From getting his university degree in law and pursuing a career as a paralegal, to stepping into his father’s legacy in managing the family business from one day to the next at the age of only 25, Caco – as he is affectionately called in our network – is now a father of two and CEO of Argentina’s largest AV company, serving as Member of the Board of the AV Alliance for the second term in a row.
In our new blog series we shine the spotlight onto the People of the AV Alliance, those formidable men and women who, professionally speaking, are much more used to working behind the scenes, creating unforgettable events or managing organizations and businesses that they or their families brought to life. In this interview we shine the spotlight on Joaquín de Elías, CEO of Congress Rental.
Joaquín, tell us a bit about yourself!
J: I am the CEO of Congress Rental Argentina and Uruguay, the largest company in our market for audiovisual solutions and simultaneous interpretation. I represent the third generation of leadership in the company, which was founded by my grandfather over 50 years ago, and later run by my father and uncle. I am married and the proud dad of two daughters. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends – having big asados (*traditional Argentinian barbecue) is my passion. I’m a big fan of sports, especially football (Boca & Argentina). I’m also a golf enthusiast, as well as a surfer.
Joaquin de Elias, AV Alliance AGM 2025, Osaka
How brought you into the AV industry?
J: I grew up around the family business, but I didn’t formally join until 2015, when my father passed away. That moment changed everything for me. Although I had always admired the company from a distance, his loss made me realize how important it was to continue the legacy and help the team move forward. I stepped in to honor that history and to bring a new stage of growth to Congress Rental.
Carlos de Elías, Joaquín’s father and founder of Congress Rental – as well as the visionary behind creating the Congress Rental Network – lost his life in a tragic plane crash in March 2015. He was a respected and well-renowned AV industry pioneer, who played a key role in introducing state-of-the-art conference and simultaneous interpretation technology to international events. He brought Congress Rental into the AV Alliance just two years prior to his passing.
You originally came from a very different professional background. What made you appreciate the event industry?
J: It is a business where the stakes are high and results are immediate: either the event works perfectly or it doesn’t. That pressure and responsibility push us to be excellent every time. It also allowed me to continue a family legacy and take it into a new stage of regional expansion.
Left: Carlos de Elías; right: Joaquín de Elías with his father
What qualities make great future leaders in this industry in your opinion?
J: Technical curiosity, problem-solving mindset, and the ability to lead teams in stressful environments. Just like with every profession, empathy and communication skills are equally important to have as a leader.
What are the three most important things you have learned so far as a leader yourself?
J: Number one, people and teams are the true asset – technology alone isn’t enough. Secondly, flexibility and problem-solving under pressure are key. And finally, trust with clients and partners is earned through consistent excellence and must be nurtured every day.
What would your advice be to anyone considering a career in the AV industry?
J: This industry is not 9 to 5. It requires passion, resilience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. But it’s incredibly rewarding because you see the impact of your work instantly. For anyone who is looking to kickstart their own AV company, I would say that it takes a lot of courage, financial discipline, and the willingness to work very hard at the beginning. It’s not an easy business to scale, but once you build trust, opportunities multiply.
What keeps you passionate about your work today?
J: Leading Congress Rental into new markets and developing innovative projects keeps me excited every day. Seeing our team grow, exploring new technologies, and shaping the next chapter of our 50-year family legacy motivates me to continue building a stronger regional presence and creating opportunities for the future.
Congress Rental
Congress Rental is a technology-driven company with over 50 years of extensive experience in the world of events and services, continuously seeking innovative solutions to meet the challenges faced by its clients. Over the years, the company has established itself as a trendsetter within the audiovisual industry, leaving its mark on some of the most important events in the region.
Driven by innovation, originality, and a passion for overcoming challenges, Congress Rental stands out through its forward-thinking approach and commitment to delivering practical, client-focused solutions. With nationwide coverage across Argentina and throughout the Mercosur region, the company is recognized as one of the leading providers in the market, offering clients the confidence of first-class equipment and premium-level service.
Congress Rental has been a Member of the AV Alliance since 2013.
Left: Joaquín with his uncle, Diego de Elías; right: with his wife, Rocío, and daughters Paloma and Macarena
Following Carlos’s passing, stepping up as a father figure and mentor was Diego de Elías, his brother and business partner, who took Joaquín under his wings and, along with the support of their tight-knit family and the Congress Rental team, helped him grow into the leader that he is today. Today, Diego is the CEO of Congress Rental Punto Baires and Joaquín’s Partner within the company.
Let’s talk a bit about your company and its history.
J: It was founded in 1975 in Buenos Aires by my grandfather. What started as a family business in interpretation equipment has become a regional leader in full audiovisual solutions. Our biggest strengths over the years have been our consistency, reliability, and being early adopters of new technology. That, and also maintaining a strong company culture across generations.
What do you think makes your team and your services unique and stand out from the rest?
J: Our ability to adapt under pressure and execute flawlessly in highly demanding, protocol-driven events. Also, our culture of combining family-driven values with international professionalism.
When you look back now, what were the most rewarding moments you have experienced with Congress Rental in the past decade?
J: Working on presidential summits, the G20 conference in Argentina back in 2018, Mercosur summits, and many international organizations’ events. These were projects where our team had to operate at the highest possible standard.
Center: Joaquín with the AV Alliance in front of the Congress Rental headquarters, Buenos Aires 2019
It’s a profession where the stakes are high and results are immediate – either the event works perfectly or it doesn’t. That pressure and responsibility push us to be excellent every time.
Joaquín de Elías, Congress Rental
At our AV Alliance AGM 2025 you were elected as Board Member for the second time in a row. What do you consider your biggest responsibility in this position?
J: First and foremost: representing Latin America within the network. In addition, ensuring that emerging markets have a voice, and supporting the next generation of leaders.
Why is it important for you to be a part of this network?
J: Because it connects us with like-minded professionals around the world. It gives us access to knowledge, benchmarks, and partnerships that would be impossible alone.
What are the greatest benefits for you personally and business-wise?
J: Personally, the friendships and shared learnings have been priceless. When my father passed away and I stepped into the business, I had little idea of how to be a leader or even how the AV industry really worked. The members of the AV Alliance welcomed me without hesitation – my age or background never mattered. They gave me their time, guidance, and honest advice.
Business-wise, the network provides the opportunity to collaborate on projects with the highest international standards and to continuously raise the bar for our team.
What have been your highlights as an AV Alliance Member since you have joined Congress Rental and became involved with the network?
J: Hosting fellow members in Argentina, for sure – just like in 2019 during our Get Together in Buenos Aires. Learning from colleagues in very different markets, and recently being a Member of the Board, which allows me to help shape the future of the network.
Where do you see the AV Alliance heading in the next decade?
J: I see AV Alliance becoming the strongest reference globally for quality standards in event technology, with a bigger presence in underrepresented regions like Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
The next generation: Joaquin visiting a Congress Rental warehouse with daughter Macarena
What has been the biggest change in the AV industry since you started out eleven years ago, technology aside?
J: Without a doubt, the pandemic was the turning point. It just reaffirmed that personal, face-to-face relationships are essential in life and business. Live events became the clearest proof of how much people value real human connection. Far from replacing in-person gatherings, the pandemic highlighted their irreplaceable role in bringing people together and strengthening communities.
In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges this profession is facing at the moment?
J: Attracting and retaining young talent is increasingly challenging. We work long period of hours, weekends and holidays, not everyone is prepared for that. Also, margins are under pressure. Clients expect more for less, and we need to balance cost efficiency with maintaining high standards.
What do you think the way forward is?
J: Collaboration across companies and countries, investment in people, and a strong focus on creativity, innovation, and sustainability to design events that leave a positive impact.
What new technologies are you most excited about at the moment?
J: AI-driven tools for event management, as well as more immersive display technologies. Also, translation and captioning tools powered by AI, which will complement (but not replace!) human interpretation.
The de Elías family now: Joaquin (second from the left) with his mother, brothers, and sisters.
For any family-owned business, and especially for the second and third generation of the de Elías family, keeping the legacy alive is one of the driving factors and the greatest motivator to succeed.
What do you consider your most important legacy personally, and the most important legacy of your company to future generations in AV?
J: Personally, I want to be remembered for professionalizing and expanding the company into a regional holding while keeping family values intact. As for the company, proving that a family business can lead with global standards, nurture talent, and create meaningful connections through events for generations to come.
So, will we see the fourth de Elías generation one day carry forward this legacy at Congress Rental? That question remains to be answered for at least two more decades.
¡Muchas gracias, Caco!
Next time we sit down to chat with fellow Argentinian Board Member and General Manager of 2MG.NET, Laura Güimil.