If you're putting on an event such as a sales presentation, AGM, new product launch fashion show, concert or wedding, one of the most important things you need to consider the audio visual component. Only through effective AV can your event be the success you want it to be and for that you need the right av equipment and support. Here's how to choose the right AV hire company for your needs.

Your audio visual setup is the medium that carries your message to your audience so a lot depends on it. Skilful use of AV techniques can transform any event by bringing it to vivid life through the use of music, audio, pictures and video.

Here are just a few examples of AV at work.

In a sales presentation you could show videos of your products in action while a voice over and power point presentation outlines the benefits. In this way your target audience gets an in-depth understanding of your products and how they can use them.

At a wedding reception, a narrated video could recount the meeting of the newlyweds while flashing up still pictures of the ceremony. Soft music plays in the background creating a delightful ambience.

At a Baptist assembly, musicians perform on stage while a big screen allows people at the back to clearly see the action. The professional sound system makes every note crystal clear. Meanwhile an audiovisual system pipes the scene out to other rooms in the venue to allow all to see.

These are just a few examples of the power of AV and you can surely think of many applications to suit your own particular needs.

The trouble is that AV is a wide and complex field - you need to consider everything from conceptualising the event, getting the right av equipment, and being able to operate it properly. The effective application of AV is beyond the resources of most companies and the answer is to bring in the professionals.

Professional AV companies offer a full range of services from basic AV hire all the way up to full event management services. When looking for the right audio visual solutions company for your project, here are some things to bear in mind.

You need to make sure your chosen AV solutions firm offers a one-stop service. Putting everything in the hands of one firm is the best way to ensure proper coordination and communication. It's very reassuring to deal with one project manager and have the same team with you from start to finish.

When it comes to AV hire, your chosen firm needs to be able to offer everything you could need from a simple projector up to a full stage set with lighting, sound and vision, along with technicians to handle everything.

Next, your chosen firm should have the resources to be able to do everything in house from design to providing equipment to installation. Other than the staff and equipment, this should also include facilities such as workshops to develop customised solutions for your particular situation. This not only streamlines the whole operation, it also helps keep costs down.

Subcontracting can lead to many problems. For example, subcontracting set construction to one company and lighting to another could lead to delays. If one of the subcontracted firms has a glitch it will affect the whole operation.

This means you need to look for a dedicated AV firm with a proven track record of putting on a variety of events and able to offer a full spectrum of services.

Many firms exist that specialise in AV hire but to get the most out of your event, you should consider event management services. Other than providing and setting up the equipment for your event, a AV services company will take care of the whole project from the initial conecptualisation to post-event feedback. Having professional control at all stages of the event can help avoid any of the many problems that can occurs with live events and make sure it's a resounding success.

Audio visual solutions are key to your event's success so you need to be sure to choose the right firm. Check online at the web sites of the UK's leading AV companies to find the right one for you and get ready to hold the event of a lifetime.