Your Complete Event Technology Guide

Audio visual (AV) technology plays a vital role in the success of big corporate events like trade shows, product launches, and conferences. Strategic AV planning can transform the experience of attending a major event. It can promote engagement and participation, create memorable experiences, and help emphasize the messages you and your speakers want to convey.

November 24, 2024

Audio visual (AV) technology plays a vital role in the success of big corporate events like trade shows, product launches, and conferences. Strategic AV planning can transform the experience of attending a major event. It can promote engagement and participation, create memorable experiences, and help emphasize the messages you and your speakers want to convey.

Collaborating with a reliable event production company like Catalyst ensures you have the right equipment and strategies for your event. In this comprehensive event technology guide, you’ll learn about the available solutions and how to employ AV technologies effectively at your event.

Important Considerations When Choosing AV Technology

Type of Event

The type of event you’re planning impacts audience expectations, desired outcomes, and success metrics for your event. Events like trade shows and product launches have different AV requirements than seminars and employee workshops.

Event Format

Hybrid or virtual events necessitate the use of virtual platforms, video streaming equipment, and live-streaming solutions. In-person events and live broadcasts generally involve more intensive staging and rigging.

Venue Size

The size and layout of your venue is a big consideration when selecting the right type and quantity of AV components and where they’ll be located during the event.

Audience Size

AV planning should be appropriately scaled to accommodate the number of attendees you have. Events with bigger audiences generally need larger visual displays, more powerful sound systems, and more equipment.

Type of Content

Are you hosting on-stage panel discussions? Do your speakers need to display slides or play videos? Will you be taking questions from audience members or incorporating small-group discussions? The type of content you’re presenting should help guide your AV planning.

Budget

Hiring a dedicated event production company is a cost-effective way to incorporate cutting-edge AV without the need to maintain, store, and upgrade your own equipment.

Types of AV Solutions

Sound Systems

Microphones

For events that include speeches, live music, presentations, or panels, microphones are a critical element. There are multiple factors that determine the types of microphones you’ll need. These include venue acoustics, style of presentation, and other technical considerations.

Speakers and Amplifiers

Like microphones, the speakers and amplifiers at your event have a marked impact on the quality of sound and the experience of your attendees. Different types of speakers have their own applications and uses.

Mixers and Audio Control Systems

Mixers and audio control systems are essentially the middleman between microphones and speakers. These systems adjust sound to create a seamless auditory experience. This is especially important for events with multiple speakers or a variety of audio types.

Visual Technology

Cameras

Cameras are an especially important part of virtual events and livestreams. Of course, if the majority of your audience is viewing the event through a screen, then the visual quality of your cameras is non-negotiable. Many live events also require cameras to project the stage onto a large screen or simultaneously stream online. This process is called image magnification or common referred to as “imag” for short.

Screens and Projectors

Depending on the event type and audience size, projectors and screens can be pivotal to your success. From LED and laser projectors to 3D projection mapping software, these elements have a massive impact on the quality of your visuals.

LED and Video Walls

If image or video quality is important to your event, then video walls and LED walls may be a better option than traditional projectors. Video and LED walls both offer impressive image resolution.

Video Control Systems

Most events that utilize visual technology will require integrated control systems to ensure everything runs smoothly. These systems offer users the ability to mix, switch, scale, and record video in real time. They play a key role in attendee experience.

Lighting Systems

Ambient Lighting

Ambient off-stage lighting can be used to create a particular atmosphere at your event. The ambient lighting solutions you choose can help enhance other visual and auditory elements. For example, uplighting and themed lighting can be used to highlight branding and lift the mood.

Stage Lighting

Main stage lights, spotlights, moving heads, LED lights, and color washes can be used to help accomplish specific goals, keep your audience engaged, and highlight key moments on stage. If you’re recording camera(s) you will want to be sure to have a bright and evenly lit stage wash.  High definition cameras pick up on dark spots even more than the human eye.

Lighting Control Systems

Big corporate events often use advanced lighting controls and programmable lighting systems. These systems allow you to synchronize the stage and ambient lighting with the presentations taking place on stage or throughout the venue.

Presentation Technology and Interactive Experiences

Interactive Displays and Touchscreens

Touchscreens are especially impactful at trade shows, employee training sessions, and interactive exhibits. Interactive displays allow your attendees to engage with the content you’re presenting, enhancing learning and keeping them involved.

Live Streaming

Live streaming technology can be used at both in-person and virtual events. Integrating these programs with your other AV equipment allows you to involve presenters, speakers, and panelists from anywhere in the world.

Digital Whiteboards

Digital whiteboards are often used in collaboration with video conferencing technology at virtual and hybrid corporate events to help speakers present information to the audience.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Some events incorporate virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) stations where attendees can immerse themselves in product demonstrations or training sessions.

Broadcasting and Playback Solutions

Event Recording

One of the more difficult aspects of a recorded event is creating a virtual experience that’s just as dynamic and immersive as a live viewing. High-quality recording equipment is essential.

Playback Systems

Playback systems are important when you need to play pre-recorded video at your event. These systems vary in terms of complexity and application. They help ensure you play the correct video at the correct time, and that the images are crisp and high quality.

Live-Streaming Solutions

If you’re live-streaming your event, you need to ensure a seamless experience for both in-person and virtual guests. Simply setting up a stationary camera and letting it roll can result in an underwhelming and even confusing viewing experience.

Ensure your stream is successful by considering the platform, testing the stream beforehand, and making sure you have a reliable internet connection.

Staging and Rigging

Integrated Stage Design

Stage design is one of the most important elements of event production. Even with excellent speakers and the highest quality AV equipment, an event can feel disjointed and awkward without a strategic stage design and planning.

Rigging Systems

In many cases, sound systems, projectors, and lighting elements are mounted using rigging systems. You need a reliable rigging system to ensure every component is safe, secure, and positioned correctly.

Work With a Trusted AV Production Company and Make Your Event a Success

Technology is a vital component of most major corporate events. Every decision you make should be purposeful. You need your sound system, visual displays, and other equipment to perform optimally from start to finish.

At Catalyst, we provide comprehensive AV solutions and services. From ambient and stage lighting to interactive displays and 3D projection mapping, we’ve got you covered with customized solutions to meet your needs.

November 24, 2024

Audio visual (AV) technology plays a vital role in the success of big corporate events like trade shows, product launches, and conferences. Strategic AV planning can transform the experience of attending a major event. It can promote engagement and participation, create memorable experiences, and help emphasize the messages you and your speakers want to convey.

Collaborating with a reliable event production company like Catalyst ensures you have the right equipment and strategies for your event. In this comprehensive event technology guide, you’ll learn about the available solutions and how to employ AV technologies effectively at your event.

Important Considerations When Choosing AV Technology

Type of Event

The type of event you’re planning impacts audience expectations, desired outcomes, and success metrics for your event. Events like trade shows and product launches have different AV requirements than seminars and employee workshops.

Event Format

Hybrid or virtual events necessitate the use of virtual platforms, video streaming equipment, and live-streaming solutions. In-person events and live broadcasts generally involve more intensive staging and rigging.

Venue Size

The size and layout of your venue is a big consideration when selecting the right type and quantity of AV components and where they’ll be located during the event.

Audience Size

AV planning should be appropriately scaled to accommodate the number of attendees you have. Events with bigger audiences generally need larger visual displays, more powerful sound systems, and more equipment.

Type of Content

Are you hosting on-stage panel discussions? Do your speakers need to display slides or play videos? Will you be taking questions from audience members or incorporating small-group discussions? The type of content you’re presenting should help guide your AV planning.

Budget

Hiring a dedicated event production company is a cost-effective way to incorporate cutting-edge AV without the need to maintain, store, and upgrade your own equipment.

Types of AV Solutions

Sound Systems

Microphones

For events that include speeches, live music, presentations, or panels, microphones are a critical element. There are multiple factors that determine the types of microphones you’ll need. These include venue acoustics, style of presentation, and other technical considerations.

Speakers and Amplifiers

Like microphones, the speakers and amplifiers at your event have a marked impact on the quality of sound and the experience of your attendees. Different types of speakers have their own applications and uses.

Mixers and Audio Control Systems

Mixers and audio control systems are essentially the middleman between microphones and speakers. These systems adjust sound to create a seamless auditory experience. This is especially important for events with multiple speakers or a variety of audio types.

Visual Technology

Cameras

Cameras are an especially important part of virtual events and livestreams. Of course, if the majority of your audience is viewing the event through a screen, then the visual quality of your cameras is non-negotiable. Many live events also require cameras to project the stage onto a large screen or simultaneously stream online. This process is called image magnification or common referred to as “imag” for short.

Screens and Projectors

Depending on the event type and audience size, projectors and screens can be pivotal to your success. From LED and laser projectors to 3D projection mapping software, these elements have a massive impact on the quality of your visuals.

LED and Video Walls

If image or video quality is important to your event, then video walls and LED walls may be a better option than traditional projectors. Video and LED walls both offer impressive image resolution.

Video Control Systems

Most events that utilize visual technology will require integrated control systems to ensure everything runs smoothly. These systems offer users the ability to mix, switch, scale, and record video in real time. They play a key role in attendee experience.

Lighting Systems

Ambient Lighting

Ambient off-stage lighting can be used to create a particular atmosphere at your event. The ambient lighting solutions you choose can help enhance other visual and auditory elements. For example, uplighting and themed lighting can be used to highlight branding and lift the mood.

Stage Lighting

Main stage lights, spotlights, moving heads, LED lights, and color washes can be used to help accomplish specific goals, keep your audience engaged, and highlight key moments on stage. If you’re recording camera(s) you will want to be sure to have a bright and evenly lit stage wash.  High definition cameras pick up on dark spots even more than the human eye.

Lighting Control Systems

Big corporate events often use advanced lighting controls and programmable lighting systems. These systems allow you to synchronize the stage and ambient lighting with the presentations taking place on stage or throughout the venue.

Presentation Technology and Interactive Experiences

Interactive Displays and Touchscreens

Touchscreens are especially impactful at trade shows, employee training sessions, and interactive exhibits. Interactive displays allow your attendees to engage with the content you’re presenting, enhancing learning and keeping them involved.

Live Streaming

Live streaming technology can be used at both in-person and virtual events. Integrating these programs with your other AV equipment allows you to involve presenters, speakers, and panelists from anywhere in the world.

Digital Whiteboards

Digital whiteboards are often used in collaboration with video conferencing technology at virtual and hybrid corporate events to help speakers present information to the audience.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Some events incorporate virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) stations where attendees can immerse themselves in product demonstrations or training sessions.

Broadcasting and Playback Solutions

Event Recording

One of the more difficult aspects of a recorded event is creating a virtual experience that’s just as dynamic and immersive as a live viewing. High-quality recording equipment is essential.

Playback Systems

Playback systems are important when you need to play pre-recorded video at your event. These systems vary in terms of complexity and application. They help ensure you play the correct video at the correct time, and that the images are crisp and high quality.

Live-Streaming Solutions

If you’re live-streaming your event, you need to ensure a seamless experience for both in-person and virtual guests. Simply setting up a stationary camera and letting it roll can result in an underwhelming and even confusing viewing experience.

Ensure your stream is successful by considering the platform, testing the stream beforehand, and making sure you have a reliable internet connection.

Staging and Rigging

Integrated Stage Design

Stage design is one of the most important elements of event production. Even with excellent speakers and the highest quality AV equipment, an event can feel disjointed and awkward without a strategic stage design and planning.

Rigging Systems

In many cases, sound systems, projectors, and lighting elements are mounted using rigging systems. You need a reliable rigging system to ensure every component is safe, secure, and positioned correctly.

Work With a Trusted AV Production Company and Make Your Event a Success

Technology is a vital component of most major corporate events. Every decision you make should be purposeful. You need your sound system, visual displays, and other equipment to perform optimally from start to finish.

At Catalyst, we provide comprehensive AV solutions and services. From ambient and stage lighting to interactive displays and 3D projection mapping, we’ve got you covered with customized solutions to meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should an event press release be?

Who is an event press release for?

How soon before the event should you publish a press release?

How soon after an event should you publish a post-event press release?

Ensure Your Event Exceeds Expectations With Cutting-Edge AV Production

Are you planning a shareholder meeting, conference, product launch, trade show, or other type of major event? You need to make sure the production value matches the quality of your event’s content. Working with a reliable, proven leader in audio visual event production like Catalyst ensures your event runs smoothly, exceeds the expectations of your audience, and has the impact you want.

Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation, learn more about our services, and tell us about your event.