Managing church AV isn’t for the faint of heart. Between volunteer rotations, tight budgets, and ever-changing tech needs, even the most dedicated teams face challenges.

The good news? Many of the most common issues are avoidable—with a little intention and the right support.

At CCI Solutions, we’ve walked alongside hundreds of churches across the country. Here are a few missteps we see often—and how you can avoid them with confidence.

1. Skipping a True Sound Check

The Mistake: Confusing rehearsal with sound check—or skipping it entirely.

It’s a common issue. Teams either jump straight into rehearsal or spend all their time tweaking individual instruments while neglecting the overall mix—especially vocals. The result? A Sunday mix that struggles to serve the moment.

We’re Back and Stronger Than Ever!

InfoComm 2024 marked a significant turning point in the post-COVID era, being the most well-attended trade show since the pandemic began. While exact attendance figures are still being calculated, the palpable excitement for in-person trade shows has clearly returned.

This year's event showcased the latest advancements in professional audio and video technology, alongside a robust education program featuring daily courses. A prominent trend observed at InfoComm 2024 was the frequent mention of "AI" by various vendors. However, many of these claims raised questions, as their products often lacked the true embodiment of artificial intelligence.

Innovation was everywhere, with many new products and solutions from both well-known and emerging brands. Transparent LED displays, for example, are becoming more common, though their application in the church world remains to be seen.

Reconnecting with our long-standing partners and re-establishing relationships with past ones was a highlight. We also observed a growing adoption of SMPTE 2110 video over IP. However, its requirement for high-bandwidth infrastructure makes it a costly investment.

Motion tracking technology has now permeated mid-level PTZ cameras and is starting to appear in entry-level models, although the quality varies.