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Brendon Biffin AVPartners, Sofitel Brisbane Central

Business Events News recently caught up with Brendon Biffin, who is the on-site audiovisual manager for Sofitel Brisbane Central’s technical partner AVPartners.

What is the first thing you do when you get to the office?

Review the day’s schedule.

What analogy best describes being being a partner of an event AV services company and why?

Flight Captain. I steer the plane, but without our highly skilled and dedicated staff, our guests (clients) would not be happy when they arrived at their destination.

Where is the Australian events industry lagging when it comes to AV services?

We are lacking a recognised live events training institution. It is not easy for young people interested in a live events career to break into the industry. There are reputable educators but their training is more studio based rather than live events specific.

What’s the worst AV stuff-up you’ve seen in your time in the industry?

A restaurant opening that had a choreographed release of balloons spelling their name. They got stuck in a tree above the stage.

What one sure-fire tip can you give to event organisers when it comes to making sure the AV services run smoothly on the day?

Provide a detailed and accurate run-sheet and make it a priority to stick to it.

Should PowerPoint presentations at conferences and conventions die a painful death?

No. Death by Powerpoint can be painful but content is extremely powerful and can engage an audience far more than words when used correctly. Powerpoint, Prezi, Keynote They all have their place.

What’s the future of business events apps? What do you expect to see in 10 years’ time?

The future of event apps is huge, we are only just scratching the surface. Technology advancements will determine where we take them. Print is dead. Event apps give back to the delegates in terms of relevant and up to minute information, give back to the facilitators in terms of data collection and also give back to the environment.

How many devices do you own (ie iPods, smartphones, tablets etc) and what’s your guilty pleasure game (ie Angry Birds, Monkey Island, etc)?

I own four devices. No games for me - Searching for information via YouTube and Google is my thing

What plans do you have in store for Sofitel Brisbane Central?

In the next year we will become the most technologically advanced events venue in Brisbane.

What’s the most memorable business event you’ve ever attended in your time with AVPartners?

The AVPartners Bali Conference in 2012. We have a great team of people within AVPartners and our conferences are awesome. I look forward to them every year.