Internet access is a necessity for every professional event. Unfortunately, event planners often encounter limited options when trying to access the internet at their event site. As a result, there is an increasing demand for audiovisual companies to provide mobile internet for their clients along with lighting, sound, and video projection equipment and services. When evaluating your options, it’s helpful to understand the benefits of sourcing your AV and internet from the same provider. Self-contained Infrastructure When you work with an AV company who is also able to provide temporary wifi f ..read more

This year in each edition of our newsletter, a member of our team shared their pro AV advice. From practical equipment guidance to the art of collaborative planning, their insights touched on a range of audiovisual topics. We’ve gathered their advice to help you better understand aspects of live event AV production. Andy Dowsett, Lead Technician “My best advice for clients hosting live events sounds simple, but it’s very important. Arrive at the event site at the same time as your AV company. By seeing the room come together during set-up, you have time to ask questions and allow your AV pro ..read more

Event planners thrive on creativity, often exploring unique locations for events. Any location where you can gather a group of people has the potential to become an event site. In recent years, we’ve provided audiovisual production services for live and hybrid events at a range of places, including barns, a farm, boathouse, an aquarium, gyms, theaters, churches, parks, warehouses, streets, parking lots, and tents. Many tents. If you are considering an unconventional space for an upcoming event, keep these five tips in mind for hosting events at unique locations. Power Source is Paramount Ensur ..read more

One of the reasons why you should include AV in your early event planning is to be sure your audiovisual planner is present for the event venue site visit. In addition to learning about your vision for the space, your AV planner will also note and evaluate aspects of the venue that have specific implications for audiovisual set-up and management. If you are planning a hybrid event, including your AV planner in the site visit is especially important. Creativity A site visit provides the opportunity to solve issues before they become problems. It is also a time to think creatively about the atmo ..read more

Calling all creatives! The AV Department’s production studios in northeast Portland are officially open. Whether you’re a podcaster, a nonprofit ready to pre-record a virtual event, a business looking to record important CEO messages, or you’re launching your own video series, we’re excited to partner with you to produce high-quality recordings. Production Studios Overview Our facilities are equipped with the latest in audio and video recording gear. From carefully selected cameras and microphones to expert lighting setups, we have everything you need to bring your creative ideas to life. You ..read more

After months of construction, we are excited to be counting down the days until the opening of our new event venue, AVENUE PORTLAND Audio+Visual Event Space! Join us to celebrate the opening of AVENUE! Thursday, September 7, 2023 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM 631 NE Grand Ave., Portland OR 97232 At AVENUE, you will find an event venue intentionally designed by audiovisual experts. Our emphasis on the highest quality sound, lighting and video projection will enhance the guest experience for all events. AVENUE has been created specifically for nonprofit galas and live fundraising auctions that rely on excel ..read more

There were many great moments during this spring event season. Even a special entrance by a delightful goose! We’ve collected many highlights in our new Spring Scenes video below. Thank you all for including us in your event and video projects! Behind the scenes from: Multnomah Athletic Club Dine with Pride with Poison Waters Jesuit High School Neon Night with DC Auctions and Event Savvy William Temple House Gathering for Social Good at The Loft on 8th Avenue American Leadership Forum hybrid event with Marquam Auction Agency and Swaim Strategies at Exchange Ballroom Black Parent Initiative C ..read more

In an industry that involves creativity and talent, we wondered if we could find practical uses for readily available artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Could AI assist with event and video planning? To answer that question, we tested two ways that organizations might use AI during their planning process for events and video projects. For both tests, we used hypothetical event and client information and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Test #1: Developing On-Camera Interview Questions Before interviewing people on video, an important step in the pre-production process is to develop impactful interview ..read more

The first-ever Black Parent Initiative Community Blackout began in The AV Department production studio for a mid-day virtual fundraiser. Black Parent Initiative then hosted an evening open house and community gathering at BPI offices. The complementary events were both celebrations to lift up Black families and children as well as opportunities to learn about and support BPI’s impactful work. Black children matter. That notion shouldn’t be revolutionary, but some days the world around us makes it feel that way. As parents, children, families, leaders, community members it’s critical that we b ..read more

Reinvesting and reimagining were the key topics at the 2023 CREW Portland Forecast Breakfast. Unique insights regarding current issues affecting the commercial real estate market were shared during both the keynote address and the panel discussion. “Public policy and those who lead it really can shape what the future will hold for any given area. . . . This is a time when there are tremendous opportunities. When there is an opportunity for the city to reinvent itself and refresh itself.” John T. Chang, 2023 CREW Forecast Breakfast Keynote Speaker Established in 1992 as the local chapter of CR ..read more