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“The success of your event is only as strong as the team behind it.”
When it comes to pulling off an unforgettable event, details matter! Event and producers and planners know that directing all the moving pieces of a production, from stage management to content coordination and creation to technology and technicians, requires having the right people in the right seats. But how do you choose the best freelance event contractors to ensure everything runs smoothly?
At Tempo Live Events, we’ve worked with thousands of freelancers and production experts, and we understand what makes a great contractor stand out. Whether you’re hosting a live event, virtual conference, or hybrid production, there are key qualities that can make all the difference. So if you’re in the midst of hiring event freelancers for your next big production, here are the top three qualities you should look for to ensure your event goes off without a hitch.
Experience: The Foundation of a Successful Event
When it comes to event production, experience isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. The more seasoned a contractor is, the more prepared they’ll be to handle unexpected challenges and keep things running smoothly. An experienced event contractor has been through ups and downs of live productions, knows the intricacies of various event types, and has honed their ability to anticipate issues before they become problems.
But it’s not just about how long they’ve been in the business, the type of events they’ve worked on and how they’ve grown from those experiences matters too. Have they worked on productions similar to yours? Do they have experience in both virtual and live formats? For example, at Tempo Live Events, our freelancers bring a wealth of experience, having worked on everything from national corporate sales meetings and tech conferences to association meetings, auto shows, awards galas, and even large-scale concerts and music festivals. Knowing what questions to ask and information to look for when interviewing about a freelancer’s experience is vital to matching the right contractors to the right clients.
Why Experience Matters:
- Problem-solving: Experienced contractors can anticipate and solve issues quickly, minimizing disruptions.
- Technical Know-how: They’re familiar with the latest equipment, platforms, and tech, reducing the learning curve.
- Adaptability: They’ve seen it all, so they can stay calm under pressure and adjust to last-minute changes.
- Creativity: Freelancers often have extensive experience across a wide variety of events, giving them unique perspectives and fresh ideas to enhance your show’s creative vision.
Pro Tip: When reviewing a freelancer’s experience, ask for specific examples of past events they’ve worked on that are similar to your own. It’s essential to get a feel for how comfortable they are with your event type and the project’s scope.
Skill Set: Up-to-Date with Technology and Trends
Technology moves fast and the event production industry has gone through a transformation over the last few years with the increased use of online-events. It’s no longer enough for a contractor to simply know the basics—they need to be up-to-date on the latest trends and tools that your event team is utilizing. From cutting-edge audio-visual equipment to the latest in live-streaming platforms, having a team that understands the newest tech is crucial for creating a polished, professional event.
We set a high bar for our freelancers, expecting them to bring a wealth of expertise to their roles. To support their continued growth, we host monthly Think Tanks that keep our event contractor’s skills sharp and forward-focused. It’s essential to seek freelancers who excel in their craft and are passionate about continually refining both in-person and virtual skill sets. Knowing the right questions to gauge their skills can make all the difference in building a top-performing event team.
Key Skills to Look For:
- Tech-savvy: Make sure your contractors are comfortable with the software and hardware you’ll be using at the event.
- Creative problem-solving: Look for individuals who can think outside the box and use tech creatively to solve production challenges.
- Attention to detail: From setting up equipment to running live cues, precision is key in event production, and your contractor should be laser-focused on the small details that make a big difference.
Pro Tip: Ask your contractors what tools or tech they’d recommend for your event and how they stay updated on the latest trends. A knowledgeable freelancer will have great suggestions and be able to explain how they use their skill set to improve event outcomes.
Personality: Being a Team Player is Essential
Experience and skills are critical, but the most successful event contractors also have the right personality to match. Event production is a collaborative effort, and you want freelancers who not only know their stuff but also work well with others. The last thing you need is someone who’s hard to communicate with or doesn’t handle feedback well.
Different roles require different personality traits, some roles ask for an event freelancer who is quiet and methodical, while other roles need someone with more energy to command the room. At Tempo, we believe in the power of teamwork and community which has allowed us to build a team of freelancers who are not only talented but also genuinely great to work with. When your event contractors are team players, they’ll be more likely to step in and help wherever they’re needed, communicate effectively with the rest of the team, and keep the energy positive throughout the production process.
Key Personality Traits to Look For:
- Communication: Clear, open communication is vital for ensuring everyone is on the same page, especially when working under pressure.
- Positive attitude: You want people who are solutions-focused and bring a positive, creative, can-do approach to the team.
- Flexibility: Events are unpredictable, so look for freelancers who can roll with the punches and adapt to changes on the fly.
Pro Tip: When interviewing potential contractors, pay attention to how they communicate with you. Are they responsive, clear, and professional? These qualities will reflect how they’ll interact with your broader team.
The Tempo Advantage: Why Hire Freelancers from Us?
We know what it takes to pull off a successful event because we’ve been doing it for decades. Our network of freelancers has grown to include more than 1,300 vetted professionals who bring not just skills but heart to every project they take on. Whether you’re looking for seasoned show callers, talented graphic artists, skilled event technicians, solid event producers, project managers, or TDs, our contractors are recognized for their commitment to excellence and admirable can-do attitude. These are the factors that build lasting and memorable relationships with event agency clients.
Selecting the right freelance event contractors can feel like a daunting task, but by focusing on experience, skill set, and personality, you can ensure you’re building a team that will deliver results. At the end of the day, the people behind the scenes are the ones who make the magic happen, so it’s worth taking the time to choose wisely!
Looking to hire event freelancers who check all the boxes? At Tempo Live Events, we’ve got you covered. Let’s work together to create something extraordinary.
Finding the right people makes all the difference! Hire a vetted event professional ready to seamlessly support your team whenever and wherever they are needed.