Here's the Wow: 7 Top AV Trends for 2014 from the AV Experts

Example of all-white staging for events

#1: The all-white set: Is this is 'Apple Store' syndrome? Clients are requesting all-white events featuring big, borderless white screens to project onto. Photo courtesy Media Stage for the staging with thanks to Philippe Bellaich, Producer CVFC Paris.

Example of all-white staging for events

The 'all-white' look also calls for white drape, white carpets and white furniture. Photo courtesy Media Stage for the staging with thanks to Philippe Bellaich, Producer CVFC Paris

Example of all-white staging for events

More all-white at work. Photo courtesy Media Stage for the staging with thanks to Philippe Bellaich, Producer CVFC, Paris.

Example of an unconventional stage shape for an event

#2: Unconventional stage shapes are hot.

Example of an unconventional stage shape for an event

Geometric stage shapes are a hit.

Example of an unconventional stage shape for an event

The unconventional screen shapes often have projection fabrics such as Aglo applied to them.

Example of an unconventional stage shape for an event

And another exciting stage.

Example of pixel mapping for special events

#3: Pixel mapping, which refers to mapping images on large surfaces such as the side of a building, is huge. Here, a rendition of 'Summer Mountain.'

Example of pixel mapping for special events

This pixel mapping image is 'Light Waterfall.' Pixel mapping is also referred to as video mapping or projection mapping.

Example of pixel mapping for special events

'Dragon' pixel mapping.

Example of pixel mapping for special events

'Dance Party' pixel mapping.

And the other top trends:

#4: Touch-screen technology: This is being used more and more to modernize events, and has the ability to transform presentations.

#5: Multi-screen display presentation software: Utilizing software that handles multiple projectors, or other display devices like video walls, plasma screens, etc. within a computer network, meeting planners can leave a jaw-dropping impression on event attendees.

#6: Branded charging stations: This is increasingly popular not just at conferences, but all types of events. Branded (with sponsor advertising) charging stations allow people to change their devices, while turning these stations into a mini-networking environment as attendees huddle around their devices while they charge.

#7: Large-scale video installations: Bigger is becoming better--companies are seeing video screens going from 40’ x 15’ to 62’ x 15’ to 120’ x 15’.

“We feel these trends are important for planners to know about and understand because this is the direction the AV industry is headed towards,” says Bob Daniels, president of the Rental and Staging Network. "Incorporating technology enhancements into meetings, events and conferences has become a big part of what planners are looking for when hiring an AV company, so it’s important planners are aware of trends and shifts in the industry.”

For the blog post "How well do you know your AV team?" from Bob Daniels, click here.