There are many pretenders in the marketplace claiming to have experience in the AV/Production world. However, do they truly possess substantial knowledge within the industry, and are they the right choice for you? Below are some helpful tips to assist you in making more informed decisions when selecting an AV vendor to work with.
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Company Leadership and Staff: Initially, assess how promptly they answer phone calls or respond to your emails. If you find yourself waiting an entire day for a response, it's likely that this delayed communication is indicative of the level of service you might receive if technical issues arise during your event. It's important to choose a company whose responsiveness and attentiveness align with your expectations and needs for a successful event.
2. Assess the Company's Knowledge and Understanding of Technology: During your conversation with the company, evaluate whether they are well-educated about the subject and have a thorough understanding of technology. Many claim to be knowledgeable in the industry, but often lack a clear understanding of how equipment operates. Trust your intuition based on the conversation you have. Ask yourself, "Can this person competently handle the responsibilities of my event?" It's crucial to ensure that the company you choose demonstrates not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical expertise in managing and operating the necessary technology for your event.
3. Ensure you have clear intentions to avoid wasting people's time by being unprepared. Often, individuals request AV services without having a solid plan. Hiring a professional AV/Production team will likely provide you with well-informed suggestions and guidance on what is possible. However, it's important to have a clear vision beforehand. If necessary, discuss this vision with the person responsible for funding to understand their expectations as well. Budgeting is a frequently misunderstood aspect in the AV field. It's helpful to have a range of expectations regarding costs. If you're unsure about potential expenses, outline this during your meeting with the AV specialist. This way, they are fully informed and can tailor their services to fit within your budgetary constraints.
4. The most crucial aspect to consider when hiring an AV/Production vendor is their proven track record of reliability and expertise. This encompasses not just their technical know-how, but also their ability to understand and align with your specific event needs. A reliable vendor demonstrates consistent, timely communication, reflecting their commitment to your event’s success. Their responsiveness to inquiries and potential issues is a strong indicator of how they will handle real-time challenges during the event. Additionally, an in-depth understanding of the latest technology and equipment is essential. However, it’s not just about having state-of-the-art gear; it’s about knowing how to optimize it for your event’s unique requirements. A vendor who can provide case studies or references from past projects similar to yours offers a tangible assurance of their capability. Ultimately, choosing a vendor who combines technical proficiency with a client-focused approach ensures a successful partnership and a successful event.