Audio Visual Jobs

Audio Visual jobs are an exciting branch in event planning; especially if you have ever dreamt of being a direct part of the "live show" part of events.

The term “audio visual” (or AV) refers to the more technical (and very important) side of events, meetings, and special events. AV companies create and manage the staging, lighting, sound, videos/other visual elements, and other technical aspects. Every time a presenter takes the stage, speaks through a microphone, and more than likely works with a presentation or slides, an AV person or company is involved. Every time there is any music, lighting, or special effects, an AV person or company is involved.

People who work in AV usually like the "adrenaline rush" of running a live show. The audio visual elements are some of the most tangible and visible aspects of an event. If something goes wrong with the on-screen videos or the microphones don't work, everybody knows. But when things go right, it's a great rush!

There are three main types of businesses where you can find AV jobs:

• Hotels: Event planning hotels all have in-house AV techs or an in-house company. They will work with the event planner in creating what she envisions. They also assist with the live show, on-hand in case things go wrong.

  If you think that you might be interested in learning about the audio visual industry, follow the steps outlined on Career Planning ; in particular the Informational Interview.

• AV Companies: AV Companies specialize in all the “techie” elements, including sound, audio, staging, etc. Although there are AV companies in every city and planners usually hire locally, many AV companies travel extensively and go to where the events, meetings, or special events are.

• Production Companies: Production is an entirely different topic in which AV plays a very important role. Click here to learn all about the exciting world of production.

Audio visual is the one event job that might require additional schooling, depending on your technical goals and expertise. If you think you might be interested in a career in AV, be sure to do your research and network with people in the industry to see if this is necessary.

No schooling? No experience? Don't worry! Click on Career Planning for tips on how to break into the industry and find audio visual jobs, and how to network effectively with experts in the field who can guide you to the right path.


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