What's New > Thank You, Saskatoon! by Jacquie Lazar
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What an extraordinary week we had at Rendez-vous this year! As I continue to reflect on the conference, this article serves as a summary for those who could not attend. A more detailed review will follow in the coming months.
Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Saskatchewan River, this year’s conference was predominantly held at the Persephone Theatre. Pre-conference training commenced on Tuesday, featuring sessions such as "Training the Eye" at the University of Saskatchewan, Smaart Training, Ion XE Console Training, and a Textured Hair course—all hosted within the Persephone Theatre. The conference officially began with our Opening Soirée on August 14th, led by esteemed local Knowledge Keeper, Lyndon Linklater. Over the course of the week, we welcomed more than 150 participants.
The trade show was a highlight, showcasing a range of impressive exhibitors and their latest gear. Swag Bingo was a resounding success, raising $3,000 for the AFC. We aim to surpass this amount next year, in celebration of Rendez-vous's 35th anniversary. Our Closing Reception took place in the stunning Remai Riverview Lobby, providing a relaxing end to the event.
On the final day, our AGM and Plenary session were held at the Alt Hotel, fostering engaging discussions and idea exchanges that I look forward to continuing in the future. This year’s conference also introduced a new app, which I hope attendees found valuable and that I hope we will continue to utilize. The Forklift Challenge, set up throughout the conference, was a creative and enjoyable way to engage participants outside of the trade show and sessions. We also welcomed several first-time conference attendees and new presenters, and I trust that the diverse range of sessions provided valuable insights.
Thank you to all who attended; your support is greatly appreciated. Please look out for a general survey later this month and remember to provide feedback on the sessions via the app. It is vital for us to hear back from you, for us to provide you with the sessions and trainings you want to see.
A special thank you to our sponsors: GerrAudio Distribution, ACT Entertainment, ETC, Hollyland Technology, Figure53, d&b audiotechnik Canada, Titan Electrical Group, Unisson Structures, Event Safety Alliance Canada, IATSE Canada, and Ontario Staging, as well as the University of Saskatchewan for their support of "Training the Eye." We also extend our gratitude to our media partners: LSA, Protocol, and Entertainment Marketer.
We are excited to announce that Halifax will be our next location for Rendez-vous in 2025. Mark your calendars for August 13-16, 2025, and consider arriving a few days early or staying a few days later to explore and take in pre-conference training. We look forward to seeing you there for the 35th anniversary celebration of Rendez-vous!
Thank you to everyone who emailed, texted, or came by the registration desk to offer and show your support, during a long week for the National Office Staff and Board of Directors, it was greatly appreciated.
Yours Truly,
Jacquie Lazar,
Executive Director