In this somewhat spicy episode of the Event Tech Podcast, hosts Brandt Krueger and Will Curran dive into the contentious issue of in-house AV pricing and exclusivity contracts. They discuss the recent trend of significant price hikes, sometimes up to 300-400%, and the increasing prevalence of strict exclusivity clauses in venue contracts. The hosts offer insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of in-house AV company contracts, and provide advice for event planners on how to navigate these challenges.

Discussions Include:

• The recent surge in in-house AV pricing and its impact on event budgets
• The mechanics of revenue-sharing agreements between venues and in-house AV companies
• Strategies for event planners to negotiate better deals and maintain flexibility in vendor choices
• The importance of thoroughly reviewing venue contracts before signing

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):
"There's no incentive for the venues to fix it. There's no incentive for the in-house AV companies to fix it. And we can't fix it. The only people that can are you, the planners." - Brandt Krueger

"Let's be honest, there's a lot of people planning events who are not listening to things like the Event Tech podcast, learning about these tips and tricks. And that's why this is happening." - Will Curran

"I will always be happy to look at your ... venue contracts, because that's where you get nailed. People are looking at '25, '26, '27 for their venues and they're signing now." - Brandt Krueger

"If you are struggling with 100% increases, 200% increases, 300% increases in your AV bill, it doesn't have to be that way, but only you can stop paying too much for AV." - Brandt Krueger

And to whoever "the guy" is that hassled Will for using the phrase about before signing being negotiation and afterward being begging, let's talk. If you can prove you're the source, happy to attribute it to you from now on. Pretty confident that lil' nugget's been around for a while, and advanced metasearching doesn't attribute it to any one person. Happy to be wrong, though!

Brandt Krueger and Will Curran discuss the current state of the event industry job market, exploring the influx of returning professionals, the impact of AI on hiring processes, and strategies for standing out in a competitive landscape. They delve (I really do use that word - BK) into the growth of the events sector, the shift towards specialized roles, and the importance of adapting to new technologies.

Discussions Include:

• The resurgence of professionals returning to the events industry post-COVID
• The impact of AI on job applications and hiring processes
• The growing emphasis on high-touch, immersive events in marketing strategies
• The balance between generalist and specialist roles in the evolving job market

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

• "It's not AI that's going to come for your job. It's going to be someone who knows how to use AI that's going to come for your job." - Brandt Krueger (though we both say it all the time now, I just happened to be the one in this episode- BK)
• On why people are coming back to the industry: "Event people are fun. And, you know, there's so much love in the industry, even amongst competitors. Friendpetitors!" - Brandt Krueger
• "If you're looking for a job, if you're a freelancer or someone who's looking for a full-time position, AI is gonna be your friend." - Brandt Krueger
• "Never stop learning. I mean, we talk about this all the time, it's obvious, but this is just a reminder that if you right now are sitting here and you haven't learned something new in the last year that is like game changing, you think is life changing, right? It's probably time ... this is your call to action." - Will Curran

Brandt Krueger and Will Curran check in on the highlights of CES 2025, discussing innovative technologies and their potential impact on the events industry. They explore sustainable tech, AI advancements, and futuristic concepts while emphasizing the importance of looking beyond immediate products to long-term possibilities.

Discussions Include:

• E-ink digital posters and their potential use in event signage
• Nvidia's AI advancements and personal AI computers
• Sustainable technologies like paper-based batteries and salt-simulating spoons
• The future of cameras and privacy in smart homes and devices

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

• "Look for the breakthrough concepts, not the breakthrough products." - Brandt Krueger
• "I love this idea that you can toss it in your garden and this is going to decompose." - Will Curran, on paper-based batteries
• "Do I think we'll ever reach a point where we're just OK with having cameras everywhere? Maybe someday, but I mean, it's not going to be soon." - Brandt Krueger
• "I was watching it and ... I was like yeah, there wasn't very much stuff that made me go 'My God! Take my money right now!'" - Will Curran