Turn-around times.

[Mark Wild]

Just got off the phone with a hotel I'll be working at in the near future and they turn-around the room in 30 mins. They also expect me to be set up in this time :eek: I can do this and will of course, but I'll need a roadie.

What's the quickest turn-around time you've had to conform to and what are your thoughts on venues rushing the evenings entertainment into action?

With no afternoon setup available and then you're given 30 minutes to rig everything, no wonder we're moving in the direction of the best possible "minimal" rig we can get.

[ppentertainments]

Just got off the phone with a hotel I'll be working at in the near future and they turn-around the room in 30 mins. They also expect me to be set up in this time :eek: I can do this and will of course, but I'll need a roadie.

What's the quickest turn-around time you've had to conform to and what are your thoughts on venues rushing the evenings entertainment into action?

With no afternoon setup available and then you're given 30 minutes to rig everything, no wonder we're moving in the direction of the best possible "minimal" rig we can get.

I have noticed my setup times are getting shorter and shorter. If needed I can have a 'basic' disco setup in around 15 minutes. I would say for a lot of venues 30 mins is 'normal'.

It is a point I am addressing in my new terms and conditions. I hate setting up, dripping with sweat, then quickly change into my suit all hot and bothered. I am going to start stressing that I NEED one hour to setup. The difference between setting up quickly and having neccesary time is noticable.

A few things which may help. Am I right in saying you use an ultimax stand ?? If so is it possible to setup in a different area and purchasing the wheel kit to allow you to simply wheel the completed stand in. You are right with using minimal rigs. On Saturday a very short time to setup and I used 2 datamoons and a cluster laser in a wind up tripod. I attached the lights to the bar in the car to save a bit time. Also instead of using the ultimax I used a keyboard stand with a booth surrounding it. Does not look any different to the client. Took me 20 minutes to setup completely.

[Get Me A DJ]

15 mins. :eek: in a forte posthouse hotel (does anyone remember them?)

and from a call-out to set-up 45 mins.

[Ecstatic Events]

I think 30mins is asking too much! I would definitely put a premium on the gig for this.

I havent been out on the road very long personally and need at least 60mins to set up an Ultimax, 4-6 fixtures etc. I recently did a wedding where it was also a requirement for the disco to be set up in whilst the function room was turned around. It took me longer than it normally does having to cope with the pressure!!!

The bride was very understanding and was OK about this, I dont think the hotel were that impressed mind you!

Personally, I get background music on ASAP in these circumstances. It's far too much to ask to set up to a high standard in 30 mins.... Take as long as you need :)

[rob1963]

At a push, I can be set up in about 40 minutes, but from what I've seen on this forum there are plenty of people who take an hour or more, so I'm not sure how that works out when they're only given 30 minutes or so.

Earlier this year, I had an enquiry from a client who said I'd be able to get in to set up at 7.30pm, but was adamant that he wanted the first dance at 8.00pm on the dot.

I reluctantly had to turn down the gig, due to the fact that I was unable to provide the service he wanted.

:shrug:

[ppentertainments]

At a push, I can be set up in about 40 minutes, but from what I've seen on this forum there are plenty of people who take an hour or more, so I'm not sure how that works out when they're only given 30 minutes or so.

Earlier this year, I had an enquiry from a client who said I'd be able to get in to set up at 7.30pm, but was adamant that he wanted the first dance at 8.00pm on the dot.

I reluctantly had to turn down the gig, due to the fact that I was unable to provide the service he wanted.

:shrug:
That is what makes me laugh. No doubt it is possible to setup quicker but by expecting such a quick setup the only logical thing to do is compromise on the look of your rig - Brides don't seem to appreciate this and want quick and nice. :confused: :confused:

Would be interesting to see the rig used for this function, as if first dance is at 8.00 I would need to be setup in 20 mins allowing 10mins to change, check and clear away.

[Mark Wild]

I have noticed my setup times are getting shorter and shorter. If needed I can have a 'basic' disco setup in around 15 minutes. I would say for a lot of venues 30 mins is 'normal'.

It is a point I am addressing in my new terms and conditions. I hate setting up, dripping with sweat, then quickly change into my suit all hot and bothered. I am going to start stressing that I NEED one hour to setup. The difference between setting up quickly and having neccesary time is noticable.

A few things which may help. Am I right in saying you use an ultimax stand ?? If so is it possible to setup in a different area and purchasing the wheel kit to allow you to simply wheel the completed stand in. You are right with using minimal rigs. On Saturday a very short time to setup and I used 2 datamoons and a cluster laser in a wind up tripod. I attached the lights to the bar in the car to save a bit time. Also instead of using the ultimax I used a keyboard stand with a booth surrounding it. Does not look any different to the client. Took me 20 minutes to setup completely.

When setup times are stipulated I take a winch stand now with 2 datamoons (already attached to the t-bar) and 2 scanners with rear uplighting. The S&H Booth also adds to a professional look too.

I couldn't agree more with the fact you hate starting a gig sweating like a pig and stressed to the max after setting up as fast as you possibly can. The keyboard stand is a good idea, thanks for that :)

I think this rushing of setup in the allocated times can also lead to silly mistakes that are harder to spot if you're against the clock. The only thing with demanding 1 hour is, you might lose good gigs to other DJ's who don't, even though they really do need it.

Seems there is no understanding at all when it comes to venues giving such small setup times AND being able to please the client at the same time. Moon on a stick comes to mind.

[Spirits High]

Interesting thread ;)


I've found people trying to "rush rush" turn the room and crack on far more recently. It's prompted me into yet another re-think.

There's no way the DSB is going but I'm thinking something along the lines of 2 T bars or even just one T bar behind me pre rigged. Plug and go.


That's spooky you were typing about your "moons" as I was T baring ;)

[djdave01]

between me and my girlfriend, we can usually setup our standard rig in about 20mins, the larger system takes about 30mins. if im on my own it takes about 10 mins longer.

we can usually take down and pack away the rig quicker, we done a school event last week, finished at 9pm, was packed and in the car by 9.13pm

[ppentertainments]

between me and my girlfriend, we can usually setup our standard rig in about 20mins, the larger system takes about 30mins. if im on my own it takes about 10 mins longer.

we can usually take down and pack away the rig quicker, we done a school event last week, finished at 9pm, was packed and in the car by 9.13pm
Another intersting point, and sorry to go off topic - may start a new thread. But I takes me as long to pack up as it does to setup. I used to pack away really quickly but now I have bags / cases for everything it takes around 45 minutes minimum to pack up.

[Mark Wild]

Interesting thread ;)


I've found people trying to "rush rush" turn the room and crack on far more recently. It's prompted me into yet another re-think.

There's no way the DSB is going but I'm thinking something along the lines of 2 T bars or even just one T bar behind me pre rigged. Plug and go. ;)

That's the route I've taken and the minimal rigs that sometimes get a bashing for not offering value for money? Good luck with the 30 minute allocated setup time with your 16 DMX controlled lights :p

[Spirits High]

That's the route I've taken and the minimal rigs that sometimes get a bashing for not offering value for money? Good luck with the 30 minute allocated setup time with your 16 DMX controlled lights :p

No dmx or 16 lights for me!

Most it'll be is 5 and recently as little as 2 :D

[Tony Scott]

Interesting thread ;)

There's no way the DSB is going but I'm thinking something along the lines of 2 T bars or even just one T bar behind me pre rigged. Plug and go.


That's the route I've taken and the minimal rigs that sometimes get a bashing for not offering value for money?

That's exactly what I've done Paul/Mark, 1 t-bar behind, pre wired for 4 fixtures + 2 led par cans behind as uplighting, that's the lighting ready to go in 5 mins.
Pair of 3way, 800w full range cabs on tripods playing at 134dbMax and no bins also cuts down the set-up time... using this set-up means I am ready to go in 25mins instead of 1 hour.

Only thing is I feel like I'm cheating... :o :D

[ppentertainments]

Pair of 3way, 800w full range cabs on tripods playing at 134dbMax and no bins also cuts down the set-up time...

Something else I also do. Partly due to setup times and partly due to bad back, I rarely take subs now. If fact this year I don't think I have used them half a dozen times. Never had comments about the sound.

[Spirits High]

That's exactly what I've done Paul/Mark, 1 t-bar behind, pre wired for 4 fixtures + 2 led par cans behind as uplighting, that's the lighting ready to go in 5 mins.
Pair of 3way, 800w full range cabs on tripods playing at 134dbMax and no bins also cuts down the set-up time... using this set-up means I am ready to go in 25mins instead of 1 hour.

Only thing is I feel like I'm cheating... :o :D

As Marks already mentioned the client may get a bit "narked" if you just put a T bar up. I would feel a little gulity (the first time ;) )

[CRAZY K]

As Marks already mentioned the client may get a bit "narked" if you just put a T bar up. I would feel a little gulity (the first time ;) )

Im not in the same league as you guys ---not as regards Entertainment value but generally slightly different requirements i.e. want Barn Dance mixed with Disco.

I gave up my DJ stand with goalposts a while ago because unlike Corabar Steve I dont have a nice set up on wheels that can be wheeled in and out easily--although I may have another look at this option when we work together in August.:D Far as I know the stand now works in Yorkshire:D

It was the putting together with all those flipping screws and bolts--then the packing down that really :Censored: me off:eek: I dont have a big vehicle to shove it in--although thats possibly the plan for next year.

So now I have my own folding table and keyboard stand ( well actually its an ironing board but you cant tell;) on which all my sound and lighting controls go.

Covered with tartan rugs--dont let me leave it behind again Steve:eek:
or American Flags looks presentable.

All lighting is now on 2 T bars--no shame--one has 4 big coloured pars on one side of the room, the other has two moonflowers, two led effects and a laser fitted in the middle.

As a novelty and to save lugging on to stands I put my Dynatwins on the floor either side of the central stand, I started doing this after finding the
effect was too much in peoples faces.

It does still take me on my own about an hour to set up so I cant be doing any 30 minute turn rounds.

My biggest show--doing one Friday complete with all the American Flags including the giant Flag 12x8 feet takes 2 hours.

Its take it or leave it as far as I am concerned.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Just got off the phone with a hotel I'll be working at in the near future and they turn-around the room in 30 mins. They also expect me to be set up in this time :eek: I can do this and will of course, but I'll need a roadie.



Why would they expect this? If you take an hour, then you take an hour, surely?

Who is the contract with - the Hotel or someone else?

I don't get this really. If someone tells me we have 30 minutes, then I tell them we can't guarantee that, as we need an hour, but will do our best.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Once funds premits I will look into the costings of getting an set up that will take 30 minutes or less to set up. I put in the contract an hour however a few times clients have commented I say ideally we do need this but we will try our hardest to set up as quick as possible. In the summer its not so bad as its so light you can do the lights after starting however this isnt ideal!

[Mark Wild]

Why would they expect this? If you take an hour, then you take an hour, surely?

Who is the contract with - the Hotel or someone else?

I don't get this really. If someone tells me we have 30 minutes, then I tell them we can't guarantee that, as we need an hour, but will do our best.

Because when they kick the guests out to turn-around, I suppose they expect the DJ to be ready when they invite them back in and not still setting up? Contract is with the client and my T&C's stipulate 1 hour, but on the night I'm still setting up at warp speed to get it done to their time scales. I'd hate to say "Well my T&C's say 1 hour".
Have you never had a co-ordinator say "You nearly done" or " How long are you going to be?"?

I'm a bit mythed you don't get it tbh.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Because when they kick the guests out to turn-around, I suppose they expect the DJ to be ready when they invite them back in and not still setting up? Contract is with the client and my T&C's stipulate 1 hour, but on the night I'm still setting up at warp speed to get it done to their time scales. I'd hate to say "Well my T&C's say 1 hour".
Have you never had a co-ordinator say "You nearly done" or " How long are you going to be?"?

I'm a bit mythed you don't get it tbh.

You're a bit what???

Of course I've had people come and ask how long I'm going to be, but I do point out that it takes me an hour and yes, I do point out that it says that in my contract.

It is one of my pet hates having to rush, but I will if necessary.

I think if you do your homework beforehand, then it shouldn't be an issue.

[Mark Wild]

You're a bit what???

Of course I've had people come and ask how long I'm going to be, but I do point out that it takes me an hour and yes, I do point out that it says that in my contract.

It is one of my pet hates having to rush, but I will if necessary.

I think if you do your homework beforehand, then it shouldn't be an issue.

Mythed (is that not a word? lol)

The fact I have to rush and do it in 30 minutes is really the whole reason I started the thread, to see others thoughts and feelings on that very matter. For some reason if they're rushing me on verbally, I don't think I'd feel comfortable saying " Well I stipulate 1 hour on my contract " As not to get their back up. More the fool me maybe for treading egg shells, as a brand new business to this area, who is yet to be properly established.

Doing my homework beforehand was how I found out they want the DJ setup in 30 minutes.

[yourdj]

Ah this is my forte. spent years cutting down and improving the kits weight and quality. with good access (20m away with no obstructions from van) , no big steps and in a serious rush i can be ready in 10mins. I do have a smaller set up than most mind you and all my lighting is pre done which used to take me ages.

1 trip - i did just that at my residency prom.

However i would rather arrive an hour early and take 40 mins.

i do faany around a bit after setting up filling with uplighters and projectors though. tell me im showing off LOL.

[rob1963]

Mythed (is that not a word? lol)


I think you mean miffed, Mark.....unless, of course you've become a myth?

:D

[Mark Wild]

Yeah miffed :coat:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Mythed

[Excalibur]

Aha, the Holy Grail. A rig which fits in a Nissan Micra, can be set up in 10 minutes, and has eight DMX effects on the rig, as well as at least four cabs.

When someone invents it, put me down for one. ;)



That's exactly what I've done Paul/Mark, 1 t-bar behind, pre wired for 4 fixtures + 2 led par cans behind as uplighting, that's the lighting ready to go in 5 mins.
Pair of 3way, 800w full range cabs on tripods playing at 134dbMax and no bins also cuts down the set-up time... using this set-up means I am ready to go in 25mins instead of 1 hour.

Only thing is I feel like I'm cheating... :o :D
That's because you are. ;) :p Disgraceful. :mad:


As Marks already mentioned the client may get a bit "narked" if you just put a T bar up. I would feel a little gulity (the first time ;) )
And so you should. ;)


Why would they expect this? If you take an hour, then you take an hour, surely?

Who is the contract with - the Hotel or someone else?

I don't get this really. If someone tells me we have 30 minutes, then I tell them we can't guarantee that, as we need an hour, but will do our best.
OK, silly bits over, Darren, thank you for being the voice of reason. And sanity. And sense. Does nobody else embark on a go-slow when given the hurry up? :whistle: If they can't play the game as regards access and timings, then tough.

And I know it doesn't work for everyone everywhere, but whyere possible, set the balsted rig up in the morning, at your leisure. Then rock up five minutes befopre kick off, elegantly coiffeured, suited and booted, looking like "Man at C&A, " press play, and start to rock and roll. Simples. :D :D

Because when they kick the guests out to turn-around, I suppose they expect the DJ to be ready when they invite them back in and not still setting up? Contract is with the client and my T&C's stipulate 1 hour, but on the night I'm still setting up at warp speed to get it done to their time scales. I'd hate to say "Well my T&C's say 1 hour".
Have you never had a co-ordinator say "You nearly done" or " How long are you going to be?"?

I'm a bit mythed you don't get it tbh.

[CRAZY K]

If they can't play the game as regards access and timings, then tough.



Agreed, I would have thought in most venues the management wants people to go and have a drink at the bar for a while and boost their profits during the turnround.

Thats my experience--depends on the size of the venue I guess.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I had it on Saturday.

We had set up the lower part of the ultimax (i.e. Minus the uprights and lighting bar) and sound system at 4.pm. The reason being was because the top table was situated on the stage (complete with ivory starcloth backdrop), so we were off to the right, and there was no way we could lift a fully loaded ultimax up onto the stage after theyve got it cleared.

Guests arrive at 4.30pm and have drinks in the garden. They come in at 5pm for the meal with us playing background music and providing mics for the speeches.

7pm...room turn around and we get told that the room will only take 15 minues to turn around because "it isnt that messy" :eek:

I point out that im going top need at least half an hour (i had the lighting and that already in the room and hiding behind the starcloth backdrop...i had half an idea they were going to get a quick room turnaround ;) ). Theur reply was along the lines of..."well your already half set up".

I pointed out that the cabling would need re ran, and i had to get the rig on stage, tidied, and everything secured, then tidy away cases etc. They wernt happy and the C&B manager was about to object...until i pointed out how filthy the carpet was with food...and he had to instruct one of the waiters to crack out the hoover...and do the whole room :D ... left me plenty of time!

[yourdj]

until i pointed out how filthy the carpet was with food...and he had to instruct one of the waiters to crack out the hoover...and do the whole room :D ... left me plenty of time!

you know what i used to feel sorry for old henry.

but he us really becoming a star now the invented the minature desktop one - less too do and more loved as a result ..

http://pds.microtop10.com/pds/webito/2009/03/a0000948_20090304_2df70c9441d4c922bb2c8e8dfbd4c89b .jpg

[DJ Jules]

7pm...room turn around and we get told that the room will only take 15 minues to turn around because "it isnt that messy" :eek:

The last time I had that happen, I called their bluff and suggested that if the venue didn't have much to do to turn the room around that I borrow two of their guys to help me load in and set up - thus increasing their turn around time to 30mins, and decreasing my set up to 30mins :D

The venue manager obviously refused, but quit whining and went away :D Obviously I doubt I would have let them help anyway as some of their staff looked like they might have fairly slippery fingers (and deep pockets...) and DJ kit doesn't usually like being dropped (or stolen) regardless of how good the flight cases are.

I stipulate an hour set up time and I discuss this with the B&G in the pre-event meeting and also with their wedding planner and/or the venue manager in advance (if possible). If I don't have an hour, then I'll try and negotiate setting up earlier in the day. So far, I've only ever had the one incident above where the venue have tried to get me to set up in less than the pre-agreed time.

I think I've been lucky so far, but have a suspicion that the venue this coming weekend is probably going to give me grief. I've only got an hour to set up, but the load in includes two corridors, a lift and a small flight of stairs, and I'm going to have to work around the staff because the rooms are actually very small. To top it off, I've got to also rig uplighting, provide an input and soundcheck a man with a guitar in this time!

Julian

[soundmaster mobile disco]

For my full wedding rig it takes about 40 mins.There is nothing worse than rushing around trying to set up when it probably is not our fault that the venue is running late.I always try and arrive a good hour before i am due to start.

How many times are you set up ready to go for a wedding and then have to wait around 30 mins before you do the frirst dance?

[jc light and sound]

I always advise my clients of the time it will take to set there chosen rig,especially if uplighting is involved although nine times out of ten this would be pre set in the day.
It takes as long as it takes you quickly learn that valuable lesson that if you rush and are under pressure to set the rig eventually you will make a mistake.
Most of my clients understand this as for the hotels well there understanding is most djs have a laptop and a couple of lights set up in ten minutes cant you is normally what we get.

[Shaun]

I found myself in the situation the OP described just last night.

My contract states 90 minutes for setup (although in reality I can do it in an hour, but I like to leave a window for unexpected surprises). The bride had already stated a few weeks ago that there would only be a one hour turnaround time, to which I told her I'd do my best and have the sound setup first so her guests can enjoy background music whilst I finished. No problem she said.

So, I arrived at the venue and spoke to the banquet manager who informed me that they are running a little late but stated they'd still be ready for the first dance at half 7. I took the opportunity to do as much prep as possible so I could be setup as quick as I can when I got in the hall.

Setup the booth
Put on the overhead
Got all the cables out that I'd need
Took the lighting out the flightcases.

The speeches over-ran and I didn't get access till 7.05pm. With the partial setup outside I was able to be completely setup ready to go in around 30 minutes.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Can you lift the booth like that then?

[rob1963]

I found myself in the situation the OP described just last night.

My contract states 90 minutes for setup (although in reality I can do it in an hour, but I like to leave a window for unexpected surprises). The bride had already stated a few weeks ago that there would only be a one hour turnaround time, to which I told her I'd do my best and have the sound setup first so her guests can enjoy background music whilst I finished. No problem she said.

So, I arrived at the venue and spoke to the banquet manager who informed me that they are running a little late but stated they'd still be ready for the first dance at half 7. I took the opportunity to do as much prep as possible so I could be setup as quick as I can when I got in the hall.

Setup the booth
Put on the overhead
Got all the cables out that I'd need
Took the lighting out the flightcases.

The speeches over-ran and I didn't get access till 7.05pm. With the partial setup outside I was able to be completely setup ready to go in around 30 minutes.

To be honest, I don't think much of that set up Shaun.

The tops would look better on the poles, I'd put the movers on the overhead bar and I think the flight cases & extension lead should be hidden away.

:D :D :D

[Shaun]

Can you lift the booth like that then?

I had a roadie with me. It was surprisingly easy with both of us.


To be honest, I don't think much of that set up Shaun.

The tops would look better on the poles, I'd put the movers on the overhead bar and I think the flight cases & extension lead should be hidden away.

:D :D :D

Taxi for Rob. :p

[Disco Tech Liverpool]

Takes me an hour to setup, they are told this on the phone, as is the venue.

[DJ Tony McQue]

I had a master of ceremonies from one of the big 5 star hotels in Edinburgh screaming at me to prepare start the first dance, this was 15 minutes after I had been allowed into the room and also had to mic up the band that were on before me. I'm guessing he is more used to someone turning up with a light box and citronic console.. We compromised that I had an extra 10 minutes and I wouldn't be able to change into my suit until after the band.

I can do it in 30 minutes at a push but that is with untidy cables and me looking sweaty. It just isn't worth the stress those kind of gigs.

[Jonathan Ford]

I found myself in the situation the OP described just last night.

My contract states 90 minutes for setup (although in reality I can do it in an hour, but I like to leave a window for unexpected surprises). The bride had already stated a few weeks ago that there would only be a one hour turnaround time, to which I told her I'd do my best and have the sound setup first so her guests can enjoy background music whilst I finished. No problem she said.

So, I arrived at the venue and spoke to the banquet manager who informed me that they are running a little late but stated they'd still be ready for the first dance at half 7. I took the opportunity to do as much prep as possible so I could be setup as quick as I can when I got in the hall.

Setup the booth
Put on the overhead
Got all the cables out that I'd need
Took the lighting out the flightcases.

The speeches over-ran and I didn't get access till 7.05pm. With the partial setup outside I was able to be completely setup ready to go in around 30 minutes.

I had to do that a couple of times last summer. Pretty much set the whole rig up a safe distance from a fire exit, and then carry the whole lot in at the last minute. Worked OK in the summer, but when I returned to the venue in November in the :Censored: ing rain, didn't work quite so well!

[Excalibur]

In the frand scheme of things, how important is it that you're playing music at 7pm, or whatever? Guests don't remember the first hour, they remember the last hour. ;)