The Great Canadian Suite, an NAB Las Vegas tradition for most of the last six decades, that brings together Canadians from the film, TV, radio, production, and digital sectors, in addition to the vendors that service them, is in danger of once again disappearing.
Applied Electronics was the originator of the Great Canadian Suite, which in the early days was located in an actual hotel suite and open daily during the NAB Show. In the 1970s, vendors had substantial equipment demos like large colour studio cameras and reel-to-reel tape machines, so in 1978 the event moved into a small ballroom, growing every year.
At its peak, the event was tied to a group hotel booking with Applied Electronics securing between 400 and 500 rooms at the infamous Dunes Hotel, so all of the Canadians could be together.
“It was always meant to be a place for the Canadian vendors and clients to get together versus being lost amongst the show,” recalled Paul Stechly, President of Applied Electronics.
Several years ago the company stepped away from the event and after a short hiatus, Toronto film and video production company Stonehenge Digital Studios relaunched the Great Canadian Suite, moving it poolside to the Flamingo Las Vegas. The new, one-night, three-hour format proved popular, with Broadcast Dialogue coming on as a media sponsor.
Due to a busy production schedule, Stonehenge has passed organization of the Great Canadian Suite to Broadcast Dialogue, which is now gauging interest in continuing the event.
“Broadcast Dialogue is willing to step up and push this event forward for years to come,” explained publisher Shawn Smith. “Our job right now is to connect with all of those companies showcasing their products and services at NAB that want to reach the Canadian market to come on as event sponsors, to ensure the event continues. The Great Canadian Suite will go forward if the sponsors respond.”
If you’re exhibiting or attending the 2020 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Apr. 17-22, and are interested in coming onboard as a Great Canadian Suite sponsor, please contact Shawn at [email protected].
Subscribe Now – Free!
Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 25 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.
The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.
Let’s get started right now.
