Hunkering Down and Navigating the Unprecedented Crisis within the Live Events Industry.
The live events industry is no stranger to tough times, but today we are dealing with the fight of our lives. Uncertainty around the world is taking its toll on our industry with the global outbreak of COVID-19. The word “cancelled” is the new normal and has created a wave of unprecedented economic impact that has swept across our industry. […]
The Importance of Involving the Production Team at the Onset of Meeting Planning
Recently, I was having a discussion with an event producer about the current state of working within the hotel environment and the challenges of staging live events. He mentioned to me how the production team really needs to get a seat at the table for the initial contract negotiation between the hotel and the meeting planner or decision maker that is responsible for venue selection. […]
There’s no business like show business, but is it right for everyone?
When you were a child dreaming of what you wanted to be when you grew up, what could have been a better dream than show business? The excitement of a production – the lights, camera, action – whether on the stage, or behind the scenes, there is an energy before the curtain goes up, and when it goes down, there are applause. Who couldn’t love being a part of something like that? […]
Is your staging company operated by an owner or a private equity firm?
While the live events industry has evolved in many ways over the last decade, one of the most noticeable changes has been the reduction of companies due to industry consolidation, through a sweep of mergers and acquisitions taking place across the market. The result of this trend has left the industry with fewer players, basically a couple of giant mega-corporations owned by private equity firms, along with a more limited selection of owner-operated firms that are in a constant battle to compete. […]
The lose-lose scenario of blurring the lines between production and technical services
Once upon a time in the world of live events, production companies developed creative ideas that were transmitted into a plan to deliver the message of a show. Then, there was an audiovisual staging company that provided equipment and staffing to execute on that plan and bring the vision of the production team to life. […]
Increase of Internet Dependency and Its Effect on Live Events
The information superhighway has taken us on a ride to a new place in the live events industry. Many years ago, when looking at a potential venue for an event, the main environmental concerns for the audience were items such as seating, rigging, power, and staging for the displays to ensure everyone can see and hear the message. At the time, the internet did not play a pivotal role in the decision-making process. Fast forward to the world we live in today, and it’s almost unthinkable to produce an event without considering multiple forms of internet connectivity. […]
Weighing the pros and cons of using the newest technology on your event.
Live events are in a constant state of evolution. All the basic show elements, such as audio, video, LED, and lighting systems have improved over the years, allowing higher quality and efficiencies for any type of event. All the basic show elements, such as audio, video, LED, and lighting systems have improved over the years, allowing higher quality and efficiencies for any type of event. On top of that, there’s always a new range of bells and whistles coming out that can be applied to events to provide the audience with that “never seen before” experience. […]
A look at the evolving role of the next generation of show technicians
When you look at the current generation of show technicians, they are a very different breed. Twenty years ago, we dealt with things such as slide projectors, overhead projectors, composite video, canned air, and white gloves. Technology was always a component, but it was a simpler time in some ways. […]
Rigging rules and rates are weighing down the live events industry
A long time ago, the live events industry did not have all the safety regulations in place that you see today. An audiovisual company could go into a hotel with truss and motors, and rig the equipment for the show. Regulations were lax, prices were reasonable, and companies were given freedom to put on events without many restrictions. Unfortunately, there are many potential hazards in live show environments, and minimal safety regulations can lead to accidents if an equipment provider is not properly trained. Ultimately, hotels realized that hoisting heavy equipment over people’s heads posed a serious safety and liability issue, and began to implement restrictions that gave them control over rigging in their venues. While added safety is critical, […]
Recognizing and measuring great service and its impact on the show process
Today, the live events industry is booming with technological advancements. The digital age has produced an era with new innovations continually emerging, transforming live events into a range of new interactive and immersive experiences for the audience. Technology gives us immediate access to news and information, and we can interact with each other nearly instantaneously through various communication tools. While this influx of technology allows us to work more efficiently and deliver faster results, it has also changed expectations. People want everything bigger, quicker and cheaper, and this expectation can come at the cost of providing a great customer experience. […]