12 Tools Fashion Week Crews Rely on for Communications

Fashion Week is home to a bustling behind-the-scenes operation. After all, the stunning production quality, lighting, and imagery can’t happen without a dedicated and organized crew. But everyone working to make Fashion Week a success has to be aligned, and one lapse in communication can create big issues.

Thankfully, with some proactive work, crews can make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Read on to learn about 12 tools Fashion Week crews rely on for communication. 

1. Mobile Devices with Separate SIM Cards

Using a dual-SIM smartphone can be one of the best travel tips for any crew member during Fashion Week. They can have one dedicated SIM for work and one SIM that serves as their personal number. Best of all, they won’t have to tote around two phones. 

With everything on one phone, a crew member can switch between work-related and personal calls. And for Fashion Week events that require traveling internationally, using a dual-SIM device helps a crew member change networks and avoid roaming fees. 

2. A Back-Up Power Bank

At events featuring fashion icons, every moment has to connect seamlessly to the next one. But for crew members, there’s nothing worse than running out of battery life in their phones. That’s why crew members working during Fashion Week should carry spare power banks. 

As they change from one location to another, crews might not have a reliable power source to charge their devices. With frequent calls and video chats, phone batteries can lose power quickly. But with a power bank, crews will always have a reliable source of power.

Crews should add power banks to their pre-Fashion Week packing list. Having a few charged ones in an emergency kit can save the day.

3. A Multi-Port Compact Charger

Outlets are in demand behind the scenes at Fashion Week. When there isn’t a spare one, a compact multi-port charger can provide several outlets by plugging into one wall outlet. These helpful tools can also provide USB connections for easy device charging. 

Several crew members can share one charging block, too. Crews should create a temporary charging area backstage so everyone has the power access they need. 

4. Cable Managers and Wraps

With too many cables, it can get confusing for crews trying to find the right one at the right time. That’s where cable managers, ties, or wraps can come in handy.

Cable clips or ties can bundle many cables serving the same equipment together. Cable managers are enclosed boxes that can keep surge protectors or power strips secure. They can help create a more orderly space, especially when they’re labeled. 

5. Reliable Internet Hotspots

Crew members can’t afford to deal with dropped or sluggish internet connections. They’re making last-minute adjustments to plans, sending high-resolution files, and using software constantly. Relying on the existing Wi-Fi access in a given location can be risky. 

Instead, using a 5G hotspot can help crew members stay connected wth everyone from photographers to fashion designers at all times. Best of all, one hotspot can serve several devices. Team members should just test the connection ahead of time in case there are any problems. 

6. A Team Data Plan

Sometimes, having a data plan that can be shared among team members can simplify connections on the road. Then teams won’t need to manage lots of different accounts. Keeping everyone on the same plan can also make it easier to share data. 

Turning to Optus plans for growing teams, for instance, offers a flexible and simplified approach to connectivity. Teams can access fast connections, unlimited talk and text, and a contract that can evolve with their needs. 

7. Earbuds to Limit the Noise

Loud music, lots of talking, and constant announcements can make Fashion Week a noisy event. Protecting your ears is a must, as is making it easier to hear incoming calls. That’s where noise-canceling earbuds can save the day for busy crews.

When crew members are out in the crowds or a noisy venue, these earbuds can reduce distracting noises. As a result, it’s possible to hear incoming calls and communicate more clearly. 

9. Mobile Settings for Roaming Alerts

Fashion Week crews don’t want to be blindsided by hitting their data limits. And they certainly don’t want extra charges because they’re in a new country.

Fortunately, many mobile devices can enable roaming alerts. That way, team members can know what to anticipate in terms of costs and data usage limits. 

9. Privacy Phone Screens

Busy crews will have lots of contact details and messages with potentially sensitive information on their phones. Consequently, adding a privacy screen can help limit what those nearby can see. 

Some screens can black out content so individuals around the phone will only see darkness on the screen. Others block angled light while maintaining a bright view for the person using the phone. Adding one can make phone usage safer in public areas.

10. Rules for Group Chats

Fashion Week crews should establish guidelines for group chats before the big events. Some crews may decide to reserve group chats for emergency communications, for instance. If a camera isn’t working or someone needs immediate production assistance, chat can be a quick way to notify everyone. 

Other teams may want to determine key alert words or stick with routine updates for group chat messages. Teams need to clarify how and when chats will be used to keep everyone focused. 

11. Hotspot Parameters

While hotspots can facilitate fast connections in a variety of spaces, teams don’t want to abuse the privilege. Besides, when a lot of devices are using a hotspot at once, everyone will experience a slower connection. 

Teams should be proactive about determining who can use hotspots and when. Maybe video streaming is reserved for special situations, for example. Or team members may want to steer clear of big downloads or other actions that can deplete data.

12. An Extra Handset

With a bonus headset, teams will always be ready if a phone or other device stops working. A spare handset can be an entry-level model. It just needs to be charged so it’s usable right away.

Teams should ensure everyone knows where to find the spare phone. And it’s important to check its charge if it hasn’t been used recently. 

Improving Connectivity

During Fashion Week, crews don’t want their efforts derailed by malfunctioning tech, tangled cables, and noisy workspaces. Bringing noise-canceling earbuds, a spare phone, and cable managers can help create order in busy moments. Similarly, making sure that all crew members know how to use hotspots and group chats can improve the lines of communication. 

With some preparation, Fashion Week crews can be ready to handle any tech issue that comes their way as they work to make each event a success.