Freeman Acquires AVT Event Technologies
Freeman announces that it has acquired AVT Event Technologies, an in-house audio visual provider to hotels in the U.S.
AVT is based in Arlington Heights, a Chicago suburb. Founded in 2000, AVT services 21 hotels in such major chains as Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Hilton Hotels Corp. With more than 200 employees, the company offers full-service audio visual, lighting, staging and production capabilities through on-site operations that work in tandem with facility staff to produce events of all sizes held in the facility.
Freeman said the purchase follows its corporate strategy of continuing to invest long-term in the face-to-face industry where there is opportunity for growth. According to industry reports, with the recent change in the economy and some reduced travel to national events, there is an upswing in holding regional meetings, often at hotels.
AVT is based in Arlington Heights, a Chicago suburb. Founded in 2000, AVT services 21 hotels in such major chains as Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Hilton Hotels Corp. With more than 200 employees, the company offers full-service audio visual, lighting, staging and production capabilities through on-site operations that work in tandem with facility staff to produce events of all sizes held in the facility.
Freeman said the purchase follows its corporate strategy of continuing to invest long-term in the face-to-face industry where there is opportunity for growth. According to industry reports, with the recent change in the economy and some reduced travel to national events, there is an upswing in holding regional meetings, often at hotels.
As part of Freeman, AVT will be known as AVT Event Technologies, a Freeman Company. AVT's executive leadership team will remain in place to manage operations and customer relationships independently of Freeman. Within the Freeman organization, AVT will report to Ken Sanders, president of the U.S. audio visual division.
Longtime AVT customers believe the Freeman and AVT combination will be a winning one.
"We have worked with Freeman in many capacities through the years, as well as on a large scale with AVT. Having a company of Freeman's stature invest in hotel event services to this extent is a very positive sign for the hotel industry," says Michael Robertson, hotel manager of the Beverly Hilton.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.