For over two decades, Broadcast Management Group has helped bring some of the biggest live entertainment moments to life, from movie premieres, companion shows at the Oscars and Emmys, press junkets, cast interviews, and experiential events. We’ve produced shows in theaters, arenas, baseball stadiums, Times Square, and multi-city tours across the United States and the UK. Whether it’s a red carpet event or a high-stakes live broadcast from a packed venue, one thing remains true: experience matters.

Over the years, we’ve learned valuable lessons that help us guide clients through the fast-moving, high-pressure world of live entertainment production. Here are some of the most important.

1. Choose Your Production Partner Early (and Wisely)

The earlier you bring in your production partner, the more value they can bring to the planning and budgeting process, especially when it comes to venue selection.

We once worked on a high-profile cast interview show that took place aboard a yacht docked behind the San Diego Convention Center: IMDb’s annual IMDboat at Comic-Con. While the location provided a visually stunning backdrop, it also presented several technical challenges, including minimal space for equipment, limited power and connectivity, and no room for redundant systems. Because we were brought in early, we conducted thorough site surveys, planned out a lean but powerful gear package, and tested streaming pathways to multiple platforms ahead of time, ensuring the live show went off without a hitch.

There’s no substitute for experience. Look for a partner with a proven track record of producing your type of event — someone who can spot issues before they happen and guide you through creative and technical decisions.

2. Understand the Venue, Every Detail Matters

Each venue has its own rules, limitations, and quirks. What looks great on a site visit might turn into a logistical nightmare if you don’t dig into the details.

Labor Rules: Some venues require you to use an in-house crew or “shadow labor,” meaning your crew is paired with theirs, and you’re paying for both. Ensure you understand how roles are defined, what constitutes a full day (8 vs. 10 hours), the enforced break schedules, and whether the team is rested and ready to proceed. We’ve seen venue staff events with crews who were coming straight off a late-night job, and the difference in performance is noticeable.

Load-In Logistics: Don’t underestimate the time it takes to transport gear from the truck to your production space. Once, while producing an experiential event in New York, our team discovered the freight elevator could only take one cart at a time and required a dedicated operator who wasn’t available until 9 a.m. That could have derailed the entire setup, but because we were aware of the limitations ahead of time, we adjusted our schedule and brought in extra personnel to stay on track.

Access Hours: Some venues allow access at midnight, while others restrict entry until 7 a.m., and charge extra for early access. You’ll also need to know your hard-out time to avoid costly overtime penalties. Always ask, and get it in writing.

3. Don’t Assume the Internet Works

Most venues advertise “high-speed internet,” but that doesn’t mean they can support a live broadcast. You require a dedicated, segmented hardline connection, and it is essential to confirm the availability and cost before signing a venue contract.

If that’s not available, you’ll need to explore alternatives such as microwave internet or installing a temporary line. These can work, but they’re expensive and add more complexity to the setup. In one case, we had to use a microwave link to broadcast from a stadium roof — it worked flawlessly, but only because we knew in advance and built in time to test.

4. Think Strategically About REMI vs. On-Site

Today’s productions don’t all have to be fully on-site. At BMG, we’ve embraced REMI (Remote Integration Model) production, which lets us produce shows from our cloud-connected Network Operations Center in Washington, D.C. This allows for a smaller on-site crew, reduced travel costs, and faster setup.

For example, our team produced Blue Origin’s NS-32 mission entirely via REMI from our Network Operations Center in Washington, D.C. By handling all switching, graphics, replay, and communications remotely, we significantly reduced the on-site crew size and eliminated the need for extensive travel and hotel stays, streamlining the entire production without compromising quality.

Compared to the NS-31 mission, which was entirely on-site, REMI provided us with faster setup times, greater flexibility, increased redundancy, and a more cost-efficient workflow for the client.

Still, REMI isn’t always the right choice. Sometimes you need a full-on-site presence, and sometimes a hybrid model is best. The key is working with a partner who can walk you through the options and design the proper workflow for your show.

5. Your Production Partner Should Own (Most of) Their Gear

One often-overlooked factor when selecting a partner: Do they own the gear they’re using?

When your partner owns their equipment, you avoid rental markups, last-minute equipment availability issues, and compatibility headaches. You also gain a team that knows their gear inside and out, because they’ve used it hundreds of times.

Ahead of all of our events, our team pre-configures and tests the complete production setup in-house before shipping it out. That meant fewer issues on site, faster setup, and less stress on show day. That kind of preparation just isn’t possible when you’re relying entirely on rentals.

6. Check Their Track Record and Talk to Past Clients

Don’t just rely on flashy decks or price sheets. Look at the production company’s past work. Ask for case studies. Talk to clients who’ve worked with them on similar events. High-stakes shows don’t leave room for guesswork, and trust is everything when you’re live.

At BMG, we’ve been fortunate to support hundreds of broadcasts, and we’ve built long-term relationships with the networks, studios, and brands we serve. That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s earned through experience, transparency, and consistently delivering high-quality shows.

Final Thoughts

Live entertainment events are complex. They move fast. And they don’t offer second chances. That’s why it’s so important to choose a production partner that brings experience, strategy, and a calm hand under pressure.