Advanced Staging Productions provides the highest level of event technology management, holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of performance in the industry. Our approach to technical production entails partnering with you, always keeping your goals in mind as we work together to develop the best possible event production solution for your event. With over thirty years experience, we know how to make your event great– no matter the size, location, venue, or audience. It’s the Advanced Way!
1985
How We've Advanced
Founded in 1985 as Advanced Audio Visual Inc. (AAV), Advanced Staging Productions as it is known today has a long and storied history. Initially providing rental equipment and technical services to corporations and hotels, AAV grew as event technology progressed.
1988
Steve Wildemann Joins the Team
Recognizing the long-term value of audio visual technology for use at corporate events, AAV quickly became the computer and video presentation experts in the Philadelphia region. The ability to offer the newest and best audio and video equipment, coupled with a high level of customer service, fueled steady growth throughout the eighties and early nineties.
Steve Wildemann came aboard in 1988 and quickly asserted his influence on the operation. Attention to detail and a customer service focus helped the company, and Wildemann, grow as he moved quickly from “South Route” driver to Rental Manager and Vice President of Operations.
Early 90’s
BUILDING CAPABILITIES
As event technology continued to evolve, AAV added a video production department along with the sales and installation of audio/visual and computer presentation equipment.
1997
STEVE WILDEMANN BECOMES PRESIDENT
In 1997, with Wildemann at the helm as President, Advanced Staging Productions was born to answer the increasing demand for event technology production services. With the growth of the two other AAV departments, Grafinger established three standalone companies including Advanced AV (sales and installation) and MC3 (video production) — that provided specific expertise to different market segments.
RYAN MCLAUGHLIN JOINS THE TEAM
Coincidentally, it was the same year that brought Ryan McLaughlin to Advanced. He quickly absorbed the lessons from Grafinger and Wildemann and began to make his mark on the company as well. He, too, valued customer service and providing just the right solutions for our customers’ needs. With Wildemann relying on his insight and dedication, McLaughlin rapidly rose to a management position and helped to spur the consistent growth that characterized the company at the turn of the century.
2003
JASON SHOWERS COMES ABOARD
In 2003, the company looked to round out its service offerings by adding lighting production to the mix. With the addition of Jason Showers, fresh off a 12-year stint at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, a lighting department was developed that allowed Advanced Staging Productions to offer the three crucial elements of a corporate and special events production – audio, video and lighting technology and design. Thus began Advanced Staging Productions’ transformation into the premier provider of event technology management services in the Philadelphia and mid-Atlantic regions.
EARLY 2000’S
ADVANCED STAGING PRODUCTIONS CONTINUES TO GROW
The company grew in size and capability throughout the early 2000’s, partnering with creative production agencies to take advantage of the ever-changing, complex and dynamic technologies to produce events high profile events in venues throughout the country.
2016
Introducing Bill Mcewen
In an effort to create stable and consistent growth as the company entered its third decade, Bill McEwen, a corporate regional sales director, was brought on at the start of 2016 to develop a strategic growth plan that would give the company a scalable process and road map for the future. With McEwen at the helm, a sales and marketing system focused on teamwork and account growth was implemented and designed to maximize our clients’ experience.
TODAY
ELITE SERVICE REMAINS AT THE FOREFRONT
Today, Advanced Staging Productions, solely owned by Steve Wildemann since December 2012, continues to provide a high level of event technology management, holding itself accountable to the highest standards of performance in the industry.
Our approach to technical production entails partnering with you, always keeping your goals in mind as we work together to develop the best possible event production solution for your event.
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I wanted to send a special ‘thank you’ for the amazing work you did on The Liberty Medal gala. It was a hectic day yesterday with all the last minute requests and changes, but you never seemed stressed at all. You are great partners and everyone here, especially me, appreciates that.
- Jennifer Darley
Vice President of Visitor Services, The National Constitution Center
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Your entire team pitched in, providing invaluable insight and advice for the best usage of the space, and followed through on the night of the gala. Simply put, you made it work!
- Liz & Jay Scott
CO-Executive Directors, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
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I wanted to make sure I took time out to send a heartfelt thanks for all your help and guidance... Overall, the committee was extremely impressed with the layout of the event and I know I owe that to you.
- Nikki Hornsberry
Associate Director, Office of Student Involvement, Villanova University
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Everything went great. Your team is always such a pleasure to work with!! Across the board, a delight! Thank you for your patience during such a crazy week.
- Gina DeGiovanni
Event Manager, The Franklin Institute
