Inside the Hidden World of Live Event Production
Moscone Conference Center in San Francisco
Have you ever attended a massive corporate conference for Google, a high-stakes pharmaceutical convention, or the X Games? You see the lights, the stages, and the talent, but you rarely see the army of people "keeping the trains moving" behind the scenes.
Barbara on the job!
Barbara Burdowsky, VP of Operations for Tempo Live Events, pulls back the curtain on this fascinating industry. What started as her sister Nancy’s side hustle—connecting friends to gigs—has evolved into a thriving business that powers some of the biggest events in the country.
Tempo Live Events wasn't built in a boardroom; it was built on relationships. Nancy, the founder, was a "connector" working in the industry who realized she could monetize her network.
The "Connector" Business Model
Sisters Nancy and Barbara
Unlike traditional staffing agencies that take a cut from the freelancer's paycheck, Tempo flipped the script. They charge the client a service fee (25%) on top of the freelancer’s rate. This ensures the talent gets paid their full worth, while the client gets handled 1099’s, logistics, and a roster of vetted professionals.
The Big Three: Where the Work Is
If you are looking to break into the industry, Barbara notes there are three massive "verticals" that always need staff:
Corporate Events: Think conferences for IBM, Google, or Workday. Almost every major corporation, from tech giants to gyms like 24 Hour Fitness, hosts conventions.
Pharmaceuticals: This is a massive sector. It includes sales meetings, conventions for doctors (like orthopedic surgeons discussing joint replacements), and drug launches.
Sporting Events: From the X Games to high school football, live sports are a constant breed of event production.
The Takeaway:
Whether it's a "side hustle" or a full-time career, the live event industry is vast. It allows you to travel the country (Barbara is hitting San Francisco, Vegas, Nashville, and Houston this year alone) and work with diverse teams. But how do you get your foot in the door? That starts with the "PA" role.
Find out in our next blog on exactly how to find yourself on a live event and what that PA Role entails!
