17th Annual VIATEC Awards prove
Greater Victoria’s #1 industry not slowing down
VICTORIA, BC (June 18, 2018) – Last Friday night at the Royal Theatre, the VIATEC Awards celebrated the innovation and excellence of individuals and technology companies responsible for making Victoria the fastest growing technology region in British Columbia. A record breaking total of 54 finalists were honoured, with 16 recipients receiving new robot trophies (designed by Russell Papp), at the elaborate show. Attendance ballooned to over 1000 guests making it one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the nation.
Known for going over the top in the crowded pantheon of business award galas, Erin Skillen took the reigns as host for this year’s production. Billed as an “Art Deco Cabaret”, the night featured five variety show acts from Atomic Vaudeville and a powerful finale accompanied by "the Choir and the Chorus" and, in what has become an annual tradition, flying inflatable Killer Whales. A stunning set designed and built by local artist “Jimbo” Insell and Studio Robazzo framed the stage and was brought to life by immersive video projections from Hololabs and reactive lighting by Limbic Media. The resident “Vecima Ritz” live band brought the audience to their feet, and everyone continued the celebration at the After Party with local talents Rara Avis and Distant Grand.
“It is our honour to produce a show that brings together and entertains our tech community and we relish the opportunity to highlight and celebrate some of our top performing companies and executives,” said Dan Gunn, CEO of VIATEC. “Each year gets more elaborate and we cannot say enough about our local arts community and what they bring to make this event the unique and anticipated festivity it is has become.”
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To see the finalists for the following categories, click here. WINNERS:Technology Company of the Year Technology Company of the Year Emerging Technology Company of the Year Startup of the Year Product of the Year Innovative Excellence - Software or Service |
Innovative Excellence - Hardware
Team of the Year
Employer of the Year Leader of the Year
Emerging Leader of the Year
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NAMED RECIPIENTS (No finalists):Colin Lennox Award for Technology Champion
Angel of the Year
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VIATEC Member of the Year
Community Champion |
For full profiles on all the finalists, photos and more, please visit www.viatecawards.com!
Media Contact:
Dan Gunn
CEO, VIATEC
250-882-2820
dgunn@viatec.ca
About VIATEC
VIATEC (Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council), started in 1989. Our mission is to serve as the one-stop hub that connects people, knowledge and resources to grow and promote the Greater Victoria technology sector (Victoria's biggest industry). We work closely with our members to offer a variety of events, programs and services. In addition, VIATEC serves as the front door of the local tech sector and as its spokesperson. To better support local innovators, we acquired our own building (Fort Tectoria) where we offer flexible and affordable office space to emerging local companies along with a gathering/event space for local entrepreneurs. www.viatec.ca, www.forttectoria.ca
