Transforming events
into experiences.

This is the question we probably get the most. The short answer is ‘no’.

“A lot of the time, clients come to us thinking they can’t bring in an outside AV partner, but they can. We walk them through what’s actually negotiable and what a fair deal looks like.” 

— Mary McKinnon, Sr. Director of Sales  

Using the venue’s in-house AV provider can seem like the obvious choice — or the only choice. But in many cases, the in-house team is a subcontracted company that pays the venue a commission to operate there. That arrangement typically translates into added service fees and limited flexibility for planners.

Shepard AV does not charge service fees, and we’re transparent about what’s fair and what isn’t. Our team educates clients on how venue exclusivity clauses work, what’s negotiable with your venue, and how to get the most out of your budget without leaving money on the table. 

Beyond the numbers, there’s a consistency factor. Our experienced technicians, project managers, and sales representatives travel with you, meaning you’re working with the same familiar team whether your event is in Chicago, Las Vegas, or New York. That continuity makes a real difference when you’re coordinating a complex program. 

Budget conversations are some of the most important ones we have, and we’d rather have them early. When a venue applies exclusive fees, we work directly with their production team to minimize those added costs wherever possible. Getting early access to production guidelines lets us design the show strategically, for example, bringing in ground-supported lighting and audio options that sidestep venue-imposed equipment charges.

The biggest thing we ask of clients is transparency around their budget. Knowing what you’re working with allows us to build a program that achieves your goals without overpromising or under-delivering.

“If we know the budget, we can put together something that works without compromising quality or breaking the bank. We can also show clients what’s possible beyond their current budget, not to pressure them, but to give them a roadmap for future events.” — Mary McKinnon, Sr. Director of Sales

We’ve worked with every major convention center, hotel, resort, and many smaller venues and event spaces throughout the U.S.

When you’ve worked in hundreds of venues across the country, you develop a sense for what a space needs almost immediately. Most planners come to us with a vision already formed; they know the atmosphere they want to create. Our experience means we can look at a room’s configuration, size, and layout and quickly know how to make that vision work within it. That accumulated knowledge is what allows us to move fast and deliver confidently, no matter the venue. 

This is where things get exciting. Because at Shepard, AV isn’t just about the technical side, it’s about telling your story.

“We’ve helped clients extend their message beyond the meeting room with custom LED builds, branded activations, and environments that make a lasting impression. We’ve also coordinated fireworks shows and live concerts that pull attendees out of ‘conference mode’ and into a space where connection happens naturally.” 

— Ryan Pulawski, Director of Business Development 

Our in-house creative team works directly with clients to build something unique and on-brand, not just functional. And because we operate as one cohesive team, everything from concept to execution comes together seamlessly under one roof. 

The key is collaboration. The more we understand your brand, your audience, and your goals, the better we can deliver something that feels intentional and bespoke.