November 8, 2021
A hybrid event uses a combination of in-person and digital elements to create the optimal experience for various audiences. READ MORE
August 10, 2021
When it comes to virtual events one of our main focuses has been making the remote and virtual experience for producers and presenters the best it could be. Learn some of the ways we’ve found to help improve the virtual experience for those creating the event. READ MORE
June 23, 2021
In this episode, Tom and Rachel are joined by Tomm Gillies, SeeKing Productions, to discuss how to improve the virtual experience for presenters and producers. READ MORE
June 17, 2021
How do you keep your audience’s attention on a virtual platform? We share some features and suggestions to improve the virtual event experience and make it more engaging. READ MORE
May 7, 2021
In this episode, Tom and Rachel are joined by Melanie Reed, VP of Business Operations at Alford Media, to discuss how to make a better virtual experience for attendees. They also cover the current status of the events industry and what we expect in the next year. READ MORE
December 17, 2020
From a one-day corporate event to week-long multiple exhibitor showcases, we offer a full range of virtual event platform solutions.
With Alford Virtual Event Space or one of our strategic partners we can provide virtual platforms with an array of features and attendee bandwidths. READ MORE
December 15, 2020
Alford Virtual Event Space is a custom branded site developed for each client that includes a live stream embed of your event and incorporates features to best enhance corporate and nonprofit online events.
Most importantly, it was developed by Alford with our clients and their specific needs in mind. READ MORE
December 9, 2020
In this episode of The Back Porch, Tom and Rachel were joined by Tyler Mayne, CEO of Evolve Media Group, Brian Rivers, CEO of Centrifuge Media, and Carrie Freeman Parsons, Chair of The Freeman Company. Our guests discussed how 2020 has been different, what pivots they’ve made, and what they see for the future of events. READ MORE
August 31, 2020
In this episode, Tom and Rachel discuss how Alford Media is raising the bar for remote meetings and virtual events. You’ll also hear from our people behind the scenes and how their roles elevate the experience of a live streamed event. READ MORE
August 12, 2020
Early during the COVID pandemic, Alford employees were looking for any way to reach out and help the community. A perfect opportunity and partnership was found with Alford Media and the Flower Mound School of Rock for a 2 day live stream showcase for their students. READ MORE
July 30, 2020
We’ve created a guide that lists the most well-known live streaming and web conferencing services with a focus on the details most important for streaming virtual, live, and hybrid events. READ MORE
June 29, 2020
In this special edition of the Back Porch, Tom and Rachel were joined by Landy Estes to celebrate his 26 years of service with Alford Media. READ MORE
June 17, 2020
In this episode of The Back Porch, Tom and Rachel discuss Alford’s Burgundy Culture, including the reason behind the color, company events, and what it means to be Burgundy. READ MORE
May 28, 2020
In this first episode Tom and Rachel cover a wide spectrum of topics, including the current state and future of the industry, favorite conference memory, cows, tornadoes, future designs and layouts of events, and jalapeño cornbread. READ MORE
May 11, 2020
Alford Media presented a live stream concert for the band, Brothers Beckham. This was a high-energy music experience combining awesome music and creative technology. READ MORE
February 17, 2020
Steve Alford, President, and Tom Alford, Executive Vice President, of Alford Media talk about the events industry, evolving technology and what makes Alford Media successful. They also answered the burning questions listeners wanted to know. READ MORE
February 6, 2020
The events industry is evolving and we’re seeing a rapid rate of in-house exclusive AV contracts. There are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure you get exactly what you need from a venue without unnecessary added costs. READ MORE
January 28, 2020
The National Association of Music Merchants Trade Show (NAMM) was recently held in Anaheim, CA, and there were many exciting and innovative products this year. Ben MacKinney, Audio Services Manager at Alford Media, attended the event and recaps what he saw. READ MORE
December 23, 2019
LDI is one of the leading conferences and tradeshows for live design professionals from all around the globe, hosting over 14,000 members of the production community, working in a wide range of international live and broadcast venues. These are the main trends we saw within lighting. READ MORE
December 13, 2019
The event technology industry is bursting with new technologies and innovations. Many new developments debuted at LDI 2019, the leading conference and trade show for live design professionals from all over the world. Blake Taylor and Aaron Walters discuss these new trends. READ MORE
December 10, 2019
XLIVE convenes industry leaders at the intersection of brand events and activations, experiential marketing, music, sports, film, culinary/beverage, esports, technology, brands and the experiences that culminate at festivals and live events. These are the most notable trends that are impacting the events industry and elevating experiential events. READ MORE
December 4, 2019
Alford attended the annual Live Events & Entertainment trade show where tech with a purpose and audience immersion emerged as two themes that loomed large over the three-day conference. Allison McMahan and Dave Pooser of Alford Media discuss the recent Expo. READ MORE
November 20, 2019
In a recent survey, we asked, “What is your perception regarding the corporate meetings and events industry? Is it… growing, shrinking, stagnant, or evolving?”. The results indicate that the overwhelming majority, 66%, of respondents believe the industry is evolving. READ MORE
November 4, 2019
Thanks to new technologies and trends in event tech, corporate meetings and conferences are getting a makeover. Immersive audio and interactive engagement are just a few innovations changing the event industry. READ MORE
October 16, 2019
For attendees to want to share an event on Instagram—a primarily visual platform—there must be compelling, striking visuals. Visually-engaging stimuli—from holographic effects to unique LED or 3D digital signage—can transform experiences into an art worth sharing. READ MORE
August 28, 2019
One of the often-overlooked aspects of producing large-scale business events is lighting design. As brands look to find creative ways to capture trade show audiences with content, audio, and visuals, the right lighting can enhance an immersive experience like no other. READ MORE
August 21, 2019
At our latest Innovation Experience, Art of the Possible, we hosted our guests through a tour of art and technology with a focus on immersive environments, interactive technology, and digital scenic. We wanted to inspire our clients with new ideas to create memorable experiences. READ MORE
July 9, 2019
In the past, event technology specialists at AV companies had to manually scan each item of gear making its way to the warehouse. It’s an antiquated system that takes time, and is prone to human error. Here at Alford Media, that has changed with RFID asset tracking technology. READ MORE
July 2, 2019
Thousands of exhibitors gather at Infocomm each year to showcase new technologies and ideas. Several of our employees attended the event to see what innovative trends are coming to the market. Here are just a few of the exciting event technologies that we experienced. READ MORE
June 10, 2019
Much has changed since then in terms of technology since Alford Media was founded in 1984. The one thing that has not is how Alford treats its employees, a feeling that Dan Thompson said is “one of the best.” READ MORE
May 24, 2019
We know that audience engagement is a necessary part of any event. We have the products and experience to keep your attendees’ attention on your content and help create a memorable experience to keep them coming back. READ MORE
May 13, 2019
The events industry has many unique challenges, but can also bring an infinite number of exciting possibilities. On this episode of Backstage, we speak to Eric Hagström, Senior Project Manager for Alford Media, to get a better sense of these challenges and best practices for putting together an international event. READ MORE
May 10, 2019
Bring your 3D signs to life with custom, projected moving-graphics. Use 3D Digital Signage for impressive conference entrance signs, immersive digital signage in attendee space, or a simple way to liven up a 3D logo on stage. READ MORE
April 29, 2019
For the past 35 years Alford Media has specialized in video, ever evolving and changing. We’ve identified Visual Effects as a trend that has continued to increase with more requests for special projects and wow factor add-ons at events. This is a new focus for Alford, adding it to our list of services with more innovations to come. READ MORE
April 26, 2019
We are thrilled to introduce the Interactio mobile system. This system fully replaces audio streaming hardware for events, allowing streaming of any audio to listeners’ phones or tablets. READ MORE
April 10, 2019
The nature of the end-user experience at live events is changing. On today’s Backstage with Alford Media, we chat with Dan Thompson, Senior Account Manager about Alford Media’s growth into a company that embraces outward trends in a holistic fashion. READ MORE
April 4, 2019
We celebrate Alford Media’s 35th anniversary! In honor of this milestone, we sat down with Steve and Tom Alford to learn how and why they founded Alford Media, what’s changed in the industry, and what they’re most excited for going forward. READ MORE
March 21, 2019
Alford is now using RFID technology to improve operational excellence by tagging all gear and cases in order to more efficiently be tracked. Learn more here. READ MORE
March 11, 2019
Running event technology seamlessly is the bare minimum in today’s event technology world. On today’s episode of Backstage with Alford Media, we hear from Operations Manager Matthew Dietzler, and Audio Designer Jonathan Lieurance to break down this dichotomy. READ MORE
February 25, 2019
Communicating with your event technology team before an event is crucial for success. In this edition of Backstage, we’re joined by Dave Pooser, Director of Product Innovation at Alford Media, to discuss Alford Media’s own collaboration platform and how it can ease the event planning process. READ MORE
February 14, 2019
Tom Alford, Executive VP and General Manager at Alford Media, explains the importance of transparency and trust in the events industry and describes the evolution of shared information and communication at Alford Media. READ MORE
January 30, 2019
Alford Media is excited to announce that Alford Access is now live! With Alford Access, you’ll only need to look one place for live, real-time access to your show. Our user-friendly dashboard is available 24/7 and allows for easy, collaborative communication between you and everyone on your event. READ MORE
January 9, 2019
The evolution of the AV industry has been fueled by technological advances that have garnered much debate through the years. In this podcast, Matthew Dietzler, Alford Operations Manager, discusses the audio transformation from analog to digital and why all audio engineers should learn to be network engineers as well. READ MORE
December 31, 2018
If asked to sum up the reason for our longevity and success in one word, it would be easy, loyalty. Steve Alford, President of Alford Media, describes the importance of loyalty to Alford and within the industry. READ MORE
December 17, 2018
Lighting plays an important role in delivering a strong message and fully engaging attendees to create a memorable experience. Kurt Wunsch, Lighting Designer, explains how in this podcast. READ MORE
November 23, 2018
LED continues to expand its presence from award shows to live concerts to corporate events. How can event producers keep their shows fresh and continue wowing attendees with the tech becoming ever more familiar? Here are some different ways to incorporate LED into your event and set your show apart. READ MORE
November 14, 2018
How is visual effects technology impacting the events industry and how can it be useful for corporate events? Shawn Lunsford, Video Service Technician, answers both of these questions and more in this podcast. READ MORE
October 31, 2018
Our Lighting Manager, Blake Taylor, Lighting Designers, Kurt Wunsch and Dominic Fanelli, and Director of Product Innovation, Dave Pooser, all attended this year’s event, discovering new ways to work, testing the latest gear, and continuing to learn all of the nuances of the industry. READ MORE
October 17, 2018
While we are typically renowned for our expertise in sound, lighting and projection, one of our more recent innovations involves an equally important, but not as obvious aspect of the event, the networks we use on site for running the gear. READ MORE
September 28, 2018
As Richard Branson said “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your clients.” That has always been Alford’s approach to superior service and engaged employees. READ MORE
September 12, 2018
As part of our commitment to always be innovating, we hosted an Innovation Experience this summer to showcase some of the latest technologies and introduce new and creative ways to utilize staple event elements that would inspire our clients and generate new ideas for their events. READ MORE
August 31, 2018
L-Acoustics Syva is great for corporate events in small ballrooms or for high-end meetings with a ground supported speaker system. With the options of black, silver, or gold, Syva can fit perfectly in any environment including intimate settings, amphitheaters, and gallery spaces. READ MORE
August 13, 2018
We take pride and place great emphasis on ensuring we have the right team for each event and every client, meaning efficient and effective travel management is also a top priority. While we aim to keep travel costs low, our primary focus is to make travel less stressful so that our technicians can concentrate on the event and put all their energy into executing a successful show. READ MORE
July 31, 2018
Through Alford Access, you’ll only need to look one place for live, real-time access to your show. Our user-friendly dashboard is available 24/7 with access to data such as your budget and equipment list, the crew list and contact information, venue information, and any related files. READ MORE
May 17, 2018
AV over IP is a hot topic in a variety of industries where sending audio and video through simple, robust and reliable channels is an important goal. The event tech industry is one area where the ability to easily set up, use and break down equipment that fulfills those AV needs is imperative. READ MORE
May 9, 2018
Two related technologies, load cells, and Vectorworks’ Braceworks help our staff improve overhead safety for hanging lighting, speakers and screens while gaining more visibility into the planning process and reducing the time spent physically setting up a venue. READ MORE
April 20, 2018
Event planners know the many ways in which live streaming can be utilized, yet there are multiple techniques that can be revamped and freshly executed. READ MORE
April 11, 2018
A few months ago, Alford sent our Director of Product Innovation, Dave Pooser to the annual exhibitor show, Integrated Systems Europe in Amsterdam. After exploring all new technology and gathering research, Dave compiled a list of his biggest take aways. READ MORE
March 28, 2018
Participant experience has become a central part of the events industry’s focus, particularly when engaging all five senses of the attendees. Sight, sound, smell, touch and taste are all relevant and varied means to creating a rich and entertaining environment that captures and holds an attendee’s attention. READ MORE
February 28, 2018
According to a survey of 21,980 firms from 91 countries, companies with female leadership performed at higher rates and correlated with increased profitability. In the tech industry, women are far less likely to be involved in leadership and Alford Media Services is well aware of the industry’s gender disparity. READ MORE
February 26, 2018
Alford’s Director of Product Innovation, Dave Pooser, writes about the new and fun technologies that came out of The Special Event this year. READ MORE
February 8, 2018
Using computers, tablets, and mobile devices as a second screen is becoming an ever-increasing opportunity for audience engagement, particularly so in the events industry. Audience interest, a desire to engage more fully with the topic at hand, and the ability to have a richer, more varied experience all come into play. READ MORE
January 17, 2018
As we continue to cement our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, we are striving to pave the way for other talented female engineers to design and build their own roles. These women are as equally capable and dedicated to growing with the event tech industry, making a name for themselves as experts in their field. READ MORE
January 10, 2018
Information technology — that mix of software, networking, and cloud services– continues to have profound effects on the events industry. READ MORE
December 29, 2017
One of the greatest barriers for women’s growth in the tech industry is said to be a lack of mentors. When looking at the opportunity for increased diversity in event tech, mentorships are increasingly important. In this article, we talk to a couple of our newest employees at Alford, Candace Kemp and Pam Schoen, about their experience in event tech and what has helped them succeed. READ MORE
December 20, 2017
Alford has worked in some of the most complicated, unique and unconventional venues there are. Event locations such as these keep our technical crews and project managers on their toes. READ MORE
November 22, 2017
We may have more challenges to contend with when supporting outdoor events, but our project managers and technical staff have the experience, planning, and problem-solving skills needed to execute incredible outdoor events. Here are a few examples of our outdoor events. READ MORE
October 25, 2017
Alford is widely recognized for our corporate conferences and events. However, we are also known to work with many other types of organizations and events. One area of specialization we’ve dealt considerably with are universities. READ MORE
September 14, 2017
Alford’s biennial conference and retreat was a chance to relax, recharge and refocus.
READ MORE
July 27, 2017
The Riedel MediorNet system is a game changer when it comes to signal transport. Our most recent use case that demonstrates its abilities was at the SAS Global Forum 2017. READ MORE
June 15, 2017
International events have their challenges, but with the right team, right strategy, and plenty of planning you can always count on a successful show. READ MORE
May 31, 2017
A major FCC change means new strategies for successful wireless communications at events. READ MORE
April 19, 2017
Taking on major disruptions successfully is a sign of an event technology company’s experience, thoughtful planning, and ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. READ MORE
February 15, 2017
Working with a single event technology company means high levels of consistency and quality. READ MORE
January 17, 2017
Beacon technology provides a hyper-localized method of enhancing the event experience and gathering attendee data. READ MORE
August 18, 2016
Event planners have to overcome a number of challenges to put on a great event. Here are seven of the biggest ones that can always cause T.R.O.U.B.L.E. READ MORE
April 22, 2016
Our Mission Statement – “We have a burning desire to excel—on show site, at the office, and in life. We believe true success cannot be achieved without the sincere outpouring of goodwill towards our community”. This is why we believe that we have a responsibility to our community, both local and global, to implement sustainable business practices. READ MORE
July 31, 2015
This year was the 20th year of QuakeCon. Thousands of gamers joined together to play on world-class network, culminating in North America’s largest BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) LAN party. We have the great pleasure of working with Bethesda to make this event come to life. READ MORE
July 17, 2015
This year’s InfoComm was the first I attended and there was a lot to take in. While I could have easily filled my time with the on-site classes, instead I spent the good majority of my two days on the floor walking every aisle and perusing every vendor. After some time to process, I‘ve settled on what was promising from the AV/IT perspective. READ MORE
May 27, 2015
Alford Media Services has had the great pleasure to work with Make-A-Wish North Texas, donating equipment and services for every Wish Night, for the past 18 years and this year as well. However, the Alford relationship with Make-A-Wish goes back even farther. READ MORE
May 5, 2015
Bill Brady, our Manager of Video Services, walks us through his experience and all the cool tech at NAB this year. READ MORE
April 2, 2015
In celebration of the new Parkland Hospital’s scheduled August opening, six downtown buildings and Parkland itself were lit purple. READ MORE
