How to Avoid Being Oversold in AV Contracts
When planning for AV of any sort—big events, design and installation, or small gatherings—it is important to plan for equipment that fits the setting and audience. Think of it this way: how would the audience at an acoustic singer/songwriter concert feel if the stage was filled with towering speakers and massive displays? The AV should always match the event and venue.
How to Know What to Look For
The challenge for most people is that it can be very difficult to know what to look for. Recently, a member of our team was at a small meeting where the light and sound rigs looked like they were built for a concert. He could tell that they had been oversold on AV, but most people would not have noticed.
The key starts at the beginning of the process.
Start with Your Goals
When you start with a clear understanding of your objectives, it positions you in a better place to help your AV company make informed decisions. Here are a few examples:
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- What is the impression you want to leave with your audience?
- Can you identify the desired customer response?
- What do you see as the value of the AV component?
Asking the Right Questions
When you are reviewing your proposed approaches, be ready to ask the important questions:
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- Is the equipment appropriate for the venue?
- Is it possible that the recommended audio and visual could overshadow that event’s message?
- Do you feel like your recommendations match our brand?
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It is also important to realize there are ranges for most AV equipment considerations. Ask whether your proposal includes the highest end of equipment, middle or lower.
Not only will following this process potentially save you money, but it can also help ensure that your event or installation creates more favorable outcomes for your audience.
It All Comes Down to Trusted Partners
Whether or not you understand the details of AV equipment, it is critical to work with partners you can trust. That is one of the core components of ITA Audio Visual’s foundation: providing realistic and trustworthy advice.
