Articles

Value in Competition

Impact of Commoditizing Audiovisual Services on the Live Event Industry

Today, a new pricing trend is emerging in the live events industry within an environment of consolidation and dwindling competition. When bidding on a show, some companies are turning to offering below market pricing, willing to take on a project at a low margin in order to win the business. A model of this nature, leading with price, is simply not sustainable over the long term to support an industry historically driven by service, and providing quality equipment and talented people for live events. Equipment providers that treat audiovisual as a commodity should be considered a red flag for event producers when working through the bidding process. […]

By |2017-09-26T16:09:20+00:00August 19th, 2015|Articles|

Human Capital

Why is it worth investing in staff technicians?

In the live event industry, the typical buzz heard after a successful show is normally focused on the latest widget or innovative technical setup, and we often forget the real driving force that makes it all happen – the technician. The people behind the scenes pushing the buttons, wiring the systems, and setting, striking and testing each piece of gear hold the keys to the success of the event. Whether the gear is the latest innovation on the market, or the show concept is an industry first, the ultimate success lies in the hands of the technician. Technicians are on the frontlines of the show, and it is vital to arm them with the tools and training they require to perform at the highest level. […]

By |2017-09-26T16:13:40+00:00July 29th, 2015|Articles|

Changing Players

Effects of Consolidation within the Live Event Industry

The only constant in the live event industry is change. Twenty-plus years ago the makeup of the industry was very different than it is today, and it continues to be in flux. The market was filled with a range of companies, from small to very large, full service providers to single discipline firms, and a range of niche services. During that timeframe, the industry went through a ‘renaissance period’ of sorts, and flourished under such a diverse composition, causing rapid growth and building the pathway to becoming the multi-billion dollar global industry it is today. […]

By |2017-09-26T16:14:33+00:00April 29th, 2015|Articles|

The Resolution Evolution

4K is here, and it’s a game changer for live events

Every now and then, a technology comes along that changes everything. On these rare occasions, we see the industry shift in a direction where the standards in how we support live events are altered, and the bar is raised in our perception of quality. This type of change is upon us once again, in the form of 4K Ultra HD. […]

By |2017-09-26T16:20:01+00:00March 12th, 2015|Articles|

Buyer Beware

Choose wisely – are you dealing with an owner or broker?

In today’s market, meeting producers are challenged to find creative ways to stage the best show possible while stretching the budget. It’s a well known expression in the event industry that “you’re only as good as your last show,” and when bidding for audiovisual services, producers strive to work with a trusted supplier that offers peace of mind. With so many new players in the market vying to win the business, it can be difficult to sort through what differentiates one from another, but there are ways to clarify exactly what you are buying. […]

By |2017-09-26T16:20:46+00:00February 11th, 2015|Articles, Best Practices|

A Dollar for a Dollar?

Finding value when determining using In-House Audiovisual vs. Outside Supplier

It is not breaking news that the event industry has drastically changed in the last few years. Consolidation has led to a fewer number of key players in the audiovisual world, limiting the amount of choice when it comes to selecting a provider for your next event. With the narrowing field of options, event planners need to be extra mindful of ensuring they are receiving value with each dollar spent on audiovisual. A common dilemma among planners – to bring in an outside audiovisual company, or contract with the in-house supplier based in the hotel or convention center. […]

By |2015-03-12T19:52:42+00:00January 11th, 2015|Articles, Best Practices|

The Life of A Road Warrior

One phrase you rarely hear from young children is “I want to be a show technician when I grow up.” The future technicians of the world are in high school or college right now and dreaming of becoming a producer, director, musician, or even some unrelated profession, such as a doctor or lawyer. Yet, choosing to take a position as a technician is not that dissimilar to these aforementioned professions. It’s more than just choosing a career or job, it’s a lifestyle. The event staging industry provides opportunities that may seem glorified to some people, but the life of a technician is not without challenges. […]

By |2015-03-12T18:57:12+00:00April 12th, 2014|Articles|

True Tech Innovation or Passing Fad?

A Word to the Wise When Investing in Technology

In the show technology field, investing in the latest audio, video and lighting innovations is part of the business. When it comes to planning their event, today’s clients expect rental and staging companies to offer an increasingly wide array of the most advanced high-tech equipment. Make no mistake; it is often to our competitive advantage to be a pioneer in adopting new technology. But with so many cutting-edge products sharing the limelight on the trade show floor, how do industry leaders distinguish today’s winning technology from tomorrow’s obsolete fad? […]

By |2015-03-12T18:57:00+00:00March 12th, 2014|Articles|

Take Stock in Your People

Investing in Your Employees Ensures Success, Increases Your Bottom Line

As staging companies acquire or build the latest equipment – striving to deliver the most cutting edge techniques day in and day out – it’s easy to overlook the most valuable investment of all … your people. In today’s event staging industry, audio, video and lighting companies sometimes forget those on the front lines – the technicians who can make or a break a show with the flip of a switch. […]

By |2015-03-12T18:50:40+00:00February 12th, 2014|Articles|
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