Last time you looked at an A/V contract, you probably got a list of crew positions for labor. Ever wondered who all those people are, what they do, and why it takes so many people to get the job done? Let’s explore the typical positions on a show.

Most A/V companies, including VIP Audio Visual, divide responsibilities into three basic categories: audio, video, and lighting. There are other tasks such as set design and production, but the three basic categories will be needed on almost every event. The crew required for each category varies based on the size and complexity of a given event.

Good sound and video are cornerstones of any effective presentation, but when you’re ready to take your event to the next level, it’s time for lighting.

Stage lighting is usually accomplished using ellipsoidal reflector spotlights, commonly referred to as Lekos. These lighting instruments can throw light from some distance away.

It’s fairly obvious: you can have the perfect venue, a perfectly planned event, and great speakers with amazing presentations, but if your guests can’t hear well then it’s all for naught. Having good audio is one of the most important elements of your meeting, and it doesn’t “just happen”. Setting up any venue for good sound requires careful planning, good equipment, and professional expertise.

If you’re a meeting or event planner, most of your interaction with the AV team will probably revolve around the graphics desk, where we handle your speakers’ presentations: PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides, Prezi, and more. At VIP AV, our experienced team can roll with the punches and make your event a success regardless of the challenges, but there are some things you can do which will make our - and your - life easier.

If you’re planning large events, sooner or later somebody will throw the suggestion out: “Hey, you should really be doing IMAG!”

What the heck is IMAG?

Image MAGnification is simply the process of using cameras to project your presenters on the screens. It’s a great way to increase the engagement of larger audiences, making them feel like they’re closer to the action. It creates a high-end “large event” feel. For the right event, it’s a great way to go. There are a few factors you need to consider though.

When your entire organization is focused on promoting new tech, it takes a lot to wow your audience. That’s the situation that The Telecom Council of Silicon Valley found themselves in while planning their 2017 TC3 Summit, where telecom operators from around the world come to find out what’s new in the industry.

Only a couple of years ago, live streaming your corporate event was considered cutting edge and fairly exotic. Today it is common, and often expected.

The advantages of running a live stream are obvious. You can reach a much broader audience when people don’t have to leave their homes or offices to participate in your event. Facilities, travel, lodging and meal costs are all reduced. Recordings of the event can be embedded on your website, making it available indefinitely for those who weren’t able to watch live.