Clients often ask us, "what is the difference between front and rear projection"? The following article outlines some of the differences and advantages of both options.

• Expense: front projection can often be more cost-effective than rear projection due to the cost of the screens (rear projection screens are more expensive). However, front projection may require some rigging (hanging the projector from the ceiling), which may result in increased labour and equipment fees.

 

• Space: front projection requires space in front of the screen, which may result in decreased seating in front of the screen. Rear projection requires space behind the screen, which can be impossible.

 

• Lighting: front projection is subject to the room lighting. Ambient lighting can impact the screen brightness. If you are hosting a meeting where participants will need regular lighting (for taking notes for example), rear projection is better because it can be viewed with regular lighting.

 
Considering your projection options for your next event? Give us a call and we can assist you in choosing the best option for your event. Contact us today at 416.746.5050 or info@gcmp.ca. We look forward to speaking to you. 

Many presenters and entertainers that you may be hiring for your event will have an audio visual rider. These riders can include a variety of information including audio and video requirements, stage and seating arrangements, and prop requirements. Make sure your audio visual supplier has all riders well in advance of your event to ensure your presenter or entertainer has all of the elements they need for a seamless event.
 
What can be included in a rider? Here are a few examples.
 
Audio requirements

• Presenters/entertainers may specify the location of speakers (however, please ensure you check with your AV supplier to determine the proper location of the speakers).
• Microphone requirements: do they want a handheld microphone, handheld microphone with a stand, wireless microphone, lavaliere microphone, headset microphone?

 
Seating arrangements

• Some presenters may ask for theatre style seating with no one seated to the left or right of the stage. They may also want a seat for themselves and may specify that the seat be light so it can be easily moved. 

Stage and Props

• Riders may detail the type of stage that a presenter/entertainer would like including required stairs, ramp, height of stage, drape. They may or may not request a podium (or the type of podium, e.g. Plexiglas, wood, etc.). Your Presenter may require a table for water or other props.

 
Computer/Projectors

• Presenters may require a projector, screen or if they will be presenting with videos, PowerPoint, etc.

 
At GavCom Media Productions, we have extensive experience working with riders and can help you work with your presenters. Contact us today at info@gcmp.ca or 416.746.5050.

Here are a few tips for the next time you are presenting at a podium.
 
Touch base with your audio visual technician before the start of the event. Ask them to give you a signal when you approach the podium indicating that the microphone is live. This will prevent you from having to ask before the start of the presentation “is this live” or from tapping on the microphone (an audio visual technician’s least favourite thing!).
 
Ensure that the microphone is pointed towards your mouth. If necessary, pull the neck (not the head of the microphone or it can create feedback) of the microphone towards you.
 
Remember that while you are presenting at the podium, you cannot leave the podium area. Although it is slightly forgivable, you can only move about seven to nine inches away from the podium microphone in order for it to pick up your voice.
 
Looking for more tips? Contact us today for your no-obligation quote. We can be reached at info@gcmp.ca or 416.746.5050.

Adding lighting elements to your corporate meeting or fundraiser can truly transform the event space. Whether you are adding lekos, par cans, or pin spots to highlight buffets, new products, or light centrepieces or adding a colour wash to an accent wall, or strobes, spotlights, and special effects, lighting will make all of the difference to your guest’s experience.
 
And best of all, many lighting elements can be added to your event, even if you are on a tight budget.
 
Here are some things to consider when planning lighting for your next event:

• What type of event will you be hosting? A product launch, press conference, or gala, for example? All three of these events would require different lighting.
•  Will guests be seated or standing?
• What are your space restrictions? E.g. will there be a stage, are there pillars, chandeliers, or other room elements that may get in the way?
• Do your entertainers have requirements (called riders) that determine what kind of lighting is required on stage?
• How long is the event?
  
• What is your budget?
•  Will the in-house lighting be sufficient for the presentation?

 
At GavCom Media Productions, we work with wide variety of budgets and events and can assist you in adding lighting to your next project. Contact us today to learn more!

A lavalier mic (also known as a ‘lav’ mic) is a clip on microphone that allows presenters to move around a room with ease. It is a small microphone that clips onto your clothes and usually has its own power source (battery pack). The battery pack is usually clipped onto your belt. There are no concerns about carrying around a microphone or tripping hazards from cords. They are also ideal for sit-down interviews because they block out ambient noise.
 
Lavs are a very popular choice for many presenters. Here are some tips when incorporating them in your next event:

• The microphone will be placed approximately 10 cm below your chin.
• Your audiovisual technician is able to control your microphone volume, so don’t worry about the volume settings.
• Work with your audiovisual technician to determine the placement of your microphone.
• Avoid wearing elaborate sweaters, shirts, etc. Added material will just get in the way and can obstruct the microphone.

 
Contact us today to learn more about how we can incorporate lav microphones into your next event. We can be reached at info@gcmp.ca or 416.746.5050.

Risers (otherwise known as stage decks) are often needed for your event to ensure the audience can see presenters. Available in various sizes, risers lock together to create a stage. Common sizes include 4 x 4, 4 x 8, and are found in 6”, 12”, 24” and 32” heights.
 
If you are planning a meeting and considering using stage decks, consider the footprint your stage will use, which will reduce your seating capacity. You should also consider accessibility, will you need stairs or ramps and how much will this cost?
 
Most audio visual companies will include stage skirts (to give your stage that ‘finished’ look), but make sure this is included in the set up. Keep in mind that stages can be very labour-intensive and can be expensive.
 
Contact us today to learn more about how we can incorporate a stage in your next event. We can be reached at info@gcmp.ca or 416.746.5050 and look forward to hearing from you!

Your audiovisual company ensures that your overall message is effectively communicated to the audience. Bringing your event to life, audiovisual services can transform your event with the use of music, lighting, audio, video, as well as PowerPoint presentations.
 
Audiovisual equipment and effective application of this equipment is often complex. As your audiovisual partner, GavCom Media Productions would consider all elements of the event from conceptualization to end production. Ensuring you have the right equipment, and technicians who can not only operate it properly, but also go the extra mile is essential. Our experienced technicians have years of experience in the audiovisual industry and use this knowledge to design, coordinate and communicate events.
 
GavCom Media Productions is your advocate, ensuring that you get the most out of your budget, while designing production elements to fit your event goals and event theme.

Contact us today for your free, no-obligation audiovisual quotation. We can be reached at 416.746.5050 or info@gcmp.ca. We look forward to hearing from you!

Unfortunately, during an event accidents can happen and equipment can be stolen. When planning your next event, make sure your audio visual provider can demonstrate that they have both Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage as well as liability insurance. 
 
Prior to your event, your AV supplier should be able to provide you with a Certificate of Clearance, demonstrating that the company has no outstanding fees, fines, claims, or debts due.
 
They should also be able to provide a certificate demonstrating they have commercial general liability, standard automobile, and professional liability insurance.
 
Feel free to ask your AV supplier to provide you with clearance certificates for your next event. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create an outstanding event. 416.746.5050 or info@gcmp.ca!Unfortunately, during an event, accidents can happen and equipment can be stolen. When planning your next event, make sure your audio visual provider can demonstrate that they have both Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage as well as liability insurance.
 
Prior to your event, your AV supplier should be able to provide you with a Certificate of Clearance, demonstrating that the company has no outstanding fees, fines, claims, or debts due.
 
They should also be able to provide a certificate demonstrating they have commercial general liability, standard automobile, and professional liability insurance.
 
Feel free to ask your AV supplier to provide you with clearance certificates for your next event. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create an outstanding event. 416.746.5050 or info@gcmp.ca!

Most venues have a built-in sound system that you can use for your event. However, many outside AV companies (including GavCom!) will often be reluctant to use the system. Here are some reasons why.

We Don’t Know the Quality of the System
Since we have not installed or tested the system, we do not know the quality of the system. Are some of the frequencies missing? Are the speakers placed in the right place? Are all of the speakers functioning? And most importantly, does the system have all of the elements (number of speakers, power, etc.) that you require for your event?

Even though the system may be in working order when you complete a site inspection, it might not be functioning properly when your event day arrives.
 
What Happens If There is an Issue with Sound During Your Event?
If you decide to use the in-house PA system, what happens if there is an issue with sound during the event? Not all venues have an in-house technician on staff. So, if you have a sound issue, you may have to wait for it to be fixed. And if there is an in-house technician, how long will it take for the system to be fixed? Will it be 10 minutes or two hours? It depends on how busy the in-house technician is.
 
The In-House System Is Often Not the Same Quality
Venues often install the most cost-effective PA system for their needs. As a result, the sound quality is often quite low. Audio visual companies, like GavCom Media Productions, are constantly updating their systems and as a result, you are getting the latest technology for your event, instead of something that is quite dated.
 
Learn more about our cost-effective audiovisual solutions by contacting us today at info@gcmp.ca or 416.746.5050.