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We have lots of exciting information and news in this issue of the AVator. First, we'll take you on the road with us to Wilmot Cancer Institute's press conference in which they revealed the exciting recognition they received that puts them in the top 4% of cancer centers across the country, then you'll discover two exciting projects we did in Phoenix, partnering with the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) for their Spring Remarketing Exchange and their World Automobile Auctioneers Championship (WAAC).
We also share exciting news that we've updated our popular "Unique Venues Guide," and it's BIGGER and BETTER than ever!
Through our new series, "Beyond the Gear," Account Manager Chuck Aeckerle and new hire, Audio Visual Specialist Rowan Tyler share background about their careers and special interests.
And last but not least, we'll be participating in ESSAE's 46th Annual Conference & Trade Show on June 12, and we hope to catch up with you there!
As always, we’re here to help with your next event. Simply contact Justin at 585-325-4250 or Justin@CheshireAV.com for a free consultation. We’d love to assist with your event needs!
| | On the Road with Cheshire | | |
In March, Wilmot Cancer Institute became the 73rd Center to be Designated by the National Cancer Institute.
With this designation, Wilmot has the distinction of taking its place among an elite and prestigious class of cancer centers--only 4% across the entire country--that have been through the rigorous evaluation process and been selected as standing at "the forefront of research, community engagement, education and training, and life-saving care in the United States. NCI designation comes with $10 million in funding over five years to expand patient access to clinical trials and develop new research initiatives."
The press release goes on to indicate, "Wilmot is the only cancer center serving a unique and diverse part of New York—more than three million people across 27 counties in the western and central part of the state—plagued by high cancer rates and challenges related to an aging population, poverty, and vast rural areas, which can impede access to care."
Cheshire was proud to partner with Wilmot Cancer Institute in celebrating and publicizing this momentous recognition, by providing equipment, and AV services to enable the streaming of the press conference live via their website.
According to Chuck Aeckerle, Account Manager for this event, "I found the entire process of the NCI Designation personally gratifying. As a cancer survivor myself, who was treated at Wilmot for almost four years, it is my great hope that this will expand the number of people who have access to high quality cancer treatment, to become survivors like me. To see the hard work and details that everyone on the staff put into making this designation happen gives you faith that you really have people looking out for you."
Please join us in congratulating Wilmot Director Jonathan W. Friedberg, M.D., M.M.Sc. and everyone within the Wilmot Cancer Institute on this monumental and much-deserved recognition.
Click here to watch the streamed recording from the press conference.
| | NAAA Spring Remarketing Exchange | | |
The Cheshire team headed out to the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel for the National Auto Auction Association's Spring Remarketing Exchange, held from April 22-24, 2025.
The NAAA's Remarketing Exchanges happen several times a year, offering retail auto resellers an opportunity to collaborate, network, and get insights on the latest trends and most successful strategies for remarketing automobiles.
Cheshire delivered a full suite of production support—including screens, projection and audio equipment, uplighting, and stage wash for the general session which featured keynote speaker, Entrepreneur Daymond John, who many would recognize as a judge on ABC's Shark Tank.
Account Manager Todd Uckermark shared the Cheshire team’s enthusiasm for working with NAAA, describing their collaboration as having a smooth and easy “lubrication of communication.”
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This marks the third year Cheshire has had the pleasure of working with the National Auto Auction Association on their World Automobile Auctioneers' Championship, held at Manheim Phoenix immediately following NAAA's Spring Remarketing Exchange.
This event brings the country's best individual and team auctioneers and ringmen (bid spotters) together to compete for the recognition of Competition Champion. This year's "special guest" was none other than the original Batmobile!
The competition, which Account Manager Todd Uckermark likened to the Superbowl of the auto auction industry, takes place across 4 lanes as cars enter each lane and the team or individual auctioneer and ringman compete to sell the car. The competitors are judged on such elements as presentation, chant, voice quality, salesmanship, and interaction and communication with bidders. Overall performance and how effectively they manage the bidding process is also factored into the judging.
The finalists then go on to another round that takes place in a dedicated lane. Trophies are awarded to the winning individual and team auctioneers and ringmen.
For each lane of the competition, Cheshire provided three cameras, three techs, three camera operators and three audio techs to ensure a seamless production and live stream.
"What is remarkable about this event," shared Todd, "is that it's very much like a live sporting event. The atmosphere onsite is absolutely electric."
If you'd like to see the auction in action, check out the livestream of the finals on youtube.
| | Stories from the Road: Did You Know? | |
Did you know that often, when businesses bring in a keynote speaker for their event, the speaker includes specific requests in their contract?
When this happens, the PR person representing the keynote speaker often enters the green room, scans to make sure those requested items are present, and if so, s/he is reassured that things are in good order.
At a recent conference, the keynote speaker requested a tuna salad sandwich with no onions. No problem! What proved a bit more challenging and had Justin playing a "dilly" of a version of "Where's Waldo" was the request for a jar of Bubbies Kosher Dill Pickles. Mission accomplished when he found it at a store across town! There was one happy speaker and one delighted meeting planner who didn't have to go on a Bubbies hunt.
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Cheshire 's Unique Venues Guide 2025
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Since we first began publishing our Unique Venues Guide, which offers information on distinctive function spaces for weddings, receptions, business meetings and conferences as well as a variety of social events, many meetings professionals we work with have indicated that it's been an invaluable resource.
So, we've updated it again this year, and it's bigger and better than ever! We hope you'll find it useful and that you'll share it with others who may have need of it.
If you know of a unique venue that's not included, but should be, please send an email to Carol White Llewellyn at CWhiteLlewellyn@msn.com suggesting its addition.
| | In our ongoing series, "Beyond the Gear," you'll have a chance to "meet" and get to know a bit about some of our team members in advance of working with them at your events. Enjoy! | | Cheshire Account Manager Chuck Aeckerle talks about his early days in the AV industry and some of the changes he's seen since he started. | | Meet our new Audio Visual Specialist, Rowan Tyler and discover how he got into the industry, and the exciting hobbies he enjoys doing in his spare time. | | Cheshire AV Seeks Experienced Audio Visual Professionals | | |
Cheshire AV is looking to hire experienced AV Professionals. If you know of someone with strong AV skills, interests, and background, please share this post with them.
Summary of Role
The AV professional will set up and operate equipment such as microphones, speakers, video screens, projectors, lighting equipment, connecting wires and cables. Perform warehouse duties before and after events. This candidate must maintain a professional and presentable appearance and be capable of interacting with clients. The technician will work independently and with a team of techs to complete jobs per customer and CAV specifications.
To apply, send an email with resume to Jamie Cheshire at Jamie@CheshireAV.com
| | Finding a Job as a Meeting Planner | |
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 149,000 meeting planner jobs in the country, with an average of 16,500 openings for meeting, convention, and event planners projected each year.
Check out this article by Skift Meeting to get tips on how you can find your next ideal position.
| |  | 5 Tips for Being an Event Changemaker | |
Most people want to make an impact on the world, or at least in their profession.
This article in BizBash outlines five ways in which you have the opportunity to make a difference through using events as a catalyst for change, especially in the area of sustainability.
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In Our Last Issue
You can check out our April issue of the AVator here, where you'll find the following articles:
- Cheshire on the Road
- ACEC Winter Conference
- QuidelOrtho at the Weston Dallas Stonebriar
- Cheshire AV Hosts FLCC's Sound/Live Recording Class
- A Winning Move: Alicia Gazda Joins Pellucid Travel’s Team
- Mark Your Calendars to Join Us at ESSAE's 46th Annual Conference & Trade Show!
- Industry Insights
- 18 Steps to Choose the Perfect Speaker for Your Event
- The Ultimate Guide for U.S. Conference Visa Requirements
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CNY Women's Summit Case Study
When Alex Canavan launched her first CNY Women’s Summit, her goal was to provide connections and mentorship opportunities for women. The resulting business has turned into so much more than she’d originally envisioned.
Click Here to read the Case Study
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Interested in Working with Us?
We're growing, and we're always on the lookout for great AV freelancers, of all experience levels! If you think you have what it takes to be part of the Cheshire AV Team on a freelance basis, Sign Up Here!
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