Technical Design

Writing RFPs

Hiring Technical Services

Show Set-Up Management

Run-Of-Show Management

Money Management

Designing Technical Specification for Equipment and Logistics
The first step in the technical design of a show is to determine the client’s goals and expectations. The next step is to determine the challenges involved in fulfilling those goals. Most venues and facilities have their own idiosyncrasies and characteristics. A show designed for one property is not necessarily the best design for another property.

As an experienced show producer, I can inspect and assess the venue to determine the most effective options to achieve the client’s desired results.

Writing RFPs
Throughout my career, I have responded to hundreds of Request For Proposals. It is obvious that the majority of the people writing RFPs have little or no knowledge of the technical gear or logistics that go into producing a successful program. Different vendor companies have different equipment inventories and technical support that are equal to or superior to the specifications of many RFPs. Also there are hidden costs that can be covered up by vendor companies and especially hotels that will hit the client with the “Gotcha” at the end of the show.

RFPs written, and ideally reviewed, by a professional will give the client a true apples to apples comparison of competing vendors and a true final cost of these services.

Hiring Technical Services
When the budget is no option, it is usually advantageous to hire a company with the latest and greatest state-of-the-art equipment and the best technical staff available. When working within budget constraints, it is best to contract the best-valued vendor for the project. The best value is not necessarily the cheapest, because at the end of the day the program has to have run perfectly and the client has to be happy. On the other hand, it isn’t always necessary to hire a Steven Spielberg to film a family reunion.

There are many vendor companies in the southeast and throughout the U.S. While many of these companies claim to be a One Stop Shop, they usually have a particular strength in one or two areas of production. The same company is not always the best solution for different projects. Hiring a producer who is familiar with these companies and who has a long history in the industry can be an invaluable asset when choosing a vendor to represent your company or organization. A lot is usually riding on that choice.

Show Set-Up Management
All too many times, event set-ups can be challenging. Especially when the banquet staff, the caterers, the decorators, the florists, the stage people, the audio, video, and light techs are all trying to work over each other in order to get the show up and running in a short amount of time. It is of the utmost importance to be working with a producer who understands that every aspect of the show needs to work in order to have complete success. That sometimes means working with an aspect of the show that is not a direct responsibility of the producer’s. A “whatever it takes” approach needs to be applied to all projects.

Run-Of-Show Management
In order for a show to run properly, everyone needs to be on the same page. Literally. A run-of-show script, that accurately represents the timeline and events of the show, needs to be produced and distributed to all production staff. Although many times the presenters and talent on stage seem to have their own agenda, the production staff needs to have a good baseline understanding of the show. A good producer will have control of the production throughout the event. When the talent fails to adhere to the run-of-show script, it is up to the producer to provide technical support in a seamless manner to keep the show moving forward. This involves making quick decisive decisions and communicating those decisions expeditiously.

Money Management
Cost is always a factor in every show. Often a streamlined budget going into a show can be blown apart by on-site add-ons, pop-ups, and hidden costs. I have a long history of tracking show expenditures from the concept of the show until the final truck is loaded and leaves the loading dock. This attention to the financial details of a show can avoid sticker shock at the end of the show.