There are few figures in the events industry as good as Reni Corellifounder BB Blanc Also a pioneer in creative audiovisual production. Over a career spanning several decades, Rennie has blended technical expertise, artistic vision and an unshakable commitment to excellence to transform the way events are experienced. Winner of the Leslie Bell Spirit of Industry Award at the 2023 Canadian Event Awards, Rennie’s journey is one filled with tenacity, innovation and a love of craft.
In this in-depth interview, Rainey shares his stories, insights and philosophies that have not only shaped his career but also elevated the Canadian events industry. His answers, paired with observations, reveal the man behind the magic, giving us a glimpse into the qualities that made him a leader, mentor and visionary.
CSE: How has your career evolved over the years? What key moments have shaped your journey in the AV industry?
RC: “2008 was a turning point in my career. After 25 years running my first business in the entertainment and audiovisual industry, I started a new journey with bb Blanc, now one of Canada’s leading creative audiovisual production companies. Starting over It’s funny, but I have a quarter of a century of experience to draw from, and that experience allowed me to avoid a lot of pitfalls and mistakes, making me go faster the second time around. It took 25 years to achieve.”
This isn’t just a career restart; it’s a reinvention. Rennie also credits his involvement with industry associations such as ILEA with broadening his horizons and deepening his passions. “At the time, I joined Leslee Bell’s son Greg on the board and we became good friends. Seeing great Canadian companies put on amazing events and win awards inspired me to bb Blanc takes it to new heights.”
CSE: What drives you? What inspires your passion for AV technology and keeps you striving for excellence?
RC: “Excellence is what drives me. At bb Blanc, we are passionate about delivering events that go above and beyond. At the scale of our current operation, this requires a huge team effort. I have been lucky enough to gather exceptional talent over the years.”
He paused, thinking about his team. “I’ve watched them grow with me and work with me beyond even what I originally imagined. It’s incredibly motivating. When we can make an event so immersive and make people feel When I see it, not just see it or hear it, I know we’ve achieved something special.”
Rainey’s leadership is reflected in his ability to inspire and empower. He focuses not only on the technology behind the event, but also on the emotional impact it leaves behind. His passion for excellence resonates in every word and every project, driving him to continually push boundaries and innovate.
CSE: What do you think makes your audiovisual business stand out in a highly competitive industry?
RC: “What sets bb Blanc apart is our innovative approach to event experiences. As a creative audiovisual production company, we focus on more than just technical execution. We infuse our solutions with a certain flair, a start-to-finish A unique style that captivates the audience.”
For Rennie, the focus is on creating memorable, immersive experiences that attendees will remember. “Our creative use of audiovisual technology ensures that each event can not only be seen and heard, but truly experienced. That’s what we’re about – moments that resonate.”
CSE: Every entrepreneur faces obstacles. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while building your business? How do you deal with these challenges?
RC: “The biggest challenge came in 2008 when I had to start over with bb Blanc. Although it wasn’t my choice, it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. Believe in myself and in my ability to create a unique product for the industry ability is crucial.”
Rainey’s calm demeanor belied the weight of his words as he discussed the impact of the pandemic. “Sustaining a company for six months with no revenue was daunting. However, the crisis became a catalyst for innovation. We developed new ideas and approaches that took bb Blanc to the next level in the industry.”
CSE: Looking back on your work, which projects do you consider to be the most successful and what contributed to their success?
RC: “Having attended over 25,000 events in my career, it’s difficult to pick just a few that have stood out. However, at bb Blanc, the projects that really shine are those where we push the limits of our perception.”
He highlighted the annual partnership with Honda Manufacturing Canada. “Since 2014, we have transformed their holiday party from a 1,400-person event to a lavish gathering for over 3,500 people. By continually elevating the experience through innovative audiovisual production and entertainment, we have created an event that entertains guests year-round. An event eagerly awaited year after year. ”
Rennie’s ability to consistently deliver exceptional service is a reflection not only of his skills, but also a testament to his commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations. His success lies in his commitment to creating experiences that are both grand and personal.
CSE: Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, how do you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to incorporating technology into your business? How do you think it will shape the future of the event?
RC: “At bb Blanc, our mission is to create unforgettable experiences with technology as a key enabler. By staying ahead of the curve and integrating cutting-edge innovation, we ensure our clients’ events are impactful, immersive, and unforgettable.”
He delves into the latest developments: “Laser-based projection, LED technology and advanced media servers have revolutionized our capabilities. Our Studio 41 is a virtual production studio that allows us to create dynamic, immersive Backgrounds that revolutionize the visual environment of virtual or hybrid events.”
RC: “My main advice is to be patient. Find out what really drives you and what your passion is, and then put all your energy into that area. Trust that as you develop your skills and showcase your talents, the right fit will People and projects naturally attract you.”
“This industry is very demanding, but also very rewarding. When you see the joy on people’s faces or hear them talk about the memories you helped create, there’s nothing better than that.”
Rainey’s legacy
Rennie Colelli’s journey has been one of resilience, innovation and unwavering passion. Whether transforming AV concepts into immersive spectacles or mentoring the next generation of event professionals, Rennie proves that in this industry, it’s not just the content you create, but how you make people feel that matters .
As the founder of bb Blanc, Rennie continues to push the boundaries of creative audiovisual production and raise the standard of excellence in Canadian event production. He was recently awarded the Leslie Bell Spirit of the Industry Award, which demonstrates not only his unwavering commitment to his craft, but also to the community around him.
Below is a picture of Rennie clutching his head with his son Alessandro (Director of Social Events at bb Blanc) and Managing Director Adam Palleschi. It’s more than just an image; it’s a powerful symbol of the relationships, mentorship and partnerships that defined his career. It illustrates the core of his work – building not just experiences, but relationships and connections.
At bb Blanc, Rennie’s philosophy – “Experience is Everything™” – is more than just a slogan. This is a promise. Rennie embodies this in every event, every innovation and every magical moment.
Rennie Colelli reminds us all that success is not determined solely by what you achieve, but also by how you inspire others along the way.
To find out more about bb Blanc, visit their website and social media pages.
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