Sound, lighting and staging.
WHAT TECHNICAL DELIVERY INVOLVES
Sound reinforcement Lighting Video and screens Staging and rigging Power distribution
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE SPECIFYING ANYTHING
The venue: size, shape, acoustics, ceiling height
The audience size
What is happening: speech, music, presentation, performance
Power available
WHY THE CONTENT MATTERS
Speech, music and performance require different systems.
WHAT SOUND REQUIRES
Coverage across the audience Enough capacity for the venue Microphones appropriate to the use Someone operating it
WHY OPERATION MATTERS
Unattended sound systems produce feedback and poor levels.
WHAT COMMONLY FAILS
Insufficient power Cables laid unsafely Microphones not tested No backup for critical items
WHAT TO PROVIDE BACKUP FOR
Microphones for speeches The playback source Power
WHY MICROPHONES SPECIFICALLY
A failed microphone during a speech is the most visible technical failure.
WHAT RIGGING REQUIRES
Competent people Rated equipment Load calculations Nothing suspended over people without proper assessment
WHY
Falling equipment kills people, and this is the greatest technical risk at events.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That rigging is done by competent people with rated equipment.
WHAT CABLE MANAGEMENT REQUIRES
Routing away from walkways Covering or taping where crossing is unavoidable Protection from water
WHY
Trips and electrical contact are the commonest event injuries.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE EVENT
A full technical rehearsal.
