When planning a leadership summit, the right audiovisual (AV) and stage design partner can make all the difference. These companies ensure your event delivers clear communication, professional visuals, and a striking stage presence. From live streaming to custom stage setups, they handle the technical and creative aspects, allowing you to focus on your message.

Here’s a quick look at the top companies covered:

• Corporate Optics: Comprehensive AV services, custom stage designs, and post-event analytics to measure ROI.
• Starlight Productions: High-quality AV solutions with a focus on immersive visuals.
• Event Horizon Productions: Known for dynamic video mapping and interactive installations.
• Gotham Productions: Strong in hybrid events and small executive setups.
• Summit Event Group: All-in-one solutions with tailored AV packages.
• Merestone: Decades of experience with in-house scenic and AV production.
• Electrosonic: Experts in permanent AV installations and immersive environments.
• Ford AV: Large-scale AV and stage design for corporate spaces.
• Pinnacle Live: AV partner for hotels and resorts, specializing in hybrid summits.

Each company offers unique strengths, from advanced technology to creative stage designs, ensuring your leadership summit leaves a lasting impression. Choose a partner that aligns with your event's goals and technical needs.

1. Corporate Optics

Audiovisual Production Expertise

Corporate Optics specializes in delivering seamless AV production for leadership summits. They handle everything - audio, visuals, lighting, staging, and even presenter support like coaching, rehearsals, teleprompter setup, and script writing. This allows leadership teams to concentrate on their message while leaving the technical complexities to the experts. Pete L., SVP of Marketing, summed it up perfectly:

"They always remain calm (with a smile), have our back, and are prepared for anything."

Stage Design and Scenic Production

Transforming event spaces into visually striking environments is another strength of Corporate Optics. They follow a detailed four-stage process - Discover, Design, Develop, Deliver - to ensure every scenic element aligns with the summit's goals. Their offerings include tailored stage designs, branded installations, curated furniture, and experiential builds that bring a company’s identity to life. Ed D., Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, expressed his confidence in their work:

"Every time we work with Corporate Optics, we know we're in good hands. Their attention to detail and ability to adapt to challenges is unmatched."

Live Streaming and Virtual Event Support

Corporate Optics also excels in creating engaging virtual and hybrid events. They use advanced broadcast platforms, switching systems, and redundant feeds to ensure uninterrupted live streams. Interactive tools like live Q&A sessions, polls, and gamification are integrated to keep remote audiences actively engaged. From pre-event planning to post-event archiving, they ensure virtual attendees have a professional and engaging experience comparable to being there in person.

Post-Event Analytics and Reporting

The value doesn’t stop when the event ends. Corporate Optics provides detailed post-event analytics to measure engagement and ROI. Their AI-powered tools help identify cost-saving opportunities and areas for improvement, turning every summit into a learning opportunity for future events. This data-driven approach ensures leadership summits not only captivate but also deliver actionable insights.

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2. Starlight Productions

Audiovisual Production Expertise

Starlight Productions brings together seasoned professionals from the theatrical and broadcast industries to deliver high-quality audiovisual solutions. Their services include audio design, wireless microphones, intelligent moving lights, LED walls, IMAG, and video switching, all working together to create smooth, polished presentations that captivate audiences.

Their video capabilities stand out with large-format LED displays, video projection, and flat-panel screens, ensuring crystal-clear visuals for corporate presentations. This technical precision forms the backbone of their ability to craft immersive and impactful stage experiences.

Stage Design and Scenic Production

Beyond their technical expertise, Starlight Productions excels in shaping the visual and thematic identity of events. Their creative team translates event ideas into stage designs that amplify your summit’s core message. From custom-built stages to specialized equipment, they ensure every detail aligns with your leadership’s goals, creating a physical environment that enhances the overall event narrative.

3. Event Horizon Productions

Audiovisual Production Expertise

With over 25 years of experience, Event Horizon Productions has built a reputation for producing large-scale corporate events and leadership summits that stand out. Their work goes far beyond basic setups, incorporating dynamic audio, concert lighting, and large-format video projection to craft memorable experiences. What truly sets them apart is their use of advanced video mapping and dynamic LED motion graphics. By projecting visuals onto various surfaces, they transform ordinary stages into immersive environments that bring brands to life. Their technical directors ensure that creative content and cutting-edge technology come together seamlessly, delivering leadership messages with maximum impact.

Stage Design and Scenic Production

Event Horizon Productions takes stage design to the next level, creating experiences that are anything but ordinary. They design and build custom multi-touch screen kiosks and interactive art installations, offering attendees hands-on opportunities that align with the summit’s theme. Their scenic production integrates custom staging, scripting, and video mapping to reshape event spaces into compelling narratives. Headquartered in Maui, Hawaii, they also offer unique gaming packages and team-building activities, adding a layer of creativity and fun to their events. This blend of innovation and versatility ensures their events leave a lasting impression.

Live Streaming and Virtual Event Support

Event Horizon Productions also excels in live streaming and virtual event services, making them a strong choice for hybrid leadership summits. Their custom webcast streaming box is designed to provide high-quality, reliable livestreams from any location, solving common streaming issues. This ensures virtual attendees enjoy a smooth and professional experience. Backed by a full technical team - including technical directors, camera operators, and line producers - they deliver polished events that cater to both in-person and online audiences. Whether on-site or remote, their expertise guarantees a seamless and engaging production.

How to Source an A/V Vendor for Your Next Event - Part #1: Why & When - Logan Clements

4. Gotham Productions

Gotham Productions takes summit production to the next level, combining advanced audiovisual (AV) solutions with carefully crafted stage setups to create a seamless and polished experience.

Audiovisual Production Expertise

When it comes to AV production, Gotham Productions excels in delivering high-quality audio and video for leadership summits. They offer 1080p video recording at $60/hour per camera and 4K/BRAW recording at $75/hour per camera, using professional-grade Blackmagic equipment. Additionally, they provide multitrack audio recording at $10/hour, ensuring every detail is captured for post-event editing. Their ability to integrate remote guests allows for a smooth blend of in-person and virtual attendees, making hybrid events effortless.

For events on the move, Gotham provides travel recording services, bringing studio-level equipment to any location. Each production is supported by an onsite engineer who ensures flawless technical execution, regardless of the venue. Andrea Parkins from Ingredient Insiders shared her experience:

"Gotham consistently delivers a polished, high-quality podcast that meets the expectations of both our team and our audience. Their production support is seamless... Their team is reliable, responsive, and technically excellent".

Beyond their technical expertise, Gotham also focuses on transforming event spaces into professional and engaging environments.

Stage Design and Scenic Production

Gotham Productions enhances the physical setup of leadership events with their three Midtown Manhattan studios: Empire, Chrysler, and Liberty. These studios are tailored for small executive gatherings, accommodating 2–4 people, and are equipped with everything needed for a productive session. For added convenience, they offer a Green Room for $300 per booking, complete with essential amenities and a live TV feed to keep speakers prepared and confident.

Their services extend beyond the event day, covering every aspect of production. From concept development to guest booking and distribution, Gotham ensures a smooth process, including 24-hour turnaround for audio files.

5. Summit Event Group

Summit Event Group provides all-in-one production solutions that combine sound, lighting, video, and staging into a single, cohesive service. This approach eliminates the hassle of juggling multiple vendors, allowing you to focus entirely on delivering your message to your audience [18, 19].

Audiovisual Production Expertise

Summit offers three AV packages tailored to different event sizes:

• Pinnacle Lite: Perfect for small-scale leadership workshops with in-room AV control.
• Pinnacle: Designed for hybrid events that connect on-site and remote participants.
• Pinnacle Plus: Delivers broadcast-quality production for events reaching global audiences.

Each package includes professional audio engineering, sharp sound reinforcement, dynamic lighting, and high-definition video production for both main sessions and breakouts [19, 20, 21].

Their three-step process ensures flawless execution at every stage:

1. Planning & Strategy: Evaluating venue specs and audience needs.
2. System Design & Setup: Creating tailored AV solutions.
3. Live Execution: Real-time monitoring for smooth delivery.

Dan Jansen, the founder of Summit Event Productions, shares his vision:

"What truly motivates me is empowering others to make a lasting impact. That's where my passion lies – in helping our clients use AV technology to amplify their message, monetize their vision and leave a lasting impression."

This seamless AV integration extends naturally into their custom stage design services.

Stage Design and Scenic Production

Summit transforms event spaces into engaging, branded environments with custom stage designs. Their offerings include hydraulic mobile stages, portable setups, and LED walls that bring your event to life [18, 22, 23]. Instead of generic designs, they create setups that reflect your brand and story [20, 21].

Their team handles every detail, from fabrication to execution, ensuring the staging, lighting, video, and audio work together seamlessly for a polished event flow [19, 23].

"To ensure your message has an impact, we ensure your audience is engaged. Summit Scenic Solutions provide dynamic environments immersing your audience."

Live Streaming and Virtual Event Support

For hybrid and virtual events, Summit offers broadcast-quality streaming that connects in-person and remote attendees effortlessly [19, 20]. Their "One Team" approach means all technical aspects are managed in-house, avoiding the risks of third-party miscommunication.

Their services span multiple regions, including Colorado, Texas, Wyoming, Montana, and major cities in the Eastern U.S., such as Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, and New York [18, 20].

6. Merestone

Merestone brings over five decades of event production expertise to the table, trusted by more than 131 Fortune 500 companies. Their production team boasts an average of 24.8 years of experience, and they've been named the #1 Production Company in Arizona. What sets them apart is their fully in-house operation, managing everything from strategy and creative design to scenic fabrication under one roof.

Audiovisual Production Expertise

Merestone’s AV capabilities are impressive, featuring intelligent lighting, immersive projection mapping, 50-foot wide LED walls, and custom audio systems fine-tuned for specific venue acoustics. One standout example is Turo's "Turbo Week", where they utilized their LED wall to captivate over 900 attendees during a four-day event. To ensure flawless execution, they employ 3D modeling and CAD renderings for precise stage design visualizations.

Amy Lindsey from AZ Big Media highlights their impact:

"Their expertise and dedication to excellence have consistently elevated our events. From small gatherings to large-scale conferences, Merestone has consistently delivered top-notch audio/visual solutions."

Their AV prowess drives results: 65% of clients report heightened engagement, and 87% of their projects incorporate projection mapping. This technical expertise complements their custom scenic production services seamlessly.

Stage Design and Scenic Production

Merestone takes pride in crafting custom-branded environments in-house, avoiding reliance on rentals. Their scenic and signage shops create unique designs tailored to each event. For example, at the American Airlines Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas, they orchestrated a two-week summit for global executives. Similarly, at the FASTSIGNS International Convention, they delivered a visually striking stage setting that exceeded expectations.

Their process begins with a collaborative discovery session and detailed 3D renderings. For high-profile events, they recommend site surveys with their Technical Director and Producer to evaluate rigging points, ceiling heights, and power needs. Beyond physical production, Merestone excels in hybrid event delivery, ensuring seamless integration of in-person and virtual elements.

Live Streaming and Virtual Event Support

When the pandemic reshaped the event landscape, Merestone adapted by focusing on virtual production. Mike Duran, Vice President – Marketing Broadline Foodservice at Shamrock Foods, reflects:

"Merestone Productions has been very instrumental in handling our live Expos... Going into virtual was the unknown, something we have never done before. Merestone made Shamrock Foods rise above the rest."

In 2021, they transformed the Modere Social Retail Conference from a 4,000-person in-person event into a three-day virtual experience. By 2023, it evolved into a four-day hybrid event featuring 3D-printed elements and interactive technology. For Forever Living’s "Global Rally", Merestone connected business owners from over 160 countries with broadcast-quality streaming.

Their hybrid event approach includes dual-front planning, studio green screens, high-definition LED walls, and interactive gamification. This ensures both in-person attendees and remote participants stay engaged. On top of that, they offer post-event analytics to measure key outcomes like brand engagement, lead generation, and ROI.

7. Electrosonic

With over six decades of audiovisual expertise, Electrosonic has been at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge projects across 44 countries since its inception on March 3, 1964. The company made history by pioneering video wall technology, installing one of the first major systems at Expo 85. Their approach goes beyond traditional temporary staging by blending design, storytelling, and technology to craft immersive environments. This philosophy underpins their broad range of services, from audiovisual production to stage design and live event support.

Audiovisual Production Expertise

Electrosonic specializes in creating immersive audiovisual experiences that redefine spaces. Their services span the entire project lifecycle, covering design, construction, and ongoing support for complex AV installations. For example, at AT&T Headquarters in Dallas, Texas, they transformed the corporate lobby into an engaging, multi-sensory space. This included multimedia columns, a three-sided video wall, dynamic audio, and a diffused LED ceiling known as "the Veil". Another standout project is the Zoom London Experience Center, where they introduced the world’s first large-scale curved LED wall with integrated infra-red multi-touch technology, paired with collaboration tools and digital signage.

Chris Catlow, Head of Solutions Delivery at Barclays, highlighted their impact:

"Selecting Electrosonic as part of the design team brought enormous benefit to all disciplines. The Electrosonic team identified design improvements architecturally, in lighting, acoustic performance, power and environmental considerations. Particularly impressive is their expertise in workspace ergonomics."

Their proprietary Technology Master Planning™ ensures that AV systems are scalable and interoperable, making them ideal for high-profile leadership summits requiring seamless technical execution.

Stage Design and Scenic Production

Electrosonic excels in integrating audiovisual elements into permanent architectural designs. At Ashurst Project Loop in London, they transformed the headquarters within the historic Fruit & Wool Exchange Building. The project included a multimedia auditorium, a dedicated studio, a media room, and 40 conference and training rooms. Similarly, for the Barclays Global Command Center, they developed custom video walls and collaborative spaces to enable 24/7 global system monitoring.

Their Technology Design Consultants work closely with architects from the initial concept phase, ensuring that lighting, acoustics, and power needs are addressed from the start. This collaboration has led to innovations like "reprogrammable immersive theaters", designed to adapt to various summit formats. Additionally, their focus on energy-efficient designs aligns with LEED and BREEAM standards, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. By combining permanent architectural design with advanced AV technology, Electrosonic creates lasting environments that meet the evolving demands of leadership summits.

Live Streaming and Virtual Event Support

Electrosonic also provides permanent technical infrastructure tailored for hybrid events, including in-house broadcast studios and media rooms. Their Total Workplace Experience integrates collaboration technology to ensure seamless global connectivity. They offer managed services with remote monitoring and proactive maintenance, ensuring maximum uptime during critical corporate events.

Chris Bontempo, Chief Marketing Officer at Johnson Controls, noted:

"Electrosonic had the right partners, knowledge and expertise for the project. Working together as one team, we were able to curate a journey that unveils the versatility and adaptability of OpenBlue smart building technology."

Electrosonic’s global network of architects, storytellers, and content producers ensures that technical systems are seamlessly integrated into physical spaces. This collaborative approach makes them an ideal choice for organizations seeking permanent, in-house broadcasting capabilities for frequent leadership summits, eliminating the need for temporary rentals.

8. Ford AV

Ford AV brings five decades of experience in audiovisual integration to corporate spaces. With a team of 500 professionals across the country, they handle around 700 projects each year, showcasing their ability to deliver precision and impactful solutions for leadership and corporate events.

Audiovisual Production Expertise

Ford AV specializes in creating sound and video systems tailored for critical corporate communications. Their installations feature cutting-edge technology like UHD displays, professional-grade projectors, and large-format Direct-View LED walls, customizable to fit any space. For example, at Capital One's headquarters in McLean, Virginia, they outfitted 20 floors with advanced technology, including over 350 Microsoft Teams Rooms to enhance executive collaboration. Similarly, at Walmart's Sam Walton Hall in Bentonville, Arkansas, they implemented sophisticated AV systems throughout the company's expansive 350-acre training and presentation facility. Their design-build approach includes detailed planning, such as line-of-sight studies and room assessments, ensuring clear visibility for all participants. This careful attention to detail extends to their stage design expertise as well.

Stage Design and Scenic Production

Ford AV elevates events through technical precision in stage design, incorporating elements like theatrical lighting and large-scale LED video walls. At Peterbilt Motors in Denton, Texas, they upgraded an auditorium with a high-performance Planar LED video wall, ideal for hybrid meetings and corporate presentations. Their engineering team ensures that every project addresses critical infrastructure needs, such as achieving clear and precise sound. With a bonding capacity of $50 million, Ford AV is equipped to handle large-scale projects. Beyond stage design, they also lead in live streaming and virtual event solutions.

Live Streaming and Virtual Event Support

Ford AV’s "Meeting Equity" technology ensures seamless and balanced communication across platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex, and Google Meet. At the UT Health Science School of Public Health in San Antonio, they introduced "Hybrid-Ready Learning" systems to support both in-person and remote collaboration. Their managed services include on-site operator support and technical training, ensuring flawless execution during high-stakes events. Ford AV emphasizes the importance of equitable communication, stating:

"Our solutions promote Meeting Equity, ensuring every participant - remote or in-person - has an equal voice".

Additionally, they equipped Marriott International's headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, with advanced technology spanning 785,000 square feet, supporting operations across a network of 8,100 hotels worldwide.

9. Pinnacle Live

Pinnacle Live serves as the go-to audiovisual (AV) partner for nearly 200 hotels and resorts across North America, specializing in creating standout leadership summits. Branding themselves as "Experience Architects", they focus on strategy, adaptability, and customization. Leah Wean, SVP of Customer Experience, puts it best:

"AV isn't just a supporting role in those experiences - it's the heartbeat of the entire event".

Their structured and detail-oriented approach aligns with the high standards seen in other top-tier leadership summit providers.

Audiovisual Production Expertise

From professional audio engineering to video production and stage management, Pinnacle Live uses cutting-edge tools like advanced presentation systems and high-resolution LED walls with projection mapping. Their ability to blend technical expertise with creative design ensures events run smoothly and leave a lasting impression [49,50].

Stage Design and Scenic Production

Pinnacle Live offers highly detailed event space renderings, allowing clients to visualize stage layouts before the event even begins. Their custom scenic designs incorporate elements like LED walls, projection mapping, and branded features such as floor clings and banners. For smaller, more intimate summits, their EDGE agency delivers immersive and interactive experiences [47,48,50,51].

Live Streaming and Virtual Event Support

For hybrid events, Pinnacle Live provides robust virtual platforms designed to deliver seamless live streaming, though planners should use a hybrid event cost calculator to budget for these technical requirements. These platforms also include interactive features like live polls, Q&A sessions, and chat tools, ensuring both in-person and remote attendees feel equally engaged. As Leah Wean explains:

"When AV professionals are brought in early - right alongside event planners and venue teams - we're able to design for impact, not just logistics".

Post-Event Analytics and Reporting

To help clients assess the success of their events, Pinnacle Live offers detailed analytics that track performance against goals. Partnering with Bear Analytics, they also create highlight reels and other post-event materials to maximize the value of summit content and keep the momentum going [48,49,52,53].

Service Comparison Table

Pick a summit partner whose core offerings - AV production, stage design, live streaming, and post-event analytics - align with your event's specific needs.

Company	Audiovisual Production	Stage Design	Live Streaming & Virtual	Post-Event Analytics
Corporate Optics	Staging, lighting, sound, video, presenter coaching, teleprompters	Custom fabrication, immersive sets, and experiential thematic environments	High-quality streaming with redundant signal feeds and platform configuration	Engagement tracking, ROI measurement, detailed reporting

This table highlights key features to consider when choosing a partner for your leadership summit. Look for providers offering secure AV setups tailored for confidential sessions, presenter coaching, rehearsal support, and onstage tools that enhance the experience.

With hybrid events becoming the standard, integrated virtual solutions are essential to ensure both remote and in-person audiences enjoy the same polished and professional experience.

Conclusion

Pick a partner whose expertise aligns with your summit's objectives - prioritize immersive AV solutions and secure communication systems for high-level executive events.

Start with a discovery meeting to outline your event's size, location, and budget. Request 3D renderings to ensure the design aligns with your vision, and look for partners that use AI-driven tools to optimize costs.

Choose providers with certified technicians who have experience handling multi-day events, union venues, and broadcast-quality streaming setups.

Reach out to your AV partner at least six months in advance to schedule site visits and secure equipment. Be sure to plan a full technical rehearsal before the event. Confirm that your partner offers post-event analytics to evaluate engagement and ROI.

Work with seasoned firms that can navigate logistical hurdles and deliver seamless experiences, all while having strong contingency plans in place. With these strategies - and the insights from our service comparison - you'll be ready to select a partner capable of creating an unforgettable leadership summit.

FAQs

What should I consider when selecting an AV and stage design company for my leadership summit?

When selecting an AV and stage design company for your leadership summit, focus on their experience with high-profile corporate events. A strong history of delivering smooth, professional productions - especially for large-scale or hybrid formats - can make all the difference. Familiarity with leadership summits is particularly important, as these events often have unique demands.

Take a close look at their technical capabilities. This includes the quality of audiovisual equipment, stage design, lighting, and tools for audience interaction, such as live polling or Q&A features. If your summit has virtual or hybrid components, ensure they are skilled in live streaming and managing remote participation. These elements are key to creating a seamless experience for both in-person and virtual attendees.

Lastly, evaluate their ability to align with your budget and event objectives. Case studies or client testimonials can provide insight into their creativity, attention to detail, and dependability. A company known for flexible solutions and delivering high-quality results will help ensure your summit leaves a lasting impression.

Why should you use custom stage designs for leadership summits?

Custom stage designs can transform leadership summits by crafting a visually striking atmosphere that reflects your event's branding and objectives. With tailored themes, logos, and visuals, these designs not only captivate the audience but also reinforce the event's core messages, making it both memorable and engaging.

Beyond aesthetics, custom designs provide the flexibility to incorporate advanced audiovisual setups, dynamic lighting, and interactive elements seamlessly. This ensures a sleek, professional environment that enhances presentations and discussions, leaving attendees with a strong, lasting impression while staying aligned with your organization's vision.

How can post-event analytics help improve future leadership summits?

Post-event analytics are key to refining future leadership summits. They provide valuable insights into how attendees engaged, how well the event performed, and how effective it was overall. By diving into data like session attendance, polling participation, and Q&A engagement, organizers can figure out what truly connected with participants. This allows them to tweak content or formats to better match what the audience wants.

Beyond that, analytics can highlight technical or logistical hiccups - like equipment malfunctions or scheduling overlaps - that might have disrupted the flow. Addressing these issues ensures smoother operations and a higher production standard for upcoming events. Using this data wisely helps make each summit more engaging, efficient, and aligned with the organization’s goals.

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