Tag Archive for: audiovisual

Take your event to the next level with event styling

Event styling is one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to add that wow factor to your event. At AVPartners we’ve helped create nearly every event theme or style you can think of – from the Oscars, to Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge, Masquerade and many more.

Event styling incorporates furniture, decor, centrepieces and table layout, props, audiovisual and digital elements. It takes your guests on a journey, showcasing your theme, your branding and your ideas.

You want to make sure that your event is hitting the mark and delivering your desired event message to your guests. How can you be sure that your event will do this successfully?

Begin by confirming the reason for the event, and why you are gathering together. This is the message you want to get across. Think about the power of your message and how you can convey this to your guests.

Next you will want to look at what new, fresh ideas are available for your event, to impress, inspire and connect your guests. These days, event styling and theming draws heavily on technical production with content displayed on digital screens, unique lighting and other audiovisual elements creating a dynamic, immersive experience.

By combining traditional styling with bespoke ideas, themes and modern, digital options your event can really make an impact.

This article originally appeared at Business Events News.

How to avoid Death by PowerPoint

Remember the last time you viewed a PowerPoint presentation? Was it engaging and inspiring or did it leave you feeling bored – eyes glazed over and counting the seconds until it was over? This is known as the dreaded Death by PowerPoint.

PowerPoint can be a fantastic presentation tool, but it is only a tool. The presenter makes or breaks the presentation! There are some classic mistakes presenters make which can lead to Death by PowerPoint.

These include putting too much information on slides, using poor images and fonts and reading directly from slides instead of engaging the audience with stories and ideas.

As a presenter, there are many varied ways to add some zing to your PowerPoint presentation to help your audience stay focused and interested.

Know your message – Consider your message and the reason for your presentation. What do you hope to inform others of? What is there to gain from it, or what do you want people to do with the information you present? Remember that you know your topic inside out, but this may be the first time your audience has ever thought about this matter. Make sure your message and presentation objectives are clear.

Make a good first impression – Make sure the first slide is attention-grabbing and on topic. Your presentation needs to stand out and be different from the start to pique interest.

Leverage visuals – Use visuals that make sense for the presentation subject and that can support your points. This can include graphs, infographics and photos. Often images are more memorable and interesting so will drive audience engagement. It is important, however, not to overdo it. Unrelated images will distract and confuse your audience and gimmicky animations can become distracting and seem unprofessional.

Know that less is more – Use fewer words on your slides and use bullet points where appropriate. This will allow your audience to quickly read and digest your words which makes a bigger impact than if they have to read lines of text.

Cut the number of slides – You want the content of your presentation to support what you’re saying, not act as a script, so use fewer slides and incorporate more discussions and ideas into your presentation.

Get funny and personal – Present your information with personal stories and humour to keep people interested. Stay on topic but keep it light where possible.

Involve your audience – Keep your audience engaged by asking them questions, undertaking polls or breaking into groups for discussions.

Talk to AVPartners today about how to take your next presentation from good to great.

What is a gobo?

Do you want to add that something special to your next event? Gobos are one of the most striking, versatile yet affordable lighting options.

A gobo is essentially a stencil cut out of glass or metal, that is then positioned between a spotlight and the area you want lit, creating a unique projected shape. The gobo can be made to project patterns, text, logos, and other special effects, which makes them a great option for promoting brands and products.

The projected imagery can be projected onto almost any surface, such as the dance floor, the stage or a prepared backdrop – instantly decorating and lighting the surface, transforming the space and promoting your event’s message.

Using gobos can help draw attention to an area of your event, highlight your brand, for sponsor recognition or to share a specific message. For example, gobos can be used at weddings to project bride and groom’s names or alternatively just their initials onto the dance floor or behind a bridal table.

However, they are more than just a decoration or improvement to the event setting. Because of the flexibility in design and impressive visual elements, they really help to set a mood and atmosphere at your event, which gives guests an even better experience and leaves them with a lasting impression of your message.

This article originally appeared at Business Events News.

How to perfect the sound at your event

Audio is one of the most crucial and yet fragile components of an event. You’ve brought these people together to hear your message – what if they can’t? Without the right expertise, things can and do go wrong. How can you ensure that the sound at your next event has the right tone, volume and clarity?

Use the right technology

Quality audio equipment is essential to get the sound right. A good AV technician will be able to guide you on what technology will best suit your event.

For example, it is important your AV technician selects the right microphone depending on the situation. The microphones for your presenters will be different to the microphones used for the musical instruments in a live band.

The voice of a presenter can be relayed clearly with the correct microphone choice and positioning, with adjustments made to the signal to compensate for changes in the presenters voice or when different people are speaking. Everyone speaks at different volumes and clarity levels, so expert attention is needed if different people are to be using the same equipment.

You’ll also need the right loudspeakers, plus subwoofers for music, to deliver the sound to your audience, taking into account the event space, numbers of attendees, ambient noise – and a dozen other factors!

Engage the best AV technicians

A knowledgeable and experienced AV technician knows how to get the balance right to ensure sound is clear, consistent and at the right volume.

Your AV technician will make adjustments on their sound mixer to smooth out variations and distribute a more consistent level of sound from presenter to presenter, or song to song, as your event progresses. They will also tune the audio system to combat any complications in the acoustics of the event space and amplify the output signal from the presenter to the loudspeakers at the right volume for your audience. Sound reinforcement is not set-and-forget!

Do a sound check

Prior to the event, it’s crucial all presenters do a sound check. The AV technician will pre-set the calibrations for each individual presenter, ensuring that the audience experiences a smooth level of sound throughout the event. This will make all the difference in sound quality.

Match the sound to the atmosphere

At different stages throughout your event, the required type of sound will change, whether that be speaker presentations or music. Make sure your event style or theme is reflected in the sound you use, such as the genre of music chosen. For example, classical piano music would suit a sit-down gala dinner event, but isn’t so great for the dance floor.

The volume should also be suitable for the various phases of the event. For example, lower background music works at the times when you want people to talk amongst themselves, whereas a crisper, louder sound is required for a speaker’s presentation.

Choosing the right equipment, setting it up, going over every detail and operating it correctly are vital to ensure great sound at your next event. Engage a knowledgeable and experienced AV provider to gain peace of mind that the sound at your event is in good hands. Contact AVPartners today to see how we can give your next event perfect sound.

How to prep speakers before an event

The key to a successful presentation is preparation. You can spend as much time as you like on content and organisation however if you have not spent time on preparation, you may risk falling short of the mark. A lot of time and effort goes into a presentation – creating, memorising, rehearsing and finally, delivering it. It is imperative presenters feel prepared, confident and supported before stepping out on stage.

Here are a few ways the audiovisual technician will prep your speakers before an event:

Ease their nerves

Your speaker will have rehearsed their script many times before the day, but as their presentation looms, nerves can set in. Some gentle encouragement in the lead up to and on the day can go a long way to relieving some of the pressure on them. An experienced AV technician will make sure communication lines are open and make themselves approachable.

Run through the details

It’s important your AV technician runs through some general event details about the event space, run sheet and schedule with your speaker. This will allow your speaker to know where they need to be and when. This can include where they will get ready and be given their microphone, remote mouse/laser pointer, where they will step onto the stage, where they will sit before and after their presentation, how you will cue them to begin or if their time is running out, and how to exit the stage.

Test the technology

Testing the technology for the presentation with the speaker is vital. This includes a sound and mic check, lighting, projectors and presentation if applicable. This will ensure all AV is set up correctly for each space and speaker, and should be done in advance to factor in any technical issues and ensure your speaker is comfortable with the technology.

Above all, remember a prepared speaker makes for a great presentation. If the experience is seamless, relaxed and fun for the speaker, it will be engaging, interesting and fun for the audience.

What is projection mapping?

Projection mapping is transforming event styling to create some truly unique and transfixing event experiences.

The projection technology has gained prominence through the Vivid festival in Sydney where buildings are transformed into public art installations, though the process also has application on a smaller scale.

Using specialised software and high-powered computers to turn objects or structures into a display surface for projected videos, projection mapping brings objects to life and turns them into illuminated and interactive displays.

Projection mapping works by modifying – pixel by pixel – the projected video to fit the surface and space. The image will then mask and change the look of whatever you are projecting onto, making existing features “pop” or completely overlaying them to create a new, virtual object.

Projection mapping is used to add extra dimension and movement to stationary objects. The displays are commonly combined with audio to create an audiovisual narrative.

Projection mapping works on most surfaces including buildings, cars, walls, stages and furniture. At Hamilton Island we have projected onto a 3D cube suspended over the pool, created a 4m tall ‘talking’ truck (which MC’d the event!), projected onto the entire surface of a suspended sphere and turned the entire foyer balcony into a projection screen. The options are limitless!

Offering a diverse range of styling opportunities, projection mapping is a great solution for all events including trade show presentations, conferences and live concerts.

Projection mapping can offer a cost-effective and creative way to transform any event space. The visual impact of projection mapping goes beyond ordinary video projection to deliver an unforgettable experience.

This article originally appeared at Business Event News.

Keynote vs. Prezi vs. Powerpoint – Which presentation software works best?

Face it. You may be a fascinating presenter, but you will still most likely need slides to support your presentation. Rich content such as images, videos and charts are now the rule.

Ensuring your slides are engaging and accessible are the big challenges. We have all watched the audience nod off at the first slide or cringed at amateur efforts such as tacky slide animations.

Worst of all is when the presentation won’t load and you suddenly forget everything you have ever known about the topic on which you are, reputedly, an expert. Death by slide is a real danger on either side of the podium.

Can you preserve yourself and your audience from the twin evils of tedium or technology malfunction? The answer, as with all things, is that it depends. Your choice of platform such as PowerPoint, Keynote or Prezi can make the difference.  Here’s how the three tools stack up.

PowerPoint

Powerpoint is the most commonly-used tool. It is reliable in the sense that PowerPoint is likely to work with any equipment you may be offered. However, Powerpoint hasn’t been updated in a long time. The standard slide templates can be painfully boring. Presenters need to put extra care into creating polished and professional-looking slides.

Keynote

Keynote is a Apple product, even older than PowerPoint. It is relatively easy to learn for PowerPoint users and has some advanced features that add flexibility. If the lecture room offers only a Windows machine with an older version of PowerPoint, you may then be faced with the daunting and uncertain task of converting the presentation to PowerPoint or exporting it to PDF. If you know you have a Mac available, however, it may be the best choice.

Prezi

In an alternative approach, Prezi is web-hosted and built on an infinite–canvas platform. It offers some interesting potential for collaboration and the exploration of how ideas relate in a non-linear format. Prezi is accessed via the internet and hence you must have an internet connection in your presentation space.

So, how can you make the most out of your presentation?  PowerPoint is not the only choice. The best solution is to work closely with your AV rep to get advice on which tool will work best in the space to give your presentation the dazzle it deserves.

Event styling – Does it really make a difference?

Does event styling make a difference? Good styling can.

Event styling begins with your message. You’ll achieve the wow factor when the audiovisual elements, the centrepieces, props, furniture and the lighting all work seamlessly to engage your attendees with that message.

On any budget, event styling can set the scene, add drama and turn spectators into ambassadors for your idea, brand or identity.

But that sort of engagement is a tall order when dealing with a busy and somewhat distracted audience who may also suffer from a bit of event-fatigue.

How can you be sure that your event will have the desired impact?

Begin with the idea

Whether it’s a wedding or conference, there is always an exciting reason to gather people together. Remember that the event styling is not the star. The styling is part of the medium conveying the message.

Go beyond words

Think about the power of light, sound, tactile sensation and social connection to support your message.

Keep it fresh

An approach that combines digital styling involving projection, digital backdrops, banners and sets, with traditional styling elements, such as centrepieces, coloured linen or furniture, can drive the message home in new ways.

The event message, delivered in new, visceral ways through digital and traditional styling, will motivate and engage your audience – and set your event apart from the rest.

Talk to us today to get styling ideas for your next event!

How much definition do I actually need?

Standard Definition (SD), High Definition (HD), Full High Definition (FHD) and Ultra High definition (UHD) refer to the clarity or resolution of a moving image via a television, display device or monitor. Definition is measured as width x height in pixels.

When holding an event, definition is an important consideration to ensure a good quality viewer experience. But how much definition do you need? Let’s look at the options.

SD

Standard Definition refers to the image resolution of most older televisions and DVDs which are usually 720×576 or 720×480.

HD or FHD

High Definition refers to the image resolution of newer televisions, HDTV and Blu-Ray. There are three major formats of HD – 720p (1280×720), 1080i (1920×1080) and 1080p (1920×1080). 1080i and 1080p are often marketed as FHD to highlight the improved clarity over 720p.

UHD

Ultra high definition refers to the image resolution of the very latest higher definition screens and is usually 4K (3840×2160) and 8K (7680×4320).

So which should you choose? One consideration is the quality of the input which can limit your options. If, for example, you are transmitting SD video, using a FHD television or screen isn’t going to improve upon the clarity.

Other things to keep in mind include how many screens you’ll have at your event and how far away from the screens your audiences will be. Speak to your AV provider to get expert advice on what will work best for your event.

This article originally appeared at Business Events News.

Media release: AVPartners promotes Ben Davis to Technical Director at Crown Perth

Leading audiovisual service provider AVPartners has promoted Ben Davis to Technical Director at Crown Perth. He joins a highly skilled team, alongside fellow Technical Director Joe Reichle at the premium MICE destination.

The role will see Mr Davis and Mr Reichle jointly provide technical production for conferences and events at Crown Perth.

Mr Davis commenced his career in the audiovisual industry ten years ago. Commencing as an audiovisual technician with AVPartners at Crown Perth, he quickly progressed through the ranks.

The promotion follows Mr Davis being voted AV Technician of the Year in 2014 by his peers.

Commenting on the role, Mr Davis said, “I love having the opportunity to stage some of Australia’s best events at Crown Perth. Each day is challenging and exciting.”

AVPartners Crown Perth Partner, Matthew Taylor said, “Ben is a fantastic addition to our Technical Direction team. His creativity, drive and skill make him a huge asset.”

AVPartners was awarded the Crown Perth contract in 2014.

About AVPartners

AVPartners is a leading provider of tailored and integrated event audiovisual services including technical production, audio, visual, lighting, event design and event styling.

AVPartners creates integrated event experiences through combining state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, unrivalled expertise and a highly-tailored approach.

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