Audio-visual specialists produce and maintain audio-visual materials. AV specialists operate audio-visual equipment at presentations and entertainment venues.

Today's world is increasingly high-tech. Schools, businesses, and institutions are outfitted with computers, digital cameras, and projectors. People learn and are entertained by presentations that use sound and visual effects. A multimedia approach is used to teach both children and adults many things. Children may learn about the Great Wall of China by watching a video at school. An employee may learn job safety procedures by watching a slide show at work. Audio-visual specialists work with audio-visual (AV) equipment to create multimedia presentations and performances.

Presentations to groups of people require AV equipment so that everyone in the audience can see and hear. AV equipment is used for theatre, music and dance productions. It is used at conferences, political rallies, and in religious settings.