Short answer: an event AV crew is built from specialists: an audio engineer (A1), a video engineer (V1), a lighting technician (L1), camera operators, a stream engineer and a show caller, plus stagehands for load-in. A small meeting may need one technician who covers everything; a large general session with cameras and a stream may need eight or more. The right crew size comes from the agenda, not from the gear list.
Who does what
- A1 (audio engineer). Runs the mixer, manages every mic and keeps speech clear. On most shows the most important seat in the room.
- A2. Puts mics on presenters, swaps batteries, runs handhelds for Q&A and fixes anything on stage.
- V1 (video engineer). Runs playback, slides, switching and screens.
- L1 (lighting). Designs, focuses and runs lighting looks. See event lighting.
- Camera operators. Run cameras for IMAG and recording.
- Technical director / stream engineer. Switches cameras and graphics for the stream or record and watches the encoder and internet. See live streaming and hybrid.
- Show caller / producer. Calls every cue from the run of show. Read our run of show guide.
- Stagehands. Load-in, set and strike.
How big a crew do you need?
Single-room meeting with a screen, a few mics and a laptop: one technician who sets up, runs the show and strikes.
Mid-size conference session with a stage, lighting, multiple presenters and a recording: an audio engineer, a video engineer and a lighting technician, often with one person calling the show.
Large general session with IMAG and a stream: a full team with A1 and A2, V1, L1, two or more camera operators, a technical director and a show caller. Our DCPA Conference crew in Las Vegas covered staging, multi-camera streaming, lighting and audio for 800+ attendees across three days.
Technicians only, or gear and crew?
Some venues and companies already own equipment and need skilled people to run it. Others need everything. We do both: full production, or technicians and extra gear to support in-house AV teams at hotels and venues. If you have the people but not the gear, see AV equipment rental.
What to ask before you hire
- Who exactly is on my crew, and what have they run before?
- Is the person I plan with on site?
- Are load-in and strike included in the hours?
- What happens if the day runs long?
- Do technicians bring spare mics, batteries and adapters?
Working alongside a venue’s crew
Convention centers and some hotels require their own staff for rigging, power or the house sound system. A good outside crew coordinates with them ahead of time so nobody is waiting on show day. Our venue guides note what each building requires.
FAQ
How much does an AV technician cost for an event?
Crew rates depend on the role, the number of hours and whether gear is included. A single technician for a short meeting is a small line item; a full show crew for a multi-day conference is the bulk of a production budget. Ask for an itemized quote.
Can one technician run audio and video?
For simple meetings, yes. Once you add cameras, a stream or multiple presenters, split the roles so nobody is choosing between a mic and a video cue.
Do you provide technicians outside Michigan?
Yes. We regularly run crews in Illinois, including Chicago, and travel for conferences nationwide.
Get a quote
Need technicians for an upcoming event? Send us the date, venue and headcount and we will come back with a plan and an itemized quote, same day on most events. Request a proposal or call John at 248-949-1141.