What is CPO Management you ask!

Smartrad Creative, working with OJ Event Productions deliver services to plug the scope gaps and trade overlaps that currently exist between Building Contractors, Technical Production Installations and Operational Delivery and compliance.

Our Mission - to provide seamless continuity service to Producers & Creatives by harmonising the multi level contracts required to deliver a first class production.

Our services are suitable ( not limited to ) for Exhibition, Immersive, Theatrical, Experiential Live and Recorded Events.

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C P O Management Services

C - Construction

Generally construction Main Contractors don't 'really' get what a production or event actually wants - to enable the final technical delivery or audience experience.

Main contractors have enough to do to enable CDM compliance and the delivery of their single or JCT contracted works without considering full production delivery scope gaps:

Examples:

Missing Scope: Requirements in drawings that are not included in any trade contractor's contract.

Overlapping Scope: Two trades assume they both own the same task, causing conflict.

Ambiguous Scope: Vague language like "as required" or "by others".

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.

P - Production

Live event technical trades work in a varied style of buildings and spaces, and require specific elements to be in place to allow their works to progress correctly and efficiently.

Key Components of Technical Production Installation

Audio & Sound Systems: Installation of speakers, mixers, microphones,

Lighting & Rigging: Setting up lighting rigs, trusses, and intelligent lighting to create a visual impact.

Video & Displays: Installation of LED screens, projectors, and video walls.

Staging & Power: Constructing, stages, sets, and managing power distribution for all technical equipment.

Network : Delivering the bit data as required for tech services.

O - Operations

Operationally a live event transitions from building site, to technical fit-out to final production operation - and this has a level of compliance and licensing, with security and the general public all to be considered.

Key Aspects of Live Event Operations Management

Planning & Logistics: Production risk assessment, contract negotiations, and detailed scheduling (running orders).

On-Site Execution: Managing technical production (lighting, audio, video), setup, and real-time troubleshooting.

Vendor & Team Management: Coordinating suppliers (catering, AV) and managing on-site staff, security, and vendors.

Safety & Compliance: Ensuring legal compliance, health and safety standards, and accessibility requirements.

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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.

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Construction Co-Ordination

Technical Install

Operation Delivery

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

Definition & Impact: Scope gaps, often called "missed scope," result in unplanned, urgent work, frequently leading to change orders and disputes.
Common Causes: Incomplete specifications, poor communication during the bidding process, and subcontractor exclusions to protect margins.
Examples:
- Missing Scope: Requirements in drawings that are not included in any trade contractor's contract.
- Overlapping Scope: Two trades assume they both own the same task, causing conflict.
- Ambiguous Scope: Vague language like "as required" or "by others".
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.
CDM Compliance- ensuring technical trades conform and comply with the needs of the regulations in place.
Firestopping
General Site cleanliness during overlap phases with Technical Install
Site Handover and schedule with production management

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.

Site Visit & Surveys: Conduct a comprehensive survey with technical teams to evaluate space, structural integrity, and layout.
Access & Logistics: Identify heavy vehicle access for loading/unloading, crane availability, and secure storage for sensitive AV equipment.
Power Supply: Assess existing power. Construction sites often require generators for stable, high-load power, which must be planned to avoid disrupting work.
Connectivity: Check for site-wide internet bandwidth (often low on remote or new sites).

2. Specialised Technical Setup

Sound Systems:
Visuals & Lighting:
Rigging & Structure: Ensure all rigging points are approved by the project structural engineer
Infrastructure (Cabling): Checking compliance with the construction contractor

3. Health, Safety, and Compliance (Critical)

RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements):
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Strict adherence.
Inductions: o site-specific safety inductions.
Working at Height:
Environmental Factors:

4. Logistics and Crew Management

Integration with Site Team: Coordinate closely with the main contractor to align build schedules with site operations.
Dry Hire & Logistics:

5. Contingency Planning

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

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

Planning & Strategy: Define clear objectives, develop a cohesive theme, and set a budget that includes contingency funds.
Logistics & Venue: Select accessible venues, map out layouts, and ensure technical requirements are met.
Security - develop the security strategy for licensing
HS Policy and Risk Assessments,
Fire Policy - develop the Fire risk assessment and Fire Policy for the license
On-Site Coordination: Oversee production, including lighting, audio, staging, and branding.
Team Management: Delegate roles, use shared documents for timelines, and maintain clear communication.
Contingency Planning: Anticipating issues and staying calm under pressure to manage unexpected setbacks.

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