September 2026

2026 CSEA/Voice Statewide Conference

From August 13-16, The Oncenter in Syracuse welcomed educators and presenters attending the annual 2026 CSEA/VOICE Statewide Conference. Cheshire AV was proud to provide audiovisual production support for the conference, themed “Voice in Action.”

CSEA is one of New York State’s largest and most influential unions, representing approximately 250,000 members who serve communities across the state in a range of essential fields, including education, transportation, law enforcement, and public services.

The CSEA/VOICE Statewide Conference hosted one sector of the union, the independent, home-based childcare educators, for a free educational event in which they could earn up to 15 professional training hours taking programs covering a broad range of topics in early childhood education.

The Cheshire AV team at the Oncenter, including Josh Rosato (Lighting Designer and Engineer), Joe Grosvent (Video Engineer) and freelancer John Stoddard (Audio Engineer) collaborated to create a star-studded event. They employed Chauvet MK2 spotlights fitted with star-shaped gobos to cast a dramatic pattern across the ceiling, Chauvet Maverick Storm 3 BeamWash fixtures to give focus to the stage and dance floor, and vibrant colored uplighting and downlighting across the fabric backdrops to give dynamic color to the overall room design, bringing the “A Night Under the Stars” gala theme to life through lighting and AV design.

To explore the options of bringing your upcoming event to the Oncenter, contact Linda Natoli, Senior Sales Manager at the Oncenter at 315.435.8012 or via email.

Linda Natoli on Hospitality as an Art with Heart

As Senior Sales Manager at the Oncenter, Linda Natoli developed her personal philosophy of customer service from mentors, through having worked as a travel agent where there are no “do-overs” for honeymoons or once-in-a-lifetime trips, and from growing up in a large Italian family where everyone was welcome. Her genuine enthusiasm for people is at the heart of Linda’s approach to sales. 

Partners not Providers to Balance

 Hospitality Industry Consolidation

Many heads around the room nodded in agreement when, at a recent MPI Upstate Event, Justin Cheshire commented, "Hospitality is gone out of the hospitality industry." He was referring to industry consolidations.

The industry that was once built largely on relationships, flexibility and service has all but disappeared due to a takeover by large corporations, private equity firms and technology companies that care more about the bottom line than service and choice.

Click below to read Cheshire's solution to this new wave of impersonal, pre-packaged service that offers little choice and strangles industry health.

Remembering Steve Cheshire

This month, on September 23, Jamie, Justin, and the entire team at Cheshire will pause to remember and celebrate Steve Cheshire on what would have been his 73rd birthday. Last month, on August 26th, it would have been Steve and Joanne's 53rd anniversary.

Family was deeply important to Steve, as was the company he built from the ground up. Anyone who knew him will remember his remarkable sense of humor, larger-than-life personality, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to the industry and to Cheshire’s clients. These qualities shaped the company, the people around him, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Steve’s impact continues to be felt throughout Cheshire, and his influence remains an essential part of who we are today. To say he is missed is an understatement. We are grateful for the many memories, lessons, and lasting contributions he left with us—and proud to carry his name and legacy forward.

In Our Prior Issue



Check out our August issue of the AVator here, to discover

• How Sarah Casale Blends Creative Vision with Event Excellence
• Celebrating David Varecka and his industry award
• The Scoop on Connect Marketplace 2026 in Tampa Bay

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, at the bottom of the page!

Follow Us on Social Media!

Cheshire AV | 60 Pixley Industrial Parkway, Rochester, NY 14624

www.Cheshire AV.com / 585.325.4250 x 102