​A per diem is a charge by an audio visual company that is designed to cover the cost of food, incidentals on the road (think toothbrushes or taxis!) and other travel related expenses that are incurred by the technician while out of town.
 
Per diems are generally charged when an event takes place outside of the audio visual company’s home base. It also covers unexpected food costs (which are higher since most technicians do not have a kitchen on the road to cook their own meals).
 

​How Do I Become an Audio Visual Technician?
 
To be a successful audio visual technician, you should have an outgoing personality (you will have to work directly with a wide range of individuals including clients, potential clients, venue representatives, other technicians, as well as other vendors and presenters). You should also have an eagerness to learn and a technical background helps.
 
There are a number of post-secondary programs in Ontario including ones offered at Seneca College and Ryerson University that will give you the background in AV.
 
Gaining experience through a co-op placement, volunteering as part of the AV club or interning at an audio visual company are three great ways to gain experience.
 
As an audio visual technician, you will be often working with a varying amount of equipment anything from amplifiers to wireless microphones. Changing technology and new inventions make being an audio visual technician an exciting career option!
 
If you choose to work with a smaller company, you will get more hands on experience working with a large amount of equipment (audio, video and lighting), whereas if you choose a larger audio visual company, you will most likely work in a specific area of the industry audio, video, or lighting.
 

A kabuki drop is used in ‘reveals’ at special events. A lightweight piece of fabric (or drape) is dropped quickly to reveal your product. Commonly used at new car launches, kabuki drops are extremely easy to use and create the element of surprise for the audience and create excitement.
 
To create a kabuki drop, drapes or curtains are hooked on to a truss line above your product and can either be removed manually or by remote control. Clients often use other A/V elements such as moving lights, projection, sound (including music), as well as smoke effects to complete the look.
 
Are you interested in learning more about how you can incorporate a kabuki drop in your next event? Contact us today at info@gcmp.ca or 416.746.5050. We look forward to hearing from you!
 

We hear this from clients on a regular basis. They book a venue for their meeting and are told that they MUST use the in-house AV. This is never the case. In-house audio visual companies and venues have agreements and it is in their best financial interest for you to go completely in-house.
 
Before you book your next event, make sure you ask your venue representative the following questions:
 
Are there any fees if I bring in an outside audio visual company?
Are there any union requirements for the venue? If so, what are the rules and rates?
Are there any rules or guidelines that my audio visual company must adhere to when working in your venue?
 
Everything can be negotiated, but you want to start this process before you sign a contract with the venue. You can always ask them for the right to bring in your own audio visual company without any additional fees. Simply eliminate it from your contract.
 
Savings with an Outside Audio Visual Company
An outside audio visual company like GavCom Media Productions can save you money when booking your next event. In-house audio visual companies have contracts with venues that require them to provide up to 50% commission to the venue. That’s why many venues inform you that you MUST use the in-house audio visual company. And another reason why in-house audio visual is often 20% higher than when you use an outside audio visual company.
 
You should also keep in mind that since the in-house company has a long term contract with the venue, they represent the venue first, and you second, unlike outside audio visual companies.
 
An outside audio visual supplier is dedicated to your event only. An in-house technician may move from room to room to change a projector light bulb, set up screens, or other tasks. Not something you should pay an additional 20% for!
 
We understand that there are times when hiring an in-house audio visual company makes sense. E.g. if you are only renting a small amount of equipment (e.g. a projector and screen), it probably makes sense to just use the in-house equipment. However, we recommend that you always contact an outside audio visual supplier first.
 
At GavCom Media Productions, no event is too small and we look forward to working with you and your budget. Contact us today at info@gcmp.ca or 416.746.5050 for a no-obligation quote.