Lights, camera… (Is action next on your mind?) No, it’s immersion. Traditionally, it’s “lights, camera, action”, but today, it’s “lights, camera, immersion”.
Gone are the days when a few spotlights and a slideshow could impress a crowd. Today’s live events are stepping into the future, where digital visuals dance with music, holograms steal the spotlight, and LED screens do more than just display; they transform entire spaces.
AV production is no longer just about seeing and hearing. It’s about feeling the experience, living inside it. From floating 3D visuals to responsive lighting that reacts to your heartbeat (yes, really), cutting-edge tech is flipping the script on what it means to host a powerful event. And if you want your audience talking long after the lights go down, you need to know what’s new, what’s next, and what’s worth it.
Let’s explore the future of visual technologies in AV Production and how you can use them to create unforgettable moments.
WHAT IS AV PRODUCTION, AND WHY DOES VISUAL TECH MATTER?
AV stands for audiovisual. It’s the mix of what you hear and what you see at any event. AV Production helps tie the entire experience together, from sound effects to screens, lighting to visuals.
In the past, this meant basic lights, big speakers, and a few projectors. Now it means:
- Custom LED walls.
- Lights that follow music.
- Holograms floating mid-air.
- Interactive displays that react to the crowd.
Events don’t just happen in front of the audience anymore. They happen around them.
TECH THAT’S CHANGING THE WAY WE LIVE
Here’s what’s trending right now in AV production technology:
| Technology | What It Does | Why It Matters |
| Pixel Brick LED | Small LED tiles are used to create flexible, custom shapes. | Great for adding digital effects to set pieces. |
| Tube Lighting | Portable light tubes are used for live performances. | Wireless, interactive, and dramatic. |
| Mesh LED | See-through LED displays for creative video content. | Blends design with digital visuals. |
| Projection Mapping | Turns objects or spaces into visual displays. | Makes flat things come alive. |
| Holographic Display | Creates 3D visuals that float in space. | Adds the “wow” factor. |
PIXEL BRICK LED: SMALL TILES, BIG IMPACT
Pixel Brick LEDs are small square tiles that light up, display images and form custom digital structures.
They’re often used to:
- Show sponsor messages on stage edges.
- Highlight sections of a stage with glowing patterns.
- Create digital signs for wayfinding or directions.
Why do they work?
- Smaller than standard LED walls.
- Easy to attach or stack in creative ways.
- Can display words, animations, and colours.
Think of them as digital LEGO blocks, with lights and movement.
TUBE LIGHTING: LIGHTING TUBES THAT MOVE WITH YOU
These are thin LED tubes that light up in a full range of colours. Often battery-powered, they can be moved around and synced with music or motion.
Planners use them for:
- Lighting walkways or entrances.
- Creating stage effects that move with performers.
- Designing eye-catching, glowing art installations.
Many tube lights work with wireless apps and DMX control so that you can run complex light shows without tons of wires.
| 🌟 Fact: A single 1-meter tube can shine over 10,000 different colour combinations. |
MESH LED SCREENS YOU CAN SEE THROUGH
Mesh LED looks like a digital screen, but with holes in it. That means you can play videos and graphics while still seeing through to what’s behind.
Common uses:
- Creative visual effects in fashion.
- Giant stage backdrops.
- Shows or concerts.
- “Floating” video display in expo halls.
Why it’s unique:
- Light and easy to hang.
- Adds texture to stage designs.
- Works in places where standard screens would block views.
This kind of tech can make an event space feel layered and alive.
REAL-TIME GRAPHICS AND MOTION EFFECTS
Some systems track movement and audio to change visuals on the spot.
Sensors can follow:
- Hand gestures.
- Voice pitch.
- Position on stage.
This data links with graphics that respond live.
For example, a performer waves, and the screen behind them ripples like water. Or a speaker raises their voice, and colours on the wall grow brighter. This makes the show feel connected and alive.
PROJECTION MAPPING (PAINTING WITH LIGHT)
This visual technology turns regular objects into moving video displays. Using high-powered projectors, AV teams can “map” content onto 3D shapes, like columns, cars, walls, or even floors.
You can project:
- Digital vines crawling up a wall.
- Stars twinkling across the ceiling.
- A timeline that scrolls across the floor.
| 🎯 Quick projection rule: Image Width = Throw Distance ÷ Lens Ratio |
Knowing this helps AV teams choose the right projector for the space and design.
HOLOGRAPHIC DISPLAYS (FLOATING VISUALS WITHOUT SCREENS)
Holograms are not just sci-fi anymore. These visuals use light tricks and transparent screens to create 3D effects that appear to float in the air.
Use cases include:
- Beaming in a remote speaker.
- Rotating a product in mid-air.
- Adding a ghostly dance partner to a performance.
For example, a speaker can “beam in” without travelling. Or a new product can be showcased without bringing it physically on stage.
Holographic displays are still growing in popularity, but when used right, they steal the show. This saves time and cost while giving the wow factor.
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR): MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
AR mixes the real world with digital objects.
Event guests can:
- View extra content by scanning codes.
- See 3D images using their phones.
- Interact with the show using headsets or screens.
Example: A person points their camera at a booth. A 3D model appears on their screen, spinning and opening to show product features.
This isn’t just fun, it helps people learn faster and remember longer.
BRINGING THE CROWD INTO THE STORY
Today’s visual tech is not just about what the audience sees; it’s about how they interact.
Event organisers now use:
- Motion sensors to change lights based on crowd movement.
- Responsive LED floors that light up when stepped on.
- AR apps that overlay info when attendees scan a space.
This makes events feel personal. People are no longer just watching. They are part of the action.
WHEN TO USE WHAT? A SIMPLE COMPARISON
Not sure which tech is right for your event? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose between Pixel Brick LED, Tube Lighting, and Mesh LED based on your event type, budget, and desired visual impact.
| Tech Type | Best For | Key Feature |
| Pixel Brick LED | Custom displays on sets and stages. | Modular, small-sized tiles. |
| Tube Lighting | Interactive or mobile visual effects. | Portable, wireless, performer-friendly. |
| Mesh LED | Large backdrops without blocking views. | See-through LED screen. |
| Projection Mapping | Artistic shows, gala dinners, and branding. | 3D surfaces become video walls. |
| Holographic Display | Premium keynotes, big launches. | Floating, 3D digital objects. |
WHY THIS TECH IS WORTH THE INVESTMENT
Visuals do more than decorate. They:
- Help your message land faster.
- Make spaces feel more premium.
- Keep people focused and entertained.
- Give your brand a modern edge.
Even small upgrades, like adding tube lights or using pixel bricks, can change the whole feel of a room. Think of visual technology as your silent storyteller. It speaks when words fall short.
The future of AV is getting smarter.
Soon, we’ll see:
- AI-powered visuals that react in real time.
- Voice-activated displays on stage.
- Virtual guests mixed with live speakers.
- 360-degree video environments at events.
And the equation of impact will keep evolving:
Event wow = (interactivity x visual depth) ÷ setup complexity.
The tools are ready. The next step is creativity.
PARTNER WITH THE RIGHT EVENT PRODUCTION COMPANY
Planning an event? Want it to feel exciting, modern, and unforgettable?
Having an event production partner like EMS Events by your side can make your event memorable. We bring years of experience, a full stock of the latest visual tech, and a team of experts who know how to design incredible events.
Whether you need:
- Pixel bricks for stage effects.
- LED mesh for visual walls.
- Projection mapping for your venue.
- A complete AV production plan from start to finish.
We can help. Get in touch with EMS Events – London’s first rate AV hire company today to bring your live event to life with advanced AV production that engages, entertains, and inspires.
