Rigging with AVEX 

AVEX is the preferred Audio-Visual provider for multiple hospitality venues nationwide. At these venues, AVEX is the authorized vendor for all rigging services and rigging equipment. This partnership ensures an extremely high level of execution, along with guaranteeing the safety of each event. The following are guidelines for safe rigging practices and production service standards at an AVEX partnered venue. 

Please use the AVEX Rigging website to get contact information about rigging at your event venue and to complete the pre-event rigging request form. www.goavex.com/rigging/  

Rigging Submission Timeline 

Rigging Submissions for events at AVEX-managed venues will be provided to both the venue and AVEX no less than 21 days in advance and should include the following. 

·         Digital Diagrams of the proposed production layout, preferred in VWX or DWG format. 

·         Truss dimensions, equipment specifications, hoist count, truss grid, and equipment distribution. 

·         Point load and weight totals of both equipment and cabling should be included if possible to be verified by an ETCP certified AVEX representative. 

·         Event dates, times, contact information, event space, and any additional information to expedite the review and approval process should also be included during submission. 

·         Events scheduled and/or rigging submissions submitted with less than a 21-day notice will incur an additional $250 charge. 

·         Any heavy machinery (including aerial lifts) needed for rigging installation will be provided by AVEX and its rental will be charged to the client. 

·         Rigging labor will be determined by AVEX upon review to install the rig appropriately and safely in an efficient manner. 

Rigging Submissions will be received, checked, load-calculated, and approved by the appropriate, competent individuals with AVEX prior to any overhead rigging work being done for any event. Documentation for each event, regardless of size, will be maintained as a commitment to safety. Additional CAD assistance is available and can be provided at an additional charge. 

No rigging will be done by AVEX employees in any hotel without an exclusive signed contract and approval from both the VP-Operations and Rigging Manager.  

The following timeline should be expected by the client: 

·         Initial submission confirmation within one business day of submission. 

·         Show Design, Safety Review within four business days from submission. 

·         Address Points that exceed Load Limits with follow-ups and written records within ten business days of submission. 

·         Completed Review and Approval with weight calculations and necessary drawings within fifteen business days of submission. 

 

Rigging Guidelines 

AVEX staff will provide all the necessary rigging equipment and labor for production at the venue, unless specifically approved by the AVEX Rigging team. All rigging activities defined as follows must be adhered to: 

·         Rigging is defined as activities involved in the lifting, handling, and positioning of equipment, lighting, scenery, and associated technical production requirements for events or performances. This includes but is not limited to motorized and manual chain hoists, truss, lighting, and audio equipment.  

·         Qualified riggers, as defined by OSHA, are responsible for inspecting all equipment to be flown and ensuring that no damage is caused to the ceiling or roof structure. Riggers will have the final say as to whether a structure or piece of equipment can safely fly. 

·         Only the certified rigging points indicated on the AVEX venue diagram, with documentation from a recognized engineering authority, may be used for overhead rigging. 

·         All connections to the ceiling or supporting structure must be made by AVEX rigging staff, and adjustments to flown equipment will only be done under the supervision of AVEX.  

·         Any dynamic (moving) equipment requires a steel safety or other arrester device. All nuts and bolts used overhead must be rated and all wire rope clip and overhead hardware (eyebolts, etc.) must be forged, unless approved by AVEX riggers. 

·         Under no circumstances may a person be suspended, walk, or climb on any point or supporting structure attached to the ceiling. 

·         Aerialist artists must submit a proposal for rigging review prior to their event. 

·         Airwall hangers are not intended for use for overhead lifting and may not be used for hanging chain motors.  

·         All rigging crews will consist of a minimum of two riggers. The number of riggers and equipment required for your event will be determined by AVEX. 

AVEX Venue Practices 

Aerial Lifts 

·         An aerial lift of appropriate size is required for all rigging calls at the venue, without defects or mechanical malfunction.  

·         Operation of on-site aerial lifts must be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, as well as venue-specific safe work procedures.  

·         AVEX will not “dead-hang” items over 100lbs or 10’ in any dimension with a scissor lift. A chain hoist or other material lift must be used. 

·         On-site Scissor Lift rentals are subject to availability and should be confirmed 14 days prior to your event. 

Electrical 

·         All cabling and connectors must be UL-rated for the appropriate amperage and intended load and conditions and must conform to appropriate local codes. 

·         Outside Production companies can supply their own power distribution boxes and cabling, but it must be inspected by house electricians before installation will be allowed.  

·         For safety, outside companies cannot directly interact with the house electrical system. 

·         Available power varies by location, please contact your AVEX staff about what is available in a specific venue space. Any electrical services will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  

Banners 

·         There are specific locations where banners can be hung. Each requires the hotel’s permission and has unique hanging needs. Please contact your AVEX Sales Representative for available locations and pricing. 

·         All rigging and production must maintain an 18” clearance in all directions from sprinkler heads and other fire suppression systems. 

·         All federal and local codes must be adhered to, and all signs, banners, and décor must meet Fire Marshall guidelines.  

·         For up-to-date digital diagrams of our event space, please contact dan.klein@goavex.com. 

Additional Safety Considerations 

·         Ground supported LED wall sections, truss base plates, and other floor support systems must have appropriate ballast for their final structure.  

·         The use of hazers, pyrotechnics, confetti cannons, or other special effect element in an AVEX venue space must be approved by the venue, AVEX, and local Fire Marshall prior to any use. 

Non-Compliance to Guidelines 

Failure to comply with the guidelines in this document will result in, at a minimum, surcharges on your event order, up to denied access or removal from the facility. All non-compliance from any outside company or their vendors will be referred to the AVEX management team or client contact for final settlement.