Technical Manager- AO Arena 

In a lot of ways, the events industry is still pretty undervalued. Most people don’t really see what goes on behind the scenes or understand what actually gets us out there doing what we do. I was lucky, really — my dad worked in the industry, so I grew up going to live events and getting a sense of the work that happens backstage. 

I’m Callum Murphy, technical manager here at the AO Arena. My job is basically making sure the venue is technically ready for any production or client coming into the space. That means working with different stakeholders and colleagues — UK Rigging, our rigging team, electricians — whoever’s needed to make sure everything is showready. One day it might be rigging and power, the next it’s venue floor plans, staging, draping… it’s a bit of everything. 

One of my favourite events I’ve worked on here has to be the Davis Cup in 2023 and 2024. For anyone who doesn’t know, it’s a major tennis event, and it stays in the arena for quite a long time. I think I enjoyed it so much because I’m passionate about sport, and I’ve worked in other sporting environments before, so I could really bring that experience into this project. 

You don’t need a specific qualification to get into this line of work. What you do need is experience and a solid understanding of event production and the technical elements that bring an event together. Certificates like IOSH or rigging awareness definitely help build your credentials and, more importantly, strengthen your health and safety knowledge. And that’s not to discredit degrees — I studied Events Management at MMU, and it was genuinely useful, especially for the people you meet and the experience you can pick up if you go out and look for it. If you’re considering an events degree, I’d really recommend choosing one with a placement year. That industry experience is invaluable. 

The reality of the events industry is that you should expect long days and unsocial hours. People go to events on their weekends off, which means you’re the one working. It’s not the right industry for someone who doesn’t see it as a vocation. But there are quieter periods in the calendar where you can take time off and reset. 

My working environment is a real mix. There’s the office side — liaising with productions ahead of their events, making sure the venue is ready to welcome them. Then on event days, the focus shifts to supervising loadins and loadouts, keeping everything running smoothly and safely. And yes, you absolutely get stuck into the physical work too — building barriers, helping on stage, whatever’s needed. 

When we’re looking for someone to join the team, we want people who’ve gone out and gained experience, developed their industry knowledge, and have a clear idea of what they want to do. A degree can be beneficial, but it’s not enough on its own. You need the handson experience to back it up.