Join us live, online at the MPI Academy for your next certification. The MPAC Certification was developed to address event professionals' lack of clarity regarding audiovisual equipment, labor needs, contract negotiations, and more. This session will get you up to speed with AV technology, terminology, and make you more comfortable working with both your AV vendor and clients/speakers.
We will delve into each area of basic AV, including audio, video, and lighting. We will also discuss other event-related technology like speaker timers, slide advancers, and recording technology. We will also touch on things like rigging, electric, internet, and budgets. We will discuss working with AV companies and common mistakes in your bidding/purchasing process.
What will you learn over these 4 hours?
Module 1 – Mastering AV Needs Assessment A deep dive into defining goals, understanding room requirements, and gathering accurate specs so you can request and evaluate AV properly.
Module 2 – Audio Fundamentals for Meeting Professionals Explains microphones, DI boxes, laptop audio, line arrays, fallback speakers, and how to request audio setups that actually work for your event.
Module 3 – Technical Gear Essentials (Video, Screens & Projection) Breaks down the practical differences between LED walls, projection, scenic video tricks, multi-screen illusions, and creating high-impact visuals on any budget.
Module 4 – Scenic Design & Room Transformation Strategies Shows how scenic elements—both budget-friendly and advanced—can dramatically transform a space, including creative examples using screens, fabric, and lighting.
Module 5 – Creative Risk-Taking & Using Specialty Technology Demonstrates how unique ideas like motion graphics, holographic effects, LED structures, and scenic innovation can elevate events while balancing practical limitations.
Module 6 – Understanding the RFP Process Teaches how to create accurate AV RFPs by providing timelines, rehearsals, room needs, and all required specifications so vendors can quote correctly.
Module 7 – Venue Drawings, Room Layouts & Fire Marshal Requirements Covers CAD drawings, AV footprints, rigging points, and how to collaborate with venues to ensure accurate layouts that meet safety and capacity requirements.
Module 8 – Production Schedules & Content Management Outlines how to build production schedules, manage vendor coordination, collect speaker materials, and prepare presentations and embedded media correctly.
Module 9 – Site Inspections & Venue Technical Evaluation Provides a checklist of questions to ask during site visits about lighting control, power access, loading docks, cell coverage, and other critical venue details.
Module 10 – Electrical, Internet & Contract Negotiation Essentials Explains power drops, internet requirements, bandwidth needs, and negotiation strategies for avoiding hidden in-house AV costs.
