by Nancy Spooner | Nov 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
One tells you what’s happening. The other tells your crew how to make it happen. True Story. All I Got Was an Agenda. I was hired to show call an event with an Event Manager I hadn’t worked with before. Right out of the gate, I offered to create the show...
by Nancy Spooner | Oct 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
When combining event roles works, and when one person is being asked to do too much. I’ve worked shows where I’m on a wireless intercom, calling cues while also managing the deck, running rehearsal, making sure presenters hit their marks and getting everyone where...
by Nancy Spooner | Sep 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
In live events, anticipation is part of the job. Long before I ever worked backstage, my dad was teaching me how to work. He had a few sayings we heard over and over growing up: “If you’re five minutes early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.” And: “Look...
by Nancy Spooner | Aug 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
Lessons Learned from Three Decades on the Deck When I’m interviewing someone for a Deck Manager position, I always ask the same question. “Who approves the furniture placement on stage?” The answers are almost always the same. “The...
by Nancy Spooner | Jul 6, 2026 | Uncategorized
Most event problems are not caused by bad people. They’re caused by good people being asked to do the wrong job. In live events, it is easy to assume that experience automatically translates from one role to another. Someone has worked dozens of shows. They know...
by Nancy Spooner | May 29, 2026 | Uncategorized
I’m currently onsite deck managing a large convention. The days are long, the rehearsals are extensive, and the production is complex. It is one of the hardest shows I do, but I love it. I am surrounded by some of the best in the business, and you can absolutely feel...
