You're in the midst of a live event with technical glitches. How do you decide which tasks to tackle first?

1 Assess Fast

First things first, quickly determine the scope and impact of the technical issues. Is the glitch affecting the entire event or just a portion? Are attendees aware of the problem? Your priority is to address issues that have the most immediate impact on the audience experience. For instance, if the sound system fails, it's more urgent than a lighting hiccup in a corner of the venue. Quick assessment is key to effective troubleshooting and ensures that you maintain the integrity of the event while minimizing disruptions.

2 Communicate Clearly

Once you've identified the most pressing issues, communicate with your team clearly and efficiently. Use walkie-talkies or headsets to relay information to the right people quickly. If you're dealing with multiple glitches, delegate tasks to team members based on their expertise. For example, direct your audio technician to resolve sound issues, while someone else addresses lighting or video playback problems. Clear communication prevents confusion and overlapping efforts, which can save precious time during a live event.

3 Prioritize Safety

Safety should always be your top priority. If any technical glitch poses a risk to the performers, staff, or audience, it needs immediate attention. For example, a malfunctioning pyrotechnic device or a loose lighting rig must be dealt with before addressing less critical issues. Ensuring everyone's safety not only prevents potential injuries but also protects the reputation of your event and can prevent legal repercussions.

4 Fix or Workaround

In the heat of the moment, decide whether a quick fix is possible or if you need to implement a workaround. Sometimes, rebooting a system or reseating a cable can resolve an issue on the spot. If a solution isn't immediately apparent, consider temporary measures to keep the show going. For example, if a projector fails, switch to a backup or use another form of visual aid until the problem can be properly fixed. The goal is to keep the disruption to the audience experience as minimal as possible.

5 Inform Audience

If the technical issues are noticeable and impact the attendee experience, it's important to inform the audience. A brief announcement acknowledging the issue and assuring that it's being addressed can go a long way in maintaining trust and patience. Use humor or offer apologies where appropriate; your goal is to keep the mood light and prevent frustration from building up among your attendees. Transparency can often diffuse tension and help keep the focus on the overall event experience.

6 Monitor Closely

After addressing the immediate technical glitches, monitor the situation closely to prevent recurrence. Keep an eye on repaired systems and be ready to jump back into action if needed. This vigilance ensures that any new or resurfacing issues are dealt with promptly, keeping your event running smoothly. It's also a good time to note any lessons learned for future events, as each challenge provides an opportunity to refine your approach to event production.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?