10 August 2010
Meet two of the nicest possible people in the industry, the eternal salesman Koy Neminathan and technical mastermind Phil Blue from Avolites, who visited South Africa from the 5 to 15 July 2010.
The lads mistakenly booked their flight to land in Cape Town International, a mere 1 400 kilometeres from the DWR Distribution offices. Smack in the middle of World Cup, it was going to be an expensive affair to change the flight details less than a week prior to arrival. It was decided instead that Robert Izzett from DWR would fly to Cape Town and they would jointly call on clients there.
What a success. The team at C & S Audio received a full day’s training, while a couple of hours were spent at Ultra Event Technical Solutions, after which owner Costa Champanis managed to fit them in at a superb cafe in Long Street, belonging to a relative of his, to watch one of the semi-final matches. Gearhouse’s Cape Town branch recently purchased two Tiger Touches and Koy and Phil took the opportunity to meet up with branch manager Charl Smit and some of his team. 
A couple of days later, Koy, Phil and Rob flew up to Johannesburg, visiting companies and giving operators useful guidelines when operating an AVO console. They met up with Gearhouse for extensive training, Complete Event Solutions, MGG Productions, Sound Stylists and Strike Productions, but could not leave South Africa without enjoying an evening at Mike Jone’s Pub – thank you Mike!
Embracing the soccer fever prevalent in the country, Koy and Phil (with a little help from a friend), obtained tickets to see Uruguay play against the Netherlands at the Cape Town Stadium, and they enjoyed watching the final game at MJ Event Gear’s Fan Park at St Stithians College. 
Gratitude also extends to lighting designer Travis Yeatman who arranged tickets for the AVO boys to see a music band which really is taking South Africa by storm – The Paroltones – who were performing at The Barnyard.
On a personal level, it was an absolute pleasure to spend time with Koy and Phil – they are fantastic and we know that this relationship will only grow from strength to strength. For interest sake, if ever you’re in a pub and Koy’s at your side, ask him to show you a party trick!
