Stay Curious, Stay Relevant

One of the easiest traps to fall into after years in live production is believing you've finally figured it all out. You've worked hundreds of shows, operated countless pieces of equipment, and handled enough last-minute client requests to fill a book. It's tempting to think experience alone will carry you through whatever comes next.

But this industry has a funny way of reminding us how much we still don't know. New equipment, firmware updates, and changing workflows constantly reshape the way we work. The gear you were an expert on ten years ago might not even be in the rental inventory today. Nobody knows everything. The question is whether you're willing to keep learning.

We've all been there. You get a call for an upcoming show, look over the equipment list, and notice something you're not particularly familiar with. You have two choices. Show up on load-in day and figure it out as you go, or spend some time preparing before you walk into the ballroom.

Manufacturers have made it easier than ever to get familiar with their products. Manuals, training videos, software simulators, and offline editors can give you a head start without having the physical hardware in front of you.

Watching a few videos won't make you an expert overnight, and there's no substitute for hands-on experience. But showing up with a basic understanding of the equipment and its workflow beats walking in blind. The middle of a hectic load-in isn't the best time to start figuring out where everything is.

Some of the most valuable things I've learned haven't come from formal training. They've come from standing next to another engineer who approaches something differently. Maybe it's a better way to organize a console, a networking trick, or a feature you never knew existed on equipment you've used for years. It doesn't matter whether that person has been in the industry for three years or thirty. Good information is good information.

Experience can sometimes make people reluctant to ask questions. Nobody wants to be the veteran technician admitting they don't know how something works. But there's a big difference between being experienced and believing you have nothing left to learn.

The best technicians I've worked with are often the ones who are still asking questions, sharing ideas, and looking for better ways to get the job done.

For freelancers especially, professional development is part of the business. We spend plenty of time worrying about bookings, travel schedules, invoices, and the next gig. But how much time are we setting aside to improve our skills?

Attending manufacturer training, earning a certification, or spending an afternoon with unfamiliar equipment might not put money in your pocket that day, but it could open doors to future opportunities. And learning doesn't always mean mastering an entirely new discipline. Sometimes it's about getting better at the job you're already doing.

Networking is a perfect example. These days, practically everything on a show seems to want an IP address. Audio consoles, video systems, lighting, intercom, and control systems are increasingly dependent on networks. Understanding IP addressing, subnets, VLANs, and basic switch configuration isn't just for the IT guy anymore. You don't need to become a network engineer, but if your entire troubleshooting strategy consists of staring at the blinking lights on a switch and hoping for the best, it might be time to brush up on a few things.

The same goes for the equipment and software you already use. Explore the features on your preferred console or find ways to make your workflow more efficient. Just because you've been using the same equipment for fifteen years doesn't mean you're taking advantage of everything it can do.

There's nothing wrong with having favorite equipment or preferred workflows. Familiarity builds confidence, and confidence matters when the pressure is on. The problem comes when comfort turns into resistance to anything different.

We've all heard someone dismiss a new piece of equipment simply because it's not what they're used to. Sometimes those complaints are justified. Newer doesn't automatically mean better. But refusing to learn something because it's unfamiliar can eventually limit the work you're qualified to take.

You don't need to chase every new product announcement or become an expert in everything. But as production companies update inventories and workflows evolve, keeping your skills current should be part of the job.

One of the things that keeps live production interesting is that there's always another challenge around the corner. Just when you think you've got everything figured out, something new comes along. Whether you've been doing this for two years or thirty, there's always something you can learn that will make you better on the next show.

-CTC Staff