In this issue of the AVator, you'll discover the exciting industry news of how Hale Expo Services' acquisition of another, separate company, Great Lakes Expo Services, has led to dynamic industry collaborations.

We're also bringing you the inaugural episode of a new video series called Stuck on Live Events in which we'll be doing regular interviews with events professionals to get their perspectives on the trade show, meetings and live events industry. We thank Heidi Longton of New York State School Boards Association for helping to kick this series off.

Then, check out our article on "AV Tips for Small Events with Big Impact" as well as our most recent episodes of "Beyond the Gear," a behind-the-scenes look at our team and the people who make it all happen at Cheshire.

If we can assist you with your upcoming events, please give me a call at 585-325-4250 or email Justin@CheshireAV.com for a free consultation. We’d love to support your event needs!

On the Road with Cheshire

Cheshire and Great Lakes Expo Services Partner

When partners John Dubreville, Director of Sales and Brendan Bulluck, Owner of Hale Expo Services, recently acquired a separate company Great Lakes Expo Services, that move opened the door to a closer collaboration with Cheshire AV than ever before. As general service contractors in the decorating, tradeshow, and expo industry, their strategic, growth-oriented expansion now enables them to serve clients across central and downstate New York, as well as Connecticut.

“We’re very excited about it because the group that we purchased does a lot of work with New York State Associations, as well as with some great educational and trade companies,” explained John. “Great Lakes Expo is an amazing company. They have an awesome team. We look forward to taking over their accounts to make them even better and stronger and bringing in partners like Cheshire.”

The first major collaboration between Great Lakes Expo Services and Cheshire AV following the acquisition was Palmer Food Services’ impressive “trifecta” event in September at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, celebrating the company’s 175th Anniversary. To mark five generations of success, Palmer hosted a three-part celebration—a food show, a gala, and a VIP dinner—designed to spotlight its history through immersive audio-visual storytelling. (Continued)

Introducing Our New Video Series: Stuck on Live Events

We’re excited to launch a brand-new video series in this issue of the AVator: Stuck on Live Events. In each episode, we’ll feature candid conversations with seasoned professionals across the live events industry—sharing their experiences, insights, and advice on navigating this dynamic field.

We’re honored to kick off the series with Heidi Longton, CAE, CMP Fellow, CMM, DES, Chief Events Officer at the New York State School Boards Association, Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we’re grateful for her willingness to share her journey with us in a Zoom interview.

In this inaugural episode, Heidi discusses:

• Heidi's Career Choice
• Industry Changes
• On Creating Immersive Meetings
• The Use of AI
• Final Words of Wisdom

Click the links above to hear Heidi’s valuable perspectives and kick off this exciting new series with us. Watch upcoming issues for new Stuck on Live Events interviews.

AV Tips for Small Events with Big Impact

Although your event may be modest in size, it deserves the same care and attention as a large-scale production. Smaller gatherings can be just as impactful—sometimes even more so—if planned thoughtfully. The challenge is that intimate events often come with tighter budgets and limitations. That’s where smart, practical AV strategies can help your small-scale event deliver a big-scale impression.

As with any event, start by defining clear goals, understanding your audience, and setting expectations. Keeping in mind the type of event you’re hosting—a workshop, product launch, training seminar, or board meeting—will help you align your AV needs with your objectives.

Before you get into equipment decisions, assess the venue. Review the floor plan, check acoustics, lighting, and sightlines, and confirm power and internet capabilities. Ask about restrictions—such as required vendors or union labor—and consider bringing in your AV partner early. They’ll not only be familiar with common venue challenges but can also suggest the most effective room and technology layouts.

Cheshire Beyond the Gear

In our ongoing series, "Beyond the Gear," we invite you to get to know some of our permanent and freelance team members.

Did You Know?

MPI Upstate NY is an active arm of the national MPI and is dedicated to the ongoing professional development of its members. They are always looking for innovative presenters to speak on important relevant topics within the events industry. If you are interested in speaking to a group of event professionals at an MPIUNY event, click here for more information!

Cheshire AV Seeks Exhibit Production Manager 

Summary/Objective  

Work with the Account Manager participating in planning, testing, preparation, onsite implementation, and cost strategies for client's event. Provides recommendations for improvement and assists in the development of long-range plans and goals for the team. Maintains control of cost-effective strategies and ensures levels are within budget guidelines outlined by Account Manager. The Production Manager must execute programs in a cost and time-effective manner, working with internal and external creative and technical resources. The Production Manager acts as overall on-site manager for major shows and events. You are an expert at scenic, lighting, rigging, audio and visual requirements; both pre-show and on-site. Not only are you show manager for our events, you will define the technical approach and solutions for our shows. Your focus is developing and maintaining Cheshire AV’s production standards. 

You’ll manage on-site supervision of union and non-union labor and oversee the technical production budgets. Much of your time and energy will be focused on owning and maintaining vendor relationships, including the RFP process.  

Must have: 

• Extensive experience with all types of LED technology.  
• Strong and proven experience managing events with emphasis on exhibits. 
• Well versed in Power Point, Keynote, Excel & Word 
• Lighting Design experience 
• Must have experience with Vector works  
• Networking experience

To apply, send an email with resume to Jamie Cheshire at Jamie@CheshireAV.com

In Our Last Issue

You can check out our August issue of the AVator here, where you'll find the following articles:

• Cheshire on the Road
• Paymentus at the IUCX Conference
•  New Equicenter Arena Opening
• Team Building at Cheshire
• Why Capturing Video and Photos at Events Is a Smart Investment
• Cheshire's Video Series, Beyond the Gear, featuring
• Maria Hubbel, Audio Visual Specialist
• Kevin Moncada, Cheshire AV Freelancer
• Leo Penizzotto, Cheshire AV Freelancer
• Meet Us in Miami at Connect Marketplace!
• Best of Luck to Tim Lockhart
• Industry Insights
• 10 Essential AI Tools for Event Planning & Marketing
• The Truth About Becoming a Certified Meeting Professional

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!

Follow Us on Social Media!

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

www.Cheshire AV.com / 585.325.4250 x 102