Sunshine, ocean views, and the unmistakable energy of Rio de Janeiro set the stage as more than a hundred AV Alliance Members and Sponsors gathered on February 25–28 for our global network’s Annual General Meeting.
But this was not just another AGM. It marked a special milestone: 15 years of the AV Alliance. A moment to reflect on the journey of a network that has grown into one of the most respected global communities of independently owned AV production companies, originating from the vision of our founder, Simon Ackermann.
Over the course of four days, our Members and Sponsors exchanged ideas, shared experiences, explored new initiatives, and celebrated the spirit that has made the Alliance what it is today.
Artur Kovacs and Jose Augusto Martins, CEO of our local AV host, Maxi.
When in Rio de Janeiro, it is quite a challenge to host a two-day conference this size and stay away from the city’s – and arguably, one of the world’s – most famous stretch of sand. This is how our meeting took place at the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, a mid-century modern luxurious hotel practically at the junction of the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. As always, we set the tone of the AGM with our usual welcome dinner on February 25, however we did steer away from ballrooms and restaurants in favor of a casual night at the Fairmont’s lively oceanfront beach club, the Tropik.
The Annual General Meeting serves as the official evaluation of the previous year’s activities within the AV Alliance, as well as the presentation of the financial status and spendings of the organization, which is then formally approved by the Members in accordance with Swiss law. The two meeting days also include presentations by the AV Alliance, as well as updates from all the present Members and Sponsors on their current activities, and excellent networking opportunities for promoting business connections and personal relationships.
Introducing our new Members and locations (from left to right): Owners Steve and Gayle Meyer and CEO Doug Kamm (MeyerPro, Inc.), Artur Kovacs, Owners Chad Johnston, Rich Manu, Marvin Karawana, and Emma Johnston (Streamliner Productions).
The two-day conference began on February 26th with a packed agenda of presentations and networking opportunities. Our General Manager Artur Kovacs gave an overview of the current projects and initiatives of the AV Alliance, while Board Member Laura Güimil from 2MG.NET and Kevin Farrant from Novatech Creative Event Technology brought important updates regarding the progress of our AV Alliance Academy initiative, and David Woodcock from PSP AV presented a new and exciting mentoring initiative.
We were delighted to officially introduce two of our new AV Alliance Members who were present at the AGM: Owners Gayle and Steve Meyer and CEO Doug Kamm on behalf of MeyerPro in Seattle (WA), and Owners Chad and Emma Johnston, Rich Manu, and Marvin Karawana, who came all the way from New Zealand to represent the three locations of Streamliner Productions.
(from left to right) AV Alliance Board Member Martin Blanchard (XPAV Expert’ease) with AV Alliance Sponsors Maxime Duschinsky (Theatrixx Technologies), Richard Marples (Barco), Vikram Khosla (Unique Business Systems) and Jonas Stenvinkel (Elation Professional).
Our Board Members Martin Blanchard (XPAV Expert’ease) and Joaquin de Elias (Congress Rental) led two fantastic panel discussions with our Sponsors, fostering insightful dialogue about industry trends, collaboration, and the evolving expectations of clients. These panel discussions were followed by our now customary Sponsor Networking Carousel, which gave our technology partners the opportunity for direct exchange with AV Alliance Members, allowing them to engage on a more personal level in smaller groups.
Finally, we closed the day off with a series of workshops to encourage open discussion about the challenges and opportunities the industry is facing. These workshops, led by our Board Members Joaquin de Elias, Chairman Peter Muller (Special Effects Ltd,), Martin Blanchard and Zaki Mustapa (Cantuman Wawasan), as well as Laura Güimil and our AV Alliance Academy team leader Kevin Farrant, explored topics such as family business dynamics, succession planning, quality management, and the AV Alliance’s own education initiatives.
(from left to right) AV Alliance Sponsors Andrew Ehler (IntelliEvent), Toni Martinez (AV-Drop), Martin Kuyper (Eurotruss) and Ryan Penny (d&b audiotechnik) with Board Member Joaquin de Elias (Congress Rental)
The second meeting day, as usual, hosted the financial presentations of the AV Alliance, followed by the Board Election. We are delighted to share that Board Members Laura Güimil, Zaki Mustapa, and Peter Muller were all re-elected by the Members of the AV Alliance to continue their work on the Board, alongside Joaquin de Elias (Congress Rental), Martin Blanchard (XPAV Expert’ease), Matt Emerson (AVFX/CEAVCO), and Simon Ackermann (Habegger AG). Peter Muller was also re-confirmed as our Chairman for the fourth consecutive term, ensuring continuity in leadership as the network moves into its next chapter.
Our program continued with our usual Leadership Meeting led by Board Member Martin Blanchard, which further explored strategic priorities and the role of leadership within the Alliance. Following this session, Members also shared a number of project showcases, demonstrating the creativity and technical excellence that define AV Alliance companies around the world. These presentations remain one of the most valuable elements of the AGM, allowing Members to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and celebrate the innovative work being delivered across the network.
Peter Muller (Special Effects Ltd.), Chairman of the AV Alliance
Chairman Peter Muller went on to host a lively panel discussion about succession, a topic that is becoming more important and more urgent for privately-owned – and especially family-owned – businesses. He talked to company Owners Steve DeVries (Showcore), Gayle Meyer (MeyerPro), Andrew Gardiner Jr. (Zamar Group), David Woodcock (PSP), Joaquin de Elias (Congress Rental), Torben Pedersen (Nordic Rentals), and Martin Kuyper (Eurotruss) about challenges in owership and succession, identifying the next generation of leaders and managing continuity in leadership while maintaining growth.
This year’s meeting also coincided with celebrating our network’s 15th AGM. An anniversary is also a time to reflect, so we asked our Members to take a moment to revisit the AV Alliance’s origins, sharing memories of its founding vision and the milestones that have shaped its growth. The meeting concluded in true Brazilian style with laughter, conversations, and a few well-earned Caipirinhas to celebrate both the past and the exciting future .
(from left to right) Chairman Peter Muller chats to Owners Steve DeVries (Showcore), Gayle Meyer (MeyerPro), Andrew Gardiner Jr. (Zamar Group), David Woodcock (PSP), Joaquin de Elias (Congress Rental), Torben Pedersen (Nordic Rentals), and Martin Kuyper (Eurotruss)
While the Annual General Meeting’s main focus is business and networking, we cannot forget about building relationships under more casual circumstances, so just like at all of our previous meetings, the AV Alliance wasted no time in exploring Rio de Janeiro’s culture: its vibrant atmosphere, the excellent restaurants – the Assador and Casa Camolese in particular – and shows, its famous sandy beaches, the nightlife, and of course its world-famous attractions. From incredible steak houses to a one-of-a-kind theatre production at The Roxy, from the Carnival to Christ the Redeemer, from football games to hair-raising hikes, the AV Alliance family once again spent an unforgettable time together.
A glimpse into Brazilian culture and heritage at The Roxy Dinner Show in Copacabana
We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to our local hosts, Jose Augusto Martins (Maxi) and Dylmar Souza (Hoffmann) for being the most generous, dedicated hosts and making us feel at home throughout our visit, their excellent technical crews working behind the scenes to make everything work seamlessly at the hotel and creating a fantastic AV setup for the meeting.
We also thank our Members and Sponsors for making the long trip to Rio de Janeiro to spend these inspiring, unforgettable days together, for your dedication to the AV Alliance, and helping shape our vision for the next 15 years ahead and beyond.
Until we meet again at our Get Together in Rwanda in October 2026… muito obrigado a todos!
