You’re deep in the weeds planning your next big conference. Between the venue walkthroughs, panelist schedules, and vendor quotes, it’s tempting to type “production companies near me” into Google and call it a day. Local sounds easy. But is it actually what’s best for your event?

Here’s a hot take: Local isn’t always better. Let’s unpack why expanding your search beyond city limits could be the smartest decision you make this year.

Local Is Convenient. But Is It Strategic?

We get it – sticking with a hometown AV team feels comfortable. Many times, it makes sense. They know the area, the venue, maybe even your name. But as your event grows, the stakes rise. Your audience expects more. Your content needs to shine. And your production partner needs to match that level of ambition.

That’s when it’s time to zoom out. Are the resources in your city truly equipped to deliver the quality your event needs? Or are you settling for what’s easy, not what’s best?

The Real Story on Travel Costs

One of the biggest objections we hear about hiring national production partners is cost. “Won’t flying people in eat up our budget?”

Here’s the reality: Travel often accounts for less than 5% of your total event budget. And in that 5%, you’re unlocking access to more experienced teams, more polished gear, and a level of execution that’s hard to match with a smaller local provider.

It’s not about spending more. It’s about spending smarter.

Survey Your Market—And Know Its Limits

Some cities are stacked with strong AV providers. If you’re in a major market like Chicago, you might find what you need locally. But if your event is in a smaller or mid-tier city? The talent pool might be a little shallow.

We’ve seen it firsthand: events in cities like Little Rock, Albuquerque, or Des Moines often run into gear limitations or a lack of technical depth. That’s where putting out a national RFP can change the game – and bring in partners who can take your event to the next level.

Save Your Sanity: Work with One Team Year Over Year

If you’re producing multiple events a year—or the same annual event in different cities—working with a new local vendor every time can feel like Groundhog Day. Re-explaining your needs. Rebuilding trust. Re-training teams.

When you work with a national partner like avad3, you get consistency. One team. One process. One less thing to worry about. And that consistency doesn’t just feel better—it actually saves you time and money.

Why Being “Based in Arkansas” Might Be the Sweet Spot

Here’s something you might not expect: being based in the middle of the country is actually a huge asset. We’re headquartered in Arkansas, which means we’re never too far from anywhere. Whether your next event is in Denver, Dallas, or D.C., our team can be there efficiently.

Photo by Iron Lotus Creative / Stephen Ironside

And because we’ve built our business around travel – dialed-in logistics, compact gear packages, flypacks, smart shipping – we’re not just capable of showing up. We’re built for it.

So… Should You Still Search for “Production Companies Near Me”?
You can. But you might be missing out on something better.

At avad3, we’re not just a production company. We’re a partner in making your event work. Seamlessly. Strategically. And with less effort on your plate. If that sounds like something worth exploring, we’d love to start a conversation.