Technical Rider
A Technical Rider is a detailed document that event planners and venues use to outline all the technical requirements needed for an event or performance. Think of it as a complete checklist that covers everything from lighting and sound equipment to stage setup and electrical needs. Event planners use this document to communicate clearly with venues and suppliers about what's needed to make an event successful. It's similar to a recipe that tells everyone involved exactly what ingredients (equipment) and preparation (setup) are needed. Other common names for this document include "tech spec sheet," "production rider," or "technical specifications."
Examples in Resumes
Created and managed Technical Rider documents for 50+ corporate events
Coordinated with vendors using detailed Technical Riders for music festivals
Developed standardized Tech Rider templates for venue management
Updated Technical Specification documents for concert venues
Typical job title: "Event Production Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Event Production Managers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle last-minute technical requirement changes in a rider for a major event?
Expected Answer: Should discuss contingency planning, vendor relationships, budget management, and problem-solving strategies while maintaining event quality and client satisfaction.
Q: How do you create and manage technical riders for multiple events happening simultaneously?
Expected Answer: Should explain organizational systems, prioritization, delegation skills, and how to maintain clear communication with multiple teams and vendors.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What key elements do you include in a technical rider?
Expected Answer: Should list main components like staging, sound, lighting, power requirements, setup times, and explain why each is important for event success.
Q: How do you ensure venues can meet technical rider requirements?
Expected Answer: Should discuss site visits, venue assessment processes, and communication strategies with venue technical teams.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a technical rider and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a document listing all technical needs for an event and its importance in ensuring smooth event execution.
Q: How do you organize information in a technical rider?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic structure and categories like equipment lists, stage plans, and scheduling information.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic technical rider creation
- Understanding of common event equipment
- Basic venue coordination
- Equipment inventory management
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex technical requirement planning
- Vendor relationship management
- Budget oversight for technical needs
- Problem-solving during event setup
Senior (5+ years)
- Multi-event technical coordination
- Large-scale production management
- Team supervision and training
- Strategic technical planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to read or create basic technical documentation
- No knowledge of common event equipment
- Poor attention to detail in specifications
- Lack of problem-solving experience in live event situations
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Changing Careers: A Recruiter's Inside View
A Beginner's Guide to Implementing an Applicant Tracking System
Refining Job Descriptions to Expand Applicant Pools: Casting a Wider Talent Net
