It’s been a while since I’ve updated the blog, so thank you for your patience and for returning!

Over the last 2-3 months, I’ve been able to secure some casual work in the events industry, helping out with concerts and shows of all sizes. It’s been a refreshing change from the usual corporate meeting room AV I’ve done in the past.

The first big adjustments have been the work hours and the casual nature of the work. One week I might easily do 50 or more hours, while another week I could be doing nothing. However, the fascinating insights into the industry have been amazing.

So, what kind of work does this casual role involve?

While I won’t be naming specific events or artists I’ve worked on, I’ve been doing a variety of tasks. These range from helping audio companies load in and out massive line arrays (including lifting and large hoist motors) to running cables, packing down mic stands and cables after a gig, and similar tasks with lighting. This includes hanging lights on trusses that are then lifted, or even just connecting pre-rigged trusses (trusses that already have lights attached, often with removable wheel systems).

Even loading and unloading trucks is part of the job, with most things being on wheels (though there’s still some lifting involved). Sometimes, I get to use a forklift (thanks to my new forklift ticket!).

One of the most interesting experiences has been setting up video screens for events. These screens can be insanely large – the biggest one I recall weighed something like 35 tons and was hung from around 24 two-ton motors! While I’d done a little work with LED video walls in the past, where I only saw the delicate individual panels that were permanently installed, these event LED walls are still impressive. Even though they’re not quite as delicate, the way the sometimes 1×1.5m sections come together using simple network cables and daisy-chained power is impressive.

So, you might be wondering: is this a permanent move from corporate to event work? Well, I’m not 100% sure. While I’ve been enjoying the change and learning new things in this role, the hours can be exhausting and inconsistent, both in regularity and timing. Days can start as early as 7 am or as late as 10 or 11 pm.

Despite the challenges, I’ll always be interested in the AV technology space. However, it can be difficult to find the right role. So, for now, it’s event work. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get back into the side of the industry I enjoy the most.

What else have I been up to? Well, I recently developed a personal portfolio website: https://hulmee.net I’d love for you to check it out, though it’s still a work in progress and definitely needs to be optimized for mobile devices.

How can you help? Simple: do you know someone looking for an AV technician, programmer, or system designer? Have them reach out to me! You can contact me via LinkedIn or through my new website.

Until next time, “so long and thanks for all the fish!”

Ellery Hulme (they/he)

The Changes