5 Common Misconceptions About Working with an AV Company

There are lots of misconceptions out there about what working with an AV company is like. And  it makes sense - until you work with one, you may not know what the process really entails! So while we can’t speak for every AV company out there, we thought we’d clarify a few common beliefs that we come up against from time to time.

---

Misconception #1:
WE ONLY HANDLE AUDIO, VIDEO, AND LIGHTING.

While we do provide audio services, video production, and lighting for our clients’ events, we also do custom staging design, graphics creation, and on-site show production! We pride ourselves on offering more than just a technical perspective - we work comprehensively, taking many aspects of your event into consideration, so that you don’t have to worry about the pieces fitting together. 

Misconception #3:
WE’RE EXPENSIVE.

Sure, event production services are an investment. We won’t deny that! But it may not be as bad as you think, and we can often save you money compared to DIY solutions. Not to mention, high production value always pays off in the end - as does having the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re in good hands! 

Misconception #2:
WE ONLY WORK ON BIG EVENTS.

While we do often work on large-scale events, we also work on smaller events, and even some intimate social gatherings. If you need AV & event production support, it doesn’t matter how many attendees you’re expecting - we can help! Some of our most innovative staging & display ideas have come from having the constraints of small spaces, limited infrastructure, and bland surroundings.

Misconception #4:
MOST OF THE WORK HAPPENS ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT.

It may seem like the bulk of our work is done on-site when producing an event. But in reality, so much time & work goes into our preparation, whether it’s a smaller social event or a large conference. From conceptualizing & designing to sourcing materials, all the way to logistical planning & writing a run of show, not to mention technical drawings for rigging & system flow, more time goes into the behind-the-scenes work than it does actually executing the live event. And we wouldn’t have it any other way! Our pre-event work allows us to hit the ground running when we arrive to set up for your event, and leaves us more available to assist you with any last-minute challenges or changes. 

 Misconception #5:
OUR WORK STOPS WHEN THE EVENT ENDS.

After each event, we go back and revisit the events of the day to analyze what worked, and what could be improved upon. One of our core missions is to be proactive about solving problems before they occur - and analyzing past challenges is a great way to learn how to catch them early in the future! In the days after your event, we even give you an opportunity to complete a post-event evaluation, where you can both review how this event was produced, and begin discussing new approaches you would like to try to make sure that your next event is even more successful. We always love to hear our clients’ feedback on how we can make the planning & execution process as seamless as possible for them! 

---

We know there are many more misconceptions out there, so if you have any questions, please feel free to drop us a note!
We’re always happy to provide clarity in any way we can!

Event Trends: Modular Decor Panels

Modular decor panels are an efficient & unique way to add dimension and depth to any stage or event set! We've been using modular panels for quite some time, so we understand why they're becoming so popular! They're one of the few decor solutions that can work with nearly any aesthetic or theme. Here are some of the ways modular panels are becoming one of the biggest trends in event production this year:

View fullsize

Ease of Use

Our favorite modular decor panels are from Atomic Design. They come with custom connectors that make it quick and easy to snap the panels into place, reducing setup time. And the faster the setup, the lower the cost of labor! It also makes it easier to flip event spaces that need to have multiple uses, as these lightweight modular panels can be added or removed in mere minutes.

---

View fullsize

Adaptability

Modular panels can be used in a myriad of different ways! They can be connected together in a wall, used as a frame for your screens or signage, or as a standalone sculptural element. They can be stacked in columns, hung from truss, or staggered to create a perforated space divider. And because all of the modular panels we use are the same size, they can be mixed and matched with different panel designs to create an even bolder look! This adaptability gives you lots of options & creative ways that you can use modular panels to create an engaging set!

---

View fullsize

Customization

In addition to using Atomic Design's fabulous panels, we often create custom laser-cut modular panels that incorporate our clients' branding or logo! These custom panels can be used on their own or mixed in with other panels with more abstract pattern designs. There are so many possibilities when it comes to customization - and our designers would love to help you find the most creative way to integrate your event's branding into your set using custom panels!

---

Modular panels are quickly becoming a favorite tool of event designers & staging professionals, so we're busy finding more and more ways to use them creatively and in a unique way! We look forward to helping you incorporate this decor technology into your staging to create more engaging events!

Stay tuned for more profiles on event trends in the coming weeks! (Check out our last trend profile on LED walls!)

10 Ways to Beat the Mid-Conference Slump

Picture it: Your conference is moving along great, your speakers have been amazing, and your attendees seem engaged. You break for lunch, everyone comes back for the afternoon session... and all of a sudden the energy in the room takes a nosedive. You catch attendees dozing off, or staring at their phones, or starting their own conversations which distract the people around them.

Our bodies naturally take an energy dip after big meals and/or in the middle of the afternoon, so it's only natural that you might run into these kinds of problems sometimes - no matter how high the quality of your content. But there are ways you can combat this energy dip and get your attendees excited again! Here are 10 ways to beat the mid-conference slump:

---

1. Start off your afternoon session with an interesting story or an attention-grabbing intro.

By starting off strong, you set the tone for the session and encourage listeners to give the speaker their full attention from the jump. High-impact lighting and concert-level sound can also help to make an entrance or event intro really pop!

2. Add some humor!

Don't be afraid to incorporate some light-hearted, appropriate jokes to entertain your audience and help them to stay engaged.

---

3. Mix up your pacing and your tone of voice.

Speaking in monotone will make your attendees lose interest in the content very quickly, so make sure that you're allowing for some fluctuation and some changes in pacing to keep your audience interested. (For more tips on how to succeed as a speaker, check out our related blog post: How to Help Your Speakers Give Their Best Presentation Ever)

4. Take a break and encourage your attendees to get moving.

Whether you lead them in some stretches and light exercises or just give them an opportunity to wander, getting the blood flowing can do wonders for a waning crowd.

---

5. Serve healthy snacks during breaks.

Sweets and sodas can cause a spike in blood sugar, which is typically followed by a steep drop, leaving people feeling low on energy. But low glycemic foods that are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats release sugars more slowly, giving your attendees more sustained energy.

6. Keep the event space cool.

An excessively warm room can be enough to lull your audience into a post-lunch state of drowsiness, so make sure that the temperature remains at a comfortable, slightly cooler level.

---

7. Never read a slide.

Besides the fact that your audience is capable of reading slides themselves, your slides are meant to be supplementary to your talk, not to be redundant & reiterative. They are meant to provide a visual aid in order to clarify the content of what you are speaking about. Watching a speaker simply read their slides encourages the audience to read for themselves & to tune the speaker out, so make sure you're using your slides wisely. (For more tips on creating presentation visuals and slides, check out our related biog post: Ten PowerPoint Tips)

---

8. Keep things interactive.

You could have an activity for your attendees to take part in, or give your attendees a chance to participate in the conversation around your talk. You could poll them using open-ended or multiple choice questions, ask them to vote on a certain topic, or even have a fun quiz! Polling apps like UMU allow your attendees to respond using only their mobile devices - no clickers or special hardware necessary! (Learn more about audience participation methods here: The Evolution of Audience Participation)

9. Switch up your display graphics.

You can shift the tone or add energy to a space by incorporating more active motion graphics or brighter, more colorful artwork into what's being shown on-screen in the afternoon.

---

10. Incorporate a live feed!

Get attendees excited by incorporating live feed - of a guest speaker, a satellite audience, or even another conference or event - into your presentation! Live streaming can be quite simple these days, and is a fun way to pique your audience's interest.

---

For more tips on how to keep attendees engaged at your next conference, click here: 7 Ways to Increase Audience Engagement with AV

.