As an event organizer, you pour your heart and soul into crafting the perfect experience for your attendees. From the venue selection to the menu curation, every detail is meticulously planned. But when it comes to the audiovisual production, many overlook a critical component – the people behind the scenes.
The harsh reality is that your fancy equipment means nothing if you don’t have the right crew to operate it. Many clients mistakenly believe that simply renting top-of-the-line gear is enough to guarantee a smooth event. But the truth is it’s the people behind the scenes that make it all happen, sometimes even in spite of the equipment when it’s not working properly..
The Dangers of Undervaluing Technical Talent
When clients don’t recognize the value of a quality AV team, it often results in inadequate budgeting and staffing.
Without a crew that is properly trained, experienced, and empowered to troubleshoot on the fly, you’re putting your event at risk. From technical glitches to sloppy execution, a subpar crew can single-handedly derail even the most meticulously planned production.
The freelance AV labor market has evolved drastically in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies were forced to let go of their full-time technical staff, leading them to rely more heavily on the freelance pool. Those who embraced this new approach and invested in cultivating relationships with top-tier freelancers have reaped the rewards. Nowadays, even the largest AV companies in the world rely heavily on the freelance AV labor market. The organizations that understand this and prioritize building those relationships with their technicians are the ones that consistently deliver the most successful events.
The Secret to Audiovisual Event Success
The key to ensuring your events run smoothly lies in understanding and prioritizing the people behind them. While equipment is certainly important, it pales in comparison to the value of a skilled, experienced crew.
Think about it – have you ever seen a bad freelancer succeed simply because they had access to a nice piece of gear? Probably not. However, you’ve likely witnessed events thrive despite equipment problems, all thanks to the quick thinking and expertise of the a stellar crew..
To unlock this secret to success, focus on the following:
- Work with AV Companies that Prioritize Talent: Seek out and develop partnerships with companies that understand this. The techs they hire have dedicated their careers to perfecting their craft, and they are worth every penny you pay them.
- Prioritize Communication: Ensure your crew understands the event’s expectations, timeline, and any unique requirements. Tech rehearsals are essential for aligning your team and setting them up for success.
- Budget Appropriately: Top talent costs more. Think of them as an investment in your event’s success, the same way you do as the technology. Additionally, just as you allocate funds for backup equipment, make room in your budget for additional crew members. This will allow your team to troubleshoot issues on the fly without being glued to their workstations.
By prioritizing people over equipment, you’re investing in the success of your event. Stop putting your event at risk by undervaluing the technical talent, and you’ll start seeing the dividends of that investment immediately.
