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.

The day of your event can often include a number of changing priorities and demands from suppliers as well as presenters. An easy way to reduce unnecessary stress and to ensure your event is near flawless is to introduce your performers and/or presenters to the audio visual team before the event. This allows your audio visual team to ensure the presenter has everything they need (microphones, podium, computers, slide forwarder, etc.). This also allows the presenter to address any concerns they have regarding the audio visual equipment or their presentation directly with the audio visual team, freeing you up to concentrate on other aspects of your event.
 
It’s also a good idea to create an itinerary with the names and info of all presenters along with their time frames (length of presentation). Make sure you distribute this to your audio visual representative in advance. Contact us today to let us assist you in your next event.
 
 

You may be asking yourself what is aspect ratio and why does it matter? The aspect ratio of an image is defined as x:y, x being defined as height and y defined as width. The two numbers are always separated by a colon.
 
Common aspect ratios are 4:3 and 16:9. If we look at a 4:3 aspect ratio as an example, it could be referred to as 4 inches by 3 inches. For every four inches wide the screen (or image) is, the screen (or image) is 3 inches wide.
 
It is important to keep in mind that it isn't the measurement that is as important, it's the ratio.
 
Aspect Ratios and Their Uses
4:3 – is a standard for TVs as well as images with VGA, SVGA, XGA, or UXGA resolution. If the image is widescreen, it will appear cropped in this ratio.
 
5:4 – images with SXGA resolution. Widescreen images appear cropped.
 
16:9 – best for widescreen, 1/3 wider than standard displays. This is the format for HDTV video and some SDTV video.
 
Make sure that you select a project or that matches the aspect ratio of the primary source you are using. There are times when you may need to display an image of different aspect ratio, e.g. if you are projecting a presentation from a SVGA laptop using a widescreen projector, the projected image will not always fill the screen. See the examples below…
 
If the screen aspect is 4:3 and your image is 16:9, the image width will fill the screen, but there will be black bars along the top and bottom.
 
If you are projecting a standard image with a widescreen projector:
 
Screen is 16:9
Image is 4:3
 
The image height will fill the screen, however, black bars will be along the left and the right.
 
Discuss your needs with your audiovisual provider in order to ensure that your image is displayed correctly.
 
Contact GavCom Media Productions for more information about aspect ratios and how you can display widescreen images at your next event. We can be reached at 416.746.5050 or info@gcmp.ca.