Attendee Expectations: How AV Shapes Event Experiences
Leah Wean
SVP, Customer Experience
Live events can be described in many ways, but one thing we know for sure is this: Experience is Everything.
How do attendees feel walking out of the opening session? Are they thinking, “Here we go again—same old event…” or are they grinning ear to ear, phones out, capturing moments they can’t wait to share with coworkers and loved ones?
Attendees today want impact, not just information. They want to feel inspired. They want to be immersed in their environment and connected to each other. And increasingly, we’re seeing that AV isn’t just a supporting role in those experiences—it’s the heartbeat of the entire event.
Yes, expectations vary. But at Pinnacle Live, we anchor to one constant: people remember how you made them feel. That’s why we train our teams to create personalized, immersive experiences powered by seamless AV. When we bring a customer’s vision to life—through lighting, sound, visual storytelling, or livestreams—we’re helping meet an attendee’s deepest expectation: to feel fully present and emotionally engaged in the moment.
AV also shapes the experience before the first attendee even walks through the doors. From pre-event renderings and visualizations, to a collaborative sales process, we’re already setting the tone. During the event, crisp audio, dynamic visuals, and interactive technology take center stage. And afterward? Highlight reels, shareable content, and post-event follow-up complete the journey.
AV is more than just what you see or hear—it’s what people feel. Every light, every sound, every scenic choice sets a tone. When it’s intentional, AV becomes the emotional layer of the event, helping attendees connect to the message, the space, and each other.
This is why it is so critical who we plan with, and when we start. When AV professionals are brought in early—right alongside event planners and venue teams—we’re able to design for impact, not just logistics. It’s in those early conversations that alignment is built, challenges are anticipated, and the attendee experience begins to take shape.
