External Audio Visual Supplier Can Save You Money

Why Using an External Audio Visual Supplier Can Save You Money and Deliver a Better Result

1. Better Service Through Personalised Support

External AV suppliers are often smaller, more specialised businesses that take a hands-on approach with their clients. Unlike large, venue-contracted teams that may rotate staff frequently or juggle several events at once, external AV providers typically assign a consistent team to your event from planning to execution.

This consistency results in:

• Clear, direct communication throughout the planning process.

• A deeper understanding of your event’s unique needs.

• Stronger relationships, which translate to a higher level of accountability and care.

In essence, you're not just another job on a roster—you’re a valued client whose success is tied directly to the supplier’s reputation and future business.

2. Lower Costs Without Commission-Driven Pricing

Many in-house AV services operate under commission-based agreements with venues. That means part of what you pay is not going toward better equipment or service—it's simply covering a kickback to the venue. This built-in markup can quietly inflate your AV bill by 20-40% or more.

External AV suppliers, by contrast, operate independently and don’t need to inflate pricing to meet commission obligations. Their pricing is typically more transparent and competitive, reflecting the actual cost of services provided. The result? You often get more for less, with no compromise in quality.

3. A Full Range of Services (Beyond the Standard Package)

In-house AV providers tend to offer a limited, one-size-fits-all service package. They focus on basic projection, lighting, and sound, but often fall short when it comes to value-added services like:

• Professional editing and post-production.

• Custom content creation.

• Multi-location streaming.

• High-end staging or immersive environments.

External AV companies usually have broader capabilities and more flexible offerings. Whether you need video content edited and delivered post-event, custom branding incorporated into your visuals, or advanced livestreaming options, an external supplier can tailor their services to your event’s full lifecycle—from pre-production through to post-event content delivery.

4. Greater Flexibility and Creativity

When you're not locked into a venue's limited AV menu, you have more creative control. External AV suppliers can help you bring your ideas to life without the constraints of rigid packages or policies. Need a unique lighting effect? A last-minute content change? A bespoke staging setup? You’re far more likely to get a “yes” from a nimble, external partner who’s focused on helping you achieve your vision—not on sticking to a standard script.

5. A True Partnership, Not Just a Provider

Ultimately, choosing an external AV supplier means choosing a partner that’s invested in your success. You’ll likely be dealing with the same team throughout the process, building trust, sharing feedback, and working collaboratively. That’s a huge advantage when you want your event to feel seamless, professional, and uniquely yours.

While using the venue’s in-house AV team might seem like the path of least resistance, it often comes at the cost of higher prices, less flexibility, and inconsistent service. An external AV supplier offers not only better value but also a more customised and attentive approach that can elevate your event from standard to standout.

So before signing on the dotted line, take a moment to consider what you’re really getting—and what you might be missing—by not exploring external AV options. You might just find that the best decision for your event and your budget lies outside the venue walls.