About the Owner Duane Harder
With over 20 years in the AV industry, Duane’s journey began as a hands-on technician and grew into leadership as an Audio Visual Sales Manager at a downtown hotel and convention center. There, he mastered the fast-paced demands of hotel-based event production and built a deep understanding of client service, logistics, and technical execution. Beyond the hotel world, Duane expanded his expertise as a freelance contractor, working with top AV companies on shows of every size and scope. Along the way, he built a trusted network of technicians and a working knowledge of systems, gear, and workflows across the full spectrum of live production.
Established in 2019 |
Our Goal |
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DHAV was born out of a client’s need for something better. When one of Duane’s longtime partners reached out looking for a consistent AV provider across their events citywide, the gap was clear: venues weren’t delivering the quality, service, or pricing they needed. Duane stepped in to build a solution defined by calm execution, clear communication, and a team that owns the outcome. That solution became DHAV.
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At DHAV, our goal is simple: deliver unmatched value through consistent, technician-led service. Whether it’s a high-profile General Session or a single Breakout Room, every event receives the same level of focus, care, and professionalism. You can get gear anywhere—we provide something harder to find: a crew that’s invested, responsive, and built around your show.
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Influencing the Future
The AV Helpdesk is a technician-first resource hub built to support the AV industry from the inside out. Brought to you by DHAV, it’s where training, tools, and trusted service come together under one roof.
We launched it to solve real problems—the lack of practical education for new techs, a central location to find everyday supplies. Today, it’s home to AV Academy, our hands-on training program for emerging technicians. It’s also where you’ll find the AV Superstore, curated with gear and essentials crews actually use. And soon, we’ll be adding a growing library of instructional videos—covering gear, workflows, and field-tested techniques.
Whether you're planning a show or building a crew, The AV Helpdesk is here to raise the standard—and support the people behind the production.
We launched it to solve real problems—the lack of practical education for new techs, a central location to find everyday supplies. Today, it’s home to AV Academy, our hands-on training program for emerging technicians. It’s also where you’ll find the AV Superstore, curated with gear and essentials crews actually use. And soon, we’ll be adding a growing library of instructional videos—covering gear, workflows, and field-tested techniques.
Whether you're planning a show or building a crew, The AV Helpdesk is here to raise the standard—and support the people behind the production.
Introducing AV Academy
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AV Academy was created as part of DHAV’s commitment to strengthening the AV community from the ground up. Focused on training the next generation of technicians, the program offers in-person, hands-on instruction designed to build real-world confidence and capability. From cable management to camera framing, AV Academy equips new techs with the foundational skills they need to walk onto a show site and contribute with clarity and care.
As the program grows, future courses will expand into advanced topics—continuing our mission to raise the bar for AV labor across the industry. |
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Curated for Techs
The AV Superstore is a practical extension of our mission to support the people behind the production. Stocked with everyday gear that working techs rely on—cables, adapters, tools, and show-day essentials—it’s built to make the basics easy to find and hard to forget.
Curated by real crews and brought to you by DHAV, The AV Superstore reflects our commitment to technician-first service and industry-wide support. As The AV Helpdesk grows, so will our inventory—always focused on what techs actually need in the field.
Curated by real crews and brought to you by DHAV, The AV Superstore reflects our commitment to technician-first service and industry-wide support. As The AV Helpdesk grows, so will our inventory—always focused on what techs actually need in the field.