How to Choose the Right AV Supplier for Your Next Event.

In the world of Audio-Visual (or 'audiovisual' or 'AV'), there are many choices for staff covering your special event. It is important to know what the right match is for you and your event and understand exactly what services they provide.

For example, some AV companies cover 'staging', which involves detailing the overall look of the event - including actual stages, lighting and pipe & drape - , while some companies only provide AV technical services - setting up and operating projection systems and sound systems. Some big audio companies only deal with audio, at least in terms of specialization, and some are more display-oriented.

Some places say they cover everything under the sun and some specialize in fewer areas, but choosing the right AV supplier should not be a big headache. Rather than just pick up the phone and call a company that starts with the letter A, you can refer to the following list to help you shop around (print if out for reference).

When you should hire an AV consultant, an AV company, a staging company and a sound company.

AV Consultants
A qualified AV consultant should give you unbiased information and be paid for their consulting service
- if you need to know exactly what is on a quote you have received
- if you need an unbiased opinion on which company to hire
- if you don't have time to shop around
- if you want to know that you are only paying for necessary items
- for very important meetings - not just big, but important, no matter what the size
- if you are considering a multi-screen display or several break-out sessions with AV gear for each one
- if you are hosting an outdoor event
- if you plan on having audio or video coverage

AV Company
AV companies can have several departments and are a wise choice for larger events where you simply don't have time to call a company for every service. Caution, however, as some companies have services that they don't necessarily specialize in.
- if you have a large event that requires AV, staging, special lighting, etc
- when you are planning to have multiple locations running at the same time
- if you've got your hands full and need one company to handle all of your needs
- when you need specialized gear that a smaller organization can't supply
- when you need any rigging done with overhead trusses or scaffolding of any type
- when you are not allowed to bring in your own AV services to certain venues

Staging Companies
Companies who offer staging services often operate under the umbrella of AV and include staging as one of their services. Others offer special projection design or set design.
- when the look must be custom-designed
- when you have a larger budget to work with
- when you need event management services
- when something must be constructed

Sound Companies
Sound companies specialize in concerts large and small and are not limited to small audio set-ups. Some sound companies also offer rigging, staging and AV services.
- when you have live music or other performances to be mixed
- when you need speakers hung above crowds (rigging - a specialized area of AV and sound)
- when you need to meet certain electrical requirements for high-wattage sound system
- if you need high-impact sound for a presentation
- if you have a large audience and need to create several audio zones to properly cover them
- when you need a large event recorded for broadcast or for sale on video
- when you have a stage production with several wireless microphones

Whatever your event needs, a qualified consultant can help you meet your objectives, take the worry out of technical decisions and ultimately make your event run smoothly.

Until next time...

Buck Moore