Jay Pickering

• Responsibilities included: Sr. Level Technical Direction as part of the Production Team. Assisted with Sales and pitches, created/developed/managed all CADs and Renders for General sessions and Breakouts, 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 8+ million. Provided out of the box technical solutions to meet clients vision. 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, provide timelines and logistical schedules to meet the event timeline, attend site visits when needed or required.

• Responsibilities included: 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.
• Developed and implemented strategic technology initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Established best practices for technical operations, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

• As a result of COVID-19, I 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.

• Furloughed due to COVID19. Essential responsibilities included: 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.
• Implemented innovative production techniques that improved overall project delivery timelines and quality standards.
• Established strategic partnerships with vendors, enhancing service offerings and reducing costs through negotiation efforts.
• Managed budgets and resources effectively to reduce production costs while maintaining high production value.

• Furloughed due to COVID19, and then released due to bankruptcy. Essential responsibilities included: Oversee all of the production elements to include –Responsibilities included: 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.
• Supported creation of client and business partner relationships through careful collaboration and networking efforts.

• As the Director of Productions & Sales / Production Manager / Account Manager – I was 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.

As the Director of Operations, PSAV @ The San Francisco Marriott Marquis, I 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. Planned and directed the work of the technicians. Purchased and provided P.O.’s to outside vendor support for purchase or rental. Managed and maintained current on new technology and equipment to purchase while fostering the development of 18 Technicians and our Junior Management staff. Assisted and managed the implementation of exceptional communication skills throughout all functions of the job i.e. guests, department managers, and fellow employees. Supported and managed property-wide training programs including but not limited to OSHA, Safety, Educational and Employee Enhancement programs to assure the continual upgrading of department personnel and advance technological ability.

• As a Technical Director for e2k, my responsibilities were to capture the vision of the client via Design utilizing Vectorworks CAD software, provide all CAD work and 3D renderings for client review, Submit RFP for prospective vendors, oversee sets and integration of technology in the event, monitor and manage all technology within an assigned event, act as the technology specialist on high profile events, and assure all technical aspects met code, safety, and or 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).

• 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.

• As the Director of Operations, PSAV @ the Intercontinental San Francisco, I ensured the highest standards of service to the client/guest while maintaining event technology operations efficiency, intradepartmental communication, and a cohesive relationship with other departments. Developed the PSAV Intercontinental San Francisco 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 18 employees. Managed the daily assignments regarding sets and strikes of event group business. Scheduled staff members to ensure appropriate business levels were accommodated. Planned and directed the work of the technicians. Purchased and provided P.O.’s to outside vendor support for purchase or rental. Managed and maintained current on new technology and equipment to purchase while fostering the development of 10 Technicians and our Junior Management staff. Assisted and managed the implementation of exceptional communication skills throughout all functions of the job i.e. guests, department managers, and fellow employees. Supported and managed property-wide training programs including but not limited to OSHA, Safety, Educational and Employee Enhancement programs to assure the continual upgrading of department personnel and advance technological ability. Lead the location and team to record profit through strategic management of P&L and Labor. Profit achieved was 148% over PY Revenue. Revenue increased from 2.3 to 4.4 million in the course of 12 months.

• As the Project Manager for the PSAV Team @ The Fairmont San Francisco, I assisted internal and external customers in creating and delivering a PSAV Experience for each client. Serving as the technical expert on an event, I was 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. I 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. I was 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.

• Responsibilities Included: The 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. This is a sensitive position where confidential information is handled daily. In this fast-paced, high visibility team, I work independently and as a team member of the production team to resolve event challenges in a way that satisfies the client while minimizing financial impact to the company. This position is under the direction of a Production Manager within the Disney Event Group.
• The Disney Event Group

• Responsibilities Included: 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.

• Responsibilities Included: 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. I exhibited leadership experience in Stage Management, Production Management, Entertainment Management, Event Management, and a strong understanding of current music, Musical Theatre, and Theatre trends. I demonstrated strong verbal skills, with an emphasis on performance critiques. Exhibited a willingness to learn and utilize new software applications. I demonstrated flexibility with my work schedule, including holidays. I was 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. I was also accountable for show maintenance, supervising all show elements, and coordination of show rehearsals and communication.

• Responsibilities Included: 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. I 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 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. Choreographed dance combinations, stilt combinations, stag blocking, and stage choreography. I was directly responsible for the supervision and Management of creative development, event equipment, Talent casting, Auditioning, production and event management, event design layout, performances, and the costumes. 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.

• Responsibilities Included: 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.