Frequently Asked Questions About AV & Lighting Services
Questions from corporate event planners, wedding coordinators, venue managers, and Singapore businesses — answered honestly. If you don't see what you're looking for, call us directly.
Planning & Booking
How far in advance should I book AVL Services for my event?
We recommend booking 4–6 weeks in advance for complex events (concerts, large corporate galas, conferences with multiple rooms) to allow time for site surveys, detailed equipment planning, and crew scheduling. For smaller corporate presentations or simple installations, 2 weeks is usually sufficient. That said, we understand events happen quickly — contact us immediately even for urgent requests, and we'll do our best to accommodate. We've successfully deployed equipment for same-day and next-day projects, though lead time impacts pricing and equipment flexibility.
How much lead time do you need for setup and breakdown?
Setup time varies: simple audio/lighting for a 50-person meeting = 1–2 hours. Multi-room corporate event with video walls and lighting = 3–5 hours. Large concert or exhibition with complex rigs = 6–10 hours or more. Breakdown typically takes 50–75% of setup time. We always include realistic setup/breakdown windows in your proposal. Venue access and coordination with other vendors affect timelines — we work closely with event planners and venue managers to ensure smooth logistics.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 30+ days before the event incur a 10% fee to cover planning and potential equipment holds. Cancellations 15–29 days out = 25% fee. Cancellations less than 14 days = 50% fee. Full payment is due within 7 days of event if cancellation occurs within a week of the scheduled date. Postponements to a future date (same year) may incur a smaller fee depending on crew rescheduling. We understand plans change — communicate early, and we'll work with you to minimise costs. Check your contract for specific terms; we're flexible for legitimate circumstances.
What's the payment schedule?
Typical payment: 40% deposit to secure the date upon contract signature, 30% due 2 weeks before the event, and the remaining 30% due in full 48 hours after event completion. For high-value events (over SGD $10,000), we may request additional milestone payments. For events under SGD $3,000, full payment due 1 week prior. We accept bank transfer and cheque. Payment terms are flexible for established corporate clients — discuss when you inquire.
Pricing & Quotes
What's included in your AV rental packages?
It depends on your package, but typically includes: equipment (speakers, microphones, projectors, screens, lighting, control systems), delivery and setup, technician attendance during the event, and breakdown. We don't charge separately for basic setup time in-venue (usually included for events under 4 hours). Premium packages include pre-event rehearsal, on-site sound check, dedicated audio/lighting technician, and extended support. We always provide detailed quotes breaking down each component. Custom packages are our standard — no two events are identical.
How is pricing determined? Do you offer fixed packages or custom quotes?
Pricing depends on several factors: equipment type and quantity, event duration, venue size and complexity, crew hours, setup/breakdown time, and technical requirements. We provide custom quotes, not fixed packages, because every event is unique. A boardroom presentation setup is priced very differently from a 2,000-person concert stage. Submit an inquiry with your event details, and we'll respond within 24 hours with a detailed breakdown. We're transparent — you'll see exactly what you're paying for.
Do you charge for site surveys or technical consultations?
Initial consultations are always free. If you'd like an in-person site survey (which we strongly recommend for complex events or unfamiliar venues), we may charge a survey fee of SGD $200–400, depending on travel and complexity. However, this fee is often waived if you proceed to book — discuss this when you inquire. For clients within 15 km of our Singapore office (which includes most of Singapore), surveys are frequently complimentary for events above a certain budget threshold.
Equipment & Brands
What equipment brands do you use, and can I request specific brands?
We partner exclusively with premium brands: Bose, Shure, Sennheiser (audio), Midas (mixing), MA Lighting, Clay Paky, Avolites (lighting), Barco, Panasonic (visual), and others. These are the same brands used in broadcast studios, touring shows, and premium venues worldwide. We don't stock budget equipment. If you have a preference for a specific brand or model, let us know — we'll prioritise that in equipment selection or explain any constraints. In rare cases where a specific gear isn't available, we'll suggest equivalents and explain the trade-offs. See our full equipment list →
What happens if equipment fails during my event?
Our crew is trained in rapid troubleshooting and has backup equipment on-site for mission-critical components (microphones, projector bulbs, cables). We carry replacement inventory and maintain close relationships with local distributors for emergency support. In the unlikely event of a critical failure we cannot resolve on-site, we have backup equipment suppliers and can source replacements within hours. Preventative maintenance and redundancy are built into every quote. Ultimately, event success is our priority — we stand behind every deployment.
On-Site Operations
Will AVL technicians be present during my event?
For almost all bookings, yes. We include a dedicated technician or engineer in our standard package — they manage audio mixing, lighting control, slide transitions, and any real-time adjustments. For very simple setups (e.g., a single projector and speaker), a brief pre-event orientation might suffice, but we'll discuss this. For complex productions (concerts, large conferences, multi-venue events), we provide multiple technicians. Your event's complexity and budget determine staffing. We always discuss crew requirements upfront and in your proposal.
What if my venue has unusual challenges (outdoor, humid, rooftop, old building)?
We've tackled Singapore's toughest AV challenges: humid outdoor rooftops (ION Skypark), heritage building power limitations, tight interior spaces, and unexpected structural constraints. We address challenges through: equipment selection suited to conditions (weatherproof audio, specialty mounting), power management planning, cooling/humidity mitigation, and contingency plans. Singapore's climate means we always consider humidity, heat reflection from buildings, and monsoon preparedness. Unusual venues require site surveys — share photos or access details early, and we'll plan accordingly. There are no impossible venues, just venues that require smart engineering.
Services & Capabilities
Do you offer permanent AV installations (boardrooms, offices, churches)?
Yes. We design and install permanent AV systems: conference room setups (video conferencing, presentation screens, audio), corporate boardrooms with integrated lighting control, education/training facility AV, and house of worship systems. Permanent installations involve site assessment, system design, installation, and training. We handle everything from wall-mounted displays to ceiling-mounted projectors to custom control systems. See our permanent installation service →
Can you handle hybrid events (in-person + virtual/livestream)?
Absolutely. Hybrid events are increasingly common, especially post-2020, and we have extensive experience. We set up: multi-camera capture (1–4 cameras depending on scale), live switching/mixing, streaming platform integration (Zoom, YouTube Live, etc.), audience interaction tools (live polls, Q&A), and recording backup. For hybrid success, we recommend: camera positioning so speakers feel seen on-screen, dedicated monitor screens for remote attendees' reactions, and stable internet (we have backup connectivity). Costs are additional to your in-person AV — let us know your expected remote audience size, and we'll design the hybrid experience accordingly.
Do you offer live streaming or recording services?
Yes. We provide: live streaming to YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Zoom, or custom platforms; professional multi-camera coverage; real-time audio/video switching; graphics overlays (lower thirds, logos, countdown clocks); and post-event recording delivery (H.264 or other formats). Pricing depends on camera count, streaming duration, platform complexity, and post-production needs (colour grading, editing, titles). A simple single-camera live stream to YouTube is relatively affordable; a fully produced multi-camera broadcast with graphics costs significantly more. We've livestreamed everything from board meetings to 5,000-person concerts — let us know your vision.
Privacy & Security
How do you ensure data privacy and security during events?
If your event involves confidential presentations, client data, or sensitive company information, we take security seriously. Our crew signs NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) as standard. We don't record without explicit permission, isolate audio/visual feeds from public-facing systems when needed, and secure any captured content. For financial institution events, government functions, or highly confidential corporate activities, we have enhanced security protocols and can provide verified background clearances. Discuss security requirements when you brief us — we'll incorporate necessary measures into the proposal.
Still Have Questions?
We reply to every enquiry within 24 business hours. For urgent events, call or WhatsApp us directly — we're set up for last-minute briefs too.