Your Comprehensive Guide to Audio Visual Solutions for Every Event
So, you’re planning an event! From weddings to corporate award ceremonies, there are many different kinds, and each one requires something unique. But there’s one universal truth: you will always need a gorgeous audio visual setup.
When the lights go up and the music kicks in, your attendees know they’re in for an evening of fun. That’s what makes picking the right audio visual solutions so important. To that end, our expert audio visual Auckland team has put together a comprehensive guide to help you nail your event planning from the AV perspective.
Understanding What You Need
It’s tempting to jump straight into equipment choices, but before you do that, take a moment to assess what your specific event needs. Here’s a quick checklist of questions to ask yourself in the planning stages:
1. What kind of event am I hosting, and what is its purpose?
2. How many people do I need to provide for?
3. What kind of venue can I secure?
4. Will I need to livestream or record the event for later?
5. Am I after interactive features, or is this purely a presentation?
Once you have clarity on these questions, you’ll also have the best possible idea of what AV gear will suit your particular event best. Then, you can build your list of essentials. Speaking of which…
Your Must-Have AV Components
Sound
When it comes to audio visual solutions, your event’s sound is its heartbeat. Across the board, the way your event sounds is one of the most important things your attendees will remember. Whether you’re hosting a keynote speech, curating the perfect wedding, or staging a live band, here’s what you’ll need:
· Microphones: Your host (or hosts) always needs to be heard, which means having the right microphones on hand. Handhelds are great for passing around to multiple hosts, while a lapel or headset is ideal if you have a single MC.
· Speakers: For large venues or echoing rooms, high-quality speakers will make sure everyone isn’t straining to keep up with the flow of the event.
· Mixers: A high-quality mixer with a professional at the helm will make sure the sound is balanced and professional.
Vision
‘Vision’ can mean a lot of things, but in today’s world, it primarily means screens. Whether you want to entertain, inform, or simply decorate your venue, the right projection or screen technology will do wonders for your event. Depending on the purpose of your event, you have a lot to choose from, so you might want to consider:
· LED screens or projectors: Ideal for presentations, videos, and live feeds.
· A video wall: A powerful way to draw the eye and control the flow of large, staged events.
· TV monitors: Perfect for overflow rooms or smaller gatherings to track other parts of the event.
Lighting
Your lighting is a mood setter, an atmospheric ingredient that helps curate how your attendees feel at any given moment. When the disco lights descend at a wedding, your guests know it’s time to get up and let loose. Similarly, when the house lights go down at an award ceremony, and the stage lights go up, your attendees know to direct their eyes to the stage.
When curating your lighting, consider:
· Stage lighting: Puts the spotlight where it matters most.
· Ambient lighting: Creates the right vibe for your event and controls the flow of the audience.
· Spotlights or uplighting: Draws attention to key areas at a large event or highlights architectural features in iconic venues.
You can look at these audio visual solutions as disparate pieces, but the truth is that they’re all interconnected. Your music, lighting, and visual cues should all work together to make your event stand out from the rest, and that comes from careful planning.
If you’re tackling the planning for your audio visual solutions from a DIY standpoint, then make sure to thoroughly review your venue and itinerary every step of the way.
Visit your event space during setup to identify potential issues quickly and cue them up for a quick resolution. It also pays to do a run-through so you’re comfortable with the entire setup, and when in doubt, always have a backup plan.
On the other hand, if you’re putting together an event and you want help, then hiring a qualified team is the way to go. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a massive production, picking the right team will help you nail your AV setup, and that will ensure your event is a success!
Discover the difference a professional creative team makes with Oceania.
We are Oceania, New Zealand’s largest and most experienced live event technology company. For anything audio visual in Auckland, we’re the creative team to talk to because we understand that a great event is about more than good logistics. It’s all about the experience.
You will not find a more passionate group of live event technology specialists, so reach out tobook your initial consultation with us today.