Renting Gear vs. Full-Service AV Production: What’s the Difference?

​Planning an event comes with countless decisions, and one of the biggest questions you might face is: Should I rent the gear and handle it myself, or hire a full-service AV production team? While renting equipment can seem like a cost-effective option, it’s important to consider the bigger picture.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect with each approach—and why going full-service often leads to better outcomes.

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What You Get with Gear Rentals​

​Renting AV equipment gives you access to the tools you need, but it also comes with several responsibilities.

1. The Pros of Renting:
   • Cost Savings (Upfront):
     • Rentals may seem cheaper at first, especially for small, simple events.
   • Flexibility:
     • You have the freedom to choose only the gear you need.
   • DIY Control:
     • If you’re comfortable setting up and operating equipment, renting can be a good fit.
2. The Challenges of Renting:
   • Setup Complexity:
     • Most AV equipment isn’t plug-and-play. Setting up speakers, projectors, or lighting often requires expertise.
   • Troubleshooting on the Fly:
     • If something goes wrong during your event, you’re the one responsible for fixing it—often under pressure.
   • Hidden Costs:
     • Delivery, setup, and extra accessories (like cables or power distribution) can quickly add to the cost.
   • No On-Site Support:
     • You’re on your own if issues arise.

Example Scenario: You rent a projector for a presentation, only to realize on event day that the cables don’t match your laptop. Without technical support, you’re left scrambling for a solution.

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What You Get with Full-Service AV Production

​Full-service AV production goes beyond just providing equipment—it ensures your event runs smoothly from start to finish.

1. The Pros of Full-Service Production:
   • Professional Expertise:
     • An experienced AV team handles everything from setup to operation, so you don’t have to worry about the technical details.
   • Tailored Solutions:
     • Professionals design setups customized to your event space, audience size, and goals.
   • On-Site Support:
     • If something goes wrong, your AV team is there to troubleshoot and fix it immediately.
   • Seamless Integration:
     • Full-service teams ensure all components (sound, lighting, visuals) work together flawlessly.
2. The Value of Full-Service:
   • Better ROI:
     • A professionally managed event enhances audience engagement, leaving a lasting impression.
   • Peace of Mind:
     • Focus on your event, not the equipment, knowing experts have it under control.
   • Cost Savings (Long-Term):
     • Avoid hidden costs like last-minute troubleshooting or damaged gear fees.

Example Scenario: Instead of renting a microphone and speaker, you hire a full-service team. They not only ensure the sound is crystal clear but also add lighting and a video feed to elevate the entire experience.

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​Which Option is Right for You?

While renting AV equipment works for small, low-stakes events, full-service production is often the better choice for:

• Corporate Events:
  • Professionalism is key. Your AV setup reflects your brand.
• Weddings and Special Occasions:
  • These once-in-a-lifetime moments deserve flawless execution.
• Conferences and Hybrid Events:
  • A team ensures both in-person and virtual audiences have a seamless experience.
• Concerts and Performances:
  • Coordinating sound, lighting, and visuals requires expertise.

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Why 22nd Avenue is the Best of Both Worlds

At 22nd Avenue, we offer both equipment rentals and full-service AV production—but our true value lies in ensuring your event is a success.

• Rental Inquiries Turned Into Solutions:
  • Need just a speaker? We’ll help you assess if you’re better off renting or using our team to simplify the process.
• Tailored Packages:
  • From simple setups to all-inclusive production, we create solutions that fit your needs and budget.
• Expert Guidance:
  • Not sure what you need? Our team will walk you through your options to make the best decision for your event.

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Let’s Make Your Next Event or Project A Success

Whether you’re planning a small meeting or a large conference, 22nd Avenue has the expertise, equipment, and team to bring your vision to life.

Ready to explore your options? Contact us today to discuss your needs, or check out our rental and production services.

Or Call (877) 548-3881 to speak to a production technician today!