Owned and operated by Managing Partners Toby Russell and Dave Howell, Velocity AVS prides itself on knowledge, service and commitment to excellence. An integral part of the meetings and hospitality industries, as well as the communities where we have offices, we are proud to be active members of Meeting Planners International, the International Special Events Society, The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau.


Our Team

Toby Russell began his career in 1985 as a San Diego disc jockey with his mobile music business. He quickly became one of the most sought after DJ entertainers in America’s Finest City. A visionary, Toby immediately expanded his products and services beyond music entertainment to include an expanded line of audio visual equipment of projectors, screens and lighting. By 1990 Toby was producing awards programs and special events with top-of-the-line AV and his sought after signature customer service. As Toby continued to acquire the newest and best technology his client list expanded rapidly. To meet the needs of his growing business, Toby joined forces with industry pioneer Dave Howell.

Dave Howell’s start in the industry was as an independent video producer. In 1981 he formed Coast Video Productions to serve local and national clients. In 1989 Dave sold Coast Video to build SDTV’s Mobilelink -- the nation’s first fully deployable remote uplink/production truck. An instant success, Mobilelink is still on the road today. Dave moved to join AVHQ in 1991 and quickly rose to be the Director of AV Services at La Costa Resort and Spa, and then the Sheraton San Diego on Harbor Island. After reaching the position of Regional Manager overseeing the San Diego market, Dave struck out on his own again, this time to create a partnership with Toby Russell that would evolve into Velocity Audio Visual Services.

John Bailey is Velocity’s senior lead technician. Previously Velocity’s warehouse manager, the 27-year-old skilled technician plays a key role on the team, executing onsite audio and lighting to provide excellence in audio visual for every client. “I really enjoy the technical work of event setup, execution and tear down.” John also enjoys his role in customer service. “Not only do I get to do something I truly enjoy everyday, I get the added satisfaction of knowing my work played a big part in helping a customer achieve their goals.”
PROUD MEMBERS

San Diego & Arizona Sunbelt

Staging and Conferencing Design an Implementation for Corporate America

Velocity AVS’ national experience reads like the “Who’s Who” of Corporate America including, to drop a few names, Comic Relief, Walt Disney Studios, Red Bull, American Express, Genentech, Abbott Labs and Merck Pharmaceuticals just to name a few.

Torch Award Finalist Recipient for Audio Visual Staging Marketplace Ethics

A 2007 recipient of the San Diego Better Business Bureau Finalist Torch Award for Audio Visual Staging marketplace ethics, Velocity AVS was established in 1999 when San Diego natives and industry front-runners Toby Russell and Dave Howell combined their skills, talents and experience to form one of the nation’s top audio visual staging companies. Velocity is the in-house AV provider for the Dana on Mission Bay and is an active member of Meeting Planners International, the International Special Events Society, the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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