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TEC TALKS DESCRIPTION

Subject to modifications.

Go to TEC TALK SCHEDULE →

        

WEDNESDAY APRIL 16

STUDIO 1

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The Benefits of Auracast in Assistive Listening Solutions

Assistive Listening technology systems are designed to help individuals needing auditory assistance or language interpretation overcome background noise, reverberation and distance from the sound source.

After attending this presentation, attendees will be able to better understand how it will affect the landscape and what it will bring to the table.
 
Presented by Erikson Commercial

Language: English
Date & Time: Wednesday April 16, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Discipline: Assistive Listening Technologies

Presenter: Tim Franke of Williams AV

Bio: Tim Franke is the Regional Sales Manager, Eastern US and Canada for Williams AV. Tim has been working with AV products for the last 15 years as a Channel Manager for a couple of major education technology companies. Tim spends his time outside of work with his family traveling, hiking, and fishing.

 

Mastering Color Mixing for RGB(X) LED Lighting Applications

Delve into the art and science of color mixing for RGB LED lighting applications in architectural settings. This session will cover key considerations such as color temperature, light quality, and the crucial parameters of RGB LEDs. Participants will gain insights into RGB color mixing techniques, the intricacies of dimming, and important light quality metrics such as the Color Rendering Index (CRI). Additionally, the session will explore the impact of various lighting effects and provide practical approaches to enhance overall light quality.

1. **Understanding Light Quality Metrics:** Learn how to accurately measure and assess light quality in LED applications.

2. **Color Mixing Techniques:** Explore different methods for mixing colors, including insights from various manufacturers and systems for achieving optimal white light.

3. **Planning LED Lighting Applications:** Gain practical considerations for designing new lighting projects where LED-effect lighting plays both functional and aesthetic roles.

4. **Comprehensive Light Quality Assessment:** Review the different dimensions and methodologies for evaluating light quality in various settings.

5. **Practical Approaches to Color Mixing:** Understand and apply diverse strategies for color mixing based on industry standards and manufacturer recommendations.

6. **Enhancing Lighting Design Skills:** Improve your ability to plan and implement LED lighting applications that effectively balance functionality with visual appeal. 

Presented by Schnick-Schnack-Systems

Language: English/French
Date & Time: Wednesday April 16, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Discipline: Lighting

Presenter: Solveig Busler

Bios: Solveig Busler is a specialist in LED-based effects and backlight solutions. The trained event technician worked as a freelance technician and later as a technical manager at various event agencies. She has been a member of the management team of the German LED manufacturer Schnick-Schnack-Systems GmbH since 2016 and advises TV studios, distributors and architects worldwide.

TD-Networks, a pooling project initiative

French title: Réseaux-DT, initiative d’un projet de mutualisation

In the course of analyzing inter-sectoral communication networks, CQICTS noted the existence of multiple micro-networks, and would like to connect them in order to improve exchanges between stage production stakeholders.

Firstly, representatives of the Regroupement des Directions Techniques - Ville de Québec, were invited to present their micro-network and the advantages it offers them.

Secondly, in the form of a discussion table, participants will be invited to share their initiatives and discuss their networking and intra-network communication practices.

A summary of the discussions will be drawn up to enable CQICTS to determine what actions need to be taken to create an effective communication macro-network that meets the needs of its members.

After attending this session, participants will be able to...

  • Improve their current exchange network
  • Initiate their own approach to structuring a cluster in their sector of activity
  • Be part of the movement towards the creation of a macro-network

Join the conversation!

Presented by CQICTS (Québec Section of the Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology)


Language:French/English
Date & Time: Wednesday April 16, 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discipline: Business Solutions, Pooling and revitalizing the community.

Presenters: Éric Fontaine (host), Luc Vallée, Bruno Matte.

Bios

Éric Fontaine, technical director and singer-songwriter, has over 25 years' experience in the performing arts, including 17 as technical director. He manages teams, coordinates artistic and corporate events, and oversees equipment fleets and buildings. He is currently technical director at Salle Pauline-Julien, lecturer and production manager for various events. Passionate about improving the industry, he also runs his own company, Eric Fontaine musiq, specializing in commissioned music and technical consulting.

Luc Vallée, Technical director and lighting designer, he has been working with theater, dance and circus creators for some twenty years. Since September 2022, he has been Technical Director of Groupe Danse Partout in Quebec City, where he puts his expertise at the service of up-and-coming artists.

Bruno Matte graduated in Audiovisual Studies in Quebec City in 2005. Passionate about music, he quickly began his professional career as a lighting designer with music. First with local artists, then international, from Richard Séguin to Charlotte Cardin, Cypress Hill and Daniel Lanois. Taking his creative research a step further, daring theatrical productions led him to redefine his visual approach in more complex ways. Whether working with ExMachina or Rick Miller, technical constraints push the visual approach to integrate more fully with video. The exploration of scenic space continues in dance with various La Rotonde choreographers in daring productions such as Alan Lake's Les Caveaux. The great latitude of a more streamlined space leaves more room for light.

The circus ultimately becomes the culmination of music, theatricality and movement. Whether it's through productions with Flip Fabrique or Machine de Cirque, the complexity and refinement required constantly push the boundaries. Now active as a technical director specializing in circus, the new challenges of circus creation are pushed even further, thanks to the already advanced baggage of lighting creation. The quest for new challenges continues.

STUDIO 2

Essential Guidelines for Fire Code Compliance, Cleaning, and Handling of Stage Drapery

Fire safety with Textiles is a big issue. On theatre stages, the presence of hot lights, props and electrical sparks near flammable textiles significantly increases the risk of fire. The flame retardant on them forms an important part of your facility’s fire safety system.

We review the different types of fabrics and flame retardant treatments available. In addition, we share practical knowledge from the field sharing little-known facts such as flame retardant wears off over time, and even Inherently Flame Retardant fabrics will become flammable with the accumulation of dust.

Presentation will explain existing codes, review different test methods, discuss flame retardant treatments for drapes, provide information on applying flame retardant treatments to draperies and how to care for them.

After attending this presentation, attendees will be able to...:

1. Understand how stage drapery plays an important part of a facility’s fire safety system.
2. Review Fire Code Requirements as they relate to Drapery and textiles.
3. Learn about Flame Retardant Application, & Care and Maintenance for Drapery.

Presented by On-Site Drapery Cleaners


Language: English
Date & Time: Wednesday April 16, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Discipline: Health & Safety
Presenter: Brad Davies

Bio: Mr. Davies has been in the fire protection business since 2008. Having tested and re-treated thousands of textiles, Mr. Davies has years of field experience, has been an NFPA, CITT/ICTS and USITT member for years, has also published numerous articles on flame retardant testing and treatment, and has the privilege of being invited to discuss textiles and the fire code with many Safety Officials, Theater Professional Groups, and Fire Prevention Officers, at the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI). Founded in 1978, On-Site Drapery Cleaners has grown to be the experts in same day curtain cleaning and flameproofing.

Explore Theatre Miking Head To Heel (THEN YOU DECIDE!)

Point Source Audio is a leading manufacturer and distributer of a unique line of headset, earworn and earmounted microphones known for their robust bendable boom and waterproof features. Our microphones are found on Broadway, the Westend, and many other esteemed performing art venues around the world.

In this TEC talk, we’ll walk you through the tips and tricks of the trade to refine your craft and ensure every performance sounds its best. Whether you're a sound designer, technician, or theatre practitioner, you’ll learn real-world case studies and insights drawn from sound pros.

• Compare mic placements for optimal sound clarity
• Explore different placements to capture the nuances of a performance
• Learn techniques that make mics less intrusive for performers
• Adjust mic placement for various stage setups and performance spaces
• Prevent common problems like feedback, muffled sound, or dropouts

We’ll share best practices on how precise mic placement enhances audience experience with clear, consistent sound. Attendees can expect to gain practical, real-world knowledge to refine their mic placement techniques and improve overall sound quality in live performances, they will also receive a copy of the presentation as a resource guide for capturing outstanding sound in theatrical applications.

Key outcomes include:

  • Hands-On Case Studies –  You’ll learn from real-world examples from the world of theatre to understand best practices in action.
  • Performer-Friendly Techniques – Learn how to position microphones effectively while keeping them discreet and comfortable for actors and musicians.
  • Enhanced Audience Experience – Discover how precise mic placement contributes to clearer, more consistent sound, improving the overall impact of a performance. 

Presented by Erikson Audio


Language: English
Date & Time: Wednesday April 16, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Discipline: AV integration, Staging , Pro audio , Business solutions.
Presenter: Tony Price, Chief Revenue Officer

Bio: With a career that includes leading roles at major companies like Telex/Bosch, Guitar Center, Bose Professional, Fender, and Roland, Tony Price has been "instrumental" in shaping the industry. With a background rich in technical expertise and performance prowess as an audio mixing specialist, guitar player, and vocalist, Tony understands the audio industry from every angle.

An Introduction to GearConnect System Drawings

This session will introduce attendees to a new software offering for the live event and entertainment industries called GearConnect. GearConnect is a web-based application for creating system drawings for lighting, audio, video, and networking installations. The goal of this session is to introduce attendees to the product and learn how to create a system drawing and take advantage of the software’s core features. During this session, attendees will be introduced to the product via a brief explanation of the motivation behind the software, why it was created, and what it aims to achieve. After which the majority of the TEC Talk will be an educational training session on how to create a system drawing in the software.

Topics that attendees will learn include:

• The layout and navigation of the software
• How project data is saved
• Inserting and managing gear in a drawing
• Modifying gear with expansion cards
• Understanding the various port options
• How to make connections between ports
• Customizing gear and ports to fit the needs of the project
• Using Layers, VLANs, and Gear Groups to further organize your project
• Using Report mode’s built in spreadsheets to edit project data
• Using Report mode to modify and save custom Reports
• Creating custom library items with the Library Editor
• And finally, exporting the project to use outside of the software

The session will conclude with a Q&A session and an opportunity to provide any feedback for future releases.

After attending this presentation, attendees will be able to understand how to create and edit a system drawing in GearConnect, create reports and custom library items, and finally export the project.

Presented by GearConnect


Language: English
Date & Time: Wednesday April 16, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Discipline: AV integration, Network/System Drawings.

Presenter: Marty Cochrane

Bio: Marty’s background is in lighting. He has spent most of his career as the BlackTrax Product Manager, where he designed and implemented hundreds of system drawings for various productions and installations across the world. Today he is the Founder of GearConnect and the Lead Software Engineer for Disguise’s cloud products.

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Outdoor Stages: Behind the Scenes of Safety

Heavy winds and extreme weather conditions pose consistent challenges for outdoor event organizers. Join a group of specialists from the outdoor event industry as they share their experience and best practices to ensure your events are executed with the utmost safety for crowds, employees, and artists.

Presented by Stageline


Language: English + French
Date & Time: Wednesday April 10, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discipline: Staging

Presenters: Pierre-Luc Rompré / Operations Director at Stageline and Jonathan Doucet / Engineering & Quality Director at Stageline.

Bios:

Pierre-Luc Rompré possesses a comprehensive understanding of event staging, encompassing both technical and administrative aspects. His collaboration with top North American producers has resulted in spectacular events that prioritize audience engagement and the safety of all involved.

Jonathan Doucet has led the engineering department at Stageline for over 15 years. His expertise in structural engineering and safe operations has made him a respected industry leader. He is recognized for his in-depth knowledge of safety regulations and his ability to design and implement innovative solutions.

STUDIO 3 - GERRAUDIO STUDIO

 

 

Information will be available soon!

 

THURSDAY APRIL 17

STUDIO 1

Utilizing rechargeable batteries for wireless mics and IEM's

Learn to save money (and the planet) by utilizing professional grade rechargeable batteries for wireless mics and in-ear monitors. We will explore the differences between NiMH and lithium-ion batteries, charging technique, and some basic guidelines to maximize savings and results - without compromising performance

After attending this presentation, attendees will be able to...

1. Determine if rechargeable batteries are a good fit for their wireless power requirements.
2. Choose the correct chargers and batteries for their wireless devices.
3. Maximize savings and results by utilizing pro-grade rechargeable technology

Presented by LMS Group


Language: English
Date & Time: Thursday April 17, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Discipline: Pro audio

Presenter: David Schliep

Bio: For over 25 years, David Schliep has assisted over 50,000 theaters, schools, churches, & production companies switch to money-saving, planet-saving, rechargeable batteries for wireless devices. David is the National Sales Manager for LMS GROUP, INC., the authorized distributor for ANSMANN ENERGY and FISCHER AMPS in Canada and the US.

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Safe and Sound LIVE! - Your Event Safety Round Table

Hosted by Jason Gordon and Janet Sellery, Event Safety Alliance Canada will lead a LIVE version of this popular online monthly meetup. This is your chance to connect with colleagues and talk about safety questions, concerns, and current events.

After attending this presentation, attendees will be able to share challenges, solutions, knowledge, resources and reasonable practices with each other, leading to greater confidence in their capacity to address health and safety concerns.

Presented by Event Safety Alliance Canada


Language: English
Date & Time: Thursday April 17,  12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Discipline: Health & Safety

Presenters: Jason Gordon and Janet Sellery. 

Bios:

Jason is a former Inspector and Inspectorate Peer Trainer for the Ministry of Labour. and, In 2011, after investigating a serious incident he became a leader in Occupational Safety in the Event Sector. Today, as the Director of Operations and Event Sector Lead for Cobalt Safety, Jason focuses on growing the Safety Culture for this sector. He is proud to be involved as a Board Member of the Event Safety Alliance Canada as well as the Scott Johnson Working Group.

Janet Sellery (CRSP, CHSC) is a former theatre stage manager. She is the Board Chair for Event Safety Alliance Canada and a board member for Event Safety Alliance (U.S.). Her work as a Health & Safety Consultant, with Sellery Health + Safety, focuses on customizing programs, training, and resources to reflect the constantly evolving and unique demands of the theatre environment. Janet is committed to “setting the stage for people to create their best work".

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Vectorworks 2025: Your all-in-one Software Solution for Event Design

Join Vectorworks Senior Entertainment Product Specialist, Jim Woodward, as he demonstrates what's new in Vectorworks, Vision, and Braceworks 2025. Using sample files, Woodward will show enhancements that make for a seamless workflow when planning productions of any size.

After attending this presentation, attendees will be able to…:

1. Learn how using Vectorworks for Entertainment can greatly improve your production's workflow.
2. Explore the Software's Tools and Commands tailored for each task at hand.
3. See how you can manage your project's data and report directly from the design.
4. Look at how designs can be developed through Project Sharing with all parties involved.
5. Get an inside look at GDTF and MVR, the open file formats that allow you to send your designs between CAD, Console, and Visualizer.

Presented by Vectorworks Canada


Language: English
Date & Time: Wednesday April 16, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Discipline: AV integration; Lighting; Staging; Pro audio; Video mapping; Virtual reality; Rigging; Scenic design, Exhibition design.

Presenter: Jim Woodward

Bio: With over 45 years in the entertainment industry, Jim Woodward has worked around the world on everything from extensive concert touring to designing and producing large-scale corporate events. Woodward also worked as a trainer and consultant to the Vectorworks community, as well as presenting and guest lecturing to the industry in general.

STUDIO 2

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DMX512: Best Practices in Everyday Use

DMX512 is used everywhere. Learn about best practices in DMX distribution to make your installations and shows more robust and problem free. You don't have to be an electrical engineer to know how to make your DMX distribution network robust and problem free. Learn basic rules for cabling and connections. Understand the importance of the correct use of DMX opto-splitters, daisy chaining and DMX terminators. Designed for both casual and power users of DMX512.

Presented by Terrier Marketing Inc.


Language: English
Date & Time: Thursday April 17, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Discipline: AV integration; Lighting

Presenter: Graham Likeness

Bio: Graham Likeness has been a lighting industry professional for more than 40 years. A past technical director, he applied his knowledge of theatre operation to roles as Director of Sales at Strand Lighting and VP Sales and Marketing at Pathway. He is currently a principal at Terrier Marketing Inc., a marketing consultancy and manufacturers' representative. Terrier Marketing recently became the representative for SWISSON in Canada.

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Enhance your comprehension of Vectorworks

Vectorworks is above all a powerful design, modeling and planning software. It has become the reference in the audiovisual industry and will support you throughout your project. This presentation provides an overview of best practices for understanding the relationship between classes, Design Layers, Sheet Layers, and data, allowing you to design, document, and present your project. After attending this presentation, participants will have a better understanding of the Vectorworks workflow.

Presented by Vectorworks Canada


Language: French
Date & Time: Thursday April 17, 12:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Discipline: AV integration; Lighting; Staging; Business solutions; Rigging; Technical Manager.

Presenter: Dominique Rivard

Bio: Dominique Rivard provides French-speaking representation and training services for Vectorworks Canada. Coming from the audiovisual field as a technical director, he has dual technical training in audiovisual and architecture. His company 'avanTou' specializes in 3D surveying using high-density laser scanning and offers services for professionals working in construction and events. The company also aims to promote the influence of Vectorworks software.

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Self-Promotion 101

Self-Promotion 101 will present a roadmap designed to help you navigate the complex terrain of personal branding and marketing. This session is not just about selling yourself; it's about understanding your unique value proposition, articulating it confidently, and showcasing it to the world in a way that resonates with your target audience. The talk will be valuable to attendees promoting themselves in a small or large organization or marketing professionals working to promote their company.

After attending this presentation, attendees will be able to...

  • Formulate a marketing plan
  • Establish a personal brand
  • Use all marketing methods to achieve their goals
  • Develop their skills
  • Increase their value to the marketplace

Presented by Entertainment Marketer


Language: English
Date & Time: Thursday April 17, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Discipline: Business solutions, Marketing.

Presenter: Jim Norris, President of Entertainment Marketer.

Bio: Jim Norris is President of Entertainmenr Marketer and a marketing and business consultant. He has taught Entertainment Marketing and Entertainment Business courses and has been a speaker at trade shows and conferences in Canada and the United States and been the guest on several business webinars.

STUDIO 3 - GERRAUDIO STUDIO

 

 

 

Information will be available soon!