|
In this month's issue, we share the story of ACEC, forced by a winter storm to pivot and reschedule as well as re-engineer their entire Winter Conference within less than four weeks.
You'll also meet Matt Duelka, one of our newest Production Managers, who immediately upon hire, jumped in to oversee the successful Rocket NFL Super Bowl Activation we wrote about in last month's issue.
As we've done in the past, Cheshire continues to pride itself on contributing to the community. This year, we are supporting the Stroll for Strong Kids and Cornhole for Caregivers to benefit David's Refuge. We hope to see you there!
If we can assist you on any upcoming events, we're always here to help! Simply give me a call at 585-325-4250, ext. 102 or email Justin@CheshireAV.com for a free consultation to discuss how we can support your event needs!
| | |
Each winter, American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) hosts its premier business event, the Winter Conference, drawing around 500 engineering professionals and exhibitors. The program features sessions with state agencies, alongside dedicated tracks for CFOs, business managers, emerging professionals, and HR leaders.
This year’s conference, originally scheduled for January 25–27 at the Albany Capital Center, had to be cancelled due to a severe winter storm that dumped up to two feet of snow across the entire region. Undeterred, teams from ACEC, the Capital Center, and Cheshire quickly regrouped and rescheduled the event for less than a month later.
Limited venue availability compressed the three-day conference into a day and a half, forcing the program to be consolidated and re-engineered. Some speakers were no longer available, while others shifted to virtual presentations in order to participate. To accommodate venue availability, Cheshire’s load-in at the Capital Center began as the opening reception took place offsite, and continued into the early morning hours, for preparedness first thing the next morning.
“Even with the many changes, the Capital Center was highly accommodating, and Gina Potfora, VP of Operations and Jen Waterbury, Communications Manager of ACEC were fantastic to work with,” shared Account Manager Chuck Aeckerle.
In spite of the many challenges such a short-range pivot produces, the program came off flawlessly, thanks to incredible teamwork and stellar planning on everyone's part.
| | Matt Duelka Blends Experiential and Passion for Technology | |
Matt Duelka studied documentary filmmaking at Ithaca College before unexpectedly finding his way into guerrilla and experiential marketing, along with multimedia production. Working across several consecutive agencies after graduation, he developed a dynamic skill set as well as a passion for technology.
This unique background positioned him perfectly to have the experience to take on the role of Production Manager for the Rocket NFL Super Bowl Activation immediately upon being hired by Cheshire AV. His comfort with, and ability to do turnkey operations and problem solving, plus his collaborative spirit played a key role in the team's execution of a seamless event.
Click the button below to learn more about Matt Duelka.
| | Mark Your Calendar for the Stroll for Strong Kids | | |
There's still time to register to be part of the Stroll for Strong Kids that also includes a 5K run, and that will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Each year, Cheshire is proud to partner with this important fundraising event that supports the pediatric patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital. This year marks the Stroll's 30th Anniversary, and to celebrate this milestone year, you're invited to tap into your creativity by coming dressed as your favorite real-life or fictional superhero—because every hero has the power to change a child’s life!
The 5k race begins at 8:30 a.m. and The Stroll will begin at 10:30 a.m, with lots of fun, family-friendly activities taking place after the events. Hope to see you there!
| | Cornhole for Caregivers to Benefit David's Refuge | | |
David Varecka, General Manager of Cheshire, and his wife Joreen are the proud parents of Gavin, their 10-year-old son with special needs. Their family’s journey has inspired David’s deep involvement with David’s Refuge, an organization dedicated to providing respite, resources, and meaningful support to parents and guardians caring for children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions.
One in every 26 American families is raising a child with a disability. Behind that statistic are families who give tirelessly every day—many of whom urgently need opportunities for rest, connection, and support. That’s why the mission of David’s Refuge is not just important—it’s essential.
"The reason we love David’s Refuge as much as we do is that as a special needs family, we realized there is strength in networking with other families like ours, and that despite all we do, we can use some help for ourselves too," shared David.
Cheshire is honored to sponsor the upcoming David’s Refuge Cornhole for Caregiver’s Tournament being held on Saturday, June 13 at 11 a.m. (registration at 10 a.m.) at My Apartment Bar (2515 Mt. Read Blvd, Rochester). Join us for a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and purpose as we come together to support an incredible cause and the families who rely on it.
| | 5 New Rules of Experiential Engagement | |
Immersive experiences are the latest important trend in trade shows and events, but it's not just a matter of quickly putting a campaign together.
Allison Barrie Rand, Walmart's Director of Experiential Marketing and Cultural Engagement identifies five important rules that are likely to lead to success:
- Seek to understand.
- Nuance matters.
- Explore the niche; it’s the new mainstream.
- Don’t just show up—bring value.
- Innovate to expand access.
Follow these guidelines, she asserts, and you're bound to engage with customers and clients.
Click here to read the full article.
| |  | Global Meetings Industry Day Free 8-hour Broadcast | |
May 6 is Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) and MPI is offering a FREE 8-hour, global broadcast from 8 am - 4 pm CST that is open to MPI Members and Non-members! Included in the broadcast:
- 8 keynotes covering hot topics like AI, Sustainability, Contracts and RFP's, Resilience, Luxury Travel Trends, and more!
- 8 Subject Matter Expert Education sessions brought to you by Cvent, United Airlines, Caesars Entertainment, Visit Detroit, and more!
- Hear from MPI Chapters each hour.
- Hourly State of the Industry Snapshots from forward-thinking industry leaders.
Click for more information or to register.
| | | |
In Our Prior Issue
Check out our March issue of the AVator here, where you'll find the following articles:
| | |
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! | | | | |
