PSAV is known by many planners as the in-house or preferred audio-visual provider at leading venues across the nation. In fact, PSAV has a presence in nearly 1,600 locations within 10 different countries.

The production, creative, technology and staging services company was acquired by investment firm Blackstone in August 2018 and will soon become even larger with the acquisition of Encore Event Technologies.

Encore Event Technologies, a global provider of event technology, staging and production services, was formed in 2014 when The Freeman Company merged acquisitions made respectively in 2009 and 2010: AVT Event Technologies and Encore Productions. 

Like PSAV, Encore also operates as an in-house partner to a large number of resorts, hotels and casinos — more than 460 properties in 12 countries. 

“Encore is an ideal partner for the PSAV family of companies given its shared commitment to meeting and event planners and strong alignment with our purpose and mission,” said Mike McIlwain, CEO of PSAV.

PSAV’s mission is to connect and inspire people by creating memorable, impactful event experiences.

McIlwain added, “I am excited about what this means for PSAV, and more importantly our customers, as we continue to focus on more ways to create amazing event experiences wherever an event is held.”

In October 2018, PSAV acquired Canadian production and audiovisual company FMAV to expand its reach into Canada. PSAV officials said the acquisition of Encore will enable the company to further expand its capabilities throughout North America and Asia Pacific.

Ken Sanders, chief development officer for The Freeman Company, said it had been an honor to witness Encore’s growth.

“I want to thank everyone at Encore for applying their work, skills, dedication, and creativity to build this world-class company,” Sanders said, “and I look forward to watching their continued prosperity as part of PSAV.”

Freeman CEO Joe Popolo also expressed pride in Encore for building what he called one of the world’s leading in-house hospitality, event technology and production services businesses. He also stated that the sale did not constitute or mark any change to Freeman’s mission.

“At Freeman, we continue our mission to provide powerful brand experiences, which include our audiovisual solutions, for association and corporate customers around the world,” he said.

No reasons for the sale were provided. The transaction is expected to close later this year.

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