Event Jargon 101: A 2026 Refresher
Event Jargon 101: A 2026 Refresher
Whether you’re new to the events world or a seasoned pro, there’s always room for a refresher, especially when it comes to the AV terminology that we’re all still a little intimidated by. This list is designed to help newbies feel more comfortable and give industry veterans a quick reset. These are the event terms we think you should know, broken down with our Corinthian Events–style, easy-to-understand definitions.
“++”- When hotels, performers, or anyone says this, it means plus tax, gratuity, travel, production, or any # of things. Be sure to account for this in your budget!
A1, A2, V1, V2 – Your production team, lead audio= A1, 2nd audio = A2, lead video= V1 etc.
Backline – What equipment bands need to perform: guitars, wedges, music stands etc.
BEO – A hotel’s Banquet Event Order – their bible to getting it done.
COI - Certificate of Insurance – a must have by ALL vendors, planners, etc. onsite
CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility – integrated by clients to give back!
DEADS - Empty road cases from the AV team (that you’ll need to find a place to store during the event, unless you use them as part of your décor!)
Drayage – Usually the $$ part of getting your goods from the loading dock to your booth or final location. Remember to add this to your budget!
F&B – Food and Beverage (eat, drink, and be merry)
FAM – A Familiarization trip to get to know a destination
GOBO – A stencil you put into a light to project an image or logo
GTD – Catering or hotel jargon for your guaranteed headcount for meals
IATSE – International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, also known as stagehands
ICW – In Conjunction With, not great English, but means separate events as part of a large conference
IMAG – Image Magnification so you can see the presenters up close and personal (even the spinach in their teeth!)
Manifest - A list of attendees, flights, arrivals, departures, and/or cargo details
PIP – Picture in a Picture on screen
Pre-Con – A meeting with the hotel or DMC before a program starts to talk about the details live in person. Once you have your pre-con, it’s GO time!
RFP – Request for Proposal (what makes us smile!)
Rider – What bands or talent need to be happy – the proverbial “green M&M’s”
Riggers – The people who set up your truss and motors
Shim – A wedge of wood (or matchbook) to stabilize a table
Stinger – Cool walk-on music for presenters
Strike – Event is over, time to tear it down!
TD – Trip or Tour Director, aka Freelance/Contract staff
VOG - Voice of God, “Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome…”
The event world loves its acronyms, but they don't have to feel like a secret language. Consider this your cheat sheet for sounding like a pro. And if anything is still confusing, it’s always best to just ask. We promise you’ll be better for it!
