When planning your event, one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether to use the in-house AV team at your venue or bring in an outside production company. On the surface, they might seem similar – both handle audio and video. But the experience, quality, and level of service you receive can be vastly different.
Photo by Iron Lotus Creative / Stephen Ironside
In-House AV: Designed for Volume, Not Vision
Venue-based AV teams typically operate across multiple rooms, with tight schedules and a focus on efficiency. Their setups tend to be standardized – think projector screens, basic mic systems, and the same black box gear rolled from one ballroom to the next.
This model is built around quantity. They have to support several events at once, often with limited staff and reusable, well-worn gear. That may work fine if you’re hosting a straightforward breakout session. But if you’re aiming for a unique, elevated experience for your audience, you may quickly hit the limits of what an in-house team can deliver.
Lighting: The Missing Ingredient
One of the most noticeable differences? Lighting.
It’s not even part of the “AV” acronym, and that absence is telling. Lighting is often an afterthought – or missing entirely – when working with in-house teams. For conferences that need a polished, intentional look, lighting isn’t optional. It sets tone, directs attention, and transforms spaces.
Some external vendors specialize in just lighting. Others, in just audio or video. These groups are often called in to support major events or tours, piecing together a patchwork of specialists. That model works, but it also adds complexity. Someone has to coordinate all those moving parts.
Full-Service Means Less Stress
At avad3, we take a different approach: everything under one roof – audio, video, and lighting.
We became a full-service production company because clients told us they were tired of juggling multiple contacts and vendors. Planning the opening general session of your largest event of the year shouldn’t feel like directing a Broadway show. You need one partner who understands the full picture, not three separate vendors speaking three separate languages.
That’s why we assign a dedicated production planner to every client. Someone who knows your show inside and out, and who coordinates all things AV – so you don’t have to.
Your Event Deserves Full Attention
When working with in-house AV, it’s common to hear: “They’re already booked on another event.” Their bandwidth is divided, often by necessity.
Our model prioritizes focused, intentional service. We bring the right people into the room early – during planning – so you’re not stuck making last-minute decisions the week of your show. We believe your event deserves someone who’s thinking ahead, not just showing up to plug in gear.
“Adequate” Isn’t the Bar
Yes, the in-house team can set up a mic and a screen. That’s not the question.
The question is: does your audience remember your event?
When attendees scroll through Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube after your event, the visual difference between “adequate” and “amazing” is obvious. The conferences that invest in production have higher ticket prices, more engagement, and more excitement in the room. It’s not about flash. It’s about intentionality.
People are used to higher production value. Your audience is no different.
Experience You Can See
In-house teams don’t get to design custom show environments every day. But that’s exactly what we do. Every show is a new chance to bring creativity and excellence to the stage – and we love that.
That’s why when it’s your biggest day of the year, it makes sense to work with a partner who lives and breathes event production.
The Bottom Line: You Get More
To sum it up:
Lighting matters. Don’t overlook the “L” in “A/V/L.”
A single point of contact makes planning smoother and less stressful.
A higher level of polish and creativity helps your event stand out.
You’ve invested months of planning. Your stakeholders are counting on the experience. Let’s make sure your production reflects that level of care – and brings your event to life in the way it truly deserves.
