truss RIGGING techniques: three set-ups every event planner should know

Rigging and trusses are meant to meet the main challenges in technical production and event organization; namely, to make the most of the available space and do so with the utmost guarantees of safety. This also includes achieving the best projection and light viewing angles, and optimal sound distribution.

The purpose of truss rigging techniques is to arrange all the elements needed for the event so they don’t block or occupy any valuable space. There are a number of truss rigging techniques or set-ups that will work to ensure the most efficient space possible. This article discusses the three most frequent set-ups.

The rigging and truss rigging techniques most commonly-used at events

Want to know more about the most common truss rigging techniques? This article discusses three of the most common in different types of events such as product launches, trade fairs, congresses, fashion shows, dinners, galas, conventions, concerts, etc.

Set-up 1: Truss totem

In truss rigging techniques, the truss totem consists of one or several sections of truss that are installed vertically over a base on the floor, and bear all of the weight. Different materials can be affixed at different heights on the truss totem, such as lighting elements, screens, projectors and speakers. 

The truss totem is very effective, especially in venues with height limitations, as they can adapt to the dimensions of a broad array of event spaces.

What’s more, it’s always a more economical solution than hanging a truss and equipment from the ceiling.

Set-up 2: Ground Support

This is an interesting alternative to give your event a professional, effective development. In these truss rigging techniques, the tower lift enables you to arrange trusses to install lights and hang the speaker system, always complying with the necessary safety measures. You can raise it to the necessary height and this way achieve the highest level of versatility are no rigging points, or because of economic limitations that keep you from installing these elements in the desired place.

Set-up 3: Motors and trusses

Motors can be used to join trusses with the suspension points set in the ceiling. This enables technical staff to lower the structures to fasten the components and raise them once everything is affixed in its final position. 

This equipment requires electrical current to be used, and its installation will depend on the venue’s suspension points. This solution is different from other truss rigging techniques, because it is charged per suspension point, per motor, per truss and per labour unit. That means it comes with a higher price tag. However, it also brings about many advantages, such as optimization of time, space, control of the best angles for distribution of the video, lighting or sound components, etc. Above all, at the visual level, the set-up looks much cleaner.

Key items to remember

Rigging and truss techniques offer a broad array of flexible solutions that can be adapted to any venue. Therefore, the main aspects to remember are safety, space, height, whether there are suspension points and of course, your budget.

We know that there are many elements that come into play when deciding on which of the different truss rigging techniques is right for your event. That is why we recommend you take your audiovisual ally in consideration from the first visit to the site where you are going to hold your event, and throughout the entire planning process. 

This way, not only will you prevent mistakes in the set-up of the truss rigging techniques, but also more general faults at the technical production level. Not only this, if you have an expert at your side, you can save much more time and money in the process.

We hope this helps you decide on the truss rigging techniques your event needs. At Dushow Spain we have everything you need to comprehensively organize your events. Working together, you can get the most from our experience, knowledge and equipment, with the support of our professionals. Need an AV Partner for your event? Talk to us, with no obligation!

This article was first published in Dushow Spain, you can read the original Spanish version here.