An often underestimated infrastructure
In the world of events, every detail counts: a well-designed stage, impeccable sound, well-thought-out lighting... But all these elements rest on an often invisible yet crucial foundation: the equipment. Structures, audiovisual equipment, furniture, decorative elements... without them, it's impossible to produce a coherent experience.
Yet this equipment remains highly vulnerable: transported, hastily assembled, handled by many hands, exposed to the elements, sometimes left unattended. It is one of the most fragile points in the logistics chain.
Very real risks
"A €12,000 LED screen cracked when it fell 50 cm, simply because it wasn't properly wedged on a trolley", says a service provider. This type of frequent incident is rarely covered if no specific insurance has been taken out. And the consequences can be far-reaching: emergency replacement, loss of business, tensions with suppliers.
Event equipment operates in an uncertain environment: outdoor set-up, tight schedules, multiple interventions... Add to this theft, vandalism or handling errors, and the risk becomes systemic.
All-risk coverage, a new standard
Today, it's the most widely used tool for protecting event equipment. It covers accidental damage, theft, vandalism and bad weather during all phases: transport, installation, operation and dismantling.
The following are generally insured:
- Temporary structures and installations (marquees, stands)
- Technical equipment (lighting, sound, video)
- Furniture and decor
- Signage elements (panels, kakemonos, etc.)
The flexibility of this coverage means it can be adapted to any configuration. It can be taken out on an event or annual basis, depending on the frequency of projects.
Small events also concerned
A temporary showroom, an exhibition for an association, a company party... these formats sometimes involve several thousand euros' worth of equipment. Their exposure to risk is identical, but their capacity to absorb damage is much lower.
"At a local event, a backdrop tarpaulin was stolen overnight. We had to reprint the whole thing on D-1, at an unbudgeted extra cost of €3,500", says an independent organizer. A suitable cover would have made the project safer, without affecting the margin.
A more global project approach
Insuring equipment doesn't just mean ticking a box. It means making risk management an integral part of event planning. It means anticipating unforeseen scenarios, reassuring stakeholders, and avoiding tension in the event of an incident.
It's also a lever for professionalization. "We include insurance in our offers, because it has become a criterion of trust for our customers", explains a structure rental company.
Towards a new roofing culture
The event industry is changing fast. With shorter formats, tighter teams, tighter deadlines and more demanding requirements, it's becoming necessary to think differently about contingency management.
Comprehensive insurance is no longer an option reserved for major accounts. It has become a strategic tool for any organizer wishing to ensure the long-term future of his business, secure his partners and face the unexpected with peace of mind.
