When you think about successful corporate events, it’s easy to get caught up in logistics, technology, and budget spreadsheets. But beneath the technical details lies something quintessentially human: creativity fused with teamwork. This fusion was front and center in a recent conversation with Michael Collins, co-founder of Bluefox Production, as he shared his journey from music-loving kid to leader of a thriving AV production company. His reflections offer valuable lessons for anyone hoping to create events that resonate, inspire, and succeed, no matter the size or budget.
Finding a Path Through Curiosity and Collaboration
Michael Collins didn’t set out to build a career in corporate events. In fact, his earliest inspiration was far from the boardroom: a childhood REM concert in St. Louis, attended at age eight, made a vivid impression not just because of the music but because of the spectacle. Later, armed with a deep interest in music and sound, Michael’s journey veered from potential military service to the creative freedom of the audio world.
He described his entry into event production almost as happenstance. “I think it’s more the latter. And I think especially for any of us who are in corporate, we tend to find it from the side. We’re like, this is actually a job.” This sideways route, often taken by those who excel at events, helps foster open-mindedness and curiosity. Michael believes these are traits essential in creating memorable experiences for clients.
The Power of Creative Curiosity
A recurring theme in Michael’s approach is curiosity: asking “why” as much as “how.” Too often, AV services get reduced to boxes to check- screens, lights, speakers. But for Michael, stepping beyond transactional RFPs to become a true partner means getting curious about the brand, the culture, and the emotions that will resonate with attendees.
“I love having a brainstorming with the client, whether or not they’re into, you know, creativity or this or that and the other, just having someone there to, to kind of solidify that team mentality of it,” he explains. The more time and trust a client gives, the more creative potential emerges. Collins encourages planners to invite their AV partners into early ideation. When AV professionals are brought in as an extension of the planning team, not just as vendors ticking line items, they can help weave branding, technology, and story into a cohesive environment.
It’s about building an immersive experience, not simply providing equipment. Digging into questions about company dynamics, event themes, and attendee demographics can unlock ideas that are more reflective and memorable. Sometimes this means suggesting low-tech, high-impact touches or offering design solutions before budgets are finalized. Michael emphasizes, “It also speaks to one thing that comes up in-house. AV is a question. I think in-house AV has a place definitely in our ecosystem. It is a quick turnkey solution, typically for overtaxed planners. But when your client is ready, they’re like, we have this set budget, we know we’re going to spend this much on it, then I would highly suggest a partner that can bring a lot of creativity to the table …”
Beyond Bids: The True Value of Partnership
Michael is candid about his lack of enthusiasm for the endless loop of RFPs and lowest-bid vendor selections. He and his company, Bluefox, thrive when customers are ready to treat AV as an integral part of the event experience, not as a commodity.
He suggests shifting the focus from price tags to value: “What I try to tell people too is like, if you can get away from looking at the price or maybe change your metric a little bit, what is the value you’re getting for that price.” Factors like audience, event purpose, and risk tolerance should shape creative solutions and budget allocations.
Partnerships foster shared innovation and risk-taking. When planners trust their AV team, they get more than a service, they get an invested collaborator who’s motivated to make them look great, solve problems on the fly, and deliver “wow” moments, even when budgets are constrained.
Building Teamwork and Training the Next Generation
A surprising but vital ingredient to Michael’s philosophy is nurturing people. Before building Bluefox, he managed large volunteer teams at one of Kansas City’s biggest churches, where production relied on skilled but unpaid enthusiasts, many with demanding day jobs.
That experience shaped his commitment to mentorship and training: “I think the biggest aspect of it is, is kind of knowing people and as they experience and experiment, especially on a volunteer side. Like you see where people are good and what they’re interested in and then you try to give them opportunities to move into that and to gain experience and try different things. It’s not that much different in our corporate setting.” Michael compares his company to a teaching hospital, where experienced “surgeons” bring newer team members along for hands-on learning- safely, but with real growth opportunities.
He argues that a healthy organization needs a mix of experienced hands and enthusiastic learners. Making time to invest in professional development- training, shop builds, testing- ensures everyone stays prepared for showtime. Importantly, it keeps the company agile, passionate, and innovative. Clients benefit, too, from teams that are engaged and invested in delivering exceptional results.
Embracing Camaraderie: The Heartbeat of Events
One of Michael’s most striking observations is about camaraderie, a sense of fellowship that transforms high-stress event days into something fun, meaningful, even addictive. He reminisces about working with rotating crews, sometimes meeting the same faces on shows across the country. The shared focus, adrenaline, and mutual reliance during setup and execution mirror the bonds formed among cast and crew in theater productions.
“It’s a very similar sort of mentality and camaraderie,” he says. This teamwork isn’t just a perk; it’s a necessary ingredient for managing the nerves, long hours, and high stakes of live events.
The Human Side of Technology
Amid industry predictions of AI disruption and technological revolution, Michael remains grounded. He points out that as sophisticated as AV equipment gets, the goal remains constant: to bring people together, spark engagement, and create memorable communal experiences. Gathered audiences are timeless, he notes, “people still enjoy sitting around campfires. … that was pretty popular too,” he remarks wryly.
While technologies will continue to evolve, expanding accessibility and creative options, it’s the thoughtful application of those tools, filtered through the lens of each client’s purpose and identity, that will define the future of memorable events.
So, what should planners take away from Michael’s story and advice?
– Invite AV early into the conversation. Treat your production partner as a creative collaborator, not just a line item.
– Prioritize value, not just price. Invest in the partnership and process that will yield the best outcomes for your audience and objectives.
– Share transparently. Honest conversations about budget, goals, and limitations yield the most innovative (and realistic) solutions.
– Look for teams that invest in people. Growth-minded companies with a mix of old hands and new talent tend to be more passionate and nimble on show day.
– Celebrate risk-taking and creativity. The best events happen when everyone is empowered to suggest ideas and try new approaches.
– Remember the human experience. Regardless of the gear, the goal is emotional resonance and engagement, creating “campfires” people remember.
By keeping creativity and camaraderie at the center, event planners and AV teams can build shows that not only run flawlessly but also leave lasting, meaningful impressions. That’s where the real magic happens.
Learn more about Michael Collins and Bluefox Production and while you’re at it, you can tune into his podcast episode here:
