Prepare Your Venue for a Stress-Free Busy Season

No matter the type of events you’re running, the last few weeks of the year are BUSY. Large-scale events bring the chaos of last-minute adjustments and unexpected challenges.

Preparation is your best defense against stress.

In the beginning of my career, I was running systems at some of the largest churches in America, and the weeks leading up to Christmas were always full of planning meetings, set changes and rehearsals.

But before the end of November, things were pretty quiet.

I always planned to carry out this to-do list during that downtime to get a jump start during that quiet time. This list is my secret weapon for giving myself sanity and a little more time with my family during the month of December.

Here are a few practical steps to help you stay ahead and keep your venue running smoothly.

1. Clean Up the Soundboard

A clean soundboard isn’t just about appearances—it’s essential for performance and longevity.

• Dust and grime removal: Use a soft-bristled brush to clean dust off faders, screens, nooks and crannies, followed by wipes for the surface.

• Optimize your channels: Remove unused channels or busses to declutter your setup. This makes room for new additions and prevents mid-show scrambles.

• Reorganize for simplicity: Push rarely used channels to higher numbers, leaving your most accessed ones at the forefront.

2. Update Your Routing Input/Output Sheet

Keeping your I/O sheet current is a lifesaver, especially when things don’t go as planned.

• Document every input and channel assignment.

• Highlight available channels to accommodate last-minute gear from bands or presenters.

With a clear I/O sheet, you’ll know exactly what’s ready to go and avoid fumbling through setups.

3. Maintain Your Gear

Take the time to give your equipment some care and attention before it reaches the point of breaking down! It’s a great opportunity to find potential problems that might break down your systems later.

• Clean your equipment: Speakers, amplifiers, microphones, and cables all benefit from routine cleaning. While you're at it, peel off old gaff tape from the stage—it’s a small step that makes a big visual impact.

• Test your cables: A cable tester can save you precious time during troubleshooting. Knowing that every cable is functional prevents performance delays and setup headaches.

Starting now will give you a strong foundation when the production schedule becomes more demanding. These simple tasks have added time back to my calendar every December for years.

Even better, all of my presets and courses are 30% off now through November 30th!

Until next time,
Drew

Whenever you're ready, there are three ways I can help you:

1. I created a range of Preset Library Downloads that will help your team get professional quality audio without the hassle of starting from scratch. Each product includes .pdfs with full documentation on how to use the preset and why each setting was made. 30% off through November 30th!

2. If you’re looking for a start-to-finish way to get mixing on the Behringer X32, join my X32 Fundamentals Course. In this self-paced video course, I’ll guide you through the five fundamentals that will help you go from overwhelmed to confident when mixing on the X32. 30% off through November 30th!

3. For hands on help, schedule an Online Coaching Call with me, personally. Online sessions provide the flexibility to access personalized support while sitting in front of your own equipment and working in real time.