AV vs. IT

As technology gets more and more user friendly, and I say that with caution, the line between AV (Audio Visual) and IT (Information Technology) becomes more and more blurred. When it comes to the events where a lot of the two come together both issues and opportunity need to be well-managed and organised in advance.

First for some people what is the difference between AV & IT? Lots I usually describe IT as the protection, storage, transfer and management of information, be it documents, emails, programs or the hundred selfies your kids took on your phone. AV on the other hand is the distribution of or the way that information is displayed to an audience whether it be a mass audience or specific individual, it could be a conference call, presentation, exhibition, or the screen a viewer of funny cat videos on YouTube uses. The information and technology to store and hold it is always there, but until you use Audio and Visual devices to see and hear it, it remains as information only.

Combining them allows great things to happen, it creates impact and ideas and helps promote empathetic emotions between the presenter and their audience through energy and belief.

Ever been in a lecture or presentation that you wished would just end or you have walked out of because the presentation was for lack of a better word boring?

When it comes to events most AV people are fairly well versed in IT as they need to know how to get that information you want presented and be able to show it to your audience and although sometimes despite all the technology in the world it looks easy but can take some considerable work to make it happen.

Some quick helpful points when organising events when it comes to AV:

1. Don’t let the AV be the last supplier you contact (your guests can’t see or hear what you want to show them if you have no budget left for the AV to present it with)
2. A good AV supplier not just knows AV, but is familiar with venues, access, catering and theming companies as they have to work together to make each event a success
3. Discuss what the event is about and what you hope to achieve, they will no doubt have some great ideas on how to best present something in a particular space, rather than you just saying I need a microphone and screen for a presentation. They have to keep up with technology. Use that knowledge.
4. Align yourself with a good company and create a relationship with them. They will learn what you expect from each event and can suggest ideas or options that can help.
5. Finally don’t feel you need to use the in-house AV Company, and if your preferred supplier isn’t in-house no doubt they have worked in there previously and can save you money in the process. They work for you, not the venue.

If you want or need any information or help planning an event we can help you!