Jay Pickering
Summary
34 years of professional experience dedicated to Entertainment and Production Management, with an educational background in Business Administration and Music Performance. 5,000+ successful events managed and developed with 28 years of proven performance.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Technical Director
FREEMAN Company
02.2023 - 07.2024
- Overall Technical Direction as part of the Production Technology Team, Assist with Sales and pitches, create/develop/manage all CADs and Renders for General sessions/Breakouts/and EXPO show floors, manage event P&L's, guide/spec/and manage creative cycle, provide and manage broadcast direction for internal and external teams, manage event budgets in excess of 5+ million, provide out of the box technical solutions to meet clients vision, determine and spec all Audio, Video, Lighting, Rigging, and Power
- Design and Manage custom scenic elements for General session and breakout stages
- Develop and manage all broadcast related creative cycles for each program
- Work closely with end clients and internal creative teams to understand and develop the ROS to align with their vision, manage all third party vendors involved in the scope, provide timelines and logistical schedules to meet the event timeline, attend site visits when needed or required.
Owner,CEO - Live Event & Broadcast Production / Operations / Production Management / Technical Director
Image Production Consulting, LLC
02.2021 - 02.2023
- Developed IPC to assist event managers, agencies, and clients directly with not only the transition period from live to virtual, but with producing their virtual events entirely
- With 20+ years of proven experience in the industry, I have worked in every facet of the industry and bring a wide array and knowledge base to complement my experience
- Fluent in event layouts via CAD, full scale production CAD renders, and Final CAD render utilization.
Executive Producer / Producer / Production Manager
Mountain View Staging, LLC
11.2020 - 02.2021
- Oversee all of the production elements to include - Sales, CAD and Render Services, Event P&L's, Creative, Broadcast Direction for internal team, oversight of Editor and content for all projects under my scope, generate revenue, Provide out of the box solutions in a new digital events world.
Technical Director
Bash Creative, LLC
08.2018 - 10.2020
- Oversee all of the production elements to include - Overall Technical Direction, Assist with Sales and pitches, create/develop/manage all CADs and Renders for General sessions/Breakouts to include EXPO booth design and integration, manage event P&L's, guide/spec/and manage creative cycle, provide and manage broadcast direction for internal and external teams, manage event budgets in excess of 5+ million, provide out of the box technical solutions to meet clients vision, determine and spec all Audio, Video, Lighting, Rigging, and Power
- Design and Manage custom scenic elements for General session and breakout stages
- Develop and manage all broadcast related creative cycles for each program
- Work closely with end clients and internal creative teams to understand and develop the ROS to align with their vision, manage all third party vendors involved in the scope, provide timelines and logistical schedules to meet the event timeline, attend site visits when needed or required.
Director of Production & Sales / Sr. Production Manager / Account Manager
Immersive
08.2016 - 06.2018
- Instrumental in determining the company's growth model, hiring practices, production execution practices, rendering practices, sales practices, company policies, capital purchases, and company brand and image
- As the Director of Production & Sales, I not only handled the largest events for the company, I oversee all of the Production Manager and team of 8 to assure we are servicing, selling, and performing at the highest level
- Oversight of the companies P&L, capital purchases, hiring of new employees, and direction
- Fluent in event layouts via CAD, full scale production CAD renders, and Final CAD render utilization
- Primary accounts managed: Twitch eSports, Reed Exhibitions, Karin + Blue, Rakuten.
Director of Operations
PSAV
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Ensured the highest standards of service to the client/guest while maintaining event technology operations efficiency, intradepartmental communication, and cohesive relationships with other departments
- Developed the PSAV The San Francisco Marriott Marquis Team through Interviewing, selecting, training and conducting performance appraisals and coaching employees as well as planning and directing the work of technicians
- Resolving employee situations or guest challenges, and manage the development of the Event Technology department and staff of 26 employees
- Managed the daily assignments regarding sets and strikes of event group business
- Scheduled staff members to ensure appropriate business levels were accommodated.
Technical Director / Project Manager
E2k events x entertainment
01.2015 - 08.2015
- Captured the vision of the client via Design utilizing Vectorworks CAD software, provided all CAD work and 3D renderings for client review, submitted RFP for prospective vendors, oversaw sets and integration of technology in the event, monitored and managed all technology within an assigned event, acted as the technology specialist on high profile events, and assured all technical aspects met code, safety, and city regulations
- High Profile Clients worked with during tenure: San Francisco 49ers Marketing and Events, PIXAR, Young Women's Summit, Professional Women's Business Summit, City of San Francisco Mayor's Office (San Francisco Mayor's Conference).
Director of Event Technology & Operations
PSAV
12.2013 - 02.2015
- Responsible for overall operations management, revenue and profitability of the PSAV Team at Claremont Hotel, Club & Spa, while ensuring the utmost in client and hotel partner satisfaction
- Provide learning and development opportunities for employees
- Function as the primary liaison with the property to handle any issues and manage the hotel contract
- Manage and proactively execute the company sales process through advanced client contact
- Improve and leverage the location and property's market position and share
- Provide outstanding customer service to clients by establishing excellent working relationships with hotel/Client staff and executives, company team members, neighboring locations, Event Services and all vendors
- Mentor technicians to also provide this level of customer service
- Maintain a positive employee relations environment for all AV team members
- Manage performance, address employee concerns, maintain adequate staffing levels, and facilitate team development
- Lead by example in portraying a polished, professional image according to the guidelines set by PSAV Presentation Services
- Effectively utilize all company computer systems and software programs and ensure technicians are properly trained to use them
- Complete standard and as-needed reports accurately and on-time
- Actively participate in overall company programs/development where applicable
- Supervise security, inventory control, transportation and maintenance of equipment (ie
- Audio, visual, rigging, lighting, event staff, planning and development, etc.) Ensure all employees are properly trained in all areas
- Current profit 176% over PY
- Revenue increased from 1.049 to 1.65 Million in the course of 10 months through a transitional purchase of the company
- This team grew from 2 FT employees to 7 with 5 additional PT technicians.
Project Manager
PSAV
02.2012 - 10.2012
- Assisted internal and external customers in creating and delivering a PSAV Experience for each client
- Serving as the technical expert on an event, responsible for ensuring the financial and technical feasibility within appropriate time constraints
- Provided technical support as needed on all events within The Fairmont San Francisco and maintained profitability for the events in conjunction with all parties involved
- Communicated changes and recommendations to internal and external customers in a timely manner
- Coordinated technical staffing for events including operators and any possible freelancers
- Assisted in daily workflow preparation with other team members, especially the ADET and DET
- Determined the specific use of the equipment sold for assigned projects and confirmed that the equipment and technical positions will meet the client's needs
- Determined workflow for each event and communicated any next steps to the client and/or internal contacts
- Assisted sales professionals with proposals, site visits/surveys & made recommendations as requested
- Responsible for entering equipment orders into the inventory tracking system and coordinated with Sales, Operations, and other Project Managers as needed
- Determined specific equipment requests and handled any logistics for shipping or other transportation means
- Arranged for any sub-rentals that might be required.
Entertainment Production Team
Walt Disney World
07.2011 - 07.2012
- Set-up and management of events within 4 theme parks and 7 resorts
- Demonstrating and exhibiting strong guest relation skills on all productions and guest recovery issues
- Consistently provide a strong working knowledge of Stage Management, Production Management, Entertainment Management, and Event Management on all productions or events
- Demonstrating the ability to provide and give effective feedback and share creative ideas
- Collaboration and the ability to troubleshoot and maintain show related equipment, a working knowledge of Stage development terminology, production planning, Supervision of Talent during the events, and extensive leadership experience on every production.
Entertainment Coordinator
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
08.2011 - 05.2012
- Directly responsible for projects delegated by the Entertainment Executives and Supporting Directors
- Additional responsibilities included Scheduling, Projects, Presentations, Stage Management, Event Management, Event Installs, Crew Management, Tech Management, and Talent Management
- This was a sensitive position where confidential information was handled daily
- In this fast-paced, highly visible team, I worked independently and professionally as a representative of the Executive Entertainment Team.
Event Manager / Stage Manager
Seminole State College of Florida
03.2010 - 03.2011
- Show development, Production Management, Stage Set-up and Management, and Event Management of all events within the Fine Arts Department
- Demonstrated and exhibited strong guest relation skills on all productions or events, and when handling guest recovery issues
- Exhibited leadership experience in Stage Management, Production Management, Entertainment Management, Event Management, and a strong understanding of current music, Musical Theatre, and Theatre trends
- Demonstrated strong verbal skills, with an emphasis on performance critiques
- Exhibited a willingness to learn and utilize new software applications
- Demonstrated flexibility with my work schedule, including holidays
- Responsible for the coordination of shows, rehearsals, troubleshooting and maintaining show related equipment, lighting and audio calls, scenic touch-ups, a working knowledge of theatrical terminology, production planning, and extensive leadership experience on and off the stage
- Accountable for show maintenance, supervising all show elements, and coordination of show rehearsals and communication.
Head of Production
Galaxy Productions - Entertainment
05.2005 - 01.2006
- Show development, Production Management, Stage management, and Event Management of all events and productions
- Demonstrated and exhibited strong guest relation skills on all productions, and when handling guest recovery issues
- Demonstrated strong working knowledge of Talent Casting and Audition experience, Stage Management and Stage Set-up, Production Management, Entertainment Management, Event Management, and Tech Management
- Demonstrated the ability to provide and give effective feedback and share creative ideas
- Collaboration and the ability to troubleshoot and maintain show related equipment, a working knowledge of Stage development and Stage Set-up, production planning, and extensive leadership experience on every production
- Development, Design, and Management of the show lighting and audio, scenic collaboration, coordination and presentation of shows, show maintenance, and all cast members or entertainers involved in events and productions
- This was a sensitive position where confidential information is handled daily
- In this fast-paced, high visibility team, I worked independently and professionally as a representative of the management team to resolve event challenges in a way that satisfies the client while minimizing financial impact to the company.
Stage Manager / Supervisor / Performer
Royal Caribbean Cruise lines
02.2002 - 03.2005
- Developed and installed shows for 7 Cruise ships within the RCCL fleet
- This was a contract position per show, for a total of 14 contracts over 7 years
- Designed and developed the integration of shows for each ship and installed to meet their timeline for departure.
Education
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Seminole State College of Florida
Sanford, FL01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL01.1998
Skills
Technical Direction
Broadcast Producer
Event Management
Production Management
Certification
- Advanced Vectorworks Certification
QUALIFICATIONS
- 28 years as a Producer for Live & Virtual Events, Event Production Manager, Audio Visual Operations Management, Entertainment Management, Event Management, Stage Management, Project Management, Technical Direction, Show Direction, and Performance experience.
- 12 years of Producing Professional Esports competitions, Live Broadcasts & Productions: I've spent the last 8 years producing Live esports broadcasts for Epic Games, Twitch, Riot Games, Roblox, and the PAX Arena Events. I've Production Managed or Produced the Live Broadcast for the following individual titles: Tekken 7 World Finals, The World Premiere of Fortnite, COD, Apex, Smash Bros., Fruit Ninja, Street Fighter 5, ESPN CEC College World Championships, and most recently the RDC_20 Developers Conference.
- Director of Production and Sales, Director of Event Technology, Director of Operations, Production Manager, Project Manager, Entertainment Manager, Event Manager, Assistant Production Manager, Show Production Manager, Production Assistant, Entertainment Coordinator or Performer for Six Flags Great Adventure, Universal Studios of Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Royal Caribbean Cruise lines, Disney World, Troika Entertainment, Warner Brothers Entertainment, Ritz Studio Productions, College Park Productions, Galaxy Productions and Entertainment, Seminole State College of Florida, SeaWorld of Orlando, The Disney Event Group.
- Proven proficiency with various software/computer programs or applications to include: GSuite, Vectorworks, FLEX, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Disney’s ER2, Disney’s work brain, Concur, SAP, BAP, Meeting Matrix, Helios, Ultipro, Kronos, Oracle, Compass, Office, Asana, Keynote, and Salesforce.
- Excellent verbal, presentation and written communication skills, problem solving skills, decision making and influencing abilities, team management, negotiating skills and continuous improvement process experience. Proven organizational and time management skills, the ability to initiate, organize and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner, a demonstrated ability to provide effective feedback and share creative and new ideas.
- 24 years of Demonstrated aptitude for budgeting and scheduling, guest relation management on all productions, guest or client recovery issues, partnering, coaching and mentoring, scheduling management and show tracking of event, show, and area budgets with attention to detail. 16 years of Revenue Management of budgets exceeding 5 million
- 26 years of Professional Entertainment Experience in live show production, stage management, entertainment management, event management, show production, staging and stage set-up experience, creative and development, production management, , Lighting / Audio / Special Effects, extensive experience with CAD utilization and Audition experience., talent casting, and a strong understanding of Theme Park Entertainment., Voice, Dance, Production Management, Stage Set-Up and design, Casting, Show and Scenic Development,
- Entertainment professional with a thorough background in continuous show and event improvement, project management and time management. Applying disciplined approaches, organizational and problem-solving direction, directed projects resulting in improved client satisfaction, and enhanced entertainment experiences through redesign of show development processes and procedures.
Timeline
Technical Director
FREEMAN Company
02.2023 - 07.2024
Owner,CEO - Live Event & Broadcast Production / Operations / Production Management / Technical Director
Image Production Consulting, LLC
02.2021 - 02.2023
Executive Producer / Producer / Production Manager
Mountain View Staging, LLC
11.2020 - 02.2021
Technical Director
Bash Creative, LLC
08.2018 - 10.2020
Director of Production & Sales / Sr. Production Manager / Account Manager
Immersive
08.2016 - 06.2018
Director of Operations
PSAV
08.2015 - 08.2016
Technical Director / Project Manager
E2k events x entertainment
01.2015 - 08.2015
Director of Event Technology & Operations
PSAV
12.2013 - 02.2015
Project Manager
PSAV
02.2012 - 10.2012
Entertainment Coordinator
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
08.2011 - 05.2012
Entertainment Production Team
Walt Disney World
07.2011 - 07.2012
Event Manager / Stage Manager
Seminole State College of Florida
03.2010 - 03.2011
Head of Production
Galaxy Productions - Entertainment
05.2005 - 01.2006
Stage Manager / Supervisor / Performer
Royal Caribbean Cruise lines
02.2002 - 03.2005
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Seminole State College of Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Florida State University