Key Takeaways
- Ben Saltzman, CEO of ACT Entertainment, has a background in production, having worked in Broadway theatrical sound and lighting
- ACT Entertainment offers a range of solutions, including lighting, audio, and video, as well as interconnects and infrastructure products
- The company has a strong focus on customer support and training, with online and in-person courses available
- ACT Entertainment is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and advancements, including AI and interoperability
- The company has a team of 600 dedicated people, plus supplier partners and thousands of technicians and creatives who rely on its technology every day
Introduction to Ben Saltzman and ACT Entertainment
Ben Saltzman, CEO of ACT Entertainment, has a unique understanding of the production industry, having started his career in high school mixing sound and lighting for dances. He went on to attend SUNY Purchase and broke into the Broadway theater scene, working on notable musicals such as The Who’s Tommy and Beauty and the Beast. After gaining experience in project management at various companies, Saltzman joined ACT Lighting in 2007 and eventually acquired the company in 2014, becoming the CEO of ACT Entertainment. His real-world experience has played a significant role in shaping the company’s culture and decision-making process, with a strong emphasis on reliability, training, and support.
The Evolution of ACT Entertainment
ACT Entertainment has evolved significantly since its early days, with a portfolio that now covers lighting, audio, and video solutions, as well as interconnects and infrastructure products. The company has established itself as a full-service live event business, with exclusive distribution partnerships with major brands such as Avid, Ayrton, and MA Lighting. While lighting remains a significant part of the business, accounting for around 60% of its revenue, audio and video have become major growth sectors, driven by partnerships with companies like Avid, Green Hippo, and PK Sound. Saltzman is proud of the team he has built, which includes 600 dedicated people, plus supplier partners and thousands of technicians and creatives who rely on the company’s technology every day.
Innovation and Growth
To drive innovation and interoperability, ACT Entertainment has recently added industry veterans Bob Bonniol and James Oliver to its team. Bonniol, the new Director of Innovation for Video, and Oliver, the VP of Strategic Partnerships, are tasked with exploring how AI will reshape the way people interact with lighting, media servers, audio systems, and tracking technologies. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and advancements, ensuring that its customers have access to the best tools and solutions available. This commitment to innovation has led to the development of new products and services, such as the ACT Academy, which offers online and in-person training courses for customers.
Customer Support and Training
ACT Entertainment places a strong emphasis on customer support and training, recognizing that its customers need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to get the most out of its products and services. The company offers a range of training courses, both online and in-person, at its many offices, including its R&D Innovation Centre in Maidenhead, U.K. The ACT Academy provides customers with access to expert training and resources, helping them to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the industry. By investing in customer support and training, ACT Entertainment is able to build strong relationships with its customers and provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Looking to the Future
As CEO of ACT Entertainment, Saltzman is focused on the future, identifying up-and-coming technologies and ensuring that the company evolves ahead of industry shifts. He is committed to enacting strategic partnerships and innovation plans, driving growth and expansion in new areas. Despite his focus on the future, Saltzman still maintains the enthusiasm and passion for the industry that he had when he first started out. He feels privileged to be able to help shape the tools that power live experiences and is grateful for the opportunities he has had along the way. With its strong team, commitment to innovation, and focus on customer support and training, ACT Entertainment is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the years to come.
