Bob Reed, Author at Stage Right

Recurring AV Issues: Best Practices for Reliable Audio Visual Experiences

Bob Reed September 17, 2025 No Comments

TL;DR AV problems keep recurring because providers set up the gear and disappear. The solution is treating AV as a real partnership — with clear performance standard upfront, onsite technical…

Building Better Presentations: Show Ideas with Visual Design and Standardization

Bob Reed June 3, 2025 No Comments

TL;DR Most presentations fail because slides are crammed with too much data, tiny fonts, clashing colors, and pointless animations. The fix: lead with your conclusion (not your buildup), use large…

Strategic Lighting: How to Craft the Right Event Atmosphere

Bob Reed April 16, 2025 No Comments

Strategic lighting choices can transform your space into one that matches the desired atmosphere.

Wired for Profit: How Electrical Markups Drain Event Budgets

Bob Reed January 29, 2025 No Comments

TL;DR Venues often treat electricity as a profit center where surprise power charges can blow an event budget. The defenses: get power estimates from your production partner early; always request…

Event Staging vs. Stage Craft: Know the Difference

Bob Reed November 4, 2024 No Comments

TL;DR Two related but distinct disciplines. Event staging is the big picture — the overall layout, lighting, sound, decor, and flow of the entire venue. Stage craft is the specialized…

Corporate Event Production: How to Balance Wants and Needs in Your AV Budget

Bob Reed October 28, 2024 No Comments

TL;DR Every event budget is a tug-of-war between what you need (clear audio, solid visuals, proper lighting) and what you want (projection mapping, holograms, laser shows). Start by locking down…

Main Streams: How to Keep Virtual Event Participants Connected

Bob Reed October 8, 2024 No Comments

TL;DR Hybrid events are now the norm, but a glitchy or dropped stream will send virtual attendees straight to the exit. Success starts with defining your requirements upfront — audience…

The Hidden Cost of Getting Into Your Own Event

Bob Reed September 25, 2024 No Comments

TL;DR When you can access your event venue is an overlooked budget killer. Early setup, off-hours access, weekends, and union labor rules can all trigger surprise costs. The fix: negotiate…

Are Audiences Missing Crucial Information? Here’s How To Capture and Hold Attention

Bob Reed May 7, 2024 No Comments

TL;DR Most presentations lose audiences for the same reasons: insider jargon that alienates non-experts, slide after slide of dense data with no visual variety, and endings that never land the…

What Determines the Need for Advanced Event Production Help?

Bob Reed April 22, 2024 No Comments

While advanced AV can enhance the conference, it's essential to find a balance between achieving your goals and staying within budget.

Author: Bob Reed