Live Experiences & Event Strategy
Live Event Production & Management
I bring extensive experience in live event production and management, from technical coordination to audience engagement. My background in live events has taught me the value of real-time problem-solving, audience connection, and creating memorable experiences.
As a product leader with deep experience in both live streaming and product strategy, I approach live events as a product opportunity—one that requires the same systematic approach to planning, execution, and optimization as any digital product.
Live Events as Product Development
Live events have taught me that successful experiences are built on the same foundations as great products: understanding user needs, planning for scalability, and iterating based on feedback. The difference is that in live events, you have one chance to get it right.
Event Management Expertise
Technical Production
- Live Streaming Coordination: Managing technical aspects of broadcasts, from camera setup to final delivery
- Real-time Troubleshooting: Resolving technical issues quickly and effectively during live events
- Multi-platform Distribution: Ensuring seamless delivery across various platforms and devices
- Broadcast Standards: Maintaining professional quality and reliability in live productions
Audience Engagement
- Interactive Features: Developing tools that enhance viewer participation and connection
- Community Building: Creating environments that foster engagement and interaction
- Content Strategy: Planning and executing content that resonates with target audiences
- Experience Design: Crafting moments that create lasting impressions
Project Management
- Cross-functional Coordination: Bringing together diverse teams to deliver successful events
- Timeline Management: Creating and maintaining realistic schedules and deadlines
- Resource Allocation: Optimizing people, technology, and budget resources
- Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating potential issues before they impact events
Key Achievements
Major Brand Partnerships
- Coordinated live productions for Fortune 500 companies and their audiences
- Developed custom event solutions that aligned with brand objectives and audience needs
- Created engaging experiences that drove measurable business outcomes
- Mentored team members to develop their event production skills
Innovation in Live Events
- Strategic Vision: Developed frameworks that aligned live events with broader product strategy
- Technical Integration: Ensured seamless connections between live experiences and digital products
- Audience Analytics: Created systems to measure engagement and inform product decisions
- Cross-platform Strategy: Designed experiences that worked across multiple touchpoints
- Process Documentation: Created best practices that improved team efficiency and event quality
Process Improvement
- Streamlined workflows for faster setup and execution
- Developed comprehensive checklists and documentation
- Created training programs for new team members
- Established quality control measures for consistent excellence
Lessons from Live Events
Real-time Problem Solving
Live events have taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and making quick, informed decisions. The ability to anticipate problems, respond effectively to unexpected situations, and maintain composure is critical to success.
Audience-Centric Thinking
Understanding audience needs and expectations is essential for creating meaningful experiences. Live events have honed my ability to think from the viewer's perspective and create content that resonates and engages.
Collaborative Excellence
Successful events require seamless collaboration across diverse teams. My experience has taught me how to bridge communication gaps, align stakeholders, and create environments where everyone can contribute their best work.
Continuous Improvement
Each event provides valuable lessons that inform future productions. I've developed systematic approaches to capturing insights, implementing improvements, and building on past successes.
Event Management Philosophy
Successful live events are built on three foundations:
- Technical Excellence: Creating reliable, high-quality productions that work flawlessly
- Audience Focus: Understanding and serving the needs of viewers and participants
- Team Collaboration: Fostering environments where diverse skills come together to create something special
The same principles that make live events successful—clarity, preparation, and audience focus—also make great products.
How Live Events Inform Product Development
My background in live events has uniquely positioned me to understand:
- Real-time User Feedback: Understanding immediate reactions to features and experiences
- Performance Under Pressure: Building systems that remain reliable under demanding conditions
- Scalability Challenges: Designing solutions that work at various scales and complexities
- Cross-functional Excellence: Leading teams with diverse skills toward common goals
- Iterative Improvement: Using each experience to inform future decisions
These insights directly inform my approach to product development, helping create more robust, user-centered digital products.
Strategic Event Planning Framework
When approaching live events as a product opportunity:
- Define Success Metrics: What does success look like for this event?
- Understand Your Audience: Who are you trying to reach and what do they need?
- Plan for Scale: Can this approach work for 10 people or 10,000?
- Integrate with Product Strategy: How does this event support broader business objectives?
- Measure and Iterate: What did you learn and how will you apply it next time?
"In live events, you have one chance to get it right. This teaches you the importance of preparation, precision, and putting the audience experience first."
© 2025 Sam Lyon | Building products with purpose