hiring professionals

Event production takes a whole lot of planning and event video production plays a key role in this. Events happen in a flash so it’s hyper important to have the right production crew to support you through the process. This can include audio visual support, videography, photography and more! Striking Media provides all the services including event video production in Arlington VA, DC and NOVA. 

Here’s our advice for how you can create a seamless experience:

1. Identify Core Competencies

• What are you great at?: Whether you are the CEO, or the Communications Manager, you cannot do it all! Maybe you’re great at coordinating logistics, but need support with stage management, videography, photography, set design – focus on your strengths. You will deliver the most value if you outsource key tasks.
• Delegate Specialized Tasks: For areas outside your expertise, like visual communications, or equipment management, bring in the right professionals. Ultimately this will make you look better! One person cannot do it all! 

2. Equipment Needs

• Basic Event Equipment: If your event requires audio-visual equipment (like microphones, projectors, screens, and sound systems), consider renting from a reliable AV company. If you’re unsure about specifics, they can help assess what’s needed based on the size and type of the event. Share as many details as you can to give insight! Consider having a crew to run it. They will come ready with cables and other things you may not have considered! 
• Lighting: Professional lighting design can elevate the ambiance. If it’s a larger event or one with intricate lighting needs, hire a lighting designer.
• Staging and Set Design: If the event involves a stage or special displays, work with professionals who specialize in this aspect to create an effective layout and design.
• Audio: Ensure your speakers can be heard and panelists have microphones. Consider factors like audience participation. Is a hand held microphone required for audience questions? 

3. Videography and Photography

• Event Videography: Event video production can be a complex task, involving multiple cameras, editing, and post-production work. If you’re not experienced in this, hire a professional team. This is a budgetary item that you won’t regret. Let’s face it, cell phone footage doesn’t cut it! Your event video production team  will know how to capture key moments and edit them for maximum impact. A good production company will also give you an array of valuable deliverable suggestions that will maximize your budget spend. Book ahead of time – video production in Arlington VA, DC and NOVA is in demand and an early booking will secure your team. 
• Photography: Professional photographers understand lighting, framing, and the timing needed to capture the essence of your event. Choose photographers based on their portfolio and experience with similar events (weddings, corporate functions, concerts, etc.).
• Content for Social Media: Having professional photos and videos ready for sharing on social media can help extend the life of your event and engage audiences beyond the day-of. Hiring a content creator or a photographer who specializes in digital media can add value here.

4. Project Management and Logistics

• Event Planner/Producer: If the event is large or complex, an experienced event planner or producer can help manage logistics, timelines, and the coordination of vendors. Some event planners are paid by the venue, so there may not even be a cost for this service! 
• Communication: Maintain clear and regular communication with vendors, photographers, videographers, and technical teams to ensure everyone is aligned.

5. When to Hire Professionals

• Specialized Skill Sets: Whether it’s a live stream setup, intricate sound mixing, or high-level photography, bringing in someone who specializes in these areas will ensure a professional-quality result.
• Creative Direction: For more creative events (like brand activations, product launches, or unique experiences), it can be valuable to have a creative director or producer who understands the vision and can execute it well.

6. Budget Considerations

• Allocate budget based on priority. Core elements like AV equipment and photography/event video production are often essential to the success of the event and capturing its impact to share for future engagement.
• Don’t forget to factor in expenses for things like parking, insurance, permits, and any unexpected costs that might arise.

7. Technology Integration

• Live Streaming & AV Support: Many events now require live streaming. If this is part of your plan, hire professionals who specialize in live broadcasting and video mixing.
• Event Apps and Engagement: If the event has a significant number of attendees, consider using event apps for ticketing, schedules, and attendee engagement. A tech team can help implement this smoothly.

Striking Media recently supported the Scouts of America at their award ceremony providing both photography services and event support. With careful pre production we were able to blend in, make the client’s life easier and create a seamless experience for the Scouting guests. Here’s a link to some of the photos from their fabulous event.

Client Alissa Deaver was thrilled with her images and responded with “the photos are phenomenal. Thank you!” Needless to say, a happy client is everything at Striking Media – we always strive for over delivery and the opportunity to work with our clients on an ongoing basis. 

By staying within your area of expertise and collaborating with skilled professionals for specialized tasks, you can produce an event that runs seamlessly and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

If you have an upcoming event and could use support, reach out to Striking Media. The team will take care of all your event production and visual communication needs so you don’t have to tick a million boxes and have a world of stress on your shoulders!