Joe Chilvers is the Founder of The Production Department and its sister company, The Training Department — organisations built to support the evolution of production, technical delivery, and talent within the events industry.
With a career spanning live events, experiential activations and global production services, Joe has delivered complex projects worldwide, leading teams and technical delivery across everything from e-Sport events, sporting fan zones to full-scale exhibition centre takeovers. His work sits at the intersection of operational excellence and people — with a focus on creating environments where teams can perform at their best.
Alongside project delivery, Joe is a strong advocate for improving how the industry connects, learns, and shares knowledge. Through The Production Department, he has built a network that brings together production managers, technical specialists, suppliers, and agencies — not as a marketplace, but as a community built on trust, partnership and innovation.
Through The Training Department, he is focused on bridging the gap between real-world production and skills development — ensuring that the next generation of talent is better prepared for the realities of modern production environments.
Joe also leads initiatives such as the Young Founders Club and supplier-led community nights, designed to strengthen relationships across the supply chain and support long-term career development within the industry.
Now serving as a Council Member of the Production Services Association (PSA), Joe is committed to helping build a more connected, collaborative, and forward-looking production services sector — one that values people, shares knowledge openly, and sets higher standards for the future of the industry.
I am the Founder of The Production Department and its sister company, The Training Department.
I lead a team of 21 production specialists delivering over 150 activations annually across the globe — from Formula 1 fan zones to full exhibition centre takeovers.
Our work sits at the intersection of technical delivery, production management, and people — with a strong focus on building better ways of working across the industry, not just delivering individual projects.
What do you love about the event production industry?
The variety.
That combination of complexity, creativity, and teamwork is what makes the industry so rewarding.
How long have you been a PSA member? Tell us about your experience as a board/council member.
I joined the PSA relatively recently, having been introduced through a fellow Council member.
Although I am new to the Council, I am looking forward to contributing, learning from experienced members, and supporting the continued evolution of the Association.
What are your goals for the PSA this year?
My first priority is to listen and learn. The PSA has been built by people with deep industry experience, and understanding that perspective is essential.
Alongside that, I’m particularly interested in strengthening the connection between production services and training — ensuring that knowledge, experience, and best practice are more openly shared across the industry.
I also want to explore how we can continue to build a more connected and collaborative community — one where members feel supported not just operationally, but professionally and personally.
Why is it important for you to be part of the PSA council?
I want to be in a position where I can contribute meaningfully to the industry that has given me so much.
Our sector is one of the most exciting and capable in the world, but it is not without its complexities and challenges — particularly around skills, access, and working practices.
Being part of the PSA Council provides an opportunity to help shape positive change, support the wider community, and ensure that the industry continues to evolve in a way that benefits both businesses and the people within them.
What is your advice to new members?
Get involved and make the most of what’s available.
It’s also a great opportunity to build relationships beyond immediate projects, which is where long-term value really sits in this industry.
Industry life lessons?
Arrive early.
It gives you space to think, prepare, and approach the day with the right mindset. At best, you’re more in control; at worst, you’ve got time for a coffee — both are worthwhile.
