When a company files to go public, it has to share much more information than it normally would.
Recently, Encore filed to go public, giving the industry a rare look inside one of its largest AV providers. Beyond the financials, the filing highlights several factors every event planner should consider when evaluating Event Production AV partners.
Here are five things every event planner should know.
You May Have More AV Options Than You Realize
Many event planners think they have to use the in-house AV company because they’re introduced during the venue selection process. However, Encore’s filing reveals that isn’t always the case. Depending on the venue, planners may have the option to work with an outside production partner.
David Eppolito, CEO of MPG, points to one part of the filing in particular.
“Encore’s filing includes something every event planner should know: their venue exclusivity contracts bind the hotel, not you. Their own words state that ‘event planners retain the option to use outside providers.’ One outside quote can completely change that equation.”
Before assuming the in-house provider is your only option, ask whether you have a choice.
Your AV Partner Should Fit Your Event
Hotel and in-house AV provider agreements are business relationships between those organizations, not the event planner. If you have the flexibility to consider other production partners, it’s worth exploring your options. Every event has different goals, budgets, and technical requirements, and the right partner should reflect those needs.
As Cindy Kenna, Executive Vice President of Development at MPG, explains:
“Yes, planners have choices, and that’s exactly why the right partner matters. The conversation shouldn’t stop at who can provide the equipment. It should focus on who will help you achieve your event goals. The best AV partner isn’t the one pushing the most gear or maximizing revenue per event. It’s the team that becomes an extension of your organization, helping you make informed decisions from initial planning through final load-out.”
The right production partner should be chosen because they’re the best match for your event, not just because they’re already in the building.
AV Costs Continue to Rise
Encore reported that its average revenue per event increased approximately 88 percent between 2019 and 2025.
Every event is unique, and pricing is dependent on scope, but the data points to a larger trend in the live events space: production costs are increasing.
That makes it even more important to understand where your budget is going and the value you’re getting in return. Asking questions and reviewing what’s included can help you make a more informed decision.
Venue Partnerships Can Influence Pricing
Encore’s filing states:
“Cost of revenue principally includes commissions paid to venues for customer referrals…”
It also states:
“Cost of revenue principally includes revenue-based commissions…”
These details show that venue referral commissions are part of Encore’s cost structure and offer a clearer picture of how some venue and AV provider partnerships work.
That doesn’t mean those partnerships are inherently good or bad. In many cases, preferred providers know the venue well and can help events run efficiently. But understanding how those relationships work gives planners more context when evaluating proposals, pricing, and the overall value each partner brings.
Technology Keeps Raising Expectations
Today’s conferences call for more than a projector and a podium.
From LED walls and live streaming to hybrid participation and immersive attendee experiences, the standard for production continues to rise. As events become more technically complex, choosing a production partner with the right experience and resources becomes even more important.
That’s why MPG continues to invest in our equipment inventory, production technology, and our people. Staying current with evolving technology helps us deliver memorable event experiences while providing the reliability and expertise our clients have come to expect.
What to Keep in Mind
Encore’s filing is a reminder that asking the right questions matters.
Knowing your options, comparing providers, and looking beyond the first proposal can help you make more informed decisions for your budget, your event, and your attendees.
For more than 35 years, MPG has helped organizations navigate those decisions with thoughtful planning, honest communication, and dependable production support. Whether we’re your first call or your second opinion, our goal is the same: helping you build an event with confidence.