The Crew Member You
Didn’t Know You Needed

One of the most important roles in our company didn’t begin with a job description.
It began with David Alford. Over 35 years ago, when we were just getting started and our entire show could fit on one truck, David drove the gear to the site himself. Once it was unloaded, there wasn’t a specific role waiting for him.

So he did what needed to be done. He looked around. He found where help was needed. And he stepped in.

If something needed organizing, he organized it.
If a problem appeared, he helped solve it.
If the crew or the client needed support, he was there.

That mindset—moving fluidly, filling gaps, and elevating the overall experience—became the foundation of what we now call the Facilitator.

▲ Proud beginnings — Past president, Steve Alford, and David Alford the creator of the Facilitator role, with family members celebrating the family name on one of our first company trucks.

Why Service Is Non‑Negotiable

We named the company Alford Media Services intentionally.
Alford—because we wanted our name behind our work, always.
Media—because tools and technology will change, and we wanted a name that could evolve with the times and stand the test of time.
And Services—because no matter how much the media changes, service is the constant.

Ultimately, doing the right thing—for our clients, our crew, and the show—has always been the most important part of what we provide. The Facilitator role grew directly out of that belief.

So… Who Is That Extra Person Backstage?

Clients who have worked with us for years know exactly who that person is. Newer clients sometimes don’t—and that’s completely understandable.
We’ve heard the questions:

◆ Who is that person?
◆ What’s their role?
◆ Are we paying for them?

Here’s the simple answer:
The Facilitator is part of our service—and you are not being charged for them.
Whether we use third‑party trucking or one of our own driver/facilitators, our pricing remains the same. This role is not an add‑on, a surprise fee, or a line item that appears later. We ask for a hotel room if one is available. If it isn’t, we take care of it ourselves.

What They Do—and What You Might Not See
Live events are dynamic. Long hours, tight timelines, and unforeseen circumstances are part of the territory.

Facilitators support logistics, safety, crew and client needs, and last‑minute problem‑solving. Sometimes that looks very active—sourcing additional gear, grabbing meals for a hungry crew when breakfast plans fall apart, or stepping into a role when someone becomes ill.

And sometimes, it looks quiet.

If you see a Facilitator sitting calmly backstage, that isn’t wasted time—or wasted money. In fact, it usually means the opposite. It means things are running smoothly, the crew is supported, safety is covered, and potential issues have already been handled before they became visible. The Facilitator isn’t waiting to be useful—they’re standing by so everything continues to work exactly as it should.

A Commitment, Not a Commodity

Not every show requires a Facilitator. But many do. And once clients experience the value of having one, many choose to request them again. Some even ask to guarantee one. Occasionally, if we believe a show truly calls for it, we’ll fly a Facilitator in.

Why? Because this role isn’t about billing or appearances.

It’s about responsibility.
It’s part of our culture.
Part of our service philosophy.
Part of standing behind our name.

The Facilitator is the crew member you didn’t know you needed—until you really did.