Events Technician

What is the role?

We are seeking a skilled and versatile Events Technician to join Howden. Supporting the Group Events Team (which sits within the Corporate Communications Team), day-to-day you will report into our EUC Manager who manages our AV team.

This role is vital in supporting both in-person and hybrid events by setting up, operating, and maintaining technical equipment. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of audio-visual systems, lighting, staging, and online event technology. As hybrid and virtual events become increasingly important, a comprehensive understanding of the tools and platforms that support live-streaming, virtual engagement, and remote participation is essential.

The successful candidate must be able to troubleshoot both on-site and online technical issues to ensure seamless event experiences. The role will also include supporting filming requirements if the in-house team are unavailable (setting up camera for talking heads filming, downloading content and sharing with team for editing).

What will you be doing?

Event Setup and Breakdown:

• Set up, test, and operate audio-visual equipment, lighting, sound systems, and staging components for both live and hybrid events. This includes working with cameras, microphones, projectors, and screens.

• Set up technical elements to support online platforms and live-streaming services, ensuring that the digital aspects of the event are integrated seamlessly with the physical setup.

• Dismantle and safely store all technical equipment post-event, performing checks to ensure everything is in proper working order for future events.

Audio/Visual Support:

• Operate and monitor AV equipment during events to ensure the highest possible quality of sound, video, and lighting.

• Coordinate live-streaming of events by working with remote presenters, audience interaction tools, and multi-camera setups to enhance virtual engagement.

• Ensure compatibility between in-person setups and digital platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams, WebEx, YouTube Live, or other streaming solutions) for hybrid events.

Online and Hybrid Event Technology:

• Manage the integration of online tools and event platforms, such as virtual event management software, live-streaming software, and virtual audience engagement tools (e.g., Q&A, live polls, chat functions).

• Ensure smooth operation of hybrid event systems, coordinating between physical event spaces and digital platforms to deliver a seamless experience for both in-person and virtual attendees.

• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues related to the online streaming platform, video/audio sync, connectivity issues, and virtual attendee interactions during live events.

• Assist in the setup and management of virtual event elements, such as backstage management, virtual green rooms, and speaker management tools, to ensure a professional online experience.

Lighting, Sound, and Staging Control:

• Operate and configure lighting rigs, sound systems, and special effects (e.g., fog machines, video walls, projection mapping) to create dynamic environments for both live and hybrid events.

• Work with event producers to ensure that lighting and sound choices complement virtual participation and audience interaction, maintaining consistency for both on-site and online audiences.

Technical Troubleshooting and Support:

• Quickly identify and resolve technical issues during live events (both on-site and online) to minimize disruptions, including problems with video feeds, sound quality, camera setups, and connectivity.

• Provide immediate troubleshooting support for virtual participants facing technical difficulties in accessing or engaging with the event online, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.

Collaborating with Event Teams:

• Collaborate with event planners, producers, and other stakeholders to determine technical needs for online and hybrid events, ensuring that both in-person and virtual elements are synchronized.

• Work closely with event organizers to ensure proper integration between physical venues and virtual platforms, handling complex tech setups such as virtual stage management and hybrid engagement tools.

Equipment Maintenance and Inventory:

• Maintain and troubleshoot both in-person and online event equipment, including all AV systems, streaming tools, and hybrid event platforms, to ensure everything is fully operational and up-to-date.

• Perform regular maintenance checks on technical equipment, manage inventory, and ensure that all tools required for hybrid events are readily available and in good condition.

Safety and Compliance:

• Adhere to safety standards when setting up and operating electrical equipment, particularly when integrating new technology such as cameras, lighting rigs, and live-streaming setups.

• Ensure that all technical setups for both in-person and virtual components meet safety regulations and industry standards, especially in online security and privacy for virtual attendees.

Post-Event Reporting and Feedback:

• Participate in post-event debriefings to review technical execution, identifying areas of improvement for future events, both in-person and hybrid.

• Collect feedback from virtual participants and internal teams regarding their experience with the event technology, implementing changes to improve future virtual and hybrid event operations.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience as an Events Technician, AV Technician, or in a similar technical role for live, virtual, or hybrid events.

• Strong working knowledge of audio-visual equipment, including mixers, microphones, projectors, sound systems, cameras, and lighting.

• Familiarity with online event platforms and streaming tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, YouTube Live, Vimeo, OBS, or other virtual event software).

• Experience setting up and operating equipment for hybrid events, integrating virtual tools with live event technology for seamless participation.

• Strong problem-solving skills to quickly identify and resolve technical issues related to both physical and virtual event setups.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with event organizers, technical teams, and virtual attendees.

• Knowledge of online security and privacy best practices for virtual attendees is a plus.