Live Event Production Coordinator

Career Guide
Plans and coordinates the logistics of concerts, conferences, and festivals. Builds schedules and run sheets, books vendors and crew, manages equipment and permits, and supports load-in, showtime, and load-out to deliver events safely, on budget, and on time.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build production timelines, run of show, and call sheets
  • Advance shows with venues, vendors, and touring teams
  • Book crew, rentals, and transportation; manage holds and confirmations
  • Secure permits, insurance certificates, and comply with venue policies
  • Track budgets, POs, and reconciliations for labor and rentals
  • Oversee load-in, show operations, and load-out logistics
  • Maintain production documentation and show-day communication

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Production Manager (Live Events)
Event Producer
Stage/Show Manager
Transition Opportunities
Event Marketing Specialist
Logistics Coordinator
Venue Operations Coordinator
Broadcast/Studio Production Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Showcalling and cue-to-cue executionTechnical AV basics (audio, lighting, comms)Event CAD layouts and site plansPermitting and venue compliance processesCost control and post-event reconciliation
Development SuggestionsShadow a show caller and A1/L1 on small events; complete an Event Safety or OSHA 10 course; practice building run sheets, site plans, and budgets for mock events using real vendor quotes.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$40,000–$50,000
Mid Level$50,000–$65,000
Senior Level$65,000–$80,000
Growth Trend
growing: Live events have rebounded; corporate and touring demand trending up

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Live Nation EntertainmentEncore (formerly PSAV)Freeman
Industry Sectors
Live Entertainment & EventsCorporate & Experiential MarketingHospitality & Tourism

Recommended Next Steps

1
Take a short course in Vectorworks for event layouts and an AV fundamentals workshop (audio, lighting, intercom).
2
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering or freelancing with local venues, festivals, or production companies; build a sample run-of-show and budget portfolio.
3
Join MPI or ILEA, attend chapter meetings to network with producers and PMs, and pursue CMP/CSEP when eligibility is met.