Next to sporting events, campus concerts are one of the best ways to create a positive student experience that attendees will talk about for years to come. Staging a show is no easy feat, so use the do’s and don’ts below as a starting guide.

Do:

Have a contingency plan.

You should be thorough in your event pre-planning, but the response to setbacks is what differentiates great event planners from average ones. What happens if the musical act gets delayed on a flight? How will you handle poor weather? Considering possible problems will get you ready for a smooth, memorable event.

Consider the student experience.

The point of a campus concert is to enthuse current attendees and drive future enrollment. That is going to be difficult if you choose an act that is outdated or not in line with college student tastes. In preparation for the campus concert, assemble a committee of university staff and poll students to settle on a musician that will please the crowd.

Don’t:

Go over budget.

While it can be tempting to go all out for a campus concert, you should set a strict budget and stick to it. The university has plenty of other areas that could use funding, and you don’t want to concert to seem like a financial burden. You should pick a musical act with reasonable fees and find an affordable source to rent sound equipment, crowd barriers, and other staging essentials.

Forget about campus rules.

You want your students to have a good time, but you don’t want to create a space where it’s easy to infringe on campus rules. That means enforcing all normal campus policies, especially alcohol guidelines. It’s essential to ensure that students don’t sustain an injury during the show, so strong security measures are advisable.

If you’re throwing a university concert, then you’ll want the help of Audio Image Sound & Lighting Inc. For over 20 years, they’ve been the one-stop shop for event equipment, including generators, audio and staging systems, recording equipment, and more. They’re based in Batavia, NY, but they ship equipment all across the country. To discuss your event, call (585) 343-4050, and visit them online to learn more about their rentals.