Although it is quite possible that as attendees we are not familiar with rigging for events, The truth is that we have all seen the results of placing this type of structure. I'm sure you remember an event where there has been surprising, different, intense and/or brilliant lighting, right?
When it comes to corporate events, rigging elements are usually somewhat "hidden" so that they are not so obvious to the audience, usually placed above their head, close to the ceiling. However, there are different rigging structures and ways to set them up. If you are a professional event organiser, you may well have heard about these structures from your trusted AV service provider on occasion.
The rigging elements for events, are very frequently used at all kinds of trade fairs, conventions, outdoor events, workshops, etc, as they allow for the highest quality lighting and sound, giving a professional look and feel.
They are very popular solutions as they allow The system is able to achieve good lighting and sound, adapting to the characteristics of the space and allowing greater flexibility for the technicians.
What is rigging for events?
Rigging is a metal structure that audiovisual production teams use to hang the different elements of lights, loudspeakers, curtains, cables, servomotors, etc, you will need for the event.
You should know that despite the imposing nature of this type of structure, this is the safest and most practical way to achieve lighting and sound effects during an event.
Rigging structures allow audiovisual equipment to be mounted on the ceiling of the space, i.e. above the head of the audience, giving a more cleaner result and with the collateral effect of avoiding accidents., as they are placed at the top of the stage, there is no need to place them on the floor or the sides of the stage, thus the areas where attendees pass through are avoided.
However, you should always be aware that before deciding on the best option for an event, a professional audiovisual team conducts a technical visit. Not all event spaces are the same. It is therefore necessary to analyse whether and where there are mounting points, as well as the dimensions and ceiling height. Depending on the characteristics of the space where the event is to be held, different solutions can be chosen.
Most common types of rigging for events
The truth is that although every event space is different and before deciding on a type of rigging, we should always know the characteristics of the space, there are several rigging options that tend to be repeated in almost all spaces.
Rigging with chain motors
This is one of the options that can be found on a fairly regular basis. Chain-driven rigging is going to be structures that have a device that has chains with a steel hook at each end. This element is attached on one side to the ceiling and on the other side either to the truss piece or to the top of the audio system.
Rigging with ground-supported truss
The first thing to know is that this option is one of the simplest. It is usually used when two characteristics meet: that the space where the event is to be held has a lower ceiling height than the other options require, and that lights need to be mounted where there is no mounting point.
This option is very popular for small loudspeakers or TV screens that you do not want to place on the ceiling or on the floor.
The importance of safety when it comes to event rigging systems
As you have seen in this article, there are many factors that come into play when deciding which rigging system best suits the space to be used, the type of lighting and the type of event to be held. Therefore, personalised advice from an experienced professional is essential.
It is important to know that there is no room for improvisation in the assembly of this type of structure. Various calculations and safety checks are carried out prior to installation.
That is, when we talk about rigging, Safety will be one of the main aspects to be taken into account, as they are very heavy structures which, if not assembled correctly, can entail huge risks. This means that, as we have already mentioned, it is not advisable to assemble these structures without prior advice, knowledge and experience, so it is necessary to have A professional audiovisual supplier who can guide and advise you throughout the planning and set-up process of your event is essential. This way, you will be able to avoid possible mistakes and even accidents, saving time both during the previous organisation of your event and during its production.
Are you planning your next event? If so, please do not hesitate to contact us.
