In technical production there are three primary disciplines: lighting, video and sound. From an event design perspective, it’s often fun to imagine dramatic visuals with accented florals and architectural elements. Sound on the other hand is generally more ambiguous and harder to pin down. Sound as a discipline might require less imagination and a different type of foresight than its visual counterparts. Although we cannot see sound, loudspeakers are sometimes an unsightly afterthought omitted from the original floor-plan. While microphones and loudspeakers might not be decorative, they are necessary. They must also abide by certain conventions in order to perform effectively. From a technical perspective, engineers must consider the coverage area, program material and acoustic environment. We must also choose tools that are designed for specific applications, not taking a one size fits all approach. Bringing in an engineer earlier in the design and planning process can help avoid unpleasant compromises from a design and technical perspective. As a system designer and engineer, I always try to stick to a detailed plan, while remaining flexible and open to limitations and design challenges that inevitably emerge.