# How to get AV production clients.

To get AV production clients, show real setups with equipment lists and a clear tech process, then target venues, corporate planners, schools, faith groups and event organizers. Price from gear, crew, load-in and strike time, and use terms covering site visits, power, time windows, overtime and damage.

_Updated 2026-10-11._

## Clients who cannot afford a failed microphone, and what to show them.

- Venues and corporate planners often keep a short list of AV partners they trust. Ask venue managers how to be added.
- Schools, universities, faith groups and community centers need sound for recurring events and festivals.
- Market and festival organizers need stages, sound and lighting. Offer a site walk and a simple package.
- Hybrid and online events need streaming, cameras and audio. Many hosts are asking for them and do not know whom to call.
- DJs, photographers and planners meet AV needs they cannot cover. Refer jobs in both directions.
- Photos of finished setups, with the venue, the event type and the gear named.
- A sample tech rider or site checklist, showing how you plan.
- A short case study of a problem solved on the day, because clients hire AV vendors for calm.
- Testimonials from venue managers and planners, who talk about punctuality and quiet teams.

## Gear, crew and the hours around the show.

Price from equipment (rental or owned, plus depreciation), crew hours, load-in, setup, soundcheck, the event, strike and transport. Add spares and backups you bring, insurance and storage. Long events need breaks and shifts for crew.

- Sell packages by event type: speaker and mic, band or DJ support, full production, hybrid and livestream.
- Charge for site visits and rehearsal time if they are significant.
- Separate overtime and late-night strikes from the base package.
- Itemize rentals you sub-hire so clients see what is passed through.

## Site visit, power and timing.

A site visit or at least a venue questionnaire prevents most problems. Put in the contract power and rigging limits, the access and load-in window, noise rules, who provides labor, overtime, what happens if the schedule slips, damage and cancellation.

Check your insurance and ask what certificates venues need. This is not legal advice; have your terms reviewed.

## Be the calm one.

- Reply quickly with a short list of questions: event type, venue, headcount, schedule, speakers and music.
- Send a one-page plan with the equipment list and the timeline before the event.
- Ask venue managers and planners for reviews that mention reliability.
- In slower months, take installs, church and school systems, training, hybrid meetings and equipment rental.

## Quotes, contracts and calendar in one place.

Optional.

- A storefront with your packages, case studies and a booking link.
- Send quotes and invoices that customers pay online.
- Contracts for the customer to sign before they pay.
- Keep your insurance certificate on file.

## Questions

**How do I get AV production clients?**

Get on venue and planner lists, approach schools, faith groups and organizers, and show real setups with equipment and a clear plan.

**How do AV companies price events?**

Add equipment, crew, setup, strike, transport and backup costs to your target income, then sell packages by event type.

**What do AV contracts cover?**

Equipment, time windows, power, labor, overtime, damage, insurance and cancellation.

**How do I start an AV rental business?**

Start with a small set of reliable gear for one event type, learn venues' rules and grow your inventory with demand.

## Related

- [DJ guide](https://bzar.app/guides/dj-get-more-gigs)
- [Videographer guide](https://bzar.app/guides/videographer-get-clients)
- [Certificate of insurance for vendors](https://bzar.app/guides/certificate-of-insurance-for-vendors)