Smartrad Creative
CPO Management
CPO Management: Seamless Productions, Every Time
At Smartrad Creative, in partnership with OJ Event Productions, we specialise in CPO Management -
bringing harmony to the complex web of contracts, installations, and operational delivery that make your production succeed.
Our mission is simple: keep your creative vision front and center, while we handle the logistics, compliance
and coordination behind the scenes.
Whether it’s an exhibition, immersive experience, theatrical show, or live/recorded event,
we make sure every piece fits perfectly—so your production runs smoothly, on time, and first-class every time.
Why choose us?
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Eliminate gaps and overlaps between contractors and technical teams
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Simplify multi-layered contracts and compliance
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Deliver a seamless, stress-free production experience
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CPO Management by Smartrad Creative & OJ Event Productions:
Creativity unleashed. Chaos managed.
C P O Management Services
CPO Management Services
C – Construction
Construction main contractors often focus solely on their contracted works, ensuring compliance with CDM regulations and delivering the project according to the JCT contract.
However, they may not fully understand the specific requirements of live productions or technical events,
which can lead to gaps in the final delivery.
Common Challenges:
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Missing Scope: Requirements present in drawings but not included in any trade contractor’s contract.
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Overlapping Scope: Tasks assumed by multiple trades, causing conflicts and inefficiencies.
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Ambiguous Scope: Vague language such as “as required” or “by others” creates uncertainty.
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Responsibility: While subcontractors may overlook items, the main contractor ultimately bears responsibility for ensuring that all scope is covered, particularly when coordinating multiple trades.
P – Production
Live event technical trades operate across a wide variety of spaces, each with unique requirements.
Successful production depends on precise planning and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to allow technical works to proceed efficiently.
Key Components of Technical Production Installation:
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Audio & Sound Systems: Speakers, mixers, microphones, and signal management.
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Lighting & Rigging: Lighting rigs, trusses, intelligent lighting for visual impact.
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Video & Displays: LED screens, projectors, video walls, and projection mapping.
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Staging & Power: Stage construction, set installation, and power distribution.
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Network: Delivering high-bandwidth connectivity for all technical services.
O – Operations
A live event moves from construction to technical fit-out to operational delivery.
This phase requires strict compliance with licensing, safety regulations, and public access considerations.
Key Aspects of Live Event Operations Management:
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Planning & Logistics: Risk assessments, contract negotiations, and detailed scheduling (running orders).
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On-Site Execution: Managing technical production setup, live operation, and real-time troubleshooting.
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Vendor & Team Management: Coordinating suppliers, on-site staff, security, and third-party vendors.
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Safety & Compliance: Legal compliance, health and safety standards, and accessibility requirements.
Why CPO Management Matters
By integrating Construction, Production, and Operations oversight, CPO Management Services ensures:
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Clear definition of scope, eliminating conflicts and omissions.
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Efficient coordination between main contractors, subcontractors, and technical teams.
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Seamless transition from construction to technical fit-out to live event execution.
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Compliance with all legal, safety, and accessibility standards.
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A consistent and high-quality experience for audiences and stakeholders.
C-P-O Live Services
We work contracted services for Producers, Creative Designers, Architects, Agency Directors to deliver the production through the phases below.
Not all are always required of course.
Construction Co-ordination
We work with Building Contractor to understand the complex technical event trades requirements and needs.
We work to deliver the nuanced wants of technical teams and the demands of pre works e
Key Aspects of Scope Gaps
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Definition & Impact: Scope gaps, often called "missed scope," result in unplanned, urgent work, frequently leading to change orders and disputes.
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Common Causes: Incomplete specifications, poor communication during the bidding process, and subcontractor exclusions to protect margins.
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Examples:
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Missing Scope: Requirements in drawings that are not included in any trade contractor's contract.
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Overlapping Scope: Two trades assume they both own the same task, causing conflict.
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Ambiguous Scope: Vague language like "as required" or "by others".
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Responsibility: While subcontractors might miss items, the main contractor (General Contractor) is ultimately responsible for ensuring all scope is covered, especially when managing multiple trades.
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CDM Compliance- ensuring technical trades conform and comply with the needs of the regulations in place.
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Firestopping
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General Site cleanliness during overlap phases with Technical Install
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Site Handover and schedule with production management
Technical Install
We work with the Producers, Production Manager and Technical diectors to enure the contracted technical production teams have the correct details and data as supplied by the main contractor.
We work to ensure all planning is completed and work closely with event planners to transform venues for the productio -meetings, brand activations, and festivals.
We work with the Construction COntractors to ensure that we have suitable
Site Assessment and Feasibility (Pre-Production) undertaken
Construction sites are dynamic, often lacking standard event amenities.
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Site Visit & Surveys: Conduct a comprehensive survey with technical teams to evaluate space, structural integrity, and layout.
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Access & Logistics: Identify heavy vehicle access for loading/unloading, crane availability, and secure storage for sensitive AV equipment.
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Power Supply: Assess existing power. Construction sites often require generators for stable, high-load power, which must be planned to avoid disrupting work.
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Connectivity: Check for site-wide internet bandwidth (often low on remote or new sites).
2. Specialised Technical Setup
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Sound Systems:
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Visuals & Lighting:
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Rigging & Structure: Ensure all rigging points are approved by the project structural engineer
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Infrastructure (Cabling): Checking compliance with the construction contractor
3. Health, Safety, and Compliance (Critical)
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RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements):
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PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Strict adherence.
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Inductions: o site-specific safety inductions.
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Working at Height:
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Environmental Factors:
4. Logistics and Crew Management
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Integration with Site Team: Coordinate closely with the main contractor to align build schedules with site operations.
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Dry Hire & Logistics:
5. Contingency Planning
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Noise Management:
By focusing on these areas, you can ensure a professional, high-impact event that complies with the rigorous safety standards of a construction site
Operation Delivery
Successful live event operations management requires meticulous planning, including setting clear SMART goals, establishing a strict budget, and creating detailed timelines (e.g., 8–12 weeks out). Key elements involve coordinating with vendors, securing the venue, and executing real-time, on-site management with a rehearsed, minute-by-minute running order.
Core Components of Successful Operations
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Planning & Strategy: Define clear objectives, develop a cohesive theme, and set a budget that includes contingency funds.
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Logistics & Venue: Select accessible venues, map out layouts, and ensure technical requirements are met.
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Security - develop the security strategy for licensing
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HS Policy and Risk Assessments,
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Fire Policy - develop the Fire risk assessment and Fire Policy for the license
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On-Site Coordination: Oversee production, including lighting, audio, staging, and branding.
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Team Management: Delegate roles, use shared documents for timelines, and maintain clear communication.
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Contingency Planning: Anticipating issues and staying calm under pressure to manage unexpected setbacks.
