Mastering the Art of Noise

Elevate your event’s sound experience 

If you don't remember your sound experience at your last event, that's probably a good thing. It’s usually the bad experiences that stand out—screeching or nonworking microphones, loud music, and awkward silence.

As an audio engineer, I love music, and my standards for sound quality may be slightly higher than the average listener's. Being a creative and keen observer of people, I realize that an audience’s sound experience can make or break an event's success.

Sound quality and management are paramount, whether it is a corporate seminar, a wedding, or a large-scale concert. In this blog, we explore three critical aspects of sound in events: the importance of clear audio for communication, the impact of music on the atmosphere and engagement, and the technical considerations that ensure smooth sound delivery. These elements are essential for creating an immersive and engaging experience for attendees, making sound one of the most critical factors in event planning.  

Clear Communication

Clear audio is essential for effective communication during events. Even for just a simple announcement, the clarity of sound directly impacts how well the message is received. According to a study by the Event Marketing Institute, 67% of event attendees report that poor sound quality negatively affects their experience. The best events have high-quality microphones, well-placed speakers, and professional sound engineers who can adjust audio levels in real time. For example, in a large conference room, strategically placing speakers around the venue ensures that sound reaches all corners without distortion. Proper sound management also includes minimizing background noise and ensuring that all audio equipment functions optimally, which is crucial for maintaining audience attention and engagement.  

Remember that deaf or hard-of-hearing audience members may require support to enhance their experiences. Incorporate registration questions about accommodation needs and check with registrants to assess which special requests you can address. 

Music 

Research indicates that 76% of event professionals believe music is critical in creating the desired ambiance at an event. The choice of music and its volume also play a significant role in setting the tone and enhancing the atmosphere of an event. Music can influence mood and energy levels, making it a powerful tool in event management. For instance, upbeat music can energize a crowd during a product launch, while softer, more ambient sounds might be more appropriate for a networking event.

Sound engineers carefully manage the timing and volume of music to complement the event’s schedule, such as lowering the volume during speeches or announcements. Also, depending on the event, an introduction song may be prepared for someone’s entrance. Nevertheless, curated playlists and soundtracks, combined with expert volume control, can significantly enhance the overall attendee experience. Check your audience makeup to choose tunes that resonate, or go with a simple lo-fi music playlist.

"Sound is vital for entertainment. Sound engineers create high-quality audio for audiences. A great FoH engineer is talented in both arts and science. Hands-on knowledge is worth its weight in speakers."  

Karl Winkler, Vice President at Lectrosonics

Sound Engineers 

The technical aspects of sound delivery are vital to ensure that everything runs smoothly during an event. This includes everything from sound checks to ongoing equipment monitoring during the event. A survey by EventMB found that more than half of event planners encountered sound issues during their events, proving the importance of having experienced Sound Engineers. Karl Winkler, Vice President at Lectrosonics, stated, "Sound is vital for entertainment. Sound engineers create high-quality audio for audiences. A great FoH engineer is talented in both arts and science. Hands-on knowledge is worth its weight in speakers."  

These professionals are responsible for managing the soundboard, adjusting levels based on room acoustics, and quickly resolving any technical problems. If a microphone fails during a presentation, a skilled technician can immediately switch to a backup, minimizing disruption. Investing in high-quality sound equipment and experienced personnel not only ensures the technical success of the event but also enhances the overall quality of the experience for attendees. 

Coordination

An attentive sound engineering team is an event manager’s dream come true. Given a detailed run of the show, a presentation with cues for transitions, and a preferred playlist, an experienced engineer can keep the event running and adapt to cover a multitude of errors and mishaps even when the planner is otherwise occupied. 

If you don't have a professional sound engineer in your budget, don’t fret. Due to sometimes limited capacity and resources, our team has run events with less experienced audiovisual volunteers. We can attest that with coordinated efforts, this model can work, too.  

Whenever possible, the HWE team meets with the audio-visual team, volunteer or paid, at minimum a day in advance. In an ideal scenario, we plan alongside the team for weeks ahead of time, especially for live stream or hybrid events, since the in-person and virtual sound experiences can differ significantly. In addition to the event manager, it is essential that other volunteers, such as mic runners who field online questions and amplify in-person audience questions, establish a rapport with the sound booth early. 

Sound management is a fundamental element of event management that requires careful planning and execution. From ensuring clear audio for effective communication to using music to set the right tone and managing the technical aspects of sound delivery, each component plays a critical role in an event's success. To ensure your next event is a resounding success, consider scheduling a consultation with HWE by visiting https://www.hollinwright.enterprises/contact. Investing in professional sound management is an investment in the quality of your event.  

References

 Top 50 Event Statistics: Essential Knowledge I Sweap. https://www.sweap.io/en/blog/event-planning-statistics 

The Key Events Industry Statistics That Matter. https://meetings.skift.com/event-statistics/ 

ProSoundWeb. https://www.prosoundweb.com/quotable-quotes-pro-audio-people-say-the-darndest-things/