In an era that leans heavily on multimedia, audio visual consultants play a crucial role. They help clients plan, design, and install AV systems for their home or workplace.
They often work with clients in new construction phases, liaising with architects to ensure the building is designed with enough outlets and space for AV equipment in mind. But how do you know if you’re working with the right consultant?
Education and Training
A bachelor’s degree is typically required to become an audio visual consultant. However, industry certifications and training programs can also improve your qualifications. AV technology is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay abreast of new trends and developments.
Audio visual consultants work with clients to assess their AV needs and find solutions that will help them achieve their primary objectives. This involves listening to client feedback and communicating equipment plans in response. This process often involves a series of conversations, assessing the setting and the purpose of the equipment, and determining any other unique requirements.
After a consultation, audio visual consultants create bid packets that describe the recommendations and best practices they’ve developed during their time with the client. They then send these packages to AV integrators and other professionals involved in the installation process. During the installation phase, audio visual consultants often visit the site to make spot checks—announced and unannounced—to ensure that the AV integration team is following their plans correctly.
Experience
Whether they are setting up conference rooms for companies or equipping auditoriums for schools, audio visual consultants are on the cutting edge of professional technology. They have an in-depth knowledge of everything from sound systems and microphones to projectors and video walls.
AV consultants work closely with clients to identify their needs and create customized solutions. This involves assessing a client’s settings, understanding how their current technology facilitates or hinders progress, and analyzing budgetary constraints.
Once a design is in place, audio visual consultants collect bids from AV integrators who will implement the plans. They also conduct spot checks during the installation process to ensure that work is executed according to plan. This can include executing performance tests and ensuring that all equipment is installed securely and correctly. Moreover, they regularly check-in with structural engineers, carpenters, electricians, and other professionals involved in the hands-on execution of an AV installation. They can also provide training for a client’s team on the operation and maintenance of their AV system.
Knowledge of Technology
AV consulting offers an exciting career path for those with technical skills, industry experience, and an interest in helping clients communicate and collaborate effectively. Crafting a tailored resume and practicing interview preparation are essential to ensure you can make the most of your audio visual (AV) consulting qualifications.
Staying up to date on the latest AV technologies allows consultants to help their clients create impactful events with cutting-edge tools like wireless presentation systems and LED video walls. Moreover, an experienced consultant knows to consider a space’s acoustics and lighting when designing an AV system that’s both functional and appealing.
AV consultants often work closely with architects when building projects are in their early stages, ensuring that the space is designed with an AV system in mind. They also assess a client’s existing technology to determine which equipment facilitates their goals and which hinders progress. From there, they generate a list of possible solutions to present to their clients.
Client Relationships
Client relationships are a vital part of AV consulting. Developing strong client relationships can bring in repeat business and referrals, which can increase revenue. Developing close relationships with clients can also lead to more successful projects and campaigns.
After assessing a client’s needs and evaluating the space, audio visual consultants design an AV installation. This may include a full bid packet, which is then sent to AV integrators for them to complete the project. During an installation, AV consultants will do spot checks, both announced and unannounced, to ensure that all of the plans laid out in their bid packet are being executed correctly.
AV consultants often work with architects and general contractors during new construction to make sure that the building’s design accommodates AV technology. This can include ensuring that there are enough outlets for equipment and a ceiling height that allows for projection screens. It can also include identifying areas of potential noise pollution or distraction and implementing sound masking.