An AV Glossary for New Event Planners
If you’re an event planner, you already know how many moving parts go into creating a successful event. From catering and décor to speakers and schedules, your plate is always full. But when it comes to audio-visual (AV) technology, the specialized language can sometimes feel like a foreign tongue, especially if you’re’ new to the event planning industry.
Knowing key AV terms helps you communicate effectively with your AV team and ensures that you’re all on the same page.
To help, we’ve created this glossary of commonly used AV terms. While this is far from comprehensive, it’s a good foundation.
PROJECTION
Front Projection vs. Rear Projection – With front projection, the projector sits in front of the screen, so is seen by the audience. With rear projection, the projector is placed behind the screen, hidden from view. Rear projection requires more space but eliminates shadows when someone walks in front of the screen.
Aspect Ratio – The proportional relationship between width and height of a screen or image. Common aspect ratios are 4:3 (standard definition video) and 16:9 (high, or ultra-high definition). Matching the aspect ratio to your content is important to prevent black bars on the edges or a distorted perspective.
SOUND
Mixer (or Soundboard) – A central control panel that adjusts sound levels, tone, and inputs from microphones, instruments, or playback devices. Think of it as the “command center” for your event’s audio.
Wireless Microphone – A mic that transmits sound without cables. Options include handheld, lavalier (clip-on), and headset microphones. Each has advantages depending on whether your speaker is standing at a podium, walking the stage, or leading a hands-on session. While wireless microphones are generally a great choice for most events, they have the potential for signal interference, they are dependent on batteries, and they typically have higher cost
Feedback – That loud, high-pitched squeal caused when a microphone picks up its own amplified sound.
VIDEO & DISPLAY
LED Wall – A large, seamless video display made up of smaller LED panels. LED walls are bright, dynamic, and visible even in full daylight—perfect for high-impact visuals at large events.
Confidence Monitor – A screen placed facing the presenter, typically showing notes, slides, or timing cues. This ensures your speaker stays on track without turning their back on the audience.
Switcher – A device that allows the AV team to change between sources, such as slides, live video, or pre-recorded clips, smoothly and professionally.
Teleprompter – A device designed for reading a script while maintaining eye contact with the audience.
Digital Signage – Digital video displays used for signage. The advantages of digital signage is are more environmentally sustainable and each digital sign can be programmed with multiple messages “on the fly,” with no need for pre-printing.
Image Resolution – The number of pixels in the image typically expressed as the number of horizontal pixels times the number of vertical pixels. For example, a 16:9 video display is 1920×1080. These numbers are often referred to as the resolution. If you are trying to project an image such as a photo, and its resolution is much below that, the image will appear pixelated and unclear.
LIGHTING
Wash Lighting – A broad, even spread of light used to illuminate the stage, or set a mood across a large area.
Uplighting – Lights shining toward the ceiling, placed along the length of walls, curtains or backdrop to create ambiance or visual interest, as well as to incorporate branding and color elements.
Spotlight – A focused beam of light used to highlight a person or object. Perfect for drawing audience attention where it matters most.
Gobos – A small, stenciled disc made out of metal, plastic or glass that can be placed within a LEKO lighting fixture to create a distinctive projected pattern on backdrops, walls, and floors. These can be an inexpensive way to project any image or company logo onto any surface
Color Temperature – The “warmth” or “coolness” of light, measured in Kelvin. Warmer light (yellow/orange) creates a cozy feel, while cooler light (blue/white) looks crisp and modern.
CONNECTIVITY & BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Rigging – The process of suspending AV equipment (such as lights or speakers) from trusses or ceilings.
Latency – A delay between the source and output, such as when live video appears slightly behind the action. AV teams work hard to minimize latency so everything feels seamless.
Load-In/Load-Out – The time scheduled for AV teams to set up and tear down equipment. Event planners should always include this in the timeline.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Knowing these AV terms gives you the confidence to collaborate smoothly with your technical team. The more fluent you are in “AV speak,” the easier it is to anticipate needs, avoid miscommunication, and deliver an event that shines—literally and figuratively to create the polished and professional function everyone wants. If in doubt about how to achieve something specific, your AV team are your ‘go-to’ partners in achieving your goal!
