The Gold Coast Event Venue Checklist: AV, Power, Internet & Access

Power is the quiet killer of events. The questions that matter:

• How many standard power points are in the room, and where? Stage, AV positions and catering all compete for them.
• Is three-phase power available for larger lighting and LED rigs? If so, where is the outlet and how far from the stage?
• Are circuits shared with other rooms? A coffee machine on the same circuit as your vision desk is a real risk.
• Can you run extension leads and cable ramps safely, or are there restrictions?

For anything beyond a couple of speakers and a screen, you'll likely need proper power distribution — distro boxes, leads and RCDs — which we can supply and deploy tested and tagged.

If your event has any live streaming, hybrid component, or even just EFTPOS and registration, internet is non-negotiable — and venue Wi-Fi is rarely up to it. Ask:

• Is there a dedicated, hard-wired internet connection available (not shared guest Wi-Fi)?
• What is the guaranteed upload speed, and is it contended with other events on site?
• Can you bring your own connectivity if needed?

For streaming or large hybrid events, plan for a dedicated line, or bring a bonded 4G/5G or Starlink solution as backup. We cover the detail in our event internet guide — the short version is: never assume venue Wi-Fi can carry a broadcast.

Access determines how long, and how expensive, your bump-in is. Confirm:

• Is there a loading dock or ground-level access, or are there stairs? Is there a lift, and what are its dimensions?
• What are the available bump-in and bump-out times? Tight windows mean more crew.
• Is there parking for vans close to the load-in point?
• Are there earlier events in the space that limit your setup time?

Stairs, long carries and tight windows are the things most likely to add cost to a production quote — flag them early and they're easy to plan around.

Finally, the room itself:

• Ceiling height and rigging: LED walls, truss, lighting and large screens need height and, often, rigging points. Ask what can be flown and what must be ground-supported.
• Footprint: leave room for a stage, AV positions, cabling runs and audience flow — not just seats.
• Sound limits: many venues, especially near residential areas on the Gold Coast, have noise restrictions and curfews. Confirm decibel limits and finish times before you book a band or PA.
• Existing AV: some venues have house systems; check what's included, what it actually does, and whether you can patch into it.

If you're not sure what a space can take, we run site assessments — it's far cheaper to solve these on paper than on the day.