Tag Archive for: AV

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.

Face to Face: Brendon Biffin

Business Events News interviews Brendon Biffin on his approach to work and life.

What is the first thing you do when you get to work?

Review the day’s schedule.

What analogy best describes being a partner of an event AV services company (ie a ring master, sergeant major, conductor etc) and why?

Flight Captain. I steer the plane, but without our highly skilled and dedicated staff, our guests (clients) would not be happy when they arrived at their destination.

Where is the Australian events industry lagging when it comes to AV services?

We are lacking a recognised live events training institution. It is not easy for young people interested in a live events career to break into the industry. There are reputable educators but their training is more studio based rather than live events specific.

What’s the worst AV stuff up you’ve seen in your time in the industry?

A restaurant opening that had a choreographed release of balloons spelling their name. They got stuck in a tree above the stage.

What one sure-fire tip can you give to event organisers when it comes to making sure the AV services run smoothly on the day?

Provide a detailed and accurate runsheet and make it a priority to stick to it.

Should PowerPoint presentations at conferences and conventions die a painful death?

No. Death by Powerpoint can be painful but content is extremely powerful and can engage an audience far more than words when used correctly. Powerpoint, Prezi, Keynote – They all have their place.

What’s the future of business events apps? What do you expect to see in 10 years’ time?

The future of event apps is huge, we are only just scratching the surface. Technology advancements will determine where we take them. Print is dead. Event apps give back to the delegates in terms of relevant and up to minute information, give back to the facilitators in terms of data collection and also give back to the environment.

How many devices do you own (ie iPods, smartphones, tablets etc) and what’s your guilty pleasure game (ie Angry Birds, Monkey Island, etc)?

I own four devices. No games for me – Searching for information via YouTube and Google is my thing.

What plans do you have in store for Sofitel Brisbane Central?

In the next year we will become the most technologically advanced events venue in Brisbane.

What’s the most memorable business event you’ve ever attended in your time with AVPartners?

The AVPartners Bali Conference in 2012. We have a great team of people within AVPartners and our conferences are awesome. I look forward to them every year.

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.

How to make the most out of your event budget

When planning an event, one of the main challenges planners face is staying within the event budget. You want to create a spectacular event, but you need to ensure the event scope is realistic. Working within budget constraints can be tricky, but by applying a little more creativity and thinking outside the box you might just find you end up with a better event!

Here are our tips on how to get the most bang for your event buck:

Use an event app

The latest trend in events is to have an event app. Printing is expensive and burdensome. An event app eliminates the need to print event information by allowing sharing of up-to-date information from within the app. Event apps also promote greater conference engagement, potentially leading to a higher ROI.

Select a great value venue

Most venues have an array of options when it comes to spaces available, and being flexible can allow you to achieve great results without the high costs. Using an event space in low season, for example, should be cheaper than high season.

Make smart food and beverage choices

Make savvy choices about food and drinks so you don’t overspend. For example: don’t stress about serving expensive wine brands; most people won’t even notice if you opt for the house brands. Think about the type of event you’re holding and the kind of food to be served. Dinner doesn’t always need to be a sit-down affair; a cocktail function can prove to be a more cost effective and relaxed option.

Use lighting to theme your event

Great lighting can be a cost-effective and impactful way to theme your event. Some themes sound great in theory but can be very difficult to incorporate into an event without spending large amounts of money. Lighting can add vibrancy and colour, creating a unique and impressive event experience.

Leverage social media

Social media is an effective way to promote your event, build anticipation, keep attendees engaged and get feedback – without drastically increasing your budget.

Ultimately, when planning events to a strict budget, it’s important to be flexible. Keep in mind that if you overspend in one area, you will need to underspend in another. Allowing some wiggle room within the budget and keeping costs down when you can will help you make the most of your budget.

What is image blending?

The use of super-wide panoramic screens is the norm for large scale events in Australia.

To project onto these panoramic screens we use a special technique known as “image blending”. This involves the use of two or more projectors, each portraying a section of an image, blended or overlapped seamlessly together to create a single, wider image on screen in an abnormal aspect ratio.

When done correctly, it is almost impossible for the guests in the room to notice with the naked eye where the image has been blended.

In terms of panoramic or “Megascreens” at AVPartners at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre we own 2 custom made 16M x 3.4M Megascreens but we also project onto our large 22M x 9M cycloramas which allows us to do full floor-to-ceiling blended projection!

Most high powered projectors these days also have internal software to aid in the blending process. The “corner correction” function allows our technicians to drag any corner of the projectors up, down, left or right which makes the process far more efficient than attempting the blend with conventional keystone.

At AVPartners, we like to use the SpyderX20 with full HD projectors for our blending. The SpyderX20 is the world’s most powerful video processor and presentation switcher, combining a versatile hardware-based video processor with the flexibility of a multiple video source matrix switcher.

Speak to your AV provider to find out more about how image blending can impress at your next event.

This article originally appeared in Business Events 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 the new in house Audio-visual supplier at RACV Royal Pines Resort

Following a rigorous tender process AVPartners has been awarded the audiovisual contract for RACV Royal Pines Resort.

The partnership will see AVPartners stage conferences, meetings, incentives and events at this renowned venue, provide expert audiovisual support and coordinate technical assistance for event delegates.

RACV Royal Pines Resort is a leading resort and MICE destination situated in Australia’s beautiful Gold Coast. Accommodating groups ranging from eight to 1800, the resort caters to every type of event.

The AVPartners designated Partner at RACV Royal Pines Resort, Jarum Rolfe said, “RACV Royal Pines Resort is well-known for delivering exceptional event experiences. We’re looking forward to delivering creative, outside-of-the-box audiovisual and event staging solutions.”

General Manager at RACV Royal Pines Resort John Morris said, “AVPartners employs a unique approach, has extensive expertise and is committed to always going above and beyond.

AVPartners Queensland regional partner Phillip Delangen said, “We’re thrilled RACV Royal Pines Resort have chosen AVPartners. The venue offers AVPartners a terrific opportunity to showcase our diversity and creativity on some of Queensland’s most high profile events.”

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

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

3.104.228.190

About RACV Royal Pines
RACV Royal Pines Resort is one of the most versatile conference and exhibition venues on the Gold Coast offering unparalleled conferences, meetings, accommodation, golf, and recreational facilities.

RACV Royal Pines Resort completed a major Conference and Events facility upgrade in 2014 and is one of Australia’s most highly awarded resorts for its conference facilities and banqueting services.

http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/resorts/racv+resorts/racv+royal+pines+resort

What’s the difference between 4:3 and 16:9?

There is enough to keep you busy when organising an event. Understanding aspect ratios can help clarify some of your AV decisions and tick them off your seemingly never-ending ‘to do’ list.

So, what is aspect ratio? Simply put, it is the proportion of width to height of an image, presentation or screen.

Since the 1940s, the 4:3 aspect ratio has traditionally been used in television. For every four inches of width of an image, there are three inches of height.

The 16:9 aspect ratio evolved from the film industry as a way to make movies bigger and better and provide a point of difference for viewers from what they could view at home on their television. Transitioning into 16:9, provided filmmakers with more space around the subject and greater flexibility to compose better images.

Both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios are commonly used today. We typically recommend 16:9 to leverage modern screens.

Most modern-day HDTV screens, otherwise known as ‘widescreen TVs’, are designed for 16:9 images. Only older TVs are built to accommodate the 4:3 aspect ratio. 4:3 images or presentations viewed on 16:9 screens will have black bars down the right and left hand sides of the screen.

For any event, it’s important to maximise the visual impact of presentations or images on-screen. Talk to your AV professional for advice on which option will best suit your event.

This article originally appeared at Business Events News.