When you’re scheduling and running a production or event, whether it’s large or small, production insurance is a key concern and something that must be prioritized. Every freelancer you contract must be insured to protect both themselves and your company as well as your client. On top of that, you need insurance to shield you from liability and protect your equipment in the event it is damaged, destroyed, or stolen.

Managing freelancers for events can be time-consuming and complicated without the proper tools. Without a system that allows you to onboard new freelancers, negotiate contracts, and schedule them for events, the process of freelance management can add to your stress and make it more difficult to create events that will wow your clients and entertain their audiences.

Producing a successful and entertaining experience requires event management. With the right freelancers on your crew, everything will go as planned and the result is a happy client. The best way to ensure smooth sailing is to choose skilled freelancers and assign them to event roles where they can do their best work.

Freelancing in the AV industry is continuing to grow as an integral part to the success of almost every AV company.  In general, freelancing continues to be a growing trend in the US economy with 34% of US workers currently freelancing in some form and this number is expected to grow to 43% by 2020.

 With those stats in mind, AV companies should stay aware of key trends that may affect AV freelancers.  Below are the top 5 trends I anticipate for 2018:

#1.) The Debate About Freelancer Classification And Compliance Will Continue To Be An Issue

Many AV companies know Independent contractor compliance is an important topic and most companies have a general idea of what is required.  However, many AV companies fail to consistently manage and execute a fully-compliant process that aligns with the various state & federal compliance laws.  

If you have a project in Las Vegas with your employees or contractors, be sure to check that they have completed the OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry course.

On May 15th, the Freelance Isn’t Free Act went into effect in New York City.  Below we share important details of the law and what it means for AV companies working with freelancers in New York City.

Tom Stimson wrote an excellent and insightful article yesterday highlighting his answer to What Do Owners Want For Their Business?  It's an excellent read that every owner and senior leader in an AV company should read.  Especially if the company has an established revenue base and is working to set a strategic direction for the future.

He answers the question of what owners want by focusing on five key themes:

1. Cash Flow
2. Profit
3. Growth
4. Satisfaction
5. Harmony

We thought it would be helpful to examine how AV Labor impacts each of these five themes by specifically highlighting opportunity areas and watch-outs based on our 16+ years experience with leading AV companies. 

Every year the Infocomm show brings something new and exciting to the AV industry.  On the show floor and demo rooms, you have the latest technology from the exhibitors. In the classroom, you have new education sessions being offered by some of the best in the business. This year’s show has the most updates I have seen in quite some time. As a live event professional, here are my top 5 must-see items at the show.