Technical questions?
Start with the right advice.
Practical help with sound, screens, lighting and event production. Explore the decisions that matter, find a useful guide and talk to Hillside when you're ready to work out the details.
Not sure where to begin? Follow the steps.
Explore your project type and follow a topic link straight to a useful guide. You do not need to specify equipment before speaking to someone.
New to planning AV?
You don't need to know the equipment. These guides will help you define what you're trying to achieve and explain it to an AV supplier.
Different projects. Different decisions.
Explore the areas where audio, visual and lighting come together — and the practical questions to think about before your project begins.
Events
From corporate conferences and outdoor festivals to weddings and public events. Consider sound coverage, visibility, lighting and the venue.
Events & festivalsBusiness & corporate
Productions
For performances and live shows, sound, stage lighting, visuals and technical operation all need to work together at the right moment.
Performance & entertainmentEvent production
Installations
Lighting, projected visuals and technical systems for venues, buildings and creative spaces need planning around the site and intended result.
Lighting & effectsVideo, screens & projections
Find a practical answer to your next question.
Nine focused guides covering initial planning, equipment choices and what to consider when you're arranging technical support.
How to work out what AV you need
Start with your audience, venue and intended result rather than equipment specifications.
Read the guide ↗ Outdoor eventsPlanning AV for an outdoor event
Think through the site, sound, weather and logistics before the day.
Read the guide ↗ Audio & soundWhat size PA system do I need?
Understand why audience, space and use matter more than a single size figure.
Read the guide ↗ Visual systemsProjector, LED screen or video wall?
Compare display approaches for different spaces and viewing requirements.
Read the guide ↗ ConferencesConference AV checklist
Key considerations for microphones, speakers, presentations and running the event.
Read the guide ↗ CelebrationsWedding sound and lighting guide
Think about speeches, music, atmosphere and the different parts of the day.
Read the guide ↗ Project briefingWhat to tell your AV supplier
The useful information to share, even if you don't know the technical terminology.
Read the guide ↗ On-site logisticsEvent, power, access and set-up
Plan for the practical considerations that can affect equipment and crew.
Read the guide ↗ Levels of supportHire only or fully-managed production?
Decide how much assistance you may want with delivery, operation and production.
Read the guide ↗From useful advice to practical support.
Once you have a clearer idea, explore the technical services that may be relevant. You can request one discipline or combine several.
Planning for a particular audience? Explore who we help, including weddings and celebrations, sport and public events, or see the full What We Do overview.
Areas served & equipment delivery
Hillside is based in Castlemorton, near Malvern, supporting events across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, with UK-wide travel for suitable projects. Equipment delivery is free within a 20-mile radius of Castlemorton; mileage charges apply beyond that radius. Installation, crew and technical support are quoted separately where required.
You don't need to know the kit.
Tell Andy what you're planning, what the audience needs to see and hear, and where it is happening. Hillside can help identify sensible audio, visual and lighting options and the right level of technical support.
Talk to Andy about your projectThe best solution depends on your venue, event and priorities. A conversation can help you avoid hiring more than you need — or missing something important.