FAQs

Some AV suppliers do a good job hosting your event and conference. At con-sol, our company delivers nothing less than a perfect event. From the company Director to every Account Manager, we share a common goal...extensive research, smart planning, the right equipment and best people to deliver a successful event, every time and within budget.

In the FAQs section, gain knowledge about working with AV companies. More importantly, you will understand the importance of selecting the right AV supplier for your next event.

To view an answer, click on a question:

1. How do I know that before and during my event everything will go according to plan?

   Success is directly linked to thoughtful planning. It is probably the single most important aspect of hosting a spectacular event or one riddled with unpleasant surprises. An experienced supplier is aware of the challenges faced by companies and protects clients with some smart advice.

   The key components essential to planning a successful event include...

   • Carefully exploring audio-visual company options enabling you to make an informed decision.

   • Selecting the appropriate theme, design and layout to present the desired image to your audience.

   • Contingency planning for the unexpected such as a power failure or inclement weather during an outdoor event.

   • Assigning specific responsibilities to the audio-visual supplier who can provide you with an overview, allowing you to focus on the conference itself.

   By following this advice, you are rewarded with an event that impresses your guests and strengthens your company brand. We should know. Since 1999, con-sol has helped many loyal clients during the planning stages of their projects. They understand the value of knowledgeable advice and seek our help for every event.

   We are confident that our strategies work. In fact, we offer a money back guarantee of assurance. Visit the About Us page for details.

2. Are you going to confuse me with technical jargon?

   Make it easy for someone to do business with you and they'll contact you every time there is a need for your products and services. The audio visual industry is highly technical with terminology that can be confusing at times.

   When con-sol sends you a quotation, we give you a detailed, plain English comparison of equipment for you to consider. A description and reason for selecting each piece of equipment is explained. With this level of detail, you understand the reason for choosing specific AV equipment and their purpose. You are able to confidently make an informed decision about the use and functionality of the appropriate recommended equipment.

3. How can I be sure that I'm getting the most appropriate equipment for my event?

   You want the best possible AV equipment for dependability, quality and performance. You should never have to pay for unnecessary equipment. What you do want is to maximize the benefit from available hardware within your budget.

   During the planning stages of an event, we do in-depth consultation with the client about their objectives. With this information, we make equipment recommendations for each application and explain the reasons for suggesting each piece of equipment. The necessity, application and cost benefits of recommendations are discussed with you.

4. How do I know which venue is the most appropriate for my event?

   Choosing a venue for your event is more important than you may think. Location is important but there are other factors that equally contribute to the success of your conference or event such as...

   • Ceiling Height

   • Ground Access

   • Layout

   • Available Lighting

   • Loading Dock Access

   • Noise and Interference

   • Power Distribution

   • Rigging Infra Structure and Certification

   • Safety

   • Seating Style (Theatre, classroom or cabaret)

   • Vehicle Access into the Room

   • Windows

   • Sufficient setup time and access

   • Access to Climate Controls

   The majority of our clients receive a survey with a detailed Site and Risk Assessment about their nominated venue. The evaluation assesses some of the following key requirements .

   • Suitability – Determine if the venue satisfactorily fits the needs of a client.

   • Logistics – Planning, execution and control of the movement and stationing of personnel, material and other resources to achieve the objectives of an event.

   • OH&S - Occupational Health and Safety Licensing Compliance

   • Public Liability Insurance – Certificate of Currency

   • Egress – Proper location and number of exits.

5. How do I make sure that I maximise the use of available conference space?

   Before you select and confirm a venue to host your event, you need to decide the optimal use of available space for each one being considered. Most clients receive our Site and Risk Assessment survey with advice about the acceptability of a preferred site. Our survey identifies the best use of available conference space and helps you decide if the venue is right for you.

   The real objective is to maximize available space to you without compromising the overall appearance and functionality of your conference. We offer solutions to clients that achieve the results they need within the space provided.

   The difficulty is maximizing available space within your budget without compromising the overall appearance and functionality or conference. At times, this is not possible. Your options would be selecting a different venue, revising recommendations or increasing your budget to meet your expectations.

6. How do I know if my planned budget is realistic for my event?

   There is a distinct connection between your budget and achieving the result you expect. Every event has certain elements that must be included in your budget. For example, an audio system that clearly and adequately illuminates a speaker's voice.

   Other choices may be discretionary items that are not really essential but may enhance the overall appearance of the venue. As an example drapes behind the stage create a pleasant backdrop and represents a cost factored into your overall budget.

   Con-Sol always works within your budget and it should never be an issue for you. That's because we provide you with solutions that are achievable within your budget to satisfy your expectations.

7. Why do AV supplier quotations vary dramatically with each other?

   You probably noticed that quotations from audio-visual companies can vary dramatically in terms of equipment. It is critical to conduct a comparison of the specified equipment from each proposal. We select the appropriate components, understand the benefit of choosing them and explain why they are suitable for your application.

   You may discover that not every item listed in a quotation is really necessary to achieve the results you need. While some equipment is essential to the success of your event, there may be other alternatives that can achieve the same results. Research helps you work to your budget without sacrificing functionality and performance. Thorough planning for all your conference needs avoids costly additions during the event.

8. By choosing to use the latest equipment technology, what is appropriate for my conference?

   The choice to use the latest and most expensive technology for your audio visual requirements may be less costly than you think. There are any number of innovative ideas and comprehensive solutions available. Selecting the correct options is the challenge.

   Con-sol can help you. As part of the analysis process, we consider equipment options that are most appropriate for the event you are planning. With our state-of-the-art inventory of the latest equipment, we determine the best option to deliver the outcome you expect within your budget.

9. What assurance do I have that the event won’t be ruined because of equipment failure?

   Component failure is a fact of life. It can happen to anyone at any time before or during a conference. Without a contingency plan, the success of an event may be in jeopardy.

   We realize that equipment failure can occur at the worst possible moment. Our system fault tolerance planning anticipates potential disruptive issues. By being prepared for the most common causes of equipment failure, they are readily fixed without affecting you and your guests. We are the only audio-visual company to offer a money back guarantee for unresolved equipment faults.

   We are keenly aware that a money back guarantee can never really overcome your disappointment. Your reputation and that of your company is at stake. For this reason, we continually invest in purchasing and maintaining the highest standard of equipment. If something should go wrong during your event, we do whatever is needed within reason to correct the issue. With con-sol, your event has every chance of being a success.

10. Can I work with a single person throughout the entire project?

    A single point of responsibility makes the task of planning an event much easier for you. That's why we assign an account manager to every project. They are there to serve you at every stage before, during and after your event.

    Having one person assigned to your project is beneficial to you for several reasons...

    Account Responsibility Your Account Manager knows you, your company and your expectations.

    One Call Management A single call with instructions is conveyed to everyone involved in the project.

    Personal Advice An account manager provides personalized advice tailored to your needs.

    A true, turnkey solution is a reality by having your own personal Account Manager overseeing your project. The support begins at the initial planning stage and continues throughout the event until its completion.

11. Will the same con-sol person be responsible for speaker management, requests and changes?

    Our Account Managers are empowered with the responsibility to support you before, during and after your event. They are completely accountable to you and take on the role of advisor and manager, delivering your instructions. Ultimately, they assume the task and responsibilities you assign to them so that you can work on your event...not in it.

    A professional Account Manager is also concerned with the comfort of your guests and the needs of presenters and speakers. When the need arises, they are trained and skilled as team leaders to adapt and adjust to a situation. They easily and efficiently deal with change as it arises and act on your behalf as instructed.

12. Will my single point of contact be present onsite throughout the entire event?

    You and your Account Manager work together towards a common goal of assuring a successful event. Your Account Manager has direct access to con-sol senior management for on-the-spot decisions when required. The business relationship that develops is important to both of us. The association begins during the initial planning stages and continues throughout the event until completion.

    The insight and details you share with your Account Manager about you, your business and your personal preferences form the building blocks we use for current and future events. We value the importance and confidentiality of this information because it creates a bond of mutual respect between yourself and our company.

13. If I am planning a national road show event, what are the benefits of using the same AV supplier at each venue?

    During the planning stages of your first event with us, we establish a knowledge base about your business and personal preferences when coordinating a conference or event. This information becomes a common thread that is reflected in the planning and implementation of your future shows.

    When you find a production company like con-sol that delivers consistent quality and predictable results, you can duplicate these qualities for every event at any location. Your conference is a direct reflection of your brand. You always want the consistency and delivery of your brand to be uniform including events organized by your company.

    Everyone has experienced exceptional and less than impressive service from audio-visual companies. To enjoy consistent results every time, it is wise to engage the same audio-visual supplier for these reasons...

    • Knowledge of every event format

    • Familiarity with presenter preferences and expectations

    • Skilled to accurately select equipment instead of using whatever is available on-site

    • Ability to secure comparative quotes at your request

    • Knows your preferences for room and equipment requirements to directly liaise with the venue

    • Cohesively applies an attractive and consistent style throughout every event

    • Knows your preference of staffing, space layout, banners and signage

    Bill, I am getting great feedback from our staff about the work that Con-sol is doing to support our Solution Showcase Roadshow.  Andrew and the team are doing an exceptional job. Nothing is too much trouble and they are going above and beyond what we expected. It has been especially beneficial to have the same team travel with the event as they have a level of familiarity and understanding of the program which is delivering a much more professional and consistent event across all of the locations. Andrew and his team have built fantastic working relationships with all of our presenters and events staff.  The support from Con-sol has allowed our presenters and events staff to relax and spend more time networking and less time rehearsing and worrying about their presentations and set up.” Genevieve Smith, Director of Marketing, Technology One.

14. Will the wiring or audio-visual equipment you install create a safety issue for my guests?

    Con-sol is committed to provide and maintain a safe, healthy working environment for employees, visitors and the public. We promote a safe workplace to protect our greatest asset – our people. The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) manual, published by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, has strict guidelines about safe work practice. AV companies are not required by law to comply with OH&S regulations.

    We act responsibly to comply with OH&S standards to assure the safety of all workers involved in an AV project. Compliance involves a cost absorbed by con-sol. Some AV suppliers may not share our philosophy because of the cost and time required. Therefore, it is important to question an AV company about their safety policy before using their services.

    For every event, we use the following checklist to assure the ultimate protection...

    • Risk Assessments

    • Method Statements

    • Training Records

    • Rigging Certificates

    • Evacuation Plans

    • Compiling Insurance Policies and Training Qualifications for Contractors

    • Rating Certification

    • Staff Inductions

    There is risk in every workplace. It is minimized when the proper policies and procedures are in force. Trust your next conference, seminar or other event to an AV company that places health and safety above all else. Choose con-sol...safety is our highest priority.