Skip to content
414-223-4380
[email protected]
trimarq logo
  • Home
  • Work
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Video Events

The Importance of Proper Preparation

October 20, 2011  by Betsy Johnson

We were recently hired by a client to work on the creative design of their show and to direct the show on-site. There was an existing vendor who was to provide all of the production equipment.  Though this isn’t our usual way of working an event, we trusted the client and the event seemed like a fun one to be involved with, so we signed on.

The company that provided the equipment was a reputable one which had worked many events and had a history with the client.  Everything went well right up to the day of load-in.  Trucks pulled up to the docks and dozens of cases filled with production equipment filled the ballroom.  Our technical director noticed that the equipment, rather than all being from the contracted company, was largely sub-rented from other equipment vendors.

Cases of equipment fill the Wisconsin Expo Center before a large event for our client.
Lots of cases of equipment for a large-scale show at the Wisconsin Expo Center

Sub-renting gear is a common occurrence.  When equipment companies have multiple jobs at one time they don’t always have the inventory to fill all the equipment needs, so they supplement it with gear from other companies. With that said, when our technical director saw the sub-rented equipment, he wasn’t concerned. Turning to the person leading the load-in, he simply asked, “Who performed the quality control check on the sub-rented equipment?”  Unfortunately, the blank stare he received was the beginning of a very long and painful load-in.  While much of the sub-rented equipment was fine, there were a number of items that were supplied incorrectly or that simply didn’t work.

The experience, professionalism, and quick thinking of our crew on the show ultimately saved the day. However, the cost of overtime to the client, sleepless nights, and stress on the entire production team were significant.

Equipment at a smaller-scale show in a hotel ballroom

When equipment is sub-rented on our jobs, it is always opened and quality checked before being allowed onto the trucks.  As event professionals, we have seen many speakers at our clients’ shows talking about the importance of quality control and delivering products that work. Just like in the worlds of our speakers, successful event production is as much about preparation as it is about execution.

Soundboard
Posted in Event ProductionTagged audiovisual, av, business theater, conference, contract, equipment, event production, hotel, in-house, meeting, outsource, preparation, theatre, tri-marq, trimarq

Post navigation

Previous: In-house AV vs. Outside Vendors
Next: Get to Know the Banquet Captain
Tri Marq vimeo Tri Marq youtube Tri Marq facebook Tri Marq linkedin

Blog

  • Make Your Events Stretch Beyond the Stage | On-Site Content Production
  • Meet the Staff | Shane Hoeft
  • Clarity in Motion | The Power of Animated Explainer Videos
  • Meet the Staff | Betsy Johnson
  • Mix it Up | Making Repeat Venues Feel Fresh

Contact

Headquarters:

507 S. 2nd Street, Suite 145
Milwaukee, WI 53204

+1 (414) 223-4380
[email protected]

Instagram

Numotion's staff came together in Dallas this mont Numotion's staff came together in Dallas this month for the Numotion Operations Summit hosted at the Gaylord Texan. In addition to the Tri-Marq team handling on-site event production, our video crew shot footage of the show that was edited on-site to create a video recap of the program.

#eventproduction #trimarq #onsitevideo #instantav
WPS held its Management Meeting at the Madison Mar WPS held its Management Meeting at the Madison Marriott South in Madison, Wisconsin. The theme of this year’s meeting was looking toward the future with ‘Vision 2030.’ Combining LED panels, titan tubes, and projection screens, we were able to keep the brand look and visual experience at the forefront without sacrificing budget.

We’re honored to be a partner of WPS for the last 8 years as show producers. For this event, in addition to handling pre-production and stage and lighting design, the Tri-Marq team was on-site managing all run-of-show duties

#eventproduction #trimarq #madisonwi
Coming together outside of work is one of the thin Coming together outside of work is one of the things we look forward to most at Tri-Marq. With so much of the year spent traveling or working remotely, it’s special to gather in person to build camaraderie, trust, and friendships that carry over into everything we do.

This summer’s outing took us on a Gameday Tour with @citytoursmke, starting with lunch at @bluebatkitchen and wrapping up with incredible views at @indeedmilwaukee Uptop. A big congratulations to this year’s G.O.A.T trophy winners, and a big “Thank You!” to our whole team for bringing their energy both on the road and off.
What sets Tri-Marq apart? A commitment to excellen What sets Tri-Marq apart? A commitment to excellence that keeps our clients coming back year after year. We've had the pleasure of working with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) for 30 years and counting!
Our latest Meet the Staff blog features Tri-Marq V Our latest Meet the Staff blog features Tri-Marq Video Editor Shane Hoeft. Get to know Shane at the link in our bio!
With animation's unique ability to make complex co With animation's unique ability to make complex concepts digestible, motion graphics and explainer videos often go hand-in-hand. Read about how Tri-Marq uses the power of animation in explainer videos for our clients in our latest blog, link in bio! ✈️

Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved. Tri-Marq, LLC