Prestige Labor Solutions (PLS) provides skilled AV labor for conferences, expos, galas, and corporate events in Atlanta, Nashville, Las Vegas, Chicago, Texas, and many cities across the nation, staffing vetted audio, video, and lighting technicians.
What Is AV Labor and Why Do Events Need It?
AV labor refers to the technicians and crew members who install, operate, and remove the technical systems behind a live event. Some roles are highly technical, such as mixing audio or programming lighting. Others are physical, such as loading cases, running cable, and assisting with setup. Most productions need both.
Hiring qualified AV labor matters for three reasons:
- Time: Venue load-in and load-out windows are short, and delays affect rehearsals and doors.
- Equipment: Audio consoles, LED walls, projectors, and lighting fixtures are expensive and easily damaged by poor handling.
- Quality: Guests judge an event by what they see and hear. Audio dropouts, video errors, and uneven lighting reflect directly on the host.
How Does PLS Vet Its AV Technicians?
PLS has provided AV labor with more than 1,200 shows completed, and works with a network of 9,000 technicians. Before joining the network, each technician goes through a skills check, a minimum experience requirement, and insurance verification. PLS crews have worked on a number of conferences, expos, galas, and corporate meetings.
What AV Positions Does PLS Provide?
PLS staffs technical and general positions across audio, video, lighting, and general crew. The table below spells out each position, what the role does, and when a production typically needs it.
| Position | What they do | When needed |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Engineer (A1) | Mixes the show, manages the audio system, and is responsible for overall sound quality. | Any program with microphones, playback, or live music, such as keynotes and galas. |
| Audio Engineer (A2) | Supports the A1 by handling stage patching, microphones, and signal troubleshooting. | Events with several presenters, wireless microphones, or a busy stage. |
| Audio Lead and Audio Stagehand | Direct and assist with audio setup, cable runs, and equipment placement. | Load-in, setup, and strike of audio systems. |
| RF Coordinator | Manages wireless microphone and communication frequencies to prevent interference. | Events with many wireless microphones or intercom channels. |
| Video Engineer (V1) and Video Lead | Run the video system, including switching, signal routing, and display output. | Any show with cameras, multiple screens, or video switching. |
| Graphics Operator (V2), Playback Operator, and Record Operator | Run slides, graphics, video playback, and recordings. | General sessions with presentations, roll-in videos, or recording. |
| Streaming Engineer | Manages livestream and hybrid event delivery. | Livestreamed or hybrid events. |
| LED Engineer and LED Stagehand | Set up and operate LED walls. | Productions with LED wall backdrops or video walls. |
| Projectionist, Teleprompter Operator, E2/S3 Engineer, and Video Shader Operator | Handle projection, speaker prompting, screen management processors (Barco E2 and S3), and camera color and exposure matching. | Large productions with multi-screen layouts, scripted speakers, or camera feeds. |
| Video Stagehand | Assists with video equipment setup and cabling. | Load-in, setup, and strike of video systems. |
| Lighting Director (LD) and Lighting Engineer (L1) | Design cues and program and operate the lighting console. | Shows with programmed lighting, stage looks, or live cueing. |
| Lighting Lead and Lighting Stagehand | Lead and assist with fixture setup and focus. | Hanging, focusing, and striking lighting fixtures. |
| Master Electrician (ME) | Manages power distribution for the lighting system. | Productions with large lighting rigs or heavy power needs. |
| Spotlight Operator | Follows speakers and performers during the program. | Stage programs, award shows, and performances. |
| AV Technician and AV Technician Lead | Provide all-around technical support across systems. | Smaller events, or as general support across audio, video, and lighting. |
| Camera Operator | Operates cameras for live feeds and recording. | Livestreams, live video on screens, and recorded sessions. |
| Stagehand, Stagehand Lead, and Crew Lead | Handle setup, strike, and crew direction. | Every load-in and load-out. |
| Loader/Pusher, Steward, and Extra Hand | Provide additional support for loading, moving equipment, and general assistance. | Heavy load-ins, dock work, and short-handed crews. |
How Much Does AV Labor Cost?
AV labor cost depends on four main factors. Technical positions such as an A1 audio engineer or a lighting director are billed differently from general stagehands, so the mix of positions matters as much as the headcount. The factors are:
- Position: Technical roles and general crew roles carry different rates.
- Hours: The length of the call, including any minimum number of hours per shift.
- Day of the week: Weekend and holiday work can be priced differently from weekday work.
- City: Local labor markets and venue requirements affect the rate.
Current rates are listed on the PLS rate sheet.
What Should I Send PLS to Get the Right Crew?
Accurate information leads to a better crew match. PLS asks clients to share as much detail as possible, including the gear list, diagrams, agenda, venue, and load-in, show, and load-out times. The gear list tells PLS which skills the crew needs, and the agenda shows when each position is required.
How Do I Book AV Labor with PLS?
Submit your event details on the Request Crew page or call Kyle at (954) 228-5155. You can review pricing on the PLS rate sheet and explore the full range of AV labor services before you book. Send your request as early as possible, and include your gear list, agenda, and venue details.
AV Labor FAQ
How much does AV labor cost?
AV labor cost depends on the position, the number of hours, whether the work falls on a weekend or holiday, and the city. Technical roles such as an A1 audio engineer or lighting director are billed differently from general stagehands, and many crew calls carry a minimum number of hours. Current rates are on the PLS rate sheet.
How far in advance should I book AV technicians?
Book as early as possible so PLS has time to match the right positions to your gear list and agenda. Larger productions with several audio, video, and lighting positions need more lead time than a single-room meeting. Send the gear list, agenda, venue, and load-in, show, and load-out times with your request.
What does an A1 audio engineer do?
The A1 is the lead audio engineer. The A1 mixes the show, manages the audio system, and is responsible for overall sound quality, from microphones and playback to speaker output. On most productions, the A1 works from the mixing console and directs the rest of the audio team, including the A2.
What is the difference between an A1 and an A2?
The A1 is the lead audio engineer who mixes the show and manages the sound system. The A2 works on stage, handling microphones, wireless packs, patching, and monitors. Small events can use one engineer for both jobs, but conferences with multiple speakers or panels need both.
What AV positions do I need for a conference?
A typical mid-size conference needs an Audio Engineer (A1), an A2, a Video Engineer (V1), a Graphics Operator (V2), a Lighting Engineer (L1), Stagehands, and an AV Technician Lead. Larger events add Camera Operators, a Streaming Engineer for hybrid programs, an RF Coordinator, and breakout room technicians. Send PLS your agenda and gear list, and the team will recommend the right crew.
Where does PLS provide AV labor?
PLS provides AV labor nationwide, including Las Vegas, Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. If your city isn’t listed, request a crew and PLS will confirm availability.
Can I book AV labor on short notice?
Short-notice requests may be possible depending on crew availability in your city, so submit your request as early as you can. Include the gear list, agenda, and venue details, and use the Request Crew page or the contact information above for urgent needs. The more complete the information, the faster PLS can match qualified technicians.
Conclusion
A successful AV production depends on qualified people as much as on equipment. If you need dependable AV labor, including audio, video, and lighting technicians, for your next event in Atlanta, Nashville, Las Vegas, Chicago, Texas, and many cities across the nation, contact Prestige Labor Solutions and request a quote.