Events Technician

Howden; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a skilled Events Technician to support both in-person and hybrid events. The role involves setting up and operating audio-visual equipment, managing online platforms, and troubleshooting technical issues to ensure a seamless experience for attendees. Join a diverse team that values collaboration and innovation in delivering exceptional event experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Events Technician or AV Technician.
• Strong working knowledge of audio-visual equipment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate audio-visual equipment for live and hybrid events.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during events to ensure seamless experiences.

Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Tools

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

YouTube Live

Vimeo

OBS

Job description

Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

What is the role?

We are seeking a skilled and versatile Events Technician to join Howden. Supporting the Group Events Team (which sits within the Corporate Communications Team), day-to-day you will report into our EUC Manager who manages our AV team.

This role is vital in supporting both in-person and hybrid events by setting up, operating, and maintaining technical equipment. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of audio-visual systems, lighting, staging, and online event technology. As hybrid and virtual events become increasingly important, a comprehensive understanding of the tools and platforms that support live-streaming, virtual engagement, and remote participation is essential.

The successful candidate must be able to troubleshoot both on-site and online technical issues to ensure seamless event experiences. The role will also include supporting filming requirements if the in-house team are unavailable (setting up camera for talking heads filming, downloading content and sharing with team for editing).

What will you be doing?

Event Setup and Breakdown:

• Set up, test, and operate audio-visual equipment, lighting, sound systems, and staging components for both live and hybrid events. This includes working with cameras, microphones, projectors, and screens.

• Set up technical elements to support online platforms and live-streaming services, ensuring that the digital aspects of the event are integrated seamlessly with the physical setup.

• Dismantle and safely store all technical equipment post-event, performing checks to ensure everything is in proper working order for future events.

Audio/Visual Support:

• Operate and monitor AV equipment during events to ensure the highest possible quality of sound, video, and lighting.

• Coordinate live-streaming of events by working with remote presenters, audience interaction tools, and multi-camera setups to enhance virtual engagement.

• Ensure compatibility between in-person setups and digital platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams, WebEx, YouTube Live, or other streaming solutions) for hybrid events.

Online and Hybrid Event Technology:

• Manage the integration of online tools and event platforms, such as virtual event management software, live-streaming software, and virtual audience engagement tools (e.g., Q&A, live polls, chat functions).

• Ensure smooth operation of hybrid event systems, coordinating between physical event spaces and digital platforms to deliver a seamless experience for both in-person and virtual attendees.

• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues related to the online streaming platform, video/audio sync, connectivity issues, and virtual attendee interactions during live events.

• Assist in the setup and management of virtual event elements, such as backstage management, virtual green rooms, and speaker management tools, to ensure a professional online experience.

Lighting, Sound, and Staging Control:

• Operate and configure lighting rigs, sound systems, and special effects (e.g., fog machines, video walls, projection mapping) to create dynamic environments for both live and hybrid events.

• Work with event producers to ensure that lighting and sound choices complement virtual participation and audience interaction, maintaining consistency for both on-site and online audiences.

Technical Troubleshooting and Support:

• Quickly identify and resolve technical issues during live events (both on-site and online) to minimize disruptions, including problems with video feeds, sound quality, camera setups, and connectivity.

• Provide immediate troubleshooting support for virtual participants facing technical difficulties in accessing or engaging with the event online, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.

Collaborating with Event Teams:

• Collaborate with event planners, producers, and other stakeholders to determine technical needs for online and hybrid events, ensuring that both in-person and virtual elements are synchronized.

• Work closely with event organizers to ensure proper integration between physical venues and virtual platforms, handling complex tech setups such as virtual stage management and hybrid engagement tools.

Equipment Maintenance and Inventory:

• Maintain and troubleshoot both in-person and online event equipment, including all AV systems, streaming tools, and hybrid event platforms, to ensure everything is fully operational and up-to-date.

• Perform regular maintenance checks on technical equipment, manage inventory, and ensure that all tools required for hybrid events are readily available and in good condition.

Safety and Compliance:

• Adhere to safety standards when setting up and operating electrical equipment, particularly when integrating new technology such as cameras, lighting rigs, and live-streaming setups.

• Ensure that all technical setups for both in-person and virtual components meet safety regulations and industry standards, especially in online security and privacy for virtual attendees.

Post-Event Reporting and Feedback:

• Participate in post-event debriefings to review technical execution, identifying areas of improvement for future events, both in-person and hybrid.

• Collect feedback from virtual participants and internal teams regarding their experience with the event technology, implementing changes to improve future virtual and hybrid event operations.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience as an Events Technician, AV Technician, or in a similar technical role for live, virtual, or hybrid events.

• Strong working knowledge of audio-visual equipment, including mixers, microphones, projectors, sound systems, cameras, and lighting.

• Familiarity with online event platforms and streaming tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, YouTube Live, Vimeo, OBS, or other virtual event software).

• Experience setting up and operating equipment for hybrid events, integrating virtual tools with live event technology for seamless participation.

• Strong problem-solving skills to quickly identify and resolve technical issues related to both physical and virtual event setups.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with event organizers, technical teams, and virtual attendees.

• Knowledge of online security and privacy best practices for virtual attendees is a plus.

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges

• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.

Permanent