ROYAL PRODUCTIONS
Audio Visual Technician
Hotel AV Operations - New Chicago Property
Full-Time | Chicago, IL | On-Site
About Royal Productions
Royal Productions is a premier national audiovisual and live event production company with nearly 40 years of excellence. We serve as the dedicated in-house AV partner at venues across the country, delivering full-service production for corporate meetings, conferences, galas, weddings, and large-scale events.
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced AV Technician who can hit the ground running as the primary technical resource on this property. You’ll work directly alongside the on-site Director, serving as the lead tech on the floor- setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and striking audio, video, lighting, and presentation systems across the property’s meeting and event spaces.
This isn’t a gig where you’ll have a large team around you from the start. As one of the first hires at a new property, you need to be the kind of tech who can handle a full event day independently - from rigging a ballroom general session in the morning to flipping a breakout room for an afternoon workshop to running a dinner program that evening. You’ll set the operational tone for this property, and we need someone who takes that seriously.
If you’ve got real hotel AV experience, take pride in your craft, and want to be part of building something from scratch in a major market - keep reading.
What You’ll Do
Setup, Operation & Strike
- Set up, operate, and strike full AV systems including projectors, screens, microphones, speakers, mixers, video switchers, lighting rigs, recording equipment, and video conferencing platforms
- Execute multi-room event days with tight turnarounds - you’ll often be the primary tech managing the full floor
- Confirm all equipment is properly cabled, tested, and show-ready before clients arrive; conduct thorough pre-event system checks as standard practice
- Manage AV storage, cable management, and equipment organization to keep the operation tight from day one
Live Event Execution
- At times, the potential to operate audio, video, and lighting systems during live events with the focus and professionalism expected at a high-end hotel property
- Monitor wireless frequencies, battery levels, signal paths, and system performance throughout the program - anticipate problems before they become visible
- Provide confident, composed technical support during high-stakes moments: keynote presentations, live broadcasts, executive meetings, and VIP functions
Troubleshooting & Equipment Management
- Diagnose and resolve technical issues on the fly - audio feedback, signal loss, connectivity failures, equipment malfunctions - quickly and without creating a scene
- Own the preventive maintenance program for all on-site AV equipment; keep detailed records of equipment condition, firmware updates, and repair needs
- Manage the initial equipment inventory buildout for the property and maintain accurate tracking as the operation grows
- Identify underperforming or aging gear and make replacement recommendations to leadership with clear justification
Client & Hotel Partnership
- Serve as the on-site AV expert for clients - walk event spaces, recommend technical solutions, and communicate with confidence and professionalism
- Build strong working relationships with hotel event managers, banquet staff, engineering, and IT from the outset - you’re establishing Royal’s reputation at this property
- Represent Royal Productions as a seamless extension of the hotel’s service team, not a third-party vendor
- Communicate proactively with the Director and with clients when event requirements, room layouts, or timelines change
What We’re Looking For
Experience - This Is Not an Entry-Level Role
- 3+ years of hands-on experience as an AV technician in a hotel, convention center, or live event production environment
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage a full event day across multiple rooms and event types without constant supervision
- Deep working knowledge across core AV disciplines: audio (analog and digital mixing, wireless mic management, system tuning), video (switching, projection, signal distribution, confidence monitoring), and lighting (conventional and intelligent fixtures, DMX programming)
- Experience with video conferencing and hybrid event platforms—Zoom, Teams, Webex—including troubleshooting client laptops and source devices in real time
- Solid understanding of signal flow, cable management, power distribution, and system integration
The Right Mindset for a Property Launch
- You’re comfortable being the go-to person on a small team - not waiting for someone else to solve the problem or set the standard
- You take ownership of your space: the AV closet is organized, the gear is maintained, the rooms are set before anyone asks
- You understand that at a new property, first impressions with hotel leadership and clients define the relationship for years - and you act accordingly
- You’re solutions-oriented and resourceful; when something isn’t working, you find the fix, not the excuse
Professionalism & Communication
- Polished, professional demeanor consistent with a high-end hotel environment - you represent Royal Productions every time you walk the floor
- Strong communicator who can translate technical requirements into plain language for planners and hotel staff
- Calm under pressure with the maturity to handle high-profile clients and stressful event moments without losing composure
- Reliable, punctual, and accountable - you show up early, stay until the job is done, and your word means something
Bonus Points
- AV industry certifications such as CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) or manufacturer-specific credentials
- Experience with Crestron, AMX, QSC Q-SYS, or similar AV control and DSP platforms
- Familiarity with live streaming, broadcast workflows, or virtual event production
- Background in electrical, IT networking, or theatrical production
- Prior experience opening or launching a new AV operation at a property
- Experience managing or directing freelance AV labor on larger event days
Schedule & Work Environment
This is a full-time, on-site role at a hotel property in Chicago. The schedule will be driven by the event calendar and will include early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed. During the initial launch period, flexibility and availability will be especially important as we establish the operation and build client relationships. Physical requirements include lifting equipment up to 50+ lbs, standing for extended periods, and working in a fast-paced environment.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience, with overtime potential
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Retirement plan
- The chance to build a new operation from the ground up in a major market- not just fill a seat, but set the standard
Royal Productions is an equal opportunity employer.
www.royalproductions.com
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
