This video gives solid advice for any PM or event business owner to consider when conducting a site visit!

TLDR:

AV Site Visit Checklist: 17 Things to Verify Before Load-In

A production-focused walkthrough of every AV-critical item to assess during a venue site visit — from initial venue guidelines through load-in logistics, room specs, power, rigging, and key contacts.

Pre-event documentation:

Get the venue's AV guidelines packet in writing — it covers third-party restrictions, union requirements, floor protection rules, and exclusive vendor arrangements. Never accept verbal confirmations on restrictions; get everything in the contract.

Load-in logistics:

Walk the full dock-to-room path during the site visit. Note elevator dimensions, hallway widths, and any level changes that could affect case movement and load-in time. Confirm room availability and identify adjacent events that could conflict with your setup window — and consider putting a right of first refusal on surrounding days.

Room verification:

Physically measure the room — don't trust venue-provided floor plans. Laser measure both floor dimensions and true ceiling height, accounting for chandeliers or other obstructions. Verify rigging points against the venue's rigging plot and confirm their accuracy, as plots are frequently outdated.

Power and control:

Locate all power sources — standard 20A circuits and high-voltage three-phase drops — and map them relative to your proposed stage and FOH positions. Confirm house lighting control options: DMX patch capability, wall panel, or manual switch only. Factor in associated costs.

Production infrastructure:

Establish stage orientation, backstage access, FOH positioning, and cable run paths early. Identify dead case storage for breakout rooms and secondary spaces.

Key contacts to establish:

Venue coordinator, in-house AV company, electrical contact, freight/dock manager, and security. Your AV company will need direct lines to all of them for pre-production packets, load-in scheduling, and on-site coordination.

Bonus: 

Confirm fog and haze permissions upfront — fire marshal requirements and associated fees need to be negotiated at the venue contract stage, not discovered on show day.