Event and venue AV consultant
Advise venues and event organizers on sound, screens and lighting, and run the kit on the day.
- C$4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You plan and supply sound, projection, screens and basic staging for conferences, weddings, community halls and venues. You may also advise venues on permanent upgrades.
Your first three steps
- Pick a niche such as conferences, weddings or community venues and set package prices
- Start with a small kit of speakers, mixer, microphones and a projector, or rent extra gear for bigger jobs
- Introduce yourself to local venues and event planners and offer to work a trial event at a reduced rate
Who pays
Event planners, venues, hotels, community groups, churches, schools and corporate organizers.
How it makes money
Day or event rates for planning, equipment hire and on-site operation. Venue consulting is a project fee.
Skills that help
- Live sound and projection basics
- Event planning and logistics
- Problem solving under time pressure
- Lifting and setting up gear
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance and cover for your equipment in transit and at events
- A suitable vehicle, and storage space for gear
- Safe rigging and working at height, check any training or venue rules before hanging equipment
- Venue noise bylaws and any permit requirements, check with the municipality
- Busy weekends and quiet winter months, plan for seasonal income
- Check the rules on hiring staff, including WCB/WSIB coverage in your province
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: event and venue AV consultant
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an event AV business in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how much sound, projection and staging equipment you buy and whether you already have a suitable vehicle and storage space for your gear.
How much can an event and venue AV consultant earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many events you book. Busy weekends and quiet winter months can make income seasonal, so plan your cash flow for slower periods.
What rules should I check before starting an AV business?
Check commercial general liability insurance and equipment cover, venue noise bylaws and permits with your municipality, any training or venue rules for rigging and working at height, and WCB/WSIB coverage in your province if you hire staff.
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