When you walk into a conference or large event, you’re probably focused on the amazing set design or the speaker’s words. But it only takes one eye sore on stage to steal your gaze away from the event itself. If you’ve ever noticed a bulky, metal structure with equipment hanging from the frame, you’ve spotted the truss.
A truss is key in audio-visual setups; it provides AV teams with a reliable structure for hanging their equipment. At AV-AMERICA, we see trusses as not only integral to the show, but also an important element of event design. It’s not just about aesthetics; when done right, using a truss can clean up the stage design and support key event functions like lighting and sound, creating a better AV experience for attendees.
Trusses as Stage Design Elements
A truss acts as a foundation for equipment, making it an integral component of stage design. With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn the truss from a bulky, out-of-place object into a barely noticeable design element.
- Unified Structure: Instead of having a truss with multiple small sections, opt for one that is a more connected, unified structure. This simplifies the setup and creates a more cohesive look.
- Get Creative with Shapes: Try designing a truss that is in the shape of a semi-circle, oval, or diamond to add to the visual appeal of the structure. Get creative!
- Dress It Up: Covering the truss with materials such as black velour, white velour, or spandex fabric can reduce its bulkiness and help it blend into the event design. Adding lighting elements to white spandex can create a glowing effect, turning the truss into a central part of your lighting design.
A well-designed truss will meet your needs from a functional standpoint while boosting the aesthetics of your event, making it a win-win for both event design and a better AV experience.
Rigging to Support Event Design
Rigging is the practice of securely hanging and fastening different AV elements to the truss and plays a major role in enhancing the visuals, sounds, and lighting at your event. Optimized rigging can help you with:
- Better Lighting Control: Rigging your light fixtures from the truss will minimize shadows and create an even lighting wash on your stage. This can be difficult to do when using ground support lighting stands in the back of the room. Incorporating a mix of static and moving wash fixtures gives lighting designers greater control over stage resets and adjustments.
- Improved Sound Quality: As your audience size grows, it’s critical that all attendees can still hear what’s happening on stage. Hang speakers or line array systems on the truss to ensure consistent sound distribution. This approach makes it easy for attendees to enjoy clear audio – no matter where they’re seated.
- Space Optimization: Rigging AV equipment like projectors and speakers can open up floor space, allowing you to increase the size of your audience and sell more tickets to your event.
A Top Down Better AV Experience
Gone are the days when bulky trusses take away from an event. By thinking about the truss as an element of stage design, AV-AMERICA can optimize your event’s visual appeal while taking advantage of the sound, lighting, and space benefits that come with rigging. With a well-rounded approach to truss usage and rigging, a better event experience is closer than you think – and it starts with AV-AMERICA!
