10 Real World Reasons to Hire an Outside AV Provider instead of using the In house AV team.

10 Real-World Reasons to Hire an Outside AV Provider (Instead of the In-House Team)

Why going external is smarter, sharper, and often more affordable.

Planning an event at a hotel, convention center, or large venue? You’ve probably already heard the pitch from their in-house AV team.

But here’s the truth: while in-house AV might be convenient on paper, it’s not always the best move for your event, your audience, or your bottom line.

At Mongoose AV, we’ve supported events across Detroit and beyond — and we’ve seen firsthand what happens when organizers realize (too late) they should’ve brought in their own crew.

Here are 10 real-world reasons to hire an outside AV provider instead of relying on the venue’s in-house team.

1. You Get a True Partner — Not Just a Vendor

Outside AV teams earn your business. We’re invested in your success from the first call to the final teardown — not just checking a box because we’re part of the venue staff.

2. More Control Over Quality

When you bring in your own AV crew, you’re choosing the gear, the crew, and the experience. With in-house AV, you get whatever happens to be available that day — and sometimes, that means outdated gear or overbooked techs.

3. You Can Actually Save Money

Yes, really. In-house AV often comes with markup fees, hidden service charges, and surprise labor minimums. Outside providers give you a transparent quote — and no nasty surprises. This article breaks down how venue AV commissions can drive up your costs.

4. Better Gear, Better Results

Outside providers like Mongoose AV invest in top-tier audio, video, and lighting equipment — because it’s our core business. Many in-house setups rely on aging infrastructure that wasn’t designed for modern production needs.

5. Dedicated Crew Who Knows Your Event

We send a team that’s briefed, prepped, and fully focused on your show — not one juggling five other ballroom setups. That kind of attention means smoother run-throughs, faster fixes, and better outcomes.

6. Custom Solutions, Not Cookie-Cutter Packages

Need hybrid streaming? Multi-cam filming? Branded overlays or stage design? We build around your goals — not from a rigid list of AV add-ons. Here’s how event planners can think more strategically about AV.

7. Freedom to Move Venues

Working with an outside AV partner means you’re not locked into one venue’s tech stack. You can switch locations, scale up or down, and take your event wherever it needs to go.

8. Creative Collaboration

We don’t just “run gear” — we shape experiences. From lighting design to show flow, outside AV teams bring creativity and real-world insight to the planning table. These AV tips for planners from MPI reinforce how important collaboration is.

9. You Avoid the Commission Game

Did you know many venues take a cut — sometimes 40% or more — of in-house AV charges? That incentive structure doesn’t always work in your favor. By hiring your own AV team, you get more transparency and better value.

10. You’ll Sleep Better

When you know your AV is in the hands of professionals who live and breathe events, you can focus on everything else — knowing the sound will be crisp, the lighting will be clean, and the live stream won’t drop halfway through.

Bonus: We Work with In-House Teams, Too

Not every situation has to be a standoff. At Mongoose AV, we’re happy to collaborate with in-house tech teams when needed — but we’ll always advocate for what’s best for your show, not just what’s easiest for the venue.

Planning an Event in Detroit or Beyond?

We’re your go-to crew for live events, trade shows, and hybrid experiences. Let’s talk about how we can help make your next production smooth, scalable, and spectacular.
👉 Visit us at mongooseav.com