Great events are built on great partnerships. Tallen has long believed that the strongest results come when production teams, planners, and event management companies work together as one unit. That collaborative philosophy is why we value our relationship with companies like GoGather, a leader in event planning and management, which shares our commitment to delivering seamless, high-impact experiences.
We recently sat down with a couple of GoGather’s Project Managers, Shannon Fouts and Sierra Gillis, to talk about what planners really look for in a production and AV partner, how early collaboration shapes better outcomes, and which attendee experiences leave a lasting impression. Here’s what we found.
Shannon Fouts and Sierra Gillis
Our Interview With the GoGather Team
Tallen: What do planners look for first when evaluating a production or AV partner? What qualities or behaviors stand out immediately?
GoGather: A collaborative mindset stands out right away. Planners want a partner who can take the big-picture vision and run with it, especially in areas where AV expertise is needed. Clients often don’t fully understand AV, so having a partner who can bridge that gap and guide decisions is a huge advantage. Strong communication is also key. Quick responses, asking thoughtful questions, and really trying to understand the event, the audience, and the goals all make a difference. It also helps when AV teams can share real examples of past work, especially if they’ve worked in the same venue. Being able to clearly explain what makes them different goes a long way.
Tallen: What common challenges do planners face when production integration doesn’t happen early enough?
GoGather: Timelines get tight fast. Everything starts to feel rushed, and there’s less room to think through what’s actually needed. Budgets also take a hit. When decisions are made late, there’s less flexibility to be strategic or creative, and costs can go up since you’re not sourcing the most efficient options. There are also more logistical challenges, especially when coordinating between an external AV partner and the venue. That alignment is much smoother when it starts early.
Related: Production is moving beyond big LED walls for the sake of it. Learn how the best events combine visual impact with emotional resonance.
Tallen: How do you evaluate whether a production partner will truly invest in the success of the event?
GoGather: You can tell when they take initiative. A strong partner will offer recommendations, flag potential issues early, and explain why something may or may not work. They don’t just say yes, they guide you toward better solutions. Being solutions-oriented is another big indicator. Bringing ideas to the table, offering creative options, and even finding ways to add value within budget all show they care about the outcome. It also shows when they’re willing to be involved early. Joining pre-production calls, sharing visuals, and helping shape the experience upfront make a big difference.
Tallen: In what ways can an AV partner help planners improve attendee engagement beyond traditional staging and screens?
GoGather: A great partner will build on your ideas and help bring them to life in more engaging ways. That could mean integrating entertainment elements like a flash mob or helping turn a concept into a fully produced moment. They can also introduce interactive elements like gamification. For example, creating a live game show experience on stage that gets the audience involved and keeps energy high. Even simple things like strong graphics, lighting transitions, and sound design can shift the experience from a basic presentation to something that feels polished and exciting.
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Tallen: What are the most overlooked aspects of production that planners wish they understood earlier?
GoGather: The run of show is a big one. Taking the time to really build and review it with both the client and production team ensures alignment. Timing buffers are also important. Speakers run long, and having built-in flexibility helps everything flow more smoothly. Ongoing communication during the event is another piece. Staying in sync with production and the venue keeps everyone aligned as the program evolves.
Tallen: For event planning with tight timelines or budgets, what advice do you have for maximizing the value of their AV partner?
GoGather: Focus on doing more with less. You don’t need every effect to create impact. Thoughtful lighting and the right equipment choices can still create a strong experience without overextending the budget. Start early whenever possible. Early planning gives more flexibility with sourcing and pricing. It also helps to prioritize what matters most to your client. Whether it’s lighting, graphics, or audio, focus your investment there and build around it. Sourcing locally, especially for international programs, can help control costs. A strong AV partner can also help negotiate rentals and manage those relationships, which adds a lot of value.
About GoGather
GoGather is a boutique corporate events management company that specializes in high-end corporate conferences, incentive trips, roadshows, strategic meetings, and more unique experiences. For more information about GoGather’s corporate event management solutions, please contact the company at [email protected] or visit GoGather.com and follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook , and Instagram.
Prioritize What Matters Most For Your Event Planning
Prioritizing what matters most to your client is key to event planning. If lighting will define the room, invest there first and build everything else around it. If graphics are the centerpiece, allocate accordingly.
Tallen’s approach to every event reflects these same principles: early collaboration, proactive problem-solving, and a relentless focus on the client’s goals. If you’re looking for a production partner who operates as an extension of your team, let’s start a conversation.