Ever been organising an event where the mic cuts, the screen flickers, or the sound doesn’t hit right? Frustrating, isn’t it? That’s why hiring the right audio-visual technician is important for any event. These technicians help you make your event a massive success.
But how do you find the right one when the market, especially in London, is flooded with technicians? With so many options, it can feel challenging to choose someone who’s reliable, skilled, and a perfect fit for your event’s needs.
So, here’s a straightforward guide to hiring the right AV technician in London. So you can focus on making your event memorable for your audience.
Why you need an AV technician
First thing first.
Why bother with an AV technician at all? An AV technician is your go-to expert for handling the equipment that makes your event look and sound amazing. Think of them as the people who make sure the mic works, the screens are bright, and the sound doesn’t squeal or fade.
Whether it’s setting up speakers, running projectors, managing lights, or solving last-minute technical issues, an AV technician is there to handle it.
Steps to hire an AV technician
To hire an AV technician, you should clearly understand what purpose you are going to hire. After that, you have to analyse the technical skills and experience of the candidate. Here’s a complete guide on how to hire your ideal AV technician.
- Know what you need
Before you start looking, take a moment to think about what kind of AV support you need. They handle everything related to sound and visuals, from setting up speakers and mics to making sure the lighting creates the perfect atmosphere.
Here are a few questions that you need to consider.
- What’s the size of your event?
- Will there be a presentation, videos, or live music?
- Do you have specific gear in your mind?
Having a basic idea of what you need will help you select the right person for the position.
- Decide what equipment you need for event
Every event is different and so are its AV needs. Are you hosting a small gathering? Then you might only need a sound system and some basic lighting. But if your event is more extensive, like a conference or concert, you’ll likely need more complex equipment.
Make a list of what you need, considering details like:
- Sound: How many microphones and speakers?
- Visuals: Do you need projectors, LED video walls or screens?
- Lighting: Do you need coloured lights, spotlights or just standard lighting?
A clear idea of your needs will help you find an AV technician with the skills and equipment to match.
- Find local AV technicians in London
London is full of talented AV technicians and you have several options for finding the right one:
- Online searches: Type in keywords like “AV technician hire London” to find local services.
- Event planner recommendation: If you know other event planners or companies, ask if they have any technicians they’d recommend.
- Specialised websites: Sites like Indeed, Linkedin, and local event directories often list freelance AV technicians and AV companies available for hire.
Look for people who have experience with events like yours. If you’re hosting a wedding, a technician who specialises in concerts might not be the best fit.
- Check reviews and experience
Hiring an AV technician without checking their background is like going on a trip without checking the weather. Take a close look at their reviews, experience, and past projects. If they have a portfolio, check the type of events they’ve handled and what previous clients say about them.
Look for reviews mentioning qualities like:
- Punctuality: Did they show up on time and prepared?
- Professionalism: Were they polite and easy to work with?
- Problem-solving: Did they handle the issues calmly and quickly?
Experience is key. An AV technician with years of experience will be more likely to handle last-minute issues with ease. Ask them about their work and don’t hesitate to request references from past clients.
- Schedule a meeting
After narrowing down a few options, arrange a meeting with each AV technician. In this meeting, discuss the specifics of your event and ask any questions that come to mind. Here are a few questions that will help you gauge their suitability:
- Have they worked on events like yours before?
- What equipment do they have?
- Do they charge a fixed rate or hourly?
- Can they provide references?
Face-to-face or virtual meetings can reveal a lot about someone’s professionalism. Make sure they communicate well and seem genuinely interested in helping your event be a success.
- Discuss equipment details and set-up time
Setting up AV equipment can be time-consuming. Ask the technician how much time they’ll need to set up. If they plan on doing any sound or light testing beforehand. Also, confirm whether they’ll bring their equipment or if you need to rent anything separately.
If your event involves multiple presenters or performers, ask if they’ll need time to test their equipment with each person. Clear communication here will help everything go smoothly.
- Confirm pricing and additional fees
Before finalising, be clear about pricing. Some AV technicians charge a flat rate, while others may charge by the hour. Make sure to ask about additional fees that might apply, such as travel expenses, overtime charges, or equipment rental fees.
Create a simple budget with room for any unexpected costs. An honest, upfront conversation about fees will avoid surprises on the day of the event.
- Check insurance and safety precautions
AV equipment can be costly and events can be unpredictable. So, it’s a good idea to confirm that the AV technician has insurance to cover any accidental damages. Ask if they carry liability insurance and if their equipment is insured, too.
Safety is also a priority. Check if they follow safety precautions, especially if they’re setting up equipment in a high-traffic area or handling potentially hazardous items like wires and lights. A responsible AV technician will prioritise safety for themselves and your guests.
Wrapping up
Hiring an AV technician may seem like a lot of steps, but with the right person on board, your event will look and sound amazing. As an event organiser, you want your event to stand out, and for this, take time to find a qualified, professional AV technician in London.
Whether it’s a corporate event, wedding, or concert, finding the right AV technician will ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
