The Multiple Hats By: Edwin J. Goitia

Logistics The logistics part of your job will involve being on top of things, being organized, and always thinking ahead. Essentially, you are dealing with the details of the entire operation. Of course, your point of contact at the agency/marketing firm, should be there to assist whenever you need them. Showing that you are self-sufficient is the best thing you can do for the company. These tasks can include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Supply purchases 2. Handling warehouse pick-ups 3. Handling load bear in truck/vehicle 4. Balancing out where load is placed 5. Ensuring to take inventory of supplies before/after activation 6. Keeping track of all event elements/assets

7. Taking photos of event elements at the time of pickup/loadin and during breakdown/load-out

8. Always having shrink wrap on hand 9. Having the proper tools to get the job done. 10. Having extra supplies in case of damage or emergency.

Staff Manager As a staff manager, you will be in charge of making sure your staff is well informed, trained, engaging with consumers, and most importantly, getting some type of results and leaving consumers happy.

1. Getting in touch with staff prior to an event 2. Making suggestions of reliable staff for each market 3. Gathering staff’s contact information and reaching out to them prior to event

(if asked by the agency, but highly recommended either way) 4. Communicating training and or meetup location 5. Communicating requirements, brand speaking points, and any other

important information for the event activation 6. Relaying all payment questions and other sensitive questions to the staffing

agency *THIS IS NOT YOUR JOB 7. Leading by example on site 8. Clearly stating the job requirements and tasks onsite prior to activation start

time 9. Giving staff proper break times 10. Managing staff expectations 11. Praising staff when they do a great job 12. Letting staff know how they can improve when they are slacking on the job 13. Being willing to confront staff if they are blatantly breaking the rules 14. Getting creative in terms of keeping staff energized and enthusiastic

throughout the day (especially for programs with long days) 15. Most importantly, have fun with your staff! Be humorous and show your

personality!

Traveling Planner Traveling and planning ahead is a never-ending process on a tour. You have to stay on top of it, or you may end up out of look with no room and even showing up to an event late. (A very good way to get kicked off a tour)

1. Planning hotel accommodation stays (or alternative P2P stays) 2. Planning the drive route (trying to avoid rush hour, etc) 3. Timing and scheduling of events (making it to your city on time) 4. Planning setup/breakdown times and communicating to both labor staff and

company 5. Using great apps such as TripIt!, Couchsurfing, AirBnb, and car rental

companies if necessary to save time.

6. Have a travel calendar that you can share if someone needs to know your itinerary

7. Save your itineraries in the cloud in case you need immediate access. 8. Check the weather daily 9. Finding parking spaces/lots for tour vehicle (if necessary) 10. 11.

Transportation Maintenance

1. Check the oil level from time to time. 2. Check the tire pressure often (especially with coast-to-coast driving) 3. Check the windshield wiper fluid level 4. Ensure that the proper gasoline is being used to fuel the tour vehicle before

starting (and always use the same) SUPER IMPORTANT WHEN USING DIESEL!

5. Make sure windshield wipers work properly 6. A/C unit functionality? (Important during the summer) 7. Do not eat food/drink liquids in the tour vehicle 8. Wash the vehicle at least every week or two (or at least before every

activation if it is getting really dirty!) 9. Make sure that the vehicle always has any stickers/passes that are required

to be at an event, in a parking lot, etc. 10. Ensure that the vehicle wrap (if any) is in good condition and not peeling. 11. Ensure that no gasoline/oil is leaking from the vehicle. 12. Always remember to evenly distribute weight in the back of the vehicle for

axle-weight bearing and balance. 13. If pulling a trailer make sure:

a. Your vehicle’s hitch tongue can support the weight of the trailer b. The trailer hitch has chains that are in good working condition c. Ensure that the chains are not too long and not dragging d. Ensure that there is an emergency trailer-brake clip attached from

trailer to vehicle e. Ensure the lights on the trailer are working properly f. Ensure that trailer doors are locked when not in use g. Ensure tires have proper amount of air

McGuyver

1. Always carry a pocket knife 2. Zip ties will save your life many times 3. Rope is also a great idea. 4. Carrying extra fuel for generators (even if it is full) 5. Having a utility multi-tool is super smart 6. Flashlights will make your life easy at night (bonus if using a headlamp!) 7. Gaffer tape is AMAZING for taping down electrical cords

8. Super glue is definitely an essential for when little things break OR adhesives do not work

9. Learn how to use tools such as: a. allen wrench b. crescent wrench c. hex wrench d. adjustable wrench e. hammer f. mallets g. measuring tape h. pliers i. crobar j. ground spikes (for tent stabilization)

1. Special skills that really help:

a. electrical wiring (when something shorts) b. Generator troubleshooting c. A/V troubleshooting (local labor unions teach this) d. Lighting/fixtures troubleshooting and setup e. Trailer hitch readjustment

Spokesperson/Media Rep

1. Only play this role if you have openly spoken to the company about this role and been given permission.

2. More to come on this topic...

Communicator/Point of Contact

1. Always make sure you pick up your phone and answer text messages ASAP 2. Email your event contact and agency often 3. It’s a great idea to either text or email your direct contact at an agency

regarding the status of an event. 4. Taking photos before, during and after an event will save you a lot of hassle. 5. Take photos of damaged equipment and let your contact know right away.

(Being honest about incidents goes a long way and protects your integrity) 6. Whenever there is an issue on site with the event manager or otherwise,

make sure the company you work with is kept in the loop about things. 7. More to come on this topic...