a corporate client who always did the same cross-country roadshow every single year. We proposed one year to change it to a national simulcast, feeling it would create a more unified and turn-key brand message. Today simulcasts are common, but this was about ten years ago so the idea was very radical and the tech very green! There was no precedent. This shift would involve events in different theatres across Canada with executives in each location. The objective of education was optimized by the fact that all stakeholders received information at the same time and in real time, from Vancouver to Quebec, instead of different offices waiting days or weeks to receive available information or updates.

The simulcast went very well, which was reflected by the incredibly positive satisfaction results we received from attendees. Any of the technical glitches we encountered were unnoticed by guests.

Q: What advice do you have for planners when creating a strategy?

MS: Never be ambiguous or make assumptions about objectives and certainly not budgets.

Everything needs to be clearly stated and agreed to. If you veer away or start making assumptions about what you think your client wants or is prepared to do, then it’s going to be very hard to develop a strategy that meets any goals. Everyone needs to be on the same page from beginning to end.

Also, having a checklist and regular checkpoints is very important. We have bi-weekly meetings with our clients to communicate exactly what’s going on and how the timeline is progressing on each event. That way if there are sudden changes we can act quickly to modify the objectives and revise the scope of the event.

I like to say life is art and art is life — so always keep an eye on the latest trends, best practices, new technology, and evolve accordingly. What’s old often becomes new again. Lastly, I believe in empowering the people you work with and always asking for feedback because that keeps you honest, vulnerable, and focused on always doing your best work.

Aug 01
0

Heidi Welker Appointed Senior Vice President, Business Development & Industry Partnerships

By | Freeman, Freeman Audio Visual Employees, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Madeleine Bart
905.366.9241

Toronto, ON – August 1, 2017 – David Campbell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Freeman Audio Visual Canada, is pleased to announce the promotion of Heidi Welker to Senior Vice President, Business Development & Industry Partnerships.

“This new role is truly one Heidi alone created after leading the Marketing Group at Freeman since inception” said Campbell. “Heidi will lead the development of new and exciting cutting-edge research and development initiatives to help our customers and partners achieve their goals.”

In addition to these new responsibilities, Heidi will continue to remain engaged in the industry through her current roles on the PCMA Foundation Board of Trustees, Meetings Mean Business Board of Directors and 2017 CanSPEP’s Partner Advisory Council.

Heidi brings to the role a successful track record in driving organization growth through sales, business development and event marketing with over 35 years of experience in the industry. “I am thrilled to be taking on this new position within our organization”, said Welker. “We have so many great customers, venue and industry partners. I look forward to working in close collaboration with them to ensure their objectives are accomplished.”

About Freeman Audio Visual

As part of the world’s largest brand experience organization, Freeman Audio Visual uses the power of technology to make meaningful connections with a multitude of audiences through the production of meetings, conventions, special events and trade shows. Freeman invests heavily in maintaining and growing its stable of state-of-the-art technology around the world. Freeman Audio Visual provides a full range of services to support the way audiences engage with content as the landscape continues to change.

Freeman Audio Visual has a deep, rich history of success and has received numerous awards recognizing its outstanding performance in technical, staging, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, customer service excellence and partnerships. Together with its customers and partners, Freeman Audio Visual will continue to serve clients throughout North America and the rest of the world through its growing global network. For more information, visit www.freemanav-ca.com.

About Freeman


Recognized by Advertising Age as the world’s largest brand experience company, Freeman uses the power of integrated digital and live brand experiences to move markets, connect markets, connect people, support growth and generate revenues for the world’s leading companies and associations. Freeman derives insights that help define program strategies, target key audiences, deliver meaningful messages and drive revenues and results. Through its expansive network of offices, talent and global partnerships, Freeman has the reach and access that is unmatched in the industry. A family- and employee-owned company, Freeman is known for its stability, strength, customer service mentality and its success over its 90-year history. A values-driven company with a strong and purpose-built culture, Freeman is dedicated to making meaningful connections with audiences. This is accomplished through a process of continuous innovation and improvement. Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually and 11,000 other events worldwide. Freeman has been awarded multiple consecutive J. D. Power awards for its Customer Call Center. For more information, visit www.freeman.com.

Feb 10
0

Chris Siedel Appointed Regional Director, Strategic Partnerships for Eastern Canada

By | Freeman, Freeman Audio Visual Employees, Press Releases

Contact:  Heidi Welker | 905.366.9232

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, ON – February 10, 2017 – Steve Bury, Senior Vice President Sales, Freeman Audio Visual Canada, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Siedel to Regional Director, Strategic Partnerships for Eastern Canada, based in our Toronto office.

“In this role, Chris will develop new business partnerships for us with hotels, convention centres, and alternative meeting venues,” said Bury. “This new role reflects our commitment to the future of this important part of our business. Chris’s mandate will cover Eastern Canada, with particular focus on Ontario and Quebec.”

“Chris brings to the role a strong background in hotel business, where he spent most of his career working for various Canadian hotel companies.  He also worked in the AV industry for 3 years prior to joining Freeman last year, so this gives him a solid understanding of both sides of the venue business,” said Bury.

“I am excited about my new role with Freeman Audio Visual. Prior to my new role, I was working very closely with our venue partners and colleagues in our existing facilities.  In my new role my goal is to focus on new and existing partnerships while continuing to enhance customer relations with our venue customers,” said Siedel.

About Freeman Audio Visual

As part of the world’s largest brand experience organization, Freeman Audio Visual uses the power of technology to make meaningful connections with a multitude of audiences through the production of meetings, conventions, special events and trade shows. Freeman invests heavily in maintaining and growing its stable of state-of-the-art technology around the world. Freeman Audio Visual provides a full range of services to support the way audiences engage with content as the landscape continues to change.

Freeman Audio Visual has a deep, rich history of success and has received numerous awards recognizing its outstanding performance in technical, staging, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, customer service excellence and partnerships. Together with its customers and partners, Freeman Audio Visual will continue to serve clients throughout North America and the rest of the world through its growing global network. For more information, visit www.freemanav-ca.com.  

About Freeman

Recognized by Advertising Age as the world’s largest brand experience company, Freeman uses the power of integrated digital and live brand experiences to move markets, connect markets, connect people, support growth and generate revenues for the world’s leading companies and associations. Freeman derives insights that help define program strategies, target key audiences, deliver meaningful messages and drive revenues and results. Through its expansive network of offices, talent and global partnerships, Freeman has the reach and access that is unmatched in the industry. A family- and employee-owned company, Freeman is known for its stability, strength, customer service mentality and its success over its 87-year history. A values-driven company with a strong and purpose-built culture, Freeman is dedicated to making meaningful connections with audiences. This is accomplished through a process of continuous innovation and improvement. Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually and 11,000 other events worldwide. Freeman has been awarded multiple consecutive J. D. Power awards for its Customer Call Center. For more information, visit www.freemanco.com.

 

Feb 07
0

Where Inspiration and Tech Meet: CSAE’s Tête-à-Tête 2017 Tradeshow & MPI’s Charity Auction & Dinner

By | Brand Experience, Event highlights, Freeman, MPI

New technology, proven marketing, and touching moments give event professionals something to talk about

Winter may be in full freeze, but things are already warming up in the Canadian brand experience category. The Tête-à-Tête Tradeshow sizzled Ottawa on February 2. It was a full day of groundbreaking tech, rewarding networking, and insightful information that set the tone and raised the bar for the rest of 2017.

Hosted by the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), Tête-à-Tête brought together premier suppliers, association executives, government procurers, and meeting industry professionals. Here’s what had the 1500 delegates, sponsors, and attendees bussing.

Virtual reality is a reality

Without a doubt, the big splash at the event was the official release of the Freeman virtual reality offerings to Canada’s event industry. Attendees eagerly waited for their turn to immerse themselves in the in-booth VR experience. When applied to brand experiences, marketers can employ the technology to show how their product or service works in the home or workplace — as well as create remarkable experiences on a show floor. What’s more, it can be used for planning, allowing planners to explore how various design approaches look in a specific space or take simulated tours of a site.

Speaking of success

Beyond the engaging tech and bustling networking, Tête-à-Tête provided two keynote speakers who focused on inspiration, following dreams, and achieving goals — as well as the importance of persistence and self-efficiency. The first keynote was The Amazing Race Canada host and Olympic gold medalist Jon Monty, who talked about the importance of taking risks. At one point he said, “The more often we take those first steps toward the things in life that scare us, the easier it is,” adding later, “The only way you build confidence is you earn it through repetition.”

Afterward, disability rights activist Rick Hansen also inspired the audience. He explained that success breeds success and that focus was the main key to success. Showing a picture of himself in his wheelchair on top of the Great Wall of China, he further said, “There are no walls too big in life that can’t be climbed.”

The picture was taken after Hansen had toured around the world in his wheelchair, revealing that perhaps for marketers to climb their campaign walls they need to go on a journey of discovery first.

Social events for measured results

It certainly wasn’t all work and no play at this tradeshow. Canadian Destinations hosted Reveal Social at the Craft Beer House the night before Tête-à-Tête began, while PCMA Canada East Social held a reception at Daly’s in the Westin after the event.

The social climax for Tête-à-Tête would have to be the MPI Charity Dinner & Auction, held after the PCMA Canada East Social. More than 700 association executives, government procurers, meeting planners, third-party planners, and corporate planners met not only to network, but to also raise money for two charities, The Ottawa Network for Learning and Hopewell, an eating disorder support center, proving that social responsibility and brand experience go hand-in-hand.

The main stage of the Charity Dinner & Auction was adorned with three large screens, the middle one a circle with truss around it, all continually broadcasting useful content to the audience. The lighting of the mains stage corresponded to the brand color of the sponsor when he or she was speaking. Physical stencils (Gobo’s) were placed in many of the light sources to create a breathtaking starry field across the room.

Many professionals claim that Tête-à-Tête sets the pace for the year in terms of leads acquired for planners and feedback to perfect later events. Considering it’s a one-day event, it seems time well-spent and time well-invested for attendees early in a busy year of so many brand experiences.

Huge thanks to the following Freeman team members for making these shows such a success:
Jeff Coppola, Chris Ferris, , Sean Watson, Travis Sexton, James Thorpe, Adam Rochon, Mike Herrick, Robin Ackerley, Davis Elgear-Ascender, Danny Watters, Jeff Mills, Steven Laramee, Chris Johnston, Garret Brink , Calvin Daye, Michael Forceno , Janis Zarins and Stephen Nelson

Thank you to the Freeman sales and marketing team that represented Freeman at Tete-A-Tete: Danielle Lachapelle, Bryan Glube, Jamie Holland, Guido Guzzo, Jamie Donaldson, Brian Goyette, Rick Robert, Brian Johnston, David McSherry, Heidi Welker, Steve Bury, Philippe Dupont and Robert Pallen

Nov 28
0

Freeman Audio Visual Vice President Marketing Heidi Welker Receives PCMA CE President’s Award

By | Awards, Freeman, Press Releases
Media contact: Madeleine Bart

905.366.9241

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, ON – November 25, 2016 – Heidi Welker, VP Marketing, Freeman Audio Visual Canada, was recipient of the inaugural President’s Award from the Professional Convention Management Association Canada East Chapter at this year’s Canadian Innovation Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Heidi Welker was recognized for her ability to bring people together and lead high performing teams that drive results. As President of the PCMA Canada East Chapter from 2012-2014 and her many years of service before that, Heidi was renowned for bringing members together and encouraging them to dream big.

pcma-ce-presidents-award-002

“This recipient’s greatest talent is inspiring others”, said Chuck Schouwerwou, President of the PCMA Canada East Chapter. “As a role model, this woman has proven to be a shining example to woman and men alike, rising from being hired as a sales person to becoming a Vice President in the company she currently works for.

The President’s award is given out solely at the discretion of the President to recognize persons who had a major impact on their journey to becoming president or during their year of President. Up to two individuals can be recipients of this award in a given year. Freeman would also like to congratulate Barry Smith, President & CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, for being honored with the President’s Award for 2016.

 

About Freeman Audio Visual

As part of the world’s largest brand experience organization, Freeman Audio Visual uses the power of technology to make meaningful connections with a multitude of audiences through the production of meetings, conventions, special events and trade shows. Freeman invests heavily in maintaining and growing its stable of state-of-the-art technology around the world. Freeman Audio Visual provides a full range of services to support the way audiences engage with content as the landscape continues to change.

Freeman Audio Visual has a deep, rich history of success and has received numerous awards recognizing its outstanding performance in technical, staging, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, customer service excellence and partnerships. Together with its customers and partners, Freeman Audio Visual will continue to serve clients throughout North America and the rest of the world through its growing global network. For more information, visit www.freemanav-ca.com.

About Freeman

Recognized by Advertising Age as the world’s largest brand experience company, Freeman uses the power of integrated digital and live brand experiences to move markets, connect markets, connect people, support growth and generate revenues for the world’s leading companies and associations. Freeman derives insights that help define program strategies, target key audiences, deliver meaningful messages and drive revenues and results. Through its expansive network of offices, talent and global partnerships, Freeman has the reach and access that is unmatched in the industry. A family- and employee-owned company, Freeman is known for its stability, strength, customer service mentality and its success over its 87-year history. A values-driven company with a strong and purpose-built culture, Freeman is dedicated to making meaningful connections with audiences. This is accomplished through a process of continuous innovation and improvement. Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually and 11,000 other events worldwide. Freeman has been awarded multiple consecutive J. D. Power awards for its Customer Call Center. For more information, visit www.freeman.com.

Nov 11
0

Richard Purcell Appointed Regional Director, Strategic Partnerships for Western Canada

By | Freeman, Freeman Audio Visual Employees, Press Releases

Contact:  Heidi Welker | 905.366.9232

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, ON – November 11, 2016 – Steve Bury, Senior Vice President Sales, Freeman Audio Visual Canada, is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Purcell to Regional Director, Strategic Partnerships for Western Canada, based in our Vancouver office.

“In this role, Richard will develop new business partnerships for us with hotels, convention centres, and alternative meeting venues, said Bury. This new role reflects our commitment to the future of this important part of our business. Richard’s mandate will cover British Columbia and Alberta.”

“Richard comes to us with a strong background in both sales and service in convention centres and hotels in Vancouver over the past 2 decades. Richard’s network of industry relationships, solid sales skills, experience, and positivity will serve him well as he works to develop new partnerships for us,” said Bury.

“I am excited about taking on a new challenge with Freeman Audio Visual. My goal is to focus on new and existing partnerships while enhancing customer relations with our venue customers,” said Richard.

About Freeman Audio Visual

As part of the world’s largest brand experience organization, Freeman Audio Visual uses the power of technology to make meaningful connections with a multitude of audiences through the production of meetings, conventions, special events and trade shows. Freeman invests heavily in maintaining and growing its stable of state-of-the-art technology around the world. Freeman Audio Visual provides a full range of services to support the way audiences engage with content as the landscape continues to change.

Freeman Audio Visual has a deep, rich history of success and has received numerous awards recognizing its outstanding performance in technical, staging, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, customer service excellence and partnerships. Together with its customers and partners, Freeman Audio Visual will continue to serve clients throughout North America and the rest of the world through its growing global network. For more information, visit www.freemanav-ca.com.  

About Freeman

Recognized by Advertising Age as the world’s largest brand experience company, Freeman uses the power of integrated digital and live brand experiences to move markets, connect markets, connect people, support growth and generate revenues for the world’s leading companies and associations. Freeman derives insights that help define program strategies, target key audiences, deliver meaningful messages and drive revenues and results. Through its expansive network of offices, talent and global partnerships, Freeman has the reach and access that is unmatched in the industry. A family- and employee-owned company, Freeman is known for its stability, strength, customer service mentality and its success over its 87-year history. A values-driven company with a strong and purpose-built culture, Freeman is dedicated to making meaningful connections with audiences. This is accomplished through a process of continuous innovation and improvement. Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually and 11,000 other events worldwide. Freeman has been awarded multiple consecutive J. D. Power awards for its Customer Call Center. For more information, visit www.freemanco.com.

 

Nov 11
0

Freeman Audio Visual Toronto Wins Consumer Choice Award for AV Services for the Fourth Consecutive Year

By | Awards, Freeman, Press Releases

Media contact: Heidi Welker

905.366.9232

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO – NOVEMBER 9, 2016 – Freeman Audio Visual Canada is proud to announce that it has been selected by the Toronto consumers and business community as the Consumer Choice Award (CCA) winner in the category of Audio Visual Services for the fourth year in a row. CCA was established in 1987 and is considered the most distinguished business award in Canada.

“They are truly a testament of the hard work and commitment to superior service they have continued to provide over the past year,” said Marcel Sbrollini, President, Consumer Choice Award. “They are once again a part of a very select group of businesses recognized by the people of Toronto for their excellence in business.”

Through an independent market-research survey, consumers and businesses in the Toronto community voted Freeman Audio Visual as the top-ranked organization in its industry, without the influence of industry insiders, advocate groups or unethical business practices.

“It continues to be an honour and a pleasure to serve the residents of Toronto, and we are immensely grateful for their continuing support and confidence,” said Derek Anderson, Vice President Event Production & General Manager, Freeman Audio Visual Toronto. “My colleagues take pride in their work and are 100% committed to providing customer service that is second to none. Having their efforts acknowledged truly means the world to them.

 

About Freeman Audio Visual

As part of the world’s largest brand experience organization, Freeman Audio Visual uses the power of technology to make meaningful connections with a multitude of audiences through the production of meetings, conventions, special events and trade shows. Freeman invests heavily in maintaining and growing its stable of state-of-the-art technology around the world. Freeman Audio Visual provides a full range of services to support the way audiences engage with content as the landscape continues to change.

Freeman Audio Visual has a deep, rich history of success and has received numerous awards recognizing its outstanding performance in technical, staging, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, customer service excellence and partnerships. Together with its customers and partners, Freeman Audio Visual will continue to serve clients throughout North America and the rest of the world through its growing global network. For more information, visit www.freemanav-ca.com.

About Freeman

Recognized by Advertising Age as the world’s largest brand experience company, Freeman uses the power of integrated digital and live brand experiences to move markets, connect markets, connect people, support growth and generate revenues for the world’s leading companies and associations. Freeman derives insights that help define program strategies, target key audiences, deliver meaningful messages and drive revenues and results. Through its expansive network of offices, talent and global partnerships, Freeman has the reach and access that is unmatched in the industry. A family- and employee-owned company, Freeman is known for its stability, strength, customer service mentality and its success over its 87-year history. A values-driven company with a strong and purpose-built culture, Freeman is dedicated to making meaningful connections with audiences. This is accomplished through a process of continuous innovation and improvement. Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually and 11,000 other events worldwide. Freeman has been awarded multiple consecutive J. D. Power awards for its Customer Call Center. For more information, visit www.freemanco.com.

Aug 17
0

SEE what we’re up to now! Freeman AV Canada Launches Special Events and Entertainment (SEE) Division

By | Freeman

Freeman Audio Visual Canada is excited to announce the launch of its new special events and entertainment (SEE) division. These additional services are being offered in response to the growing demand for audiences today to receive high-quality, interactive experiences that entertain, inform, and motivate.

Our special events and entertainment department is on a daring new path to create exciting and innovative experiences dedicated to our client’s brands. “It’s the looks on people’s faces, that wonderment because they’ve never seen anything like this before,” says Romeo Loparco, special events executive producer. “The main goal of our new division is to provide our clients with the ‘wow’ factor for their events that attendees will forever associate with that client’s brand.”

Olga Pankova, one of Canada’s leading art entertainers and a pioneer in virtual reality art, is helping us spearhead the way into new dimension in Canada.

Olga’s signature virtual reality performances include both augmented reality art and her mixed reality art, making her a perfect partner for Romeo and his team to work with. Together, they infuse Olga’s VR creations with brand messaging, and the result has been well received by audiences and clients alike.

“Having the opportunity to meld an art idea with a corporate theme or brand really is not that different when creating a painting targeted to a specific audience with a specific thought or concept,” explains Olga. “I love to create art that connects the viewer. The VR art performance coupled with some awesome music makes for an incredible experience.”

Romeo and Olga, along with the SEE department and other forward-thinking, innovative artists, are changing the sensory landscape at corporate events.

“This is all new, and it’s exciting“ says Romeo. “We are so proud to be bringing this fresh innovation to the public and see a very thrilling journey ahead of us as our special events and entertainment division takes off. “

We invite you to join us on this journey, and see how it all came together.