You’re Not Stuck With In-House AV

Planning a corporate event at a hotel or convention center comes with enough decisions to make. The last thing you need is someone telling you that your AV partner has already been chosen for you.

Here’s something many planners don’t realize: you have options when it comes to audiovisual services. Even when a venue strongly suggests their in-house provider, you typically have the abilitly to bring in a partner like Cadence Studios.

Why This Matters for Your Event

Working with a boutique AV partner means you’re not just another event on the schedule. At Cadence Studios, your event is our priority—not the ballroom next door, not the three other events happening simultaneously in the building.

When you’re locked into an in-house provider, you’re often getting divided attention from technicians juggling multiple events. You’re working with whoever is available that day. And you’re paying premium pricing because you have no other choice. Oh, and that one small thing you need for your event to be successful, like a slide clicker, but didn’t make it onto the work order? They’ll send you a bill for that if you can find a technician to hunt one down for you. Eventually.

With Cadence Studios, you get a dedicated team focused entirely on your success, typically at significant cost savings compared to captive in-house rates.

The Real Story Behind “Exclusive” Contracts

Many venues have preferred or in-house AV providers. That makes sense from their perspective. But “preferred” doesn’t always mean “required.”

Some venues will present their in-house services as the only option, but if you ask the right questions, you’ll often find there’s flexibility. Other planners simply assume they have no choice and never explore alternatives.

What You Gain With Cadence Studios

Choosing Cadence Studios over an in-house provider isn’t just about service quality. It’s about partnership and value.

As a boutique AV company, we have the flexibility to tailor our approach to your specific needs. We’re not bound by rigid venue policies or standardized packages. We listen to your vision and build solutions that work for you—not what works best for facility operations.

You also gain a true advocate. When you work with an in-house team, their loyalty is divided. They work for the venue first. When you work with Cadence Studios, we work for you. Period. When decisions need to be made quickly during your event, you’ll have a partner who’s unquestionably on your side.

And let’s talk about cost. In-house providers often charge premium rates because they know you feel like you have no alternative. Cadence Studios typically delivers significant cost savings while maintaining exceptional quality. You’re not paying for the convenience of being the only option—you’re investing in a partner who has to earn your business by delivering value.

How to Navigate the Conversation

If you’re planning an event and want to bring in Cadence Studios, start the conversation early.
Review your venue contract carefully. Look for language about AV services, exclusive agreements, or technical requirements. If something’s unclear, ask for clarification in writing.
Be prepared to explain why you want to use an outside partner. Venues are often willing to accommodate when they understand you’re looking for focused attention, flexible solutions, and better value.

We can help with this conversation too. Cadence Studios has worked in venues across the country and we know how to navigate these discussions professionally. We can provide insurance certificates, technical specifications, and references that help venues feel comfortable with the arrangement.

The key is having a choice. You should make the decision based on what’s best for your event, not because you didn’t realize you had options.

Your Event, Your Partner

At the end of the day, you’re responsible for delivering an exceptional event. You deserve to work with a partner who makes your success their top priority.

Don’t assume you’re locked into a venue’s preferred provider. Ask questions. Explore your options. Consider working with Cadence Studios—a boutique partner who will focus entirely on your event, offer the flexibility you need, and typically save you money in the process.
When you work with an AV partner who’s genuinely invested in your success, it shows. Your attendees have a better experience. Your message comes through clearly. And you can focus on what matters most: creating moments that resonate long after the event ends.

That’s the kind of partnership Cadence Studios delivers.