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Backstage Pass

Insider insight from 25 years inside every Nashville venue.

Backstage Pass · Section: Behind the Gear · How we work: testing, backups and the crew behind the show. 3 articles
Government convention general session with projection screens at Music City Center, Nashville
Behind the Gear

Tested Twice, Backed Up, Staffed: How We Run a General Session

The three habits that keep a convention general session on schedule, and how to compare them against the in-house AV quote.

By Bo Bankston · 4 min read

What this means for your event

Ask any AV partner when they test mics, whether there is a backup laptop and whether a tech stays at the back of the room. Get both quotes in writing with the same equipment list, then compare the answers.

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More in Behind the Gear

02
Behind the Gear

Running a Hybrid General Session Without the Headaches

Hybrid meetings do not have to be complicated. Here is how to keep your in-room and remote audiences equally engaged.

For your event: Treat the remote audience as a real audience, not an afterthought. Test the platform, the camera feed, and the audio path twice. And always have a dedicated...

Oct 12, 2026 · 2 min read

03
Behind the Gear

Why We Test Every Mic Twice (And You Should Too)

The story behind our most stubborn habit, and how it saves events from the dreaded feedback screech.

For your event: Testing is not optional. Always run a full audio check before attendees arrive, and have a backup microphone ready. It is the difference between a...

Oct 1, 2026 · 2 min read