How Do I Get Involved In The Live Event Production Industry?

It’s one thing to experience an amazing live event in the audience; but being part of the production, working backstage, planning/coordinating, and building the set from the ground up gives you an entirely different appreciation of what live event production is all about. And if having fun while earning good money sounds intriguing to you, first find out in which part of the event you’d like to be involved.

The live event industry is massive and diverse. You've got corporate conferences, music festivals, theater productions, sporting events, trade shows, galas, product launches - the list goes on. Each type of event has its own vibe and requirements, but they all need skilled, reliable people to make the magic happen.

Start on Campus

If you’re a student, there are often opportunities in campus production teams to figure out if you thrive in pre-production, the live event itself, or post-production. When I was in college (go Knights!), I heard about the "Video Productions Committee" and stepped into a meeting. They invited me to check out a hypnotist show where students would be running camera, switching videos, the whole deal. I lucked out when one of the camera operators called out sick, and I got thrust into the role. It was so exciting and instantly intensified my passion for live events!

Campus gigs are perfect starter experiences because the stakes are lower, the crews are learning together, and you can try different roles without the pressure of a paying client breathing down your neck. Plus, you're building your network right there on campus - these are the people who'll be working in the industry alongside you in a few years.

No student-led committees on your campus? Find out which companies service your school's productions and reach out to them directly. Chances are they'd love an eager student who wants to learn.

Explore Different Roles

One of the coolest things about this industry is the sheer variety of roles. Not everyone is meant to be a camera operator or lighting designer, and that's perfectly fine! Here are some of the key positions you might gravitate toward:

Audio Techs handle everything sound-related - mixing boards, microphones, speakers, monitors. If you've got a good ear and love tinkering with equipment, this could be your path.

Lighting Designers and Techs create the visual atmosphere. They're programming lighting boards, hanging fixtures, focusing spots, and making sure the talent looks amazing.

Video Engineers manage cameras, video switching, projection, LED walls, and live streaming. If you're tech-savvy and love the visual side, this department is incredibly rewarding.

Stage Managers are the glue holding everything together. They coach the presenters on-stage, lead choreography and rehearsals, and host VIP guests.  

Riggers and Stagehands do the heavy lifting - literally. They build sets, hang truss, run cable, and handle load-in and load-out. It's physical work, but you learn the foundation of how everything connects.

Production Managers and Producers handle the big-picture planning - budgets, logistics, client relations, vendor coordination. If you're organized and love managing projects, this is where you shine.

The beauty is you can start in one area and move around as you discover what you love most. I've seen audio techs become production managers, stagehands become lighting designers, and camera operators launch their own companies!

Connect with Local A/V Companies

Every major city has A/V and event companies that offer internships and on-site experience opportunities. These companies are usually just a phone call away (like Cybis!) and will likely welcome you to "stop by" an event to see how things work.

Your best next move: roll up your sleeves and offer to push cases, lug cables, fetch coffee, test microphones - whatever helps. Earning rapport with the team and demonstrating your value in a volunteer-position will almost definitely earn yourself an invitation back. 

If you’re willing to do some of the grunt work and most importantly use these opportunities to observe the departments that interest you most and ask lots of questions, you’ll find yourself better suited than any outsiders when that company is looking to expand.

Show up early, stay late, pay attention, and don't complain. Ask questions when appropriate (not in the middle of a critical moment!), and watch how the experienced crew handles challenges. You'll learn more from observing a seasoned pro troubleshoot a problem than from any textbook.

If you’re worried about getting the company’s attention in the first place, try posting on their social media site! Be sure to provide a link to your online resume so folks can see your background and interests. Also be persistent - if you try hard to get noticed, then at least as far as I’m concerned, you’re more likely to try hard to be great!

Leverage Online Platforms

Put yourself out there on production crew websites like productionhub.com. If you're happy to intern or volunteer while getting your feet wet, the opportunities will be endless.

Side story: when I first started Cybis 25 years ago, I earned my first clients by offering computer help for FREE. After proving my value, I was eventually able to start charging. (It's also the basis for my favorite quote on www.thinkcybis.com!)

Just be patient - companies know that in this industry, you only get ONE chance to get it right. "You're only as good as your last performance." Expect it to take time to demonstrate you're determined, diligent, and 100% dependable.

The live event world is a super-fun industry where you get to work alongside fun people, travel, and be a part of something that people experience with all of their senses!

Ready to Join Our Team?

At Cybis, we pride ourselves on providing our clients world-class service, and that comes from having an exceptional team. We're always looking for talented people to add to our roster. Getting in touch is easy - click "Impress Us" on www.thinkcybis.com to see which roles we're hiring for and which ones are "hot"!

If you love your work, and it’s shows - contact us!

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