Sustainability Trends in Audio-Visual for Conferences | Bax AV
Sustainability is no longer optional and it’s no different on the AV side of conferences and events, which has become a space for innovation and conscious choices. For conference and venue managers, this means delivering a striking experience while remaining planet-conscious.
We believe great audio and visual storytelling starts with doing good, for people and the planet. As Dale Bax, owner of Bax Audio Visual, explains:
“Sustainable AV isn’t just a buzzword, it’s becoming the standard. It’s an important conversation because clients often have misconceptions about AV and sustainability. On the surface, AV equipment can seem highly energy-intensive and it is, just to power it on. What many people don’t realise is that once equipment is running, the power draw drops significantly. Take our new LED wall, for example: it requires 3-phase power to start up, but once running, it draws less than 3 amps. Similarly, if you’re using four 1000W RMS speakers, a typical lecture would only draw 50 to 100 watts in operation.”
Here’s what’s heating up in the AV sustainability world right now and how we are striving to make a difference in this space:
1. Energy-efficient AV — LED, laser displays & low-power systems
Replacing old hardware is one of the simplest yet most impactful changes you can make, especially those power-hungry AV kits. We’re replaced ours with:
- LED fixtures that cut energy use by up to 80%. They last longer, and generate less heat, reducing venue cooling needs.
- Laser projectors replace traditional lamp-based models, offering up to 40x longer lifespan, lower power draw and less waste.
- Class-D audio amplifiers deliver full sound with far less energy than conventional amps.
A lecture setup with four 1000W RMS speakers might only draw 50–100 watts, and our LED walls use minimal power once running. These are the kinds of choices that allow our clients and their audiences to see the difference without the compromise.
Tip for event planners: Ask about power consumption, equipment lifespan, recyclability. Not just visual impact.
2. Modular and reusable
Sustainability isn’t just about energy, it’s also about reducing waste and extending equipment life.
- We use Modular AV setups can be reconfigured across multiple events, cutting the need for new hardware each time.
- Circular AV practices take a holistic approach to sustainability, focusing on refurbishing, reusing and responsibly recycling AV equipment wherever possible. This means extending the life of gear, reducing waste and making smarter choices at every stage of an event without negating the experience.
“We design our AV setups so that equipment can be reused across multiple events. It’s better for the planet and helps our clients reduce costs without compromising on quality,” says Dale Bax.
Tip for event planners: Include clauses in your RFP for equipment reuse, recycling and efficient logistics.
3. Going Hybrid and virtual
Hybrid and virtual events are not only convenient, they help reduce event overheads letting you deliver engaging experiences with a smaller environmental footprint.
- Reduces delegate travel, accommodation, venue overheads and printed materials that all save time, money and the planet.
- Positions venues and event planners as eco-conscious and forward-thinking.
We partner with events like FMA Flood Management Australia and the NSW Coastal Conference, where the impacts of climate change are front of mind. These conferences prioritise sustainable practices so our AV setups are designed to be as green as possible, without compromising on quality or impact.
Tip for conference planners: Ensure your AV provider can integrate streaming and digital signage efficiently to minimise waste.
4. Power management & digital signage
Small, intentional choices can make a big difference for sustainability.
- Digital signage and poster presentations replace printed elements and can be reused time and again across events.
- Power monitoring and eco-modes help AV gear use only the energy it needs, cutting unnecessary electricity without affecting performance.
Every bit of energy saved counts, so clients can see and feel the difference both in the event itself and the impact it has on the environment.
Tip for venues: Set up power monitoring and implement eco-modes during off-peak times.
5. Communicating your sustainability story
Sustainability now forms part of your conference’s narrative. Metrics such as kWh used, equipment reused and reduced freight make your impact measurable.
“When your AV is sustainable, your event’s story is stronger. It reflects purpose, professionalism, and foresight. These are qualities every delegate notices and our clients talk about as part of their brand strategy,” says Dale Bax.
Tip for event managers: Ask AV providers for post-event sustainability summaries and highlight green practices in marketing materials.
6. What this means for Aussie conference venues and managers
Australia is a BIG place and getting around it takes time, money and a larger footprint. Delegates increasingly expect sustainability credentials and large venues will soon do the same, so by reducing freight and introducing hybrid events or providing opportunities for sharing equipment, we are planning for a more sustainable future.
5 Practical Green AV Wins
- Specify LED and laser display systems as standard.
- Replace printed posters with digital signage.
- Offer hybrid attendance to reduce travel.
- Request equipment reuse metrics from your AV provider.
- Request modular setups to support low-impact AV production.
- Use LED lighting
- Use D glass amplifiers
Promote these practices to your event delegates and stakeholders. It’s where the difference becomes visible.
Why this matters
Sustainable AV shows that you care, not just about your event, but about the world around us.
“Our clients don’t just want an event that works, they want to see sustainability in action and we’re proud to make that possible,” says Dale Bax.
By combining reliable, high-quality equipment with expert technical support and thoughtful sustainable practices, we deliver conferences that meet modern expectations while staying true to our clients’ values.
Partner with Bax AV to bring sustainability into your next conference and experience the difference firsthand.
Discover more about our conference AV solutions → www.baxav.com.au
(02) 4322-1455