Audio Visual Production Manager, Live Events

Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) operates a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating places and experiences that bring people together. The company designs, develops, and operates hospitality-driven destinations to host gatherings of all kinds, ranging from small corporate meetings to immersive brand activations and beyond. We love bringing people together in person, and that passion for great experiences extends to our employees as well. If you're interested in creating inspiring moments of connection, consider joining our team.

At the heart of every great event is a team that knows how to make moments unforgettable. CHG, a global industry leader in premium meeting, event, and flex workspace, is seeking a full-time Audio Visual Technology Manager (Technology Manager) to lead our talented technology team and bring exceptional experience to life at one of London's premier event destinations. As the AV Technology Manager, you will oversee the end-to-end delivery of large scale, high impact corporate events with precision and excellence. You will lead a high performing technical team and partner closely with clients to bring their vision to life, managing every element of audio visual production from sound and lighting to video and staging to create seamless and memorable event experiences. If you're passionate about hospitality, thrive in high-energy environments, and love blending creativity with technology, this role is for you!

What You’ll Do:

• The Technology Manager delivers and manages all audio-visual production services, including networking, desktop support, audio, video, HSIA, audio & video conferencing, webcasting, and basic lighting for meetings and events.
• They collaborate to ensure an excellent meeting and workday experience, overseeing, training, and developing AV Specialists.
• They also work with sales and production teams for seamless client execution.

Operations Management:

• Provide ad-hoc troubleshooting and assistance to customers of all technology competency levels.
• Management/troubleshooting of AV equipment, including but not limited to audio, video, lighting, computer networking systems, and hardware; both in-house and client systems.
• Coordinate with clients in advance to preprogram and ensure all their technological requirements are seamlessly in place for their arrival.
• Provide consultative support to technology sales for client programs.
• Create tech quotes/proposals based on client needs and programming scope.
• Enforce adherence to booking guidelines, optimizing space utilization and revenue generation through audits and participation in weekly program execution order meetings.
• Provide genuine, anticipatory customer service by establishing good working relationships with Convene team members and vendors.
• Attend planning and pre-production meetings with clients and client representatives.
• Direct day-to-day floor operations of AV Specialists, including set and strike, scheduling, etc.
• Develop a weekly schedule for site execution and coordinate with other locations to share resources for optimal efficiency within the area of operations.
• Make personal contact and maintain positive relationships with clients and assist with any reasonable requests during programs.
• Collaborate with the sales and planning team to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client's experience with Convene before the start of their meeting or event.
• Thoroughly prepare and deliver comprehensive sales quotes while employing revenue-maximizing strategies in alignment with Convene's standard operating procedures to optimize value and presenting a commitment to excellence and adaptability to industry dynamics.
• Assist in any areas of daily operation.
• Book staff and any additional AV equipment required to successfully execute an event.

Training & Development:

• Assist with developing a positive employee relations climate, including employee engagement, motivation, and coaching.
• Participate in collaborative project efforts with both the technology team and other departments.
• Participate in employee appraisals.
• Mentor AV Specialists to provide a consistent level of customer service.
• Interview and hire prospective candidates for all positions in the department.
• Well-versed in the latest developments in the event industry and audio-visual trends to meet the demands of corporate conferencing seamlessly.
• Review and stay current on all departmental SOPs quarterly.

The Technology Manager will be responsible for weekly financial reporting of client programs, tracking labor hours/dollar amounts, and contributing to monthly and quarterly operations reports in conjunction with the location General Manager. Review P&L/General Ledger reports for department/location ensuring accuracy. Approve and submit vendor invoices to Accounts Payable in a timely fashion. Participate in annual budgeting process for team members location. Maintain and uphold Convene's cultural standards. Perform other duties as requested by management.

What we look for:

• 4+ years of experience in managing AV equipment, as well as computer software systems.
• Proven experience in leadership roles, including leading team members.
• Customer service or hospitality experience preferred.
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge of audiovisual equipment, encompassing analog/digital audio mixers, wireless microphone systems, seamless video switchers, and projectors/displays.
• Understanding of Crestron control and hardware endpoints.
• Basic knowledge of data networking principles, architecture, and applications.
• Experience in the basic installation, configuration, operation, and administration of operating systems, applications, and hardware for Macs, PCs, LANs, and servers.
• Ability to lead and manage team members effectively, collaborating with internal and external clients.
• Familiarity with CRM applications.

Physical Requirements:

• Flexible, long, and weekend hours are sometimes required.
• Ability to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.
• Ability to stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time.
• Ability to climb and work on a ladder for lengthy periods of time.

Equipment & Technical Qualifications:

• Audio: 4-48 channel analog/digital mixers, wireless microphone lavaliers and handhelds, push to talk microphone systems, audio recorders. Familiarity with Biamp Server/Forte systems is a plus.
• Video: Switchers, projectors, LCD displays, LED Video Walls, Media Server familiarity a plus.
• Lighting: Knowledge of Lighting Maps, lighting concepts, and lighting best practices, familiarity with rigging.
• IT: Wi-Fi troubleshooting, connecting hardline internet, Knowledge of DHCP/Static IP addressing, operating, other collaboration tools and equipment.
• Hybrid: Familiarity with virtual meeting and event platform functions as well as livestreaming technologies including cameras, encoders, and lighting, and transmission protocols i.e. RTMPs/HLS/SRT.
• Control: Familiarity with Crestron control systems and associated hardware, familiarity with AVoIP fundamentals a plus.

Who We Are:

Convene is a global hospitality company that manages a growing portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on revolutionizing the way people meet, work, and gather. It creates hospitality-driven experiences and uniquely designed destinations across its various brands with the singular mission of fostering human-to-human connection. The Convene portfolio comprises Convene, etc.venues by Convene, and Convene Signature, offering clients multiple products including event venues, meeting rooms, flexible office spaces, and building amenity centers. With hospitality at its core, each brand and product offers on-site culinary, in-room A/V, production services, and dedicated hospitality staffing resources.

As the largest single provider of dedicated meeting and event venues in the U.S. and UK, and with a growing footprint of flexible office space, the Convene portfolio has a network of nearly 40 locations across nine global cities.

We’re Here For You:

• Health and Wellness: Private medical insurance, Subsidised eye care, Subsidised fitness membership, Employee Assistance Program: well-being support and personal advice programme.
• Time Off and Work-Life Balance: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and company sick pay.
• Financial Support and Benefits: Bonus scheme, Interest-free loan for rail season tickets & further education, Subsidised bicycle purchase through Cycle to Work scheme.
• Professional Development and Recognition: Continuous professional and personal development support, Employee recognition and reward programs to mark achievements and milestones.
• Community and Impact: Opportunities to volunteer, donate, and participate in community give-back initiatives, The opportunity to have a significant impact on your team and the business in the work that you do.

Convene is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives.