Event Rigging: Creating Safe and Spectacular Spaces

Whether you’re creating a multi-day music festival or hosting a dance performance, a great audiovisual setup is at the heart of delivering a high-quality event. A large part of this setup is its architecture, otherwise known as event rigging — put simply, the process of hanging AV equipment, like lights or speakers, securely. 

From safety considerations to spectacular show design, event rigging plays a key role in creating a safe and immersive experience for your attendees. In this guide, discover our tips on setting up event rigging successfully. 

Key takeaways

• Event rigging is the process of securing audiovisual (AV) equipment — for instance, hanging lights or screens — to specific rigging points 

• Rigging plays a key role in event production by providing a structure for the optimal placement of lighting, sound, and visuals to create engaging and immersive event experiences 

• Alongside aesthetics, safety is vital in event rigging — make sure to consult professional teams with expertise in technical requirements and weight distribution during the process

Understanding the basics of event rigging

Event rigging is where design meets safety protocol. Put simply, event rigging involves attaching audiovisual equipment (such as lights, screens, and speakers) – using cables, pulleys, and motors – to rigging points.

These rigging points are called trusses — durable and lightweight structures made of aluminum, often suspended from the ceiling. They look a lot like scaffolding, and in many ways, they are: they’re designed to provide a platform for the AV equipment, and allow technicians easy access to it. 

Trusses come in many different styles designed to handle a variety of weights, from heavy speakers to lightweight cables, and can be raised or lowered accordingly. They can be built in different shapes, like vertical towers or horizontal bridges, to suit the space they’re in. 

As truss systems often hold heavy equipment, and are suspended from a high point, safety is crucial: make sure to speak to professional rigging technicians before installation to adhere to safety guidelines. 

The role of rigging in enhancing your event space

Just like other elements of event design, rigging plays a key role in enhancing your space and delivering an immersive experience for your guests. For events with complex audiovisual setups where lighting and sound take center stage — such as festivals, live music events, theater, or dance performances — rigging should play a headline role in your event production. 

From maximizing visuals with engaging lighting to incredible sound distribution, discover the ways rigging can create a spectacular space below. 

Maximizing visibility with lighting

One of the best ways to create an ambiance? Mood lighting. Rigging can be a great way to utilize different types of lighting — varying in color, intensity, and placement — at your event.

For events with a stage, spotlights and strobe lighting can be directed to point to the performance space, minimizing distractions from other areas and allowing the audience to focus on the stage.

Hosting an event with multiple areas of focus, such as immersive art installations or fandom conventions? You might want to use rigging lights to spotlight specific areas, creating a unique atmosphere with low-level or brighter lighting. This can be a useful way to highlight specific features or touchpoints (such as social media walls, or artworks) as well as visually signifying different areas (like a bar, seating space, or a quiet room). 

Optimal sound distribution

From crystal-clear conference presentations to perfectly mixed live audio, sound is an important element of any event. Making sure every person in the audience can hear the event is crucial — so rigging your sound equipment correctly can have a big impact on your audience’s experience. 

Depending on the size and scale of your event, you may want to secure speakers to rigging points horizontally (on the ceiling) or vertically (by the stage), or both. When deciding on your rigging setup, make sure to consider layout and sightlines. 

Think about the venue’s layout — for instance, rigging equipment near the ceiling optimizes event space, lending greater flexibility to seating arrangements (and also helps to give guests an unobstructed view of the stage). Rigging equipment around a stage, on the other hand, may help to distribute sound and allow more room for ceiling lighting. 

Elevating visuals with screens and decor

Giving your attendees plenty of engaging focal points is sure to create an immersive space, and your rigging setup can be a great way to get creative with your event design. 

LED screens secured to various rigging points can offer bright, bold visuals — such as music videos, art videos, or animations — to contribute to the atmosphere of the event. These can be dynamic backdrops to reflect the event theme, or they can act as engaging visuals to enhance a performance (for instance, animation or special effects to accompany live music). 

Banners and screens can be hung from truss systems throughout the venue to be seen from various angles—this can be a great option for larger events, as all attendees will see them from the floor. 

Prioritizing event safety with professional rigging teams

As with all elements of event planning, ensuring the wellbeing of your attendees by adhering to safety guidelines is essential. This is particularly important when it comes to rigging.

Professional riggers are the unsung heroes of any successful event. They ensure safety for your staff and attendees by assessing weight distribution on the truss systems and conducting rigorous risk assessments (a key part of any contingency plan!). Their technical know-how and attention to detail ensure that all the rigging equipment is safely secured.

A good professional rigging team will:

• Make sure that the rigging and truss system complies with venue-specific regulations, equipment guidance, and industry best practices on weight restrictions to prevent overloading and structural failure 

• Oversee a safe and effective installation process, including using the correct equipment — such as electric chain hoists and pulley systems — to lift AV equipment into place

• Conduct good safety checks throughout the installation process, including inspecting the integrity of truss bolts and assessing load management to ensure all equipment is securely attached to the correct system for its weight

Tailoring rigging solutions for various events

Whether you’re hosting a trade show for local businesses or a concert for a touring artist, all events will require specific rigging solutions tailored to the size of the event and the space. When researching your rigging solutions, make sure to specify your exact requirements to your supplier, so they can customize their service. 

It is also worth noting that, in large venues such as ballrooms or concert halls, there are likely to be permanent or semi-permanent truss structures and rigging already in place; make sure to ask venue management about using existing structures beforehand. 

For instance:

• A conference in a large hotel space will likely require a smaller rigging system, complete with speakers to reach a large audience, as well as monitors/screens facing the stage, so that keynote speakers can see their presentations as they talk 

• A festival or concert will likely require multiple dynamic lighting setups while musicians perform, as well as high-quality speakers and video screens for pitch-perfect sound and engaging visuals

• A trade show might require a rigging system that takes into account the needs of specific booths or sections — for example, a stage space, or workshop areas — so you may need more complex lighting solutions to accommodate different needs within one space

Crafting the perfect rigging plot for your event

Once you specify your requirements to your rigging provider, they will be able to craft a perfect plot for your event — this means designing a structure and layout that suits your audiovisual equipment requirements for the event, and finding placements that make sense. 

During this process, your supplier might:

• Discuss the layout of your event — for instance, seating arrangements, or stage positioning — to get a better sense of how rigging should fit into guests’ overall experience of the space; during installation, riggers may make marks on the venue floor to indicate where rigging systems will be placed

• Take a closer look at the audiovisual equipment you’ll be using, such as lighting and speakers, to get a better sense of their weight requirements; they may liaise directly with the AV equipment suppliers to clarify other specifications 

• Liaise with the venue to find out about structural limits and weight restrictions, to assess where a rigging system can fit in and adapt to the space and any existing truss structures

Cost considerations in event rigging

When creating your production budget, make sure to include rigging costs — especially if your event requires a more complex setup. Just as you would research different suppliers for catering or marketing materials, make sure to do the same with rigging companies. You might want to consider the following costs: 

• Labor cost: Labor costs can be a significant expense in rigging, so make sure to check with your supplier what the costs will be for the setup, operation, and dismantling of equipment

• Rental fees: Some rigging companies differentiate between a bare rental — which includes equipment only — and an operated rental, for which the company will provide the equipment as well as trained operators

• Equipment needed: The size and type of equipment you need — for instance, floor-based truss systems, or overhead ones to support heavy speakers — will likely influence your cost

• Transport: Transportation costs for the delivery and retrieval of the rigging equipment to and from the event location need to be factored into the overall budget (this may be an especially important factor if you’re hosting a remote event, such as an outdoor green festival)

• Duration: The amount of time you need the equipment for is also likely to play a part in your cost, so make sure to specify this on inquiry

While keeping to your budget is important, selecting your supplier based solely on the lowest quote may not provide the best value — so make sure to do your research to ensure you’re making the best choice for your budget, your audience, and the quality of your event (you may also decide to increase your funding efforts in order to achieve a higher quality of rigging service). 

Partnering with the right rigging services provider

So — how do you choose the best rigging provider? As well as the service and equipment provided (and how well they fit with your budget), it’s also important to take into account a few other factors, such as:

Expertise

Are they experienced in providing rigging solutions to events like yours? Professional rigging services providers should have team members with certifications in basic rigging and lift operation, as well as experience with supervising a rigging crew to ensure expert handling of your event needs.

Safety compliance

It's essential to choose a rigging company that complies with safety standards such as those established by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA). They should have documented safety systems as well as relevant insurance policies, like riggers’ liability insurance. 

Communication

A rigging provider's effectiveness is often demonstrated in their communication skills, willingness to understand project details and risks, and problem-solving abilities. They ensure the right questions are asked and strategies are in place to address project-specific challenges. When researching, make sure to pay attention to a provider’s communication. 

Event rigging blends striking design with safety protocols, and is a key element of delivering an engaging event for your attendees. Whether you’re looking for dynamic lighting setups or exciting LED visuals, a great rigging system will provide both a creative and practical solution, allowing you to craft a safe event that delights your attendees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does event rigging mean?

Event rigging is the process of setting up audiovisual equipment (such as lighting or speakers) on aluminum structures (known as trusses) using cables, chains or hoists. Rigging means making sure all audiovisual equipment at the event is secure — and designed to deliver a seamless and spectacular performance. 

What is the difference between rigging and truss?

Rigging is a process that involves hanging audiovisual equipment securely, while truss is the structure on which that equipment is hung. Put simply, rigging is the process — while truss refers to the physical structure. 

How does concert rigging work?

Concert rigging involves setting up all the audiovisual equipment needed for a great performance, such as speakers, dynamic lighting, or LED screens, using a system of pulleys and ropes to suspend them from a truss system at the venue before the concert.

What is rigging in staging?

Rigging in staging involves using a system of equipment — including pulleys, lines, and controls — used to support, lift, and lower props and technical equipment above the stage in a theatre. This might include lighting for special effects and speakers, positioned above the stage to focus the audience’s attention on the performance. 

How does a professional rigging team ensure event safety?

A professional rigging team ensures event safety by conducting rigorous risk assessments, as well as adhering to venue guidelines and the weight restrictions of specific rigging systems — ensuring all equipment is secured on the right platform. This ensures that all aspects of rigging are carefully managed and monitored to create a safe environment.