Bump Music: Small Touch with a Big Impact

You’ve worked hard to identify and schedule dynamic speakers for your event. They’re prepared to deliver a memorable presentation. Don’t miss out on a small, final touch that will have a big impact: bump music. In this article, we’ll explain what bump music is and how to incorporate it into your conferences and events.

What is Bump Music?

Bump music – sometimes called walk-up music or intro music – is a short music clip played as the presenter walks from their seat to the stage. Bump music creates excitement, gets the audience’s attention, and fills the event space with sound. Have you ever been at a large event and the distance from the speaker’s table to the stage is far enough that the applause starts to decrease before they reach the stage? Bump music avoids this awkward moment and assures the energy stays up from introduction through to their first words at the podium.

Bump music can also create excitement during fundraising galas when played as lead-ins to each auction item.

How Do I Add Bump Music to My Event?

To effectively use bump music, select tracks that complement the energy and focus of the event and the presenters. And be sure to let your presenters know there will be music playing as they walk to the stage so that no one is caught by surprise.

What Does the AV Team Need?

Your AV tech team needs two things to successfully include bump music in the event: the music and the cues.

• Provide a separate MP4 file for each music track for each presenter.
• Make sure the length of the music clip is long enough to accommodate different walking speeds. Your AV technician will fade the track when the speaker is in place on stage.
• Indicate by file name in your run of show when each track should be played.

What Does Your DJ Need?

If you have hired a DJ for your event, they can be a great resource for bump music. With access to a huge selection of music, your DJ is able to select bump music that complements your event theme, vibe, and audience demographic. Our friend, DJ Avelanche, will also ask the presenters if there is a special song they really love and prefer for their walk up music, sharing, ”Some songs really energize the presenter, some songs calm their hidden jitters and others are a testimony for their resilience and endurance.”

Three Other Small Touches with Big Impact

There are other small touches with big impact you can add to your event with the help of your AV team.

Audio for Your Pre-Function Space: If your networking and welcome reception is in a foyer outside your main event space, work with your AV team to place an audio system in the pre-function area to allow music and announcements to be heard outside of the main ballroom. If your event is in a hotel or convention center with multiple simultaneous events, be sure to connect with your venue coordinator to let them know you plan to place audio in a common area.

Voice of God Announcements: At least 10 minutes before the program begins, invite your guests to take their seats. Your AV team will provide a handheld microphone for the person making the announcements to allow for them to speak from any location in the room or in the reception area. Similar to the end of intermission at a theater, your AV team can also fade the lights up and down to signal it is time for guests to move to their seats. Identify both the announcements and the light changes as tech cues in your run of show.

Set Guest Expectations With Pre-Show Slides: In addition to featuring your event sponsor on your pre-show slide deck, you can include the day’s schedule or other reminders for your guests. QR codes are helpful for guests to view and download a digital copy of the full agenda.

These small AV details may seem minor, but they shape the energy of the entire experience—from walk-ons to welcome receptions. By thinking ahead and collaborating with your AV team, you can keep momentum high and your guests engaged from start to finish.

Want help planning the perfect AV touches for your next event? Contact us to start a conversation—we’d love to help bring your vision to life.