Bold Foundations Behind the Scenes: Life Behind the Control Room Doors
At the heart of every successful event is a team of people working tirelessly behind the scenes to turn ideas into reality. As part of our Dare to Be Bold campaign, we’re shining a spotlight on the individuals whose expertise, quick thinking and dedication help create exceptional experiences every day.
We caught up with one of our in-house Technicians, Ellis Milton to find out what life is really like behind the control room doors. From solving last-minute challenges to keeping complex events running smoothly, it’s a role that requires resilience, adaptability, and the confidence to think on your feet – all qualities that embody what it means to Dare to Be Bold.
What does a typical day in the control room look like for you?
A typical event day starts with setting up your station, testing your systems, and making sure everything is ready before the show begins.
Then comes the reality of control room life: sitting in a dark room with no natural light for anywhere between three and seven hours. Keeping team morale high is a big part of the day too, and humour goes a long way when you’re working under pressure.
Throughout the event, there are regular client check-ins to make sure everything is running smoothly. If there’s time, lunch might involve a quick walk outside for some fresh air. Unless you’re the data technician, of course. Then your lunch break is spent making last-minute updates to presentations.
And when the event ends? The work isn’t over. While guests are heading home, the team is often transforming the room overnight ready for an entirely new event the next day.
“The reality of an event day in the booth isn’t always glamorous. It’s a lot of patience, problem-solving and reading the room.”
What are the biggest responsibilities people don’t see happening behind the scenes?
One of the biggest challenges is working to immovable deadlines. An event can’t simply start later because something isn’t ready.
“When an event ends at 6pm and we’ve all been working since 8am, but there’s still housekeeping and setup to do for the next morning, we’re there until it’s done.”
Managing that physical and mental challenge is a significant part of the role and one that’s invisible to attendees.
What technology or systems do you rely on most during your shift?
The answer might surprise you but whilst sophisticated technology plays a significant role in modern events, it’s often the simplest tools that save the day.
“A ladder, a USB converter and a screwdriver are usually the real lifesavers.”
More importantly, the team never relies entirely on technology. “That’s our job. We must be prepared for things to fail. No technology is 100% foolproof, so we can’t rely on it being perfect.”
How does the team communicate and coordinate during busy or high-pressure situations?
Communication is constant. “We’re all using multiple routes of communication throughout the day and working within teams and sub-teams.”
Different people naturally take the lead depending on the task at hand and their specialist skills. “As in-house technicians, we also try to coordinate the bigger picture, especially when we’re working alongside freelance staff.”
That flexibility and trust within the team is essential when the pressure is on.
How has the role changed over the years with new technology and automation?
As technology evolves, so do client expectations. “Tech requests are getting bigger and more complicated, particularly around data and streaming.”
While some processes have become automated, that doesn’t necessarily make life easier. “The more elements there are, the more things there are to go wrong. Even if something is automated, someone still needs to troubleshoot it.”
Technology continues to move forward, but skilled technicians remain at the heart of every successful event.
What do you enjoy most about working behind the scenes in the control room?
One of the biggest perks of the role is the opportunity to learn something new every day. “Every event gives you an insight into a different industry.”
Whether it’s hearing from experts in healthcare, technology, automotive innovation or geography, each event offers a unique perspective.
“I particularly enjoy events focused on women’s experiences, such as Women’s Healthcare or Women in STEM. You get to hear some inspiring speakers and learn something new.”
Bold Thinking Behind Every Event
Behind every successful event is a team balancing technical expertise, customer service, creativity, and resilience. The control room may be hidden from view, but its impact is felt throughout every presentation, lighting cue, and seamless transition.
Daring to be bold isn’t always about being seen. Sometimes it’s about being the calm voice on comms, the person solving problems before anyone notices, or the technician working late into the evening to ensure tomorrow’s event is just as successful as today’s.
So next time an event runs perfectly, spare a thought for the team behind the control room doors. Their bold thinking, teamwork and dedication help make every event possible.