AV vs. Production: What’s the Difference?

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AV and production are two key ingredients for a polished event. They may seem interchangeable—many companies in the industry classify themselves as both—but they often differ significantly in scope, capabilities, and approach.

Here’s the bottom line:

An audio-visual company primarily provides equipment and technical resources.

An audio-visual production company adds the expertise to design, manage, and execute the entire event experience.

But what does that mean for planners and their events? When should you hire each type of partner?

Let’s break it down.

Audio Visual Companies

An AV company’s bread and butter is technology. They supply audio, video, and lighting equipment and ensure everything is functioning as it should.

Services may include:

  • Equipment rentals
  • AV system setup
  • Technical support
  • Equipment operation

Their focus is behind the booth, making sure the technology works as intended. If you simply need equipment and technical support, an AV provider may be the right fit.

AV Production Companies

Think of an audio-visual production company as an all-in-one partner. In addition to providing and managing the technical components of an event, these companies can help planners coordinate and execute many other elements that contribute to a successful experience.

Services may include:

  • Comprehensive project management
  • Stage design
  • Scenic fabrication
  • On-site technical execution and support
  • Vendor coordination
  • Run-of-show development
  • Assistance with budgeting, talent, and more

AV production support is vital to smooth event execution, especially for complex events. Whether you’re managing multiple concurrent breakout sessions or coordinating a large-scale event with numerous presenters, vendors, and moving parts, an experienced production partner can simplify planning and keep your event running smoothly from start to finish.

One of the biggest advantages of working with an AV production company is having a dedicated point of contact throughout the event lifecycle. At Colortone, Event Producers guide clients from initial concepts through final execution, helping coordinate logistics, technical requirements, and vendor relationships along the way.

So, who should event planners work with?

The answer depends on your event’s needs.

If your primary need is equipment and technical support, an AV company may be the right fit. If you’re looking for a partner to help coordinate the many moving parts behind a successful event, an AV production company can provide additional planning, management, and execution support.

The Event Production Network (EPN) is a great place to find reliable production support, with connections across the country.

Colortone is proud to be a founding member of the EPN, giving our clients access to trusted production partners and resources across the country.

Contact us to learn how we can support your next event.

 

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