As she arrives at the venue, Emily's senses are immediately overwhelmed. The air is filled with the hum of generators, the chatter of vendors setting up their booths, and the wail of feedback from the sound system. She takes a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the chaos that's about to ensue.

: Unlocking more than 800 animations and 17 stages as you scale your career. Practical "Life" Tips for AV Professionals

This is the part of the job that is least visible to the consumer but takes up 80% of the director's time.

Technical skills get you the job; people skills keep you employed. The AV Director sits at the intersection of the client, the venue, and the labor crew.