Live events are exciting, dynamic, and rewarding. Whether you want to produce, plan, design, or manage them, there are many career paths to choose from. In this article, we'll explore some of the most common ones and what skills and qualifications you need to succeed in them.
An event producer is responsible for overseeing the entire process of creating and delivering a live event. They work closely with clients, sponsors, vendors, and other stakeholders to define the vision, budget, and goals of the event. They also coordinate the logistics, technical aspects, marketing, and evaluation of the event. To become an event producer, you need strong project management, communication, and creative skills. You also need to be adaptable, resourceful, and able to handle pressure. A degree in event management, marketing, or a related field can be helpful, but not essential.
The live events which interest me are the ones me and my band can appear at, my interest is performance but since covid, it has been hard to obtain work and this is for a band who in the seventies had several hits in the UK and a number one in the States. Event planners contact me, we completed a tour of Australia in May 2023, which was very successful, having been awarded a gold album in 1975, and our audience remembers, the songs from the seventies are indelible and long may they remain so.
I was recently discussing, with a colleague in a computer programming field, after being involved recently, with several events heavily focused in AI, the likelihood of AI being able to handle event planning and/or audiovisual design & implementation in the foreseeable future. We concluded that we don’t imagine it happening for quite some time. While AI may be of assistance, it will continually rely on human input, regardless of exponential advancements in the tech. When planning & executing, there are innumerable decision making moments where innumerable factors must be considered, and while all decisions are not always correct (generally in 20/20 hindsight only), AI would fare no better than the most experienced of humans.
An event producer role can be split (often times for the sake of sanity) into two roles: one that manages things like clients and sponsors, and one that handles vendors and logistics. This is a common set up within agencies and in house roles themselves as the skill sets (and time available) for any one person may be either more specific or limited. In any case, negotiation, creativity, and organization are skills necessary.
As stated, a degree in a related field can be helpful, but not essential. With or without a degree, nearly 10 years of experience in the field working as a assistant or technician, then project coordinator or production assistant, associate producer, etc. is recommended before anyone gets into some over their head. I’ve seen people get into a world of hurt trying to produce events bigger than their capabilities but it was usually their decision to do so. So go at your own pace, ask for help where/when you need it, choose good mentors and let go of poor ones. Note what works and what doesn’t when & where you see successes and failures.
In our experience as Events Guides, we have observed that events can go downhill without efficient, quick, and on-foot thinking skills in producers. Sarah, one of the event producers with whom Events Guide is in touch, is always ready with a plan. Once, when an artist backed out at the last minute, she already had backup artists in her pocket and kept the show going! She says it is the most exciting and difficult part of event producers!
An event planner is in charge of planning the details and execution of a live event. They research, select, and book venues, catering, entertainment, speakers, and other services. They also create and manage the event schedule, guest list, invitations, and registration. They liaise with the event producer, the client, and the vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly and meets the expectations. To become an event planner, you need excellent organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. You also need to be attentive to details, customer-oriented, and able to work under deadlines. A degree or certificate in event planning, hospitality, or a related field can be beneficial, but not required.
Being a pro at checklists is the task of event planners! Indeed, an event can fall apart without their precision in planning. Events Guide's team has seen such impeccable planning while we have interacted with the organizer's event planners. Everything is on point, and there’s always a backup plan for contingencies! Sharpen up your problem-solving and organizational skills to soar higher and higher in this career.
O Planejador que no Brasil vem do master, do executivo de produ??o, é a figura profissional que recebe o briefing e transforma em projeto enquanto conteúdo e proposta e em números enquanto planilha geral.
They serve as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders, in executing the plan to perfection. Organizational Mastery: Event Planners keep track of numerous tasks, deadlines, and budgets, all while maintaining a clear overview of the event's progress. Stellar Communication: Their communication skills help forge strong relationships and smooth out any bumps along the planning journey. Problem-Solving Prowess: No event goes off without at least a few hitches. Event Planners are adept at thinking on their feet, quickly resolving issues as they arise to keep the event on track. Adaptability: Events are dynamic, and plans can change. Flexibility is must, adapting to new challenges and shifting details with grace and efficiency.
This is only partially accurate because the planning is almost never just one person. Here might be a list of planning-related roles in concerts or theatrical productions: - Booking agent - Promoter - Venue operator - Site ops (if applicable, mostly festivals) - Tour manager - Artist manager (if applicable) - Subcontracted A/V (by either the artist or vendor) For corporate events is again usually split among multiple people in multiple companies. These are some of the roles that might be present for a corporate event: - Client side event planner - Event planner at a subcontracted event management firm - Venue’s event planner - Subcontracted A/V company’s event planner / project manager (The char / word limit SUCKS!)
An event designer is in charge of creating the visual and aesthetic aspects of a live event. They design the layout, décor, lighting, sound, and other elements that enhance the theme, mood, and atmosphere of the event. They also collaborate with the event producer, the client, and the vendors to ensure the design is feasible, functional, and within budget. To become an event designer, you need artistic, technical, and spatial skills. You also need to be innovative, flexible, and able to work with different styles and materials. A degree or diploma in event design, interior design, or a related field can be useful, but not mandatory.
The aesthetics of the events come under the event designer! It is their responsibility to make it look appealing and beautiful. Events Guide also loves seeing a good design associated with the event! One of our organizers focused so much on the designs that he got everyone involved and interacting with the designs. That eventually became his highest selling event! So, you should be creative and willing to go out of the box! Or maybe tear the box apart!
Esse é o que cria o evento, desenha a sua existência, o porque e para quê! Ainda há no Brasil uma mistura de cargos que podem ser esse profissional, mas ele se faz cada vez mais necessário em frente ao volume de projetos que temos anualmente!
Event Designer's work, be it glamorous galas, professional conferences and music festivals, they highlight the extraordinary ability of designers to transform spaces into experiences that capture the imagination, encourage interaction, and leave a lasting impact on attendees. One of the best example for describing the versatility of an event designer is the Met Gala's event design, a breathtaking showcase of themes that change yearly, the transformation of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's spaces into an otherworldly experience showcases the pinnacle of event design, merging fashion, art, and culture. Storytelling Through Design, Creating Emotional Connections, Innovating with Technology, Sustainability in Design are their winning traits.
An event manager is in charge of managing the staff and operations of a live event. They recruit, train, and supervise the event team, such as coordinators, assistants, volunteers, and security. They also monitor and control the event budget, resources, and risks. They ensure the event complies with health, safety, and legal regulations. They also handle any issues or emergencies that may arise during the event. To become an event manager, you need leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills. You also need to be reliable, responsible, and able to multitask. A degree or certificate in event management, business, or a related field can be advantageous, but not necessary.
Uma coisa que acho útil é ser um profissional flexível e de a??o rápida para mitigar problemas e enfrentar os desafios e imprevistos impostos pelos eventos ao vivo!
O Produtor Executivo ou Master tem essa fun??o do gerente! Ele contrata, define os responsáveis por área , acompanham o fluxo financeiro junto aos gestores, atendem o cliente na opera??o e aos fornecedores, demandam a??es e buscam solu??es com seu time de produtores!
This is a complex and stressful position, so the best way to master your anxiety is to understand the roles of your team by doing each of their jobs to a high level. When a team member pushes back on a task or makes a decision you don’t agree with, you can lean on your own personal experience to communicate why you have a certain directive! This is extremely important in a fast paced emotional job.
An event technician is in charge of setting up, operating, and maintaining the equipment and systems of a live event. They work with audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging, and other technical components. They also troubleshoot and fix any technical problems that may occur during the event. They work under the direction of the event producer, the event designer, and the event manager. To become an event technician, you need technical, mechanical, and electrical skills. You also need to be physically fit, attentive, and able to work in different environments. A degree or certificate in event technology, engineering, or a related field can be helpful, but not essential.
If you are interested in live events, getting started with technology is a significant first step! Regardless, if you find your career as a technician, the technical skills you learn during your journey will be valuable and will pay off somewhere down the road for you. Join LinkedIn groups focused on live events, subscribe to trade magazines, and research local production, rental, and staging companies in your area. The education and opportunities are out there, but you must be intentional about seeking them.
By far, the event technician path offers the most opportunities. Opportunities are abundant in multiple disciplines (audio, video, lighting, LED, Rigging, etc.) and all the sub-specializations within those disciplines! Being an event technician means you can do what you love and make a great living while doing it! But the opportunities won't find you; you must be intentional about finding them. No one cares more about your career's success than you, so be your own best advocate and get out there!
Starting as a technician requires a lot of personal sacrifice. If you are willing to put in the time and hours this will be the most fortuitous pathway into the live event space. Start as a stagehand at your local labor group. Work a few events and see what its like. You may be drawn into a preference such as lighting, audio, video, sfx, or backline. Next, work for a local vendor as a tech and learn the roles. If you commit to your craft you can become one of the most well rounded and informed people moving up in your career over time. Its always best to have a technical background in live events no matter where you want to end up because having an understanding of how it all comes together is vital.
I’ve seen a lot of people move into live events as a career starting out volunteering on the video or audio team at their church. Great place to get some hands on experience.
Na verdade, nós dias de hoje, os técnicos especializados em som e luz também devem ter alguma especializa??o em informática. Os equipamentos desse segmento, est?o todos voltados para a área de softwares. Quem n?o se reciclar, ficará para traz !
This discussion is incomplete if we forget about these three career options related to events :- Sponsorship Coordinator – Money makes the events go ‘round. As a sponsorship coordinator, you'll find businesses and brands to sponsor events, creating partnerships that fuel spectacular experiences. Social Media Coordinator for Events – Capture the excitement and share it with the world. As a social media coordinator, you’ll create engaging content that connects with attendees and fans alike, keeping the conversation going long after the curtains close. Talent Buyer – Talent buyers scout and secure performers for venues, festivals, and events. It’s all about negotiation, networking, and knowing what your audience wants before they do.