Are you paying too much for AV equipment?

Technology is playing an increasing role in the execution of slick, professional not-for-profit events. However, the ever-advancing equipment doesn’t come cheap and it can often be hard to decipher complex technical quotes, and work out what technical equipment is and isn’t needed in order to host a successful event within budget.

Five years ago Platinum Productions was contracted by e-Kiddna Event Management to review and dissect the technical quotes and components of the inaugural Australia Defence Charity Ball. In simple terms, the client’s brief was to cut through the technical jargon and deliver an event with maximum punch for minimum cost.

About the Australia Defence Charity Ball

The Australia Defence Charity Ball is a unique annual event where the military and their defence industry partners showcase the latest military hardware in order to raise money for Legacy –
a charity that assists the families of fallen soldiers.

Uniformed military personnel are stationed at numerous static displays to explain their role in current peace-keeping missions, and once in a lifetime experiences, such as flying in an F111 or riding in a tank, are auctioned off.

Technical challenges and solutions

Numerous technical challenges that were presented in theming a room with tanks, guns, trucks and helicopters. Platinum Productions were contracted to streamline the quotes to achieve maximum profit while ensuring all essential event elements, such as guests site lines, audio clarity and special effects lighting were achieved.

Platinum Productions were able to identify a number of technical components that could be eliminated completely or exchanged for more cost effective options. For example, the number of projection screens and the amount of front-of-house audio equipment was reduced, and the 8,000 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) lumen projectors were swapped for 5,000 ANSI lumen projectors.

The outcome

Platinum Productions were able to reduce the overall cost of the event by thousands of dollars and ensured that maximum savings were achieved for Legacy. Platinum Productions continues to provide this service to e-Kiddna Event Management, and the Australian Defence Charity Ball has become hugely popular, with the 2012 event raising $80,000 for the Legacy charity.

Sarah Harding

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