Maneuvering the Differences and Similarities Between AV Projects

 

The professional AV industry ranges far and wide, from film, television, and concert tours, to corporate events, weddings, and hotel AV. That’s a lot of different roles in different situations with one common goal: a great audience experience. To stay ahead of the curve, AV professionals have to learn how to work with all facets of people so that they feel empowered to do their best work, said independent creative designer Robert Hickman. He is a designer and producer for lighting, video, graphic/web/print design, and audio production, as well as today’s guest on the Pro AV Podcast.

During his 10 years in the industry, Hickman has worn a lot of different hats, including working as the stage manager for Christian music group The Newsboys, with Matthew West and Reach Records Artists as their touring designer, theater event manager, account manager, and even security guard for concerts.

“I’ve been that guy sitting all night, guarding a door from intruders and protecting the one or two people that are going to be walking through that door,” Hickman said with a chuckle. He’s worked his way up and has since branched out to form his own company.

Working for clients like Elite Multimedia, Hickman said clients and artists are part of the creative challenge that he loves in his work.

“Being able to work with an artist who really cares about the look and feel really pushes your boundaries to say ‘OK, maybe we can do that,'” Hickman said. “My goals, after all, are to compliment their vision and provide visual strength to help deliver their message.”

On the podcast, he breaks down how to find opportunities in the unexpected of the AV industry, what the common challenge for every project is, and why focusing on the people will deliver a more quality design and installation.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Pro AV Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication. A new episode of the Pro AV Show drops every Thursday.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @ProAVMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

contamination
What’s One Detail Teams Often Miss in Contamination Control
December 23, 2025

In contamination-controlled environments, teams often focus on cleaning frequency and protocols while overlooking a more foundational question: what microorganisms are actually present. Without proper microbial identification, facilities risk choosing disinfectants that are poorly matched to their real contamination threats, undermining even the most rigorous cleaning programs. For manufacturers like Benchmark Products, this gap highlights…

Read More
cleaning
Has Your Home Cleaning Game Leveled Up Since Joining Benchmark
December 23, 2025

Joining a company that lives and breathes cleanliness can subtly transform daily routines, especially at home. For families with young children, having access to high-quality cleaning products isn’t just about sparkling surfaces—it becomes part of a broader strategy to navigate cold and flu season with a bit more confidence. In that sense, Benchmark Products…

Read More
industry shifts
How Critical is it To Keep Up With Client Needs and Industry Shifts
December 23, 2025

In highly regulated industries, keeping pace with client needs and industry shifts isn’t optional—it’s foundational to trust. For Benchmark Products, staying ahead of evolving regulatory guidance means translating complexity into clarity, helping customers remain compliant without slowing their operations. By shouldering that burden and proactively adapting products or processes, Benchmark positions itself not just…

Read More
broadband as a service
2025 Broadband Year in Review, Part 1
December 23, 2025

In this episode of Wavelengths, the Amphenol Broadband Solutions podcast, host Daniel Litwin sits down with Alex Rozek, Founder and CEO of Mac Mountain, to unpack the defining shifts that shaped the broadband industry in 2025 and what they signal for the years ahead.  As the industry approaches the end of 2025, broadband looks markedly different…

Read More