Zack Batchelor
Experience
Ten years, five chapters: from crewing and theatre tech in Peterborough to running operations at Hallmark Exhibitions. Filter by chapter, or scroll the lot.
Hallmark Exhibitions
2024 — Present
Hallmark builds modular (beMatrix) and bespoke timber exhibition stands. As a director I run the operational side of the business, and it’s where the last ten years of crewing, building and fixing things on deadline all come together.
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Oct 2024 — Present
Operations Director · Hallmark Exhibitions
I own projects from the first client conversation to the final handover: production, logistics and on-site delivery. I also build the processes and systems that keep it all moving, and plan where the business goes next.
Boomtown Fair
Freelance
Boomtown is one of the UK’s most ambitious festivals, and it has become a big part of my freelance work.
Freelance
2024 — Present
I went freelance in 2024. These days that mostly means Hallmark and Boomtown, with the odd production or exhibition job alongside when the timing works.
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May 2024 — Present
Freelance event specialist · Zack Batchelor
Production management, exhibition builds, AV and technical support for events, roadshows and brand activations.
Versatile Venues
2021 — 2024
Versatile was the biggest learning curve of my career. I joined as an AV technician and ended up with a hand in almost every part of the business.
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Jan 2021 — May 2024
AV Technician · Versatile Venues
The day job was finding new ways to get people engaging with clients’ brand activations, in mobile event trailers and bespoke builds, often with simple but engrossing interactive tech. I also led the growth of the exhibition side of the business, including investing in a world-leading modular exhibition system that cut waste for expo clients, and handled the design, inventory and stand builds that came with it. Along the way I brought in HireTrack to track the hire inventory, looked after maintenance of the technical and exhibition stock, made client assets, and did plenty of graphic design and CAD work. That included the occasional vehicle wrap.
Early career
2016 — 2020
Where it started: crewing, teaching and running theatres around Peterborough. Lighting, sound, rigging and power, learned on real shows.
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Sep 2019 — Aug 2020
Head of Lighting & Sound · New Theatre Peterborough (Selladoor Venues)
Part of the restoration of an iconic Peterborough venue. I ran and maintained every technical side of the newly refurbished space, and managed crews for get-ins and get-outs of shows large and small.
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Nov 2017 — Sep 2019
Site Technician · Pearce Hire
A multi-skilled technician on everything from dry-hire deliveries to full production contracts: power distribution, lighting and rigging.
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Sep 2016 — Nov 2017
Event Crew · Ace Tones Entertainments
Setting up and running events of all shapes and sizes.
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Feb 2016 — Nov 2017
Tutor · Young Technicians Academy
Co-wrote and delivered a training programme for 11 to 19 year olds covering the technical side of live events.
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Jan 2016 — Jun 2017
Senior Event Technician · Crystal Clear Productions
Lead crew member, working as stage crew, rigger, and stage and project manager to keep events running smoothly.