Understanding Dry Hire and Assisted Hire Before Your Next  Event

At Sparq, we are known for our comprehensive event solutions, providing everything you need for seamless, engaging experiences. Within our full-service offering, we also provide flexible Dry Hire and Assisted Hire options. Whether you're managing an intimate gathering or need technical expertise for a more complex setup, Sparq has the right solution for you.

What is Dry Hire?

Dry hire refers to a straightforward equipment rental service. Clients can pick up the required AV kit from our warehouse or arrange delivery, and after the event, return it on an agreed date. It’s a popular option for smaller events—typically under 200 attendees or with budgets below £5,000—where the client feels confident handling the technical side of things.

This is ideal if:

- You have in-house technicians or prior experience with AV equipment.

- Your event doesn't require ongoing technical support.

- You are looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality.

For example, if you’re running a simple presentation or a local community event, dry hire allows you to use professional equipment without the added costs of onsite technicians. It’s perfect for situations where the focus is on delivering a message, rather than wowing the audience with extensive special effects or high-end production.

What is Assisted Hire?

On the other hand, assisted hire—also known as ‘wet hire’ in the industry—includes technical support from our expert team. This service can range from equipment installation and handover to full event support, where we operate the AV setup during the event and take care of the derigging afterward. Assisted hire is perfect for clients who prefer to leave the technical details to the professionals, ensuring the event runs smoothly from start to finish.

The key advantages include:

- A worry-free experience with qualified technicians ensuring everything runs smoothly.

- Support for managing presentations, microphones, and other AV elements during the event.

- Less stress for your team, as we take care of setup, operation, and pack down.

At Sparq, we always recommend having a technician on-site, especially for complex or high-stakes events. This ensures that any potential issues are dealt with promptly, allowing the client to focus entirely on the event’s content rather than the technology behind it.

Which Option is Right for You?

Choosing between dry hire and assisted hire depends on the scale and complexity of your event. Smaller events or those with simple AV requirements may find dry hire to be the most cost-effective solution, while larger events—where timing and coordination are critical—benefit greatly from the added support that comes with assisted hire.

We understand that every event is unique, which is why we offer a full range of audio, video, staging, lighting equipment and everything in-between to suit your specific needs. Our experienced team, with over 40 years in the industry, are always available to offer advice and guide you in choosing the right setup for your event’s style, venue, and message.

Collaboration at the Heart of Sparq’s Approach

At Sparq, we believe in building collaborative relationships with our clients. When you hire our equipment, you’re not just getting a box of kit—you’re gaining access to expert advice and guidance. Our technical team, led by Sam, our Technical Hiredesk Manager, are always available to help you understand how the tech will operate, ensuring your event runs flawlessly.

Even with dry hire, our approach is highly collaborative. We work closely with you to ensure the equipment integrates seamlessly with the rest of your event. You won’t just see us as the tech team at the back of the room—we become part of your delivery team.

Conclusion

Whether you're considering dry hire to manage things independently or need our skilled technicians for assisted hire, Sparq has the flexibility and expertise to meet your event needs. From small gatherings to larger productions, we’re committed to delivering top-quality AV solutions.

Need advice on what’s best for your upcoming event? Sam and the team at Sparq are ready to help you choose the right equipment and service for your next event, no matter how big or small.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your event with our dry and assisted hire services!