What to know about event AV in Scottsdale
Late January and February bring big crowds
WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, hosts the Barrett-Jackson auction, which the city's event calendar says draws hundreds of thousands of attendees. The 2027 auction is set for January 23. The Giants' Cactus League home play at Scottsdale Stadium begins February 19, 2027. Book AV early for anything in that window.
Events under a city special events permit are exempt from the noise ordinance
Scottsdale's noise ordinance exempts non-amplified noise from patrons and events held under a city special events permit. Amplified sound at a bar or live-entertainment business that disturbs a residential district is what the ordinance targets. Over 68 dB(A) is presumed unreasonable, and fines run $500, $1,500 and $2,500.
A DJ or promoter triggers a Public Safety Plan
An assembly business that checks ID at the door, uses a DJ, offers teen dances or uses a promoter needs a police-approved Public Safety Plan. It can't operate without one, and the plan can't be moved to a new location or owner. Staffing at peak hours must be at least one security officer per 50 patrons for the first 500, then one per 75.
Source: Scottsdale Revised Code, Ch. 23
Live entertainment has a zoning definition
For zoning, live entertainment excludes one or two performers without amplification, DJs who only play recorded music, and karaoke. A DJ is still a trigger for the police plan, so the zoning answer and the safety answer can differ.
What event AV includes
Most events need some mix of the same pieces: a sound system with microphones for speakers, playback for music, screens for slides or a live feed, and cabling that stays out of the way. For larger events we add a stage backdrop, delay speakers for a long room, or a camera feed to a second screen.
- Speaker and microphone systems sized to the room or lot.
- Projectors, LED walls or large displays for content.
- Video switching for slides, laptops and cameras.
- Cable runs, power and stage layout.
Temporary or permanent
A one-night party and a venue that hosts events every week are different jobs. For one night, we bring and strike the system. For a venue that hosts often, the better answer is a permanent install with connection panels, so a band, a speaker or a corporate group can plug in without a crew.
Outdoor and patio events
Sound outdoors travels farther than it does inside, so speaker placement and aim do more work than volume. For events outside Old Town, the 100 feet in the noise ordinance's definition of unreasonable noise is a useful planning distance. In Old Town, the Downtown district is excluded from the ordinance's residential district definition and police rely on state law.
Heat is also a design issue. Equipment shouldn't sit in direct sun, and screens need shade or a high-brightness rating.
Planning with your venue
If you rent a hotel ballroom, resort or event hall, it may have its own house system and rules. We check what is already there and connect to what still works, so you only rent what the room is missing. Ask your venue about load-in times, power and rigging before the event date.
From first call to teardown
- Call or walk the room to learn the crowd size and schedule.
- Plan equipment, setup time and staffing in writing.
- Set up and sound check before doors open.
- Keep a tech on site or on call during the event, as agreed.
- Strike the system, or hand a permanent one to your staff.
Stage, room and control
Events often pair LED video walls on stage with commercial audio in the room, all run from one place through AV control. The Scottsdale page lists everything else. Call (602) 769-7992 with your date and venue.
