Getting to know Hayden Schraishuhn

Meet Hayden Schraishuhn. Currently the Operations Manager at Innovative Production Services, Hayden looks after all of their full time staff as well as more than 150 freelance technicians. He is a dedicated event pro and knows the enormous amount of labour that goes into making event magic. He shares some pearls of wisdom for those starting in the industry including a failsafe fashion tip. So join us as we get to know an event pro whose answers made us laugh out loud,  Hayden Schraishuhn…

Give us a snap shot of your career to date.

As a young musician I set about involving myself in the business of gigs as much as I could, this sent me on a path of roadie work for anyone who’d have me and eventually back to school to study sound. I became a teacher and dabbled in corporate life and then found a new path drawing and designing shows as well as looking after the people involved in all aspects of production to support what have been some of the greatest shows in Australia. I’ve been with Innovative for the past 7 years and I’ve watched it grow and change. I’m very grateful for the position I’m in and I’m really very lucky to be surrounded by all of my heroes.

The most memorable event you have worked on and why?

I have worked on TEDx Sydney for 6 years now. TEDx is really quite different from a lot of the work we do, it’s got a great vibe about it. I look after the designs and technical plans for the show and I enjoy being on-site for the execution, it’s always an interesting day.

Want to read more about Innovative’s work at TEDxSydney?
Check out Communicating LEGACY through Design, Lighting and Sound | A look at TEDx Sydney

What did you ‘learn the hard way’ when planning an event?

Sifting the wheat from the chaff. As the primary staff manager at Innovative I look after our full time staff as well as more than 150 freelance technicians. With so many roles to fill at times I will put a new person I haven’t met into a team and we have had some wins and losses. I receive a lot of resumes listing peoples skills and I have had such helpful abilities such as growing potatoes, running 10Kms barefoot, building a shelf and a gaffer tape professional.

What are three personality traits that are required to succeed in the events industry?

Theres no other industry that demands the hours and turnarounds social-life-killing labour that (especially as a young technician) this industry demands. So I think dedication is key, perseverance too. Whilst there are plenty of people who have survived this game without it, I think compassion is a trait that everyone needs.

If you could share one piece of advice to those starting out in the industry what would it be?

RUN! No, I would say enjoy what you do, if you are the right person for this industry, enjoy every moment of it, don’t let it make you jaded, don’t stop looking at the magic in events.

What song always gets you on the dance floor?

Haven’t found one yet

Describe yourself in two words?

Hopeful, Optimist

How do you unwind after a big event?

The Simpsons

Words to live by?

Share your passion

Favourite restaurant?

KFC

When entertaining at home what do you cook?

Dorito Crumbed Chicken Nuggets

Best fashion tip?

Always wear black

What’s your drink of choice at an event?

Water

Who would you love to invite to dinner (past or present)?

Dimebag Darrell

Why do you love your job?

I love the people

If you weren’t working in events what would you do?

Eccentric billionaire