AV tips for events and equipment hire

If you’ve been following us on Twitter (@ave_services) you’ll see that for the last couple of weeks we have been tweeting some AV related tweets for running a smooth and successful event. Here’s our list of things to consider to make sure technology doesn’t let you down on the day!

AV tip #1 If you’re event is outdoors, consider hiring a battery powered PA. Ours come with 2 wireless microphones so setting them up and moving them is easy.

AV tip #2 Projectors need regular maintenance to keep in a good working state

AV tip #3 Meeting your Technicians before the event prevents misunderstandings and tech issues.

AV tip #4 Creating a holding slide before and after embedded videos in presentations creates a neater transition.

AV tip #5 Tapping the microphone causes speaker damage, to test if its working – talk instead.

AV tip #6 Keep slides to a minimum, people arrived to see you speak – not to read of the screen.

AV tip #7 Keep cables tidy to prevent tripping hazards and accidentally unplugging running equipment.

AV tip #8 Small slide advancers have a limited range, usually 3meters maximum – try stay within that distance to avoid frustration!

AV tip #9 Don’t be afraid to call upon your technicians, they’re there to help you and get bored sitting down!

AV tip #10 If you’re on a tight budget, consider video streaming.

AV tip #11 Make sure you gather all the slides for presentation before the day, this gives the AV technician time to sort any issues.

AV tip #12 Don’t leave getting a microphone on to the last minute, it doesn’t give the technician time to test it.

AV tip #13 Simple lighting can transform any room.

AV tip #14 Always give Technicians time to check everything before the event starts, including your presentation.

AV tip #15 Allow the Technicians to have an agenda to write on.

AV tip #16 Grab contact details of your event staff and crew so you don’t have to hunt them down when needed.

AV tip #17 Most small conference projectors will work best when your laptop/computers external VGA port is set to the resolution of 1024×768

AV tip #18 Always carry a memory stick (thumb drive) to quickly transfer any presentation or media between systems.#

AV tip #19 If your presenters want to use their own laptop, make sure cables have been ran to accommodate this before the event starts.

AV tip #20 Apple products usually require adaptors to work with AV system. Check you have the correct type, if not – mention before the event day.

AV tip #21 Test all videos before the event, formatting and compatibility problems can occur when using different computers

AV tip #22 Using an office laptop to run presentations is not recommended, they often have restrictions and software running which causes problems

AV tip #23 Embrace Youth: young people approach technology like no one else, they also think and solve problems differently than you do.

AV tip #24 Interact with your audience as much as possible, it keeps them alert and focused.

AV tip #25 Create floor plans and share them.

AV tip #26 Video signage is a much more creative and versatile way to do lectern signs.

AV tip #27 Flipcharts are only effective for small groups, Interactive whiteboards are much more suited for large group interactivity.

AV tip #28 Don’t unplug things without checking first – You’ll be embarrassed when you accidently pull the plug on the live projector in front of an audience!

AV tip #29 Check people in the back rows and corners are able to see the screen and stage.

AV tip #30 Speak loud and clear even when using a microphone, it can’t amplify you if there is nothing to amplify.