Planning and organising an event is a rigorous, demanding, and time-consuming process for planners, coordinators, and producers. But from a guest's perspective, an event can be fun or unamusing. That's one of the reasons it takes a long time for event organisers to produce an event. After all, they ensure the event is seamless, worry-free, and enjoyable.

If organising a small event is already stressful, can you imagine what it would be like to produce a big one? Aside from the “glamorous” planning of an event, organisers and producers work with several departments, suppliers, and people to deliver an event that is smooth sailing.

There are many things that you need to produce a successful event. One is technical equipment that will be the backbone of your event flow and performances. If you want to know more about those equipment, this post is for you. Here are must-haves when producing a big event.

1 - Line array speakers or other professional sound systems.

A reliable sound system is critical for an event in an open space or massive venue. Most massive events use line array speakers to deliver quality audio and ensure pristine sound quality. If you have a big venue with a high ceiling, line array speakers help you produce a narrow vertical output for focusing sound at audiences without wasting output energy on ceilings or empty air above the audience.

In events, the size of your venue affects the quality of the audio you'll produce. Whether it is a social or corporate event, the overall noise output of your audio systems should match your venue size for audience comfort and event quality.

2 - Enough microphones for the hosts and performers.

Aside from the speakers, having enough microphones for the hosts and performers is essential. One of the common issues events have with their sound systems is often microphone-related. And since microphones and speakers are related, the event producers must prepare enough microphones for backup in case of a technical difficulty.

That also includes having other audio-related equipment like cables, mixers, and other PA systems that will help deliver quality audio to your speakers.

3 - Mixing boards.

In events, technical sound professionals use mixing boards to connect multiple inputs and instruments to the PA system. A mixing board is critical in an event because it allows the audience to enjoy a professional-quality sound output.

With a mixing board, technical professionals can set volume levels, adjust tones, change sound dynamics, and other critical audio-related matters to improve the live sound experience.

4 - Monitoring systems for audio.

Show Tech Productions shares that on-stage monitors allow technical professionals to hear sound from the PA system when a host or performance is on stage. It also allows people onstage to monitor themselves so they can perform seamlessly.

There are various audio monitoring systems that you can use that could fit your event. It could be a stage wedge, side-fill system, stand-mounted monitor, or all-in-one line-array monitor system. If you observe a massive live event, you'll notice that performers and hosts have an in-ear monitoring system. It allows them to hear the mix at any volume despite having a loud crowd in the venue.

5 - Lighting.

Aside from technical sound equipment, you'll also need quality lighting for your event. Lighting affects the overall mood, ambience, and experience of an event. Various types of lighting can alter an event's mood and setting, which makes it more enjoyable.

If you opt for having one type of lighting for the entire event, you must have quality ones that are comfortable to the eyes of the audience and will give justice to the performances you'll have on stage. On the other hand, if you have various performances, you must have par cans, colour lights, effects, laser, and strobe lights to deliver the drama of the performances.

6 - Projectors and screens for video presentations if needed.

Lastly are projectors and screens for video presentations. Since there are various types of events, some events may not require projectors and screens. But it's rare for massive events not to have one since they're beneficial, regardless of the event type.

Some suppliers offer projectors and screens with their PA systems for rental. After all, the technicalities of video presentations are linked tightly with audio output. Having the appropriate screen size for your visual aids is a must because it completes a performance and an event regardless of its purpose. And since most events rely on visual presentations to convey their message, this is technical equipment you must have.

Producing a successful big event would be challenging without these.

Event production alone is hard enough. If you're missing the technical equipment that makes your event seamless, enjoyable, and memorable, you must have special powers to produce a successful, massive event. When having one, keep in mind ‌these technical equipment. 

Written by Bianca Banda