Sound and lighting for events: a guide to making technical decisions and choosing AV solutions

In event planning, sound and lighting for events are far more than technical details — they are the tools that transform an event into a real experience. Whether you are organising a corporate event, a gala dinner or a brand presentation, knowing how to make the right technical decisions in these two areas can mark the difference between a well-executed event… and a truly memorable one. 

In this article, we go beyond the typical “why they matter” explanation to help you answer a much more decisive question: how do you choose the right AV solutions for your event? You’ll discover which technical criteria to consider, which mistakes to avoid and how to identify the ideal AV partner. 

We also include a real audiovisual event production case study to inspire you. This practical guide is designed to help you confidently decide on a sound system and lighting for events, with no guesswork involved. 

Why sound and lighting for events are the keys to a successful experience 

When we talk about event impact, we often think about content, speakers or stage design. But the reality is that around 90% of an attendee’s sensory experience is built through sound and light. Poorly adjusted lighting or a badly equalised sound system can ruin the atmosphere, make messages hard to follow or even drive audiences away. 

Audiovisual event production with well-planned sound and lighting doesn’t just improve aesthetics, it directly affects: 

• Audience attention and retention 

• Brand positioning and professional perception 

• The effectiveness of presentations and keynote sessions 

• The emotional atmosphere and lasting memory of the event 

That’s why making the right decisions in these areas is a strategic step as well as a technical one. 

Key factors to assess the sound and lighting for your event’s needs 

When planning an event, choosing the right sound equipment and lighting is not an aesthetic or budget-driven decision — it’s a technical and strategic one. Below are the main factors to keep in mind when assessing your needs based on event type, venue and communication goals. 

What should you consider when defining the ideal sound system for your event? 

Choosing the right sound system depends on several variables including audience size, type of content, acoustic environment and space layout. Sound system rental for a conference is not the same as for a gala dinner or an outdoor event, for instance. 

Key criteria include: 

• Power and coverage adapted to the venue 

• Type of microphones (wireless, lapel, handheld, headset…) 

• Portable or fixed systems depending on setup requirements 

• Clarity and even sound distribution, with no reverberation issues 

Selecting the right sound equipment rental ensures intelligibility, comfort and a seamless experience for every attendee. 

How to design event lighting based on your objectives 

Well-designed lighting can transform a neutral venue into a scenic experience, convey emotion and reinforce brand identity. Some essential considerations include: 

• Colour temperature based on the desired atmosphere: warm lighting (between 2700K and 3200K) creates intimate, elegant and welcoming environments. This is ideal for gala dinners, cultural events or immersive experiences. Cooler temperatures (5000K and above), on the other hand, convey modernity, clarity and energy, making them a common choice for product launches, tech events or corporate stands with a more futuristic aesthetic. 

• Fixture direction and beam angles to create depth and volume: light positioning defines how shapes and spaces are perceived. Front lighting softens features and reduces shadows, making it ideal for conferences and speeches. Side or top lighting adds contrast and texture — perfect for fashion shows, live performances or theatrical staging where visual drama matters. 

• Use of LED technology for flexibility and sustainability. 

• Synchronisation with video content, sound and stage design. 

If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend this article that explains how to choose the perfect lighting fixture for your event. It is based on both technical and creative needs. 

How the venue impacts sound and lighting in audiovisual event production 

The type of venue plays a decisive role in the technical setup needed. For example: 

• High ceilings or complex structures require higher-output lighting fixtures. 

• Glass surfaces and reflective materials affect acoustics and sound clarity. 

• Hybrid or live-streamed events require a more advanced AV approach. 

• Load restrictions or rigging limitations require lightweight, modular solutions. 

All of this must be analysed with your AV partner from the very beginning. The key is to adapt the technical design to the space — not the other way around. 

Common mistakes when planning sound and lighting for events (and how to avoid them) 

Poor technical planning can compromise the entire event. Here are some common mistakes and how professional AV solutions help prevent them: 

• Skipping a technical site inspection: every venue has unique conditions that affect setup and final results such as ceiling height, load limits, natural light, acoustics and access points. These factors directly influence sound and lighting for events, depending on the space. 

• Using unsuitable sound or lighting equipment: incorrect colour temperature, insufficient speaker coverage or poorly chosen microphones are common issues that negatively affect both atmosphere and message clarity. 

• Lack of specialised technical support: even the best sound equipment is ineffective without proper installation and fast on-site response. The technical crew is a core part of any successful audiovisual event production. 

At Novelty, our technical team is involved from concept to execution, ensuring flawless delivery with no margin for error. 

Case study: immersive sound and lighting for events 

One of the best ways to understand the true impact of high-level audiovisual production is through real projects. Novelty Spain was responsible for the full technical audiovisual production of La Nit d’Ulls del Món, held at the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site and organised by Fundació Ulls del Món. 

For this charity event, the challenge was to create an emotional atmosphere without overwhelming the audience, supporting the event’s storytelling through technology. We designed a flexible scenic lighting setup, combining static fixtures with dynamic LED projectors. At the same time, we implemented an immersive sound system with wireless microphones and distributed speakers optimised for both institutional speeches and live music performances. 

The result was a fully immersive experience where technology delivered the message, creating a powerful sensory impact with no distractions. 

If you’re planning an event and need expert technical guidance, Novelty is happy to support you from concept to execution by delivering tailored solutions for lighting, sound system rental and full audiovisual event production.