Event Rigging 101: The Importance of Hiring a Professional
Rigging is one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of live event production. Proper rigging is crucial for the smooth and safe execution of a corporate event, trade show, or concert. It’s not just about getting equipment off the ground—it’s about safety, precision, and ensuring the event goes off without a hitch. Whether it’s suspending lights, LED walls, or sound systems, proper rigging can make or break an event’s technical success.
What Is Event Rigging?
Event rigging refers to suspending various technical elements above a stage or event space, such as lighting, sound, or video equipment. It involves using trusses, motors, and other hardware to lift and secure these components. For example, rigging in a corporate event or concert ensures that lighting and sound are optimally positioned to enhance the audience’s experience.
Event Rigging Equipment to Know
Rigging isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires detailed planning, precise calculations, and an understanding of each venue’s unique requirements. All suspended equipment must adhere to weight limits and balance considerations while securely anchoring. The venue’s design, structural integrity, and the event’s nature all play significant roles in determining how rigging should be executed. Here are the most critical rigging tools for an AV event production:
Trusses
Trusses are a fundamental component of any AV rigging setup. These sturdy metal frameworks are designed to support large amounts of weight, such as lighting systems, LED video walls, and speaker arrays. Trusses allow for flexible positioning, ensuring optimal placement of AV equipment without obstructing audience views. Depending on the complexity and scale of the event, they come in different configurations, such as box trusses.
Video Wall Mounting Systems
Video walls, often made up of multiple LED or LCD panels, need specialized mounting systems. These systems are designed to securely suspend and hold the weight of the video panels, ensuring that they remain perfectly aligned throughout the event. Video wall mounts can be integrated with trussing systems to provide adjustable height and angle options, ensuring maximum visibility and audience engagement.
Speaker Rigging Systems
A critical element of any event’s audio setup is the rigging system for speakers. Line array speaker systems, commonly used for large venues and concerts, align the speakers in the same vertical configuration to distribute sound evenly.
Chain Motors and Hoists
Chain motors and hoists are indispensable for raising and securing heavy AV equipment, including large lighting fixtures, speakers, and video displays. These motorized systems allow for precise adjustments in height and positioning, ensuring that equipment is safely suspended and optimally placed. Chain motors are particularly useful for events requiring frequent setup changes or variable heights for different pieces of equipment.
What Can Rigging Add to an Event?
Rigging can enhance nearly every aspect of a live event. By allowing creative flexibility with lighting, sound, and visual elements, it transforms ordinary spaces into dynamic experiences.
Increased visibility: By suspending video walls or screens, rigging ensures that every attendee has a clear view, no matter where they are seated.
Enhanced lighting: Properly rigged lighting can elevate the mood of an event, highlight speakers or performers, and create visual drama that engages the audience.
Better sound distribution: With audio equipment elevated above the audience, sound is evenly distributed across the entire venue, resulting in better acoustics and an overall improved auditory experience.
Aesthetic enhancement: Creative rigging can be used for more than just functional purposes. With the right design, it can become part of the event’s aesthetic, showcasing elements like custom signage or decorative pieces.
When is Rigging Used for an Event?
Rigging is essential in a wide range of events, from corporate presentations to large-scale concerts and trade shows. Here are some specific occasions where rigging plays a vital role:
Corporate Events: For conferences or product launches, rigging suspends projectors, LED screens, and lighting setups to enhance the visual aspects of the event.
Concerts and Festivals: In large entertainment events, rigging is required for lighting systems, sound arrays, and the stage itself.
Trade Shows: Many trade shows feature suspended displays or large banners that need rigging to maximize visibility without occupying floor space.
Why Is It Important to Hire a Professional When It Comes to Event Rigging?
Rigging is complex, and a lot can go wrong without proper expertise. Here are several reasons why hiring a professional is non-negotiable:
Safety
Safety is the primary concern in rigging. Professionals are trained to adhere to safety standards, ensuring that all suspended equipment is properly secured, with redundancies like safety cables in place to prevent accidents.
Experience
Professional riggers have the experience to anticipate problems and offer solutions on the fly. They know how to navigate different venues, work within time constraints, and manage unexpected changes to the event setup.
Specialized Knowledge
Rigging requires an understanding of weight limits, balance, and how different materials interact. A professional will ensure that all equipment is placed correctly and can withstand the rigors of use during the event.
Compliance with Regulations
Live events must adhere to specific health and safety regulations, including local building codes and industry standards. Professional riggers are familiar with these requirements and ensure that your event is compliant, reducing the risk of legal or insurance complications.
Explore Live Event Production with Elite Multimedia!
At Elite Multimedia, we understand the importance of every detail in live event production, and that includes expert rigging. Whether for corporate events, trade shows, or concert tours, our team of professionals has vast experience handling all forms of rigging, including automated trusses, standard ariel trusses, and ground-supported production elements. Elite works closely with you to ensure every aspect of the event is flawlessly executed. Ready to elevate your next event? Contact Elite Multimedia today to learn more about our event production services and how we can make your vision a reality!
