4 AV Mistakes When Livestreaming Events

Livestreaming has been used by Audio-Visual companies long before the Covid-19 pandemic, we know how live streaming events and sessions can be hugely beneficial for organizations. They help reach larger audiences, create new revenue opportunities, and provide safe communication for the attendees. But as with anything live, things can go wrong. The audio might sound bad or no audio at all, the feed might cut out, or PPT or video playback not start at all. All of this is happening live and being broadcast across the country or globe.

Mike Macaluso head tech and co-owner of a leading AV company, MAC Production Group, in Orlando, Florida talk about some of the most common streaming mistakes they have seen in the past year. He also shares advice on how event planners can avoid these pitfalls and take the necessary steps needed to make their virtual events a success.

1) Low or NO Quality Audio

When live streaming events, we discover many people overlooking the importance of audio. Many times clients wanting to use their cell phones or the camera on a laptop to Livestream their event to save money, BAD idea! Cell phone cameras have come a long way but the mics on them at a distance will surely provide bad audio. Clear audio is key in communicating a successful event. Just like with in-person events if your audio is bad – everyone suffers. The attendees suffer because bad audio is hard to listen to and they’ll likely tune out and turn it off. The presenter also suffers because it becomes hard for them to get their point across. And of course, the value of any recorded content is lost as you wouldn’t be able to use the recordings.

2) Underestimating the AV, You Need

There are a lot of ‘moving parts’ involved that need to be considered to make your Livestream a great one. This includes consideration of audio, lighting, video, set/stages, virtual sets, and more.

Using a production company will enable you to produce something that is of broadcast quality, engaging and professional. And as importantly the production values will be those that you can be proud of, and the content can be displayed with confidence.

3) Internet Connection

AV techs understand the value of backup plans. All events come with a degree of risk and the more that can be managed the less of a crisis you will have if something doesn’t work. At MAC Production Group it is in their DNA not to leave things to chance. Mike explains their approach.

With so many variables, we find that great communication with the event planner and what they are hoping to achieve with their event allows us to bring the right equipment and a little more for possible last-minute additions or changes. Internet connection is the big one! MAC has a three-step approach, first, hardwire connection, second Wi-Fi, third not preferred but last effort mobile Hot Spot with 5G connection.

MAC Production Group has seen it all and our event is in good hands.