What Top Event Techs Do To Stay Current
The live events industry changes more than most.
From rapidly evolving technology (and the ways we use it), event trends quickly coming and going, and exciting new applications, there is constantly something new to look at and explore. It’s not just the technology and design that’s evolving, though.
One big trend is that attendees are expecting more from their events. Many audiences have been attending events for years and made the transition to virtual, then to hybrid, and finally back to live. When they go to an event, they’re looking for an experience that excites, surprises, and engages them. And because organizations know this, they’re asking for more creativity, unique ideas, and event design that feels fresh.
Some event technicians may be content to keep working as they always have, adopting new technologies and trends as they need to. Top event technicians, however, know that remaining static will quickly make them fall behind. They understand that remaining at the top of their game means constantly and consistently working to expand their knowledge and skill sets.
Keep reading to learn what top event techs do to stay current.
Prioritize Ongoing Education.
Top event technicians are always looking for ways to increase their skill level, deepen their understanding of event technology, and become stronger members of the teams they work with. They do this in two primary ways.
Training courses
There’s no shortage of training courses for event techs to enroll in when they want to increase their knowledge or skill level.
Specific equipment, like AV systems, lighting consoles, or cameras, as well as software, like diagramming tools and planning software, may have training courses specifically designed to help technicians gain familiarity and expertise with that product or product line.
There are also courses focused on the more creative aspects of live event design. From lighting design courses to sessions that dive into the attendee experience, these courses are aimed at helping technicians think about intentionally designing experiences, rather than executing a plan they’ve been given.
Top event technicians regularly take part in training courses because they understand the importance of keeping up with changing trends, evolving technology, and industry best practices.
Certifications.
Similar to training courses, certifications help technicians gain knowledge and experience. Many certifications may also help event technicians become more versatile members of their teams or even book more jobs.
Specific certifications may be needed to operate certain equipment. A venue may require that technicians have a specialized safety certification, or an additional fee or liability insurance may be needed if on-site technicians don’t have the requested certifications. This means that technicians with certifications are vital to the team’s success and may even save their clients’ money.
Meanwhile, other certifications may simply be very attractive to customers because they prove that training courses have been completed, a certain level of standards is being upheld, and the experience of the technician is guaranteed.
Learn About Roles and Technology Outside of Their Specialty.
A team with well-rounded knowledge performs better and more consistently than a team filled with technicians who only know how to stay in their lanes. Why? Because they’re able to work together cohesively.
A camera operator who has a base understanding of lighting can ask targeted questions about the lighting plan that may impact their setup or filming strategies. An audio engineer who understands how an LED wall is rigged will be able to work more effectively with the rigging team during both setup and strike.
Top event technicians understand that their performance relies on the ability of the entire team to do their jobs at the highest level possible. By having base-level knowledge about how the entire process works, they’re able to speak the same technical language as the other people on the event team and work better together.
Stay Ahead of the Curve on Industry Trends.
It’s important for techs to be well-versed in the technology, gear, and trends that are popular in the moment. However, a technician that is truly at the top of their game thinks beyond what is happening right now. They want to know what’s coming next.
What trends are starting to emerge that their clients may be interested in adopting? What solutions can they propose that keep the events they work on ahead of the curve instead of behind it?
What software or systems have great initial reviews and are likely to gain popularity? What tools are driving efficiencies or reducing challenges? Could the implementation of any of these benefit their team?
A good event technician executes what they’re given, and they do it with precision and skill. A great event technician wants to do more than execute; they are constantly thinking of ways to improve all aspects of the event experience, while executing at a high level.
They do this by:
- Following industry blogs and podcasts
- Signing up for newsletters from industry thought leaders and tech experts
- Attending live events that they aren’t involved in.
Attend Conferences and Trade Shows.
Conferences and trade shows, especially ones centered around event technology or produced by industry thought leaders, give technicians insights into what’s coming next.
Trade shows and conferences are about more than learning what gear is out there. They allow technicians to see the different ways technology is being utilized. They get to see what techniques or design elements look like from the lens of an attendee. They start picturing how the solutions they see could be utilized in the events they work on. It gets their creative wheels turning.
Perhaps most importantly, conferences and trade shows give technicians the opportunity to network with other event professionals, build connections, and share knowledge. At these events, technicians find themselves surrounded by people who speak the same technical language they do. They can spend hours talking about their favourite new technology, ask in-depth questions about trends, engage in discussions about their craft… the list goes on and on.
There are many incredible events and trade shows around the world year-round, but some of our favourites are:
- LDI in Las Vegas
- ISE in Barcelona
- InfoComm, which alternates between Orlando and Las Vegas
As with any other rapidly evolving industry, developing highly specialized skills and becoming sought-after talent requires investing in yourself and your craft. “If you want to work on high-profile, exciting events and be an excellent event technician, you need to invest in yourself,” Garry Hale shared. “If you do, companies like AVentPro will always want to book you on events and look forward to working with you. There’s always room on our team for top techs.”
At AVentPro, we take pride in our emphasis on multi-disciplinary teams and ongoing education – and we’re always looking for great full-time and freelance technicians to work with. Reach out to us with your resume at [email protected] and let’s start talking!