Rendez-vous 2025: Community, Learning, and Innovation Shine in Halifax
CITT/ICTS concludes the 35th edition of Rendez-vous, its annual conference and trade show, hosted this year at Dalhousie Arts Centre and the Fountain School of Performing Arts in Halifax, NS. The event brought together professionals, students, and partners with renewed energy, connection, and enthusiasm, for a week of training, networking, and celebrating the industry.
The conference began with the Opening Soirée, during which Charlotte Bernard, Mi’kmaq matriarch and cultural advisor, offered a meaningful reflection, grounding the community in reconciliation. In support, CITT/ICTS contributed to the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax.
Throughout the week, participants attended a total of 16 educational sessions and five training workshops, including the inaugural IATSE Training Hub, the AFC’s Mental Health First Aid Training, and ETC’s Eos Overview Training. The full program covered a variety of topics, including health and safety, lighting, rigging, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), entertainment budgeting, and the integration of virtual reality and emerging technologies in live performances. Attendees gained insights from industry leaders and built connections with peers from across Canada and internationally. These learning opportunities continue to define Rendez-vous as a hub for professional development and industry knowledge exchange.
The 1-Day Trade Show showcased a dynamic range of industry leaders such as ACT Entertainment, Christie Lites Sales, d&b audiotechnik Canada, DataVisual Marketing, GerrAudio Distribution, Theatrixx Technologies, and many more. Exhibitors shared innovative solutions that are shaping the live performance and entertainment technology industries.
Beloved traditions also returned, including the always-energetic Swag Bingo, sponsored by GerrAudio Distribution. This year’s edition raised over $3,600 for The AFC – thank you to all the participants, donors, and prize sponsors.
The Annual Luncheon, AGM, and Awards Ceremony highlighted the achievements of the community, including the inaugural Emerging Technical Talent Award, presented to Brendan Briceland and Marshall Kidd. Members were also encouraged to submit nominations for the 2026 Awards in categories such as Emerging Technical Talent, Achievement in Education, Technical Innovation, and Lifetime Achievement.
This year's Plenary Session sparked valuable discussions about CITT/ICTS' digital future and ways the organization can better connect and support its members across regions. These insights will inform the organization's future initiatives.
“Rendez-vous is more than a conference—it’s an opportunity to gather with each other in-person to learn, to connect and to celebrate our community’s creativity, resilience and to re-commit to the future of live performance,” said Jacquie Lazar, CITT/ICTS’ Executive Director. “We are grateful to all the participants, presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors who made this year’s edition so impactful.”
"CITT/ICTS extends heartfelt thanks to its student volunteers, presenters, sponsors, and attendees whose contributions created another fantastic Rendez-vous. The next edition will take place in Ottawa from August 12–15, 2026, continuing the tradition of high-quality training, education, and networking opportunities."
About the Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology/Institut canadien des technologies scénographiques (CITT/ICTS):
CITT/ICTS is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the professional development of individuals and organizations involved in the Canadian live performance and entertainment technology industry. Through training, networking, and advocacy, CITT/ICTS fosters innovation, collaboration, and excellence across the sector.
To learn more about Rendez-vous, visit: www.citt.org/annual_conference.html. For more information or for conference related inquiries, contact: rendezvous@citt.org