What AV essentials should I budget for small events?

AV essentials that make small events professional

Audio-visual quality strongly affects attendee experience. Even small events should budget for core AV components to avoid technical embarrassments.

Key AV items to include:

  • PA system and microphones (wireless lavalier and handheld)
  • Mixer and basic sound engineering support
  • Projector or LED screen plus video cables and adapters
  • Laptop or media player with backup and presentation remote
  • Speaker stands, monitors, and basic lighting for stages

Operational needs:

  • Onsite AV technician for setup, sound checks, and troubleshooting
  • Cables, adapters (HDMI, VGA), extension cords, and power strips
  • Wi‑Fi or wired network access if required for streaming or live polling

Budget tips:

  • Rent bundled AV packages from the venue or local production companies.
  • Confirm compatibility with speaker devices and request a tech rider in advance.

Even for modest budgets, investing in a competent AV technician and reliable core equipment prevents common failures and keeps sessions running smoothly.