Technical Solutions for Modern Events
Take a look at how we solve problems at Bell Tree Productions
In the fast-paced world of event production, technical expertise and innovative problem-solving are the foundation of memorable experiences. Throughout my internship at Bell Tree Productions, I've witnessed firsthand how the marriage of creativity and technical knowledge transforms empty venues into immersive environments that captivate audiences. This blog post explores the critical role technology plays in modern event production and shares insights from my journey in the field.
The Evolution of Event Technology
The event production industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Gone are the days of simple projection screens and basic sound systems. Today's events feature sophisticated LED walls, intelligent lighting fixtures, and integrated audio-visual systems that create seamless, immersive experiences. During my time at Bell Tree Productions, I participated in numerous events that showcased these advancements, including a TedX event at BGSU and multiple corporate conferences at venues like the Hilton Hotel and Greater Columbus Convention Center.
The integration of these technologies demands not just technical knowledge but also an artistic approach. For the Honda event at GCCC, we meticulously positioned Chauvet Maverick moving light fixtures using a lift since ground rigging wasn't possible due to their specific positions. This intricate setup, combined with our truss configurations and L-16 rigs, created a dynamic environment that elevated the entire experience beyond what conventional lighting could achieve.
Behind the Scenes: Technical Troubleshooting
What many event attendees don't see is the complex troubleshooting that often happens behind the scenes. During the Bridgeway "Amazability" fundraiser, we faced the challenge of an unexpected downpour that threatened our outdoor setup. With equipment at risk in a tent without flooring, we quickly implemented protective measures—taping ground connections with electrical tape and placing tri-taps in plastic bags to prevent water damage.
Technical expertise truly shines when unexpected issues arise. At the Jewish Day fundraiser, we encountered an HDMI loop port failure on our 86" TVs. Rather than panicking, we immediately identified the problem and implemented a creative solution using two decimators to restore the signal chain. Later in the same event, we discovered that custom fonts in the client's presentation weren't displaying properly in vMix. Drawing on my experience, I suggested exporting the slides as JPGs and loading them as a stack, preserving the visual integrity of the presentation without needing to source the custom fonts.
The Human Element in Technical Production
Despite the focus on equipment and technical skills, successful event production ultimately revolves around the human element. Technical knowledge must be paired with effective communication, team collaboration, and client management to deliver exceptional results. During the OPTA conference, I served as a floating technician, moving between breakout rooms to assist presenters with their technical needs. This role required not just technical know-how but also interpersonal skills to quickly establish rapport with nervous presenters and solve their problems efficiently.
The true test of a technical team comes when client expectations shift unexpectedly. During one organization's house of delegates meeting, we were told to expect a simple setup with no presentations—just microphones on stands. Five minutes before the event began, the client asked if their presentations were ready—a complete surprise to our team. Instead of pointing fingers, we immediately shifted focus to solving the problem, downloading presentations and configuring a computer for live document editing. When the client's HDMI port failed mid-presentation, I saved the day with my personal USB-C adapter. These moments of crisis management demonstrate that technical expertise extends beyond knowing equipment—it's about creative problem-solving under pressure.
My internship journey culminated in a job offer, validating both my technical skills and my approach to collaborative problem-solving. As the industry continues to evolve, combining technical knowledge with adaptability and teamwork will remain the cornerstone of successful event production.
