2026 brings about many new challenges for live events, so you may find yourself asking, “how do I find the best AV provider for my event?” The truth is not all AV teams are created equal, but you will know the difference when you have the right AV partner. If you’re frustrated with the cost or service from in-house AV, or considering a change because your current provider is only executing on part of their promises, these tips are for you.
When you look for a new handy man, gardener, or plumber what’s the first thing you do? Ask for references, right? If you can't find any good references you might use Google for references and read reviews to help you make an informed decision on who to hire. Similarly, when you are looking for or talking to a new AV company a great way to get an understanding of the value they provide, their quality of service, and what it is like to work with them is to ask for references.
The internet is a wild fast-paced environment in 2026 with the advancement in AI-technology, so it continues to be your best friend when looking for AV references to call.
If companies refuse to show you their past work, chances are they’re not confident in running a solid event. This would be a major red flag and you should avoid working with them. You want to work with a company like Clarity that has an epic and diverse portfolio of past events.
Seeing is believing, and this is by far one of the best ways to qualify an AV company.
Get a behind the scenes look at what it’s like at the event and see a live show first hand. Walk the room during "dark hours" and see the capabilities of the equipment in the room and the technicians working that show.
When you’re looking for a new AV provider it’s helpful to be upfront. Let the person you’re talking to know what’s important to you, what’s less important to you, and what your fears are. Put everything on the table, because it will bring you more information to make an informed decision.
Changing AV providers seems scary, but hiring the right AV provider will make your job less stressful. Knowing your AV team isn't another thing to worry about will free up your time to add more value into your event while they work on your behalf.
Events in 2026 are a different game. If your AV provider is still operating like it’s 2018, you’re gonna feel it real fast.
Ask them about things like:
Hybrid event capabilities and live streaming quality
LED walls, projection mapping, and immersive tech
Real-time content delivery for social and on-site screens
Sustainability practices like energy-efficient equipment and reduced waste
Redundancy plans in case something goes sideways
Also, speed matters now. Attendees expect things to just work. No delays. No awkward pauses. A strong AV provider in 2026 is part production team, part tech partner, and part problem solver that should do the thinking for you, not just reacting when something breaks.
In our experience, Clarity has been able to provide more value and better service to our clients for the same price as in-house or other AV providers.
If you’re not happy with the results of the AV on your event or you are looking for a consistent AV partner across all of your events, contact us. We’re here to help you find an AV experience that doesn’t add to the stress of the #6 most stressful job in America!