The Complete AV Equipment Checklist for Your Minneapolis Fundraiser

Planning a fundraiser in Minneapolis means every dollar raised counts — and nothing kills momentum faster than a feedback-screeching microphone during the keynote or a dim stage during the live auction. Event Rentals NYC, a KLAV Group company with 20+ years of production experience powering events for Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, and Hillsong NYC, has built this practical checklist so your gala raises more and stresses less.

Sound Equipment

If guests cannot hear the cause, they will not give to the cause. Sound is non-negotiable.

• PA System (Line Array or Powered Speakers) — Needed for every fundraiser with speeches, auctions, or live entertainment. Recommended: 2–4 powered speakers for 150–300 guests; full line array for 500+. Cost: $350–$1,800/day.
• Wireless Handheld Microphones — Essential for emcees, auctioneers, and donor testimonials. Recommended: 2–4 units. Cost: $75–$150/day per mic.
• Lavalier (Lapel) Microphones — Ideal for keynote speakers and panel discussions. Recommended: 1–2 units. Cost: $90–$175/day per mic.
• Stage Monitors — Required if you have live music or a band. Recommended: 2–4 wedges. Cost: $100–$250/day per monitor.
• Digital Mixing Console — Needed any time you have more than two audio sources. Recommended: 16–32 channel board. Cost: $250–$750/day.

Lighting Equipment

Lighting transforms a hotel ballroom into a $100,000-feel event.

• LED Uplighting — Color-wash the room in your cause's brand colors. Recommended: 12–24 fixtures. Cost: $25–$45/day per fixture.
• Dance Floor Lighting (Moving Heads + Wash) — For the after-program celebration. Recommended: 4–8 moving heads. Cost: $75–$150/day per fixture.
• Stage Wash & Spotlights — For speakers, honorees, and live entertainment. Recommended: 4–6 PAR fixtures plus 1–2 follow spots. Cost: $40–$200/day per fixture.
• Ambient Pin Spots — Lights each centerpiece for that "wow" entrance moment. Recommended: 1 per table. Cost: $15–$25/day per pin spot.

Video Equipment

Video tells the donor story — show impact, not just statistics.

• HD Projector + Screen (10ft–16ft) — For impact videos, donor recognition, sponsor logos. Recommended: 1–2 setups. Cost: $400–$1,500/day.
• LED Video Wall — Premium alternative for galas of 400+ guests. Recommended: 10ft x 6ft minimum. Cost: $2,500–$6,000/day.
• 55"–75" TV Displays — For lobby signage, silent auction screens, sponsor loops. Recommended: 2–6 displays. Cost: $150–$350/day per display.

DJ & Music

The right DJ keeps energy high between programmed moments.

• Pioneer CDJ Turntables + DJM Mixer — Industry-standard for professional DJs. Recommended: 2 CDJs + 1 mixer. Cost: $350–$600/day.
• DJ Controller (Pioneer DDJ or Rane) — All-in-one option for smaller fundraisers. Recommended: 1 unit. Cost: $150–$300/day.
• DJ Booth Façade with LED Front — Branded, sponsor-ready visual. Recommended: 1 booth. Cost: $200–$450/day.

Extras That Drive Donations

• Photo Booth (Open-Air with Branded Backdrop) — Drives social shares and sponsor visibility. Recommended: 1 booth. Cost: $600–$1,200 for 4 hours.
• Low-Lying Fog Machine — Cinematic entrance for honorees or live performances. Recommended: 1–2 units. Cost: $125–$250/day.
• Confetti Cannons — For the fundraising goal reveal moment. Recommended: 2–4 cannons. Cost: $50–$120 per cannon.

Rent From Event Rentals NYC — We Travel to Minneapolis

Event Rentals NYC delivers Fortune-500-grade AV anywhere in the country, including Minneapolis. With 1,000+ events produced and clients like UBS Arena, Webster Hall, and Nickelodeon, your fundraiser deserves the same caliber of production.

Call 646-280-9522 or email ozzy@klavgroup.com to lock in your Minneapolis fundraiser package today.