EVENT PRODUCTION ROLES EXPLAINED
MANAGEMENT ROLES:

Production Management

What It Is:The big-picture coordination of your event from start to finish, focusing on logistics, budgets, and timelines. In-Scope Responsibilities: Developing and maintaining a master schedule Budgeting and expense coordination (not to be confused with an accountant) Serving as the main point of contact for vendors and venue staff Keeping the entire production team aligned and on track Out-of-Scope (Typically): Designing the event’s creative concept or theme (that’s where a Creative Director may come in) Handling legal/financial responsibilities such as signing contracts or insurance Discussion Points: How much do you want to be involved in day-to-day decision-making? Will you need additional support staff (stage managers, runners, etc.)? Do you have existing vendor relationships or must they be sourced?

Creative Director

What It Is:The visionary who shapes your event’s look, feel, and overall concept. A Creative Director develops themes, branding elements, and experiential components that captivate your audience. In-Scope Responsibilities: Establishing the creative concept, style guide, and visual narrative Collaborating with Production Management and Technical Direction to bring creative ideas to life Guiding the design of stage layouts, lighting ambiance, and graphic elements Ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints Out-of-Scope (Typically): Negotiating vendor contracts or managing technical crew Overseeing event logistics, budgets, or schedules Discussion Points: How firm is your event’s branding or theme? Do you have existing brand guidelines or are you starting fresh? Will you need creative assets designed (videos, print collateral, experiential installations)? Are you envisioning interactive or immersive elements that require special production considerations?

Technical Direction

What It Is:Bridges the gap between the creative vision and the physical technology needed to realize it—audio, video, lighting, and more. In-Scope Responsibilities: Translating creative ideas into technical requirements (equipment lists, show cues) Overseeing A1, V1, and L1 teams to ensure seamless integration Troubleshooting technical issues in real-time Communicating with venues about power, rigging, and other specs Out-of-Scope (Typically): Providing or purchasing large-scale equipment (unless agreed upon) Handling the event’s creative design or theming Discussion Points: Are there complex technical elements such as live streaming, remote feeds, or advanced special effects? Do you have preferred vendors or a specific technology brand you want to use? Will the event require significant rehearsal time for tech checks?

OPERATOR ROLES:

Audio (A1)

What It Is:Your lead sound engineer, responsible for audio quality, mixing, and all things sound-related. In-Scope Responsibilities: Assessing venue acoustics and determining speaker placement Setting up and operating sound equipment for live performances or presentations Monitoring sound levels, preventing feedback, and ensuring clarity Running sound checks with talent Out-of-Scope (Typically): Purchasing or renting major audio systems (arrangements may involve third-party vendors) Composing original music or sound design Discussion Points: Are you featuring live bands, DJs, or primarily spoken content? Do you need additional assistants (A2) for larger setups? Are there recording or broadcast requirements for the audio?

Video (V1)

What It Is:The video specialist managing camera feeds, screens, projectors, or LED walls, whether for live streaming or on-site playback. In-Scope Responsibilities: Determining optimal screen placement and sightlines Managing multiple camera feeds if you’re recording or streaming Integrating presentations, sponsor reels, or other media Coordinating with the Technical Director for show cues Out-of-Scope (Typically): Post-production editing or highlight reels (unless negotiated) Creating motion graphics or animations from scratch Discussion Points: Will you need live streaming, recordings, or real-time IMAG (Image Magnification) for your audience? How many cameras or feeds are required to capture your event effectively? Are there pre-produced video segments you plan to integrate?

Lighting (L1)

What It Is:The lighting designer/technician responsible for creating the mood, highlighting key moments, and ensuring your event looks visually stunning. In-Scope Responsibilities: Designing a lighting concept aligned with your event’s theme Programming lighting cues and transitions Installing and operating all lighting equipment Collaborating with the Creative Director and Technical Director for seamless visuals Out-of-Scope (Typically): Renting and transporting large-scale lighting rigs (unless specified in the contract) Designing scenic or stage decor Discussion Points: Do you need dynamic lighting for performances, or a more static setup for conferences? Will outdoor or architectural lighting be part of the experience? Are there special effects (lasers, fog, pyro) that need extra permits or coordination?

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Head to Thrills Consulting page for more info a less traditional production setups and services. Immersive Services

Creative vs. Technical
  • Creative vs. Technical:
    While a Creative Director focuses on the event’s overall theme, design, and audience experience, roles like Technical Director, A1, V1, and L1 ensure that vision is executed flawlessly from a technical standpoint.
Client vs. Hired Gun
  • Client vs. Hired Gun:
    Some organizations have in-house creative or logistical teams but need specialized expertise (a “hired gun”) for technical direction or operations. Others outsource nearly everything to a single, full-service production partner. Clarifying what resources you already have in place helps everyone align expectations.
Why These Subtle Differences Matter
  • Conferences: Often require scheduling multiple speakers and breakouts which a Technical Director inherits from the client or Production Manager, plus reliable Audio for spoken content, Video for presentations or live streams, and Lighting to maintain a consistent atmosphere and content capture quality. A Creative Director might focus on branding the stage or digital assets, but may not be present on site or may carry on approvals in the background, with much of the work presented and cleared for execution already.
  • Festivals: Typically need robust Production Management and Technical Direction to handle large stages, multiple acts, and complex lighting/audio setups. A Creative Director can shape immersive branding and attendee experiences across multiple days, so they are more likely to play a larger hand in the execution and have stronger relationships with the technical staff.
  • Experiential Marketing Campaigns: Strong emphasis on Creative Direction to deliver memorable brand engagements. Creative plays a considerably heavy-handed role in the development stage as many it is the nuts and bolts of marketing, so they are likely to keep it in-house. Technical and Operations teams ensure the concept is safe, scalable, and impactful. There may or may not be a need for operators depending on the structure and nature of the campaign.
  • Corporate & Other Events: A balanced mix, where you might need a Production Manager to maintain professionalism and a Creative Director to ensure brand alignment, though often much of the team consists of a Technical Director at the helm on site and Operators beneath. It may also be the case that a client simply needs Operators- but don't overlook the necessity of someone there to manage labor, maintain client relationships and call the show, as these are all things that can trend sideways without on-site leadership.
Next Steps: Hiring & Scope
When you bring me (or any event pro) on board, we’ll discuss:
  1. Scope & Deliverables: Which roles do you need to fill, and which tasks are already covered in-house?
  1. Budget & Resources: How do we allocate funds for creative, technical, and logistical elements?
  1. Timelines & Milestones: What are the key deadlines, and who’s responsible for meeting them?
  1. Collaboration & Communication: How often will we touch base, and through which channels?
By clarifying these points, we’ll ensure your event isn’t just well-run—it’s unforgettable. If you’re ready to talk specifics or want more details on any role, let’s connect. I’m here to make your vision a reality.
Got a clearer picture for what you need?