To help you plan your next outdoor event, we asked audio experts to share their do’s and don’ts—everything from securing a permit to keeping sound levels in check. Towns and cities usually have ordinances and bylaws in place that state how loud an event can be and for how long. A sound permit is typically required for outdoor events. Nick Barnes, a national account manager at event technology company Markey's, a member of the Event Production Network, also expressed the need for early communication with authorities. In addition to utilizing high-tech wizardry to control sound, planners can also go analog, installing sound-absorbing panels or drapes to buffer noise.