AI isn’t just a buzzword or a futuristic ideal anymore, especially in the world of audio-visual (AV) event production. It’s already reshaping how we plan, produce, and deliver live events to audiences. From automating repetitive tasks to transforming the kinds of interactive experiences brands can offer their clients, AI is here to stay—and this is just the beginning. But like any transformative technology, AI is also causing some disruptions in the industry.
The AI revolution comes with short-term tradeoffs that event producers, AV technicians, and creative teams need to weigh carefully. This article takes a clear-eyed look at what’s already changed, what’s currently evolving, and what’s next for brands and AV teams.
AI has moved from development labs into the field. It’s already affecting just about every modern industry, and AV workflows are no exception. AI-powered tools can analyze audio signals to reduce noise pollution and echo, optimize camera color and exposure in real time, and even generate visual and audio content that you can present on stage.
Live captions and multi-lingual subtitles are more accurate than ever, allowing organizers to open major events like the 2026 world cup with translations that make global audiences feel connected.
Planning and logistics have also evolved, streamlining the design and pre-production process and making it more cost-effective. AI-driven scheduling, task tracking, and stage planning help AV teams identify resource conflicts. Meanwhile, AI tools also enable smooth, automated camera tracking for presenters, which leads to smoother streams.
Here are just a few of the many ways AI is used in the event AV space:
AI automation models have improved a lot just in the last year, which has allowed for more reliable functionality. Camera operation, lighting cues, and audio mixing all become more refined and less labor-intensive, especially as AI continues to learn and adjust according to user preferences.
AI has a number of positive implications for viewers and operators alike. From real-time closed-caption generation, to multi-lingual outputs, to hands-free voice commands, this technology can bring people together and improve the audience experience. In-depth data analysis also provides event planners with valuable information on audience behavior and preferences, allowing them to continuously fine-tune their approach with each event.
AI substantially reduces overhead costs and logistical inefficiencies. Automated AI tools take care of tedious and repetitive tasks, freeing up time so technicians can focus on more complex and creative management duties.
AI can implement predictive maintenance and machine learning to monitor equipment function and instantly identify problems. This saves time on equipment assessment and maintenance tasks, ensures the technology is working as it should, and extends equipment lifespan.
Automation does replace certain tasks, especially those that involve lots of repetition like transcription or basic camera operation. But AI also introduces new, more specialized roles for workflow designers, data specialists, and systems integrators. AV companies and event planners need to think carefully about how to introduce AI for cost savings without losing key talent and that human touch.
Using AI for facial tracking and collecting audience analytics raises serious privacy and security concerns. Even an anonymized database isn’t perfectly secure, especially at public events or in restricted industries. You always need to follow local privacy laws, disclose the use of AI and cameras with clear signage, and be respectful of every audience member.
AI may save time and money, but it uses a lot of energy. Training and running AI models—especially at scale—leads to a large carbon footprint and significant energy consumption. Sustainable AV companies need to carefully balance the need for efficiency with compliance issues and environmental concerns.
Generative tools are ideal if you want to handle repetitive tasks quickly, create professional-looking videos, or write copy for schedules or task tracking based on targeted prompts. But branding relies on differentiation, and AI isn’t capable of coming up with truly novel ideas—at least not yet. If you want to connect with your audience and avoid that mechanistic, repetitive flavor that AI always seems to have, you need to keep the human spark.
So far, AI handles lots of AV production elements pretty well, but it performs them all separately. For example, you might use an AI editor to create a video with an AI avatar to introduce your event in multiple languages. You might also take advantage of automated lighting systems and audience analytics. But these are all done via separate tools that rarely communicate with one another.
In the future, expect AI to move deeper into the realm of decision-making, integrating these distinct elements into a more cohesive AI side-kick for event planners and producers to rely on. But wherever AI takes us, companies that keep human beings in the driver’s seat will have the advantage, because human audiences connect best with human ideas—at least for now.
The impact of AI on the AV industry isn't slowing down. In fact, the growth of AI is getting exponentially faster, smarter, and more influential. As with any revolutionary technology, AI comes with benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to stay informed about AI and how it’s shaping industries. That’s how you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure you’re ready to make the most of the tools at your disposal.
Catalyst is all about combining technology with a uniquely human touch. We use AI-based tools to elevate human-focused AV designs, not replace them.
Get in touch to tell us about your next event and learn more about our approach to AI.
AI isn’t just a buzzword or a futuristic ideal anymore, especially in the world of audio-visual (AV) event production. It’s already reshaping how we plan, produce, and deliver live events to audiences. From automating repetitive tasks to transforming the kinds of interactive experiences brands can offer their clients, AI is here to stay—and this is just the beginning. But like any transformative technology, AI is also causing some disruptions in the industry.
The AI revolution comes with short-term tradeoffs that event producers, AV technicians, and creative teams need to weigh carefully. This article takes a clear-eyed look at what’s already changed, what’s currently evolving, and what’s next for brands and AV teams.
AI has moved from development labs into the field. It’s already affecting just about every modern industry, and AV workflows are no exception. AI-powered tools can analyze audio signals to reduce noise pollution and echo, optimize camera color and exposure in real time, and even generate visual and audio content that you can present on stage.
Live captions and multi-lingual subtitles are more accurate than ever, allowing organizers to open major events like the 2026 world cup with translations that make global audiences feel connected.
Planning and logistics have also evolved, streamlining the design and pre-production process and making it more cost-effective. AI-driven scheduling, task tracking, and stage planning help AV teams identify resource conflicts. Meanwhile, AI tools also enable smooth, automated camera tracking for presenters, which leads to smoother streams.
Here are just a few of the many ways AI is used in the event AV space:
AI automation models have improved a lot just in the last year, which has allowed for more reliable functionality. Camera operation, lighting cues, and audio mixing all become more refined and less labor-intensive, especially as AI continues to learn and adjust according to user preferences.
AI has a number of positive implications for viewers and operators alike. From real-time closed-caption generation, to multi-lingual outputs, to hands-free voice commands, this technology can bring people together and improve the audience experience. In-depth data analysis also provides event planners with valuable information on audience behavior and preferences, allowing them to continuously fine-tune their approach with each event.
AI substantially reduces overhead costs and logistical inefficiencies. Automated AI tools take care of tedious and repetitive tasks, freeing up time so technicians can focus on more complex and creative management duties.
AI can implement predictive maintenance and machine learning to monitor equipment function and instantly identify problems. This saves time on equipment assessment and maintenance tasks, ensures the technology is working as it should, and extends equipment lifespan.
Automation does replace certain tasks, especially those that involve lots of repetition like transcription or basic camera operation. But AI also introduces new, more specialized roles for workflow designers, data specialists, and systems integrators. AV companies and event planners need to think carefully about how to introduce AI for cost savings without losing key talent and that human touch.
Using AI for facial tracking and collecting audience analytics raises serious privacy and security concerns. Even an anonymized database isn’t perfectly secure, especially at public events or in restricted industries. You always need to follow local privacy laws, disclose the use of AI and cameras with clear signage, and be respectful of every audience member.
AI may save time and money, but it uses a lot of energy. Training and running AI models—especially at scale—leads to a large carbon footprint and significant energy consumption. Sustainable AV companies need to carefully balance the need for efficiency with compliance issues and environmental concerns.
Generative tools are ideal if you want to handle repetitive tasks quickly, create professional-looking videos, or write copy for schedules or task tracking based on targeted prompts. But branding relies on differentiation, and AI isn’t capable of coming up with truly novel ideas—at least not yet. If you want to connect with your audience and avoid that mechanistic, repetitive flavor that AI always seems to have, you need to keep the human spark.
So far, AI handles lots of AV production elements pretty well, but it performs them all separately. For example, you might use an AI editor to create a video with an AI avatar to introduce your event in multiple languages. You might also take advantage of automated lighting systems and audience analytics. But these are all done via separate tools that rarely communicate with one another.
In the future, expect AI to move deeper into the realm of decision-making, integrating these distinct elements into a more cohesive AI side-kick for event planners and producers to rely on. But wherever AI takes us, companies that keep human beings in the driver’s seat will have the advantage, because human audiences connect best with human ideas—at least for now.
The impact of AI on the AV industry isn't slowing down. In fact, the growth of AI is getting exponentially faster, smarter, and more influential. As with any revolutionary technology, AI comes with benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to stay informed about AI and how it’s shaping industries. That’s how you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure you’re ready to make the most of the tools at your disposal.
Catalyst is all about combining technology with a uniquely human touch. We use AI-based tools to elevate human-focused AV designs, not replace them.
Get in touch to tell us about your next event and learn more about our approach to AI.
Are you planning a shareholder meeting, conference, product launch, trade show, or other type of major event? You need to make sure the production value matches the quality of your event’s content. Working with a reliable, proven leader in audio visual event production like Catalyst ensures your event runs smoothly, exceeds the expectations of your audience, and has the impact you want.
Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation, learn more about our services, and tell us about your event.
We work events both nationally and internationally. No matter where you are, Catalyst can come to you.
(818) 818-6117
info@thecatalystcompanies.com