The Complexities of AV

A guide to the equipment and tech support you need

by Susan Crittenton, MC² National Director Events/Executive Producer

Once upon a time, event audiovisual was simple. Set up the equipment and projector, deliver your presentation and pack it up. Story over. But today, AV is far more important, integral and sophisticated.

Attendees expect content to be digital, easily shared and green. People who can't attend an event want to have the ability to see what you have to offer remotely or at their convenience according to their own schedule, and to share it with others. Read more.

AV ABCs ... Boo to the booze ... Assistance needed with an assistant

Using event AV is more complicated today than it was just 10 years ago. Logically, ordering equipment and hiring tech support have increased in complexity as well. In this month's feature article, MC² National Director Events/Executive Producer Susan Crittenton explains how to get what you need without breaking your budget.

In a recent issue, a marketing manager asked how to stay professional at liquor-filled events. See what your peers have to say about it. Picture this: You get the help you've wanted for years, only to find out your new hire's performance is less than stellar. An events manager would like to know how you'd handle this situation.

Provide us with a dilemma of your own or take our one-minute survey, and we'll enter your name into a drawing for a gift certificate for a dinner for two.

MC² senior designer, Saul Stokes contributes to EXHIBITOR magazine's designer Q&A.

November 2011.

Saul Stokes, senior designer at MC², has more than 12 years of experience as a professional designer and has worked on myriad projects domestically and internationally, including exhibits, corporate interiors, customer-briefing centers, and point-of-purchase displays. Here, he shares his thoughts regarding the influence of social media and technology on exhibit design.

Read more.

by Ed Jones

Measurement Tip 9

Staff surveys after every event define event effectiveness and gently remind the staff of their responsibilities!

Staff and Stakeholder surveys are one of the most valuable measurements of event effectiveness. They provide "internal customer feedback" on your events.  This feedback should be a cornerstone for any well run event marketing program.

Read more ...

Previous Issue's Dilemma:

Can I be friends with Jim Beam?

Several times a year, my company holds functions for important clients, and alcohol is always served. At the last one of these occasions, I imbibed a bit too much and behaved less than professionally. Are there ways I can limit my intake or the effects of alcohol? Or should I completely avoid drinking at client gatherings?

-- Polly, Marketing Manager

Read what others had to say.

This Issue's Dilemmas:

What can I do when the help is no help?

After years of begging, I finally have an assistant. The problem is "Belle" constantly asks me questions, her work is sloppy, and she has no respect for deadlines. If I let her go, I'm afraid it will reflect badly on my judgment since I interviewed and hired her.

Should I fire her and risk losing face? Or is there some way I can get her to be a real help?

-- Name withheld, Events Manager

Congratulations to this quarter’s winner -- Linda Bakken, convention assistant at Wenger Corporation Telephone!

Share your experience.You could win a $100 gift certificate for a dinner for two.

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