A Cohnversation
with Steve Wildemann President, Advanced Staging Productions
Hi, Steve. Always great seeing you out at industry networking events! You have been doing this for a while now. How long has Advanced Staging been around? What got you started in the events industry?
Thanks, Jim. I know I can always count on seeing you at events and appreciate what you do for our industry here in the region. Believe or not, Advanced turned 34-years-old on July 1st and I have been here for 31 of those years, but actually got my start at a small mom-and-pop operation back in 1984 called American Video Company. I had a Communications degree and a recruiter asked me what I knew about AV. I joked “enough to be dangerous” and, one mini- mum wage offer later, the rest was history.
What “thoughts or interactions” do you take back to the office with you after at- tending industry networking events?
I always appreciate the relationships I have made over the years in the industry. Whether it’s folks I have known since the beginning - such as you and your cohorts - or people I
have met recently, it reinforces the fact that relationships are what makes this world go ‘round. And it’s not about trying to get busi- ness all the time. The friendships I’ve made when I don’t expect a business relationship are the ones that end up being the most valuable in terms of introductions and refer- rals. It’s especially evident at events like the PHL CVB Luncheon, which becomes like “old home week,” where I meet people from all points in my career. And the unique part is that it extends to competitors, too.
Audio-visual production can really make - or really break - a conference or an event. What advice do you have to the novice planner who has been tasked the job of producing a company event for the first time?
I would say find a partner you can trust and let them guide you. If they don’t know some- one they can trust, they can just ask you, Jim! Seriously, it is best to let a trusted part- ner give you the right advice and then follow it. You can tell if someone has your best in- terests in mind, and instead of trying to tell
them what you want - because you are likely not an expert - be open and honest with your goals, your client’s goals and your budget, so that they can give you the best bang for your buck. If you are worried that they will over- spend when you’ve already told them your budget, then they likely aren’t trustworthy and you should find someone else.
What are some new or improved AV technologies that you might recommend for planners who handle event and confer- ence planning as a full-time position?
If you have been doing this for a long time and find yourself in a rut, I would say look to LED. I know it has been around for a while now, but some of the innovations and cost reductions recently have created new possi- bilities. Whether it is curved screens or odd shapes to bring your stage look alive, or flex- ible panels or LED tape for a variety of scenic looks, or even vertical signage for your public areas as sponsorship, agenda or wayfinding, the creative options are endless and the prices are making it more attainable.
7 6 Januaryz February2020
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