In a fast-paced world where attention spans are short and first impressions matter more than ever, events have become more than just scheduled gatherings; they are storytelling platforms, brand amplifiers, and emotional touchpoints. At the heart of some of the most memorable experiences across the country is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based company that is quietly reshaping what it means to produce an event.
Crescent Event Productions, led by Chief Executive Officer Chris Gerhart, has carved out a distinctive space in the national event production landscape. Known for its technical sophistication and commitment to client service, the company stands out not just for what it does, but how it does it.
From high-profile brand activations to corporate galas and conferences, Crescent delivers full-scale event production with a human touch. While the gear and technology matter a lot, Gerhart and his team know that people, relationships, and thoughtful planning are what truly set an event apart.
Crescent’s story began not with a traditional startup but with a strategic split rooted in family. In 2013, Gerhart took over the staging division of his father’s audiovisual company. That move allowed each to focus on their passions—his father on day-to-day audiovisual support, and Chris on the dynamic, high-stakes world of live event production. What emerged was Crescent Event Productions: a company born from legacy but driven by innovation and vision.
“From the beginning, I knew I wanted to lean into the complexity of live events,” Gerhart recalls. “It’s a fast-moving environment that forces you to be agile, creative, and detail obsessed. That’s where I thrive.”
Today, Crescent operates across two primary divisions: the staging division, which comprises roughly 75 percent of the business and sees the team traveling around the country to bring events to life; and the hospitality division, which focuses on in-house hotel audiovisual support. Both are integral to Crescent’s growth, but Gerhart is quick to point out that staging is the company’s beating heart, the space where its creativity, logistics acumen, and people-first mindset are most visible.
At first glance, Crescent might appear to be just another audiovisual company, but dig deeper, and it becomes clear it is not just pushing buttons or stacking gear. The company’s approach is holistic, marrying cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of the human experience. Its services go well beyond the basics: audio, video, lighting, LED walls, stage design, rigging, and creative video production are all part of the package. But the real magic lies in the planning, collaboration, and relentless drive for excellence that precede every event.
“We don’t just show up and set up gear,” says Gerhart. “We walk alongside our clients every step of the way. We’re thinking about the story they’re telling, the impression they’re leaving, and how we can elevate every moment of that experience.”
Crescent’s process starts long before the first truck is loaded. With a pre-production workflow that includes a 70-plus-point checklist, the team’s attention to detail is unmatched. Every cable, every cue, and every contingency are accounted for. Yet despite this rigor, the process remains fluid, creative, and adaptable with qualities that have become Crescent’s trademark.
“Execution is everything,” Gerhart says. “But you must pair that with flexibility. That’s where we shine. We can pivot fast without compromising quality, and that’s what our clients rely on.”
Certainly, a defining element of Crescent’s success is its team. With more than 30 full-time professionals such as engineers, project managers, technicians, and creatives, the company has built a culture rooted in shared ownership, accountability, and trust—and it didn’t happen by accident. Rather than hiring exclusively from within the AV industry, Gerhart has been intentional about bringing in people from other sectors: hospitality, construction, the military. This fresh mix of perspectives keeps the team nimble, innovative, and free from the ‘this is how it’s always been done’ mentality that can slow companies down.
“They’re problem-solvers,” says Gerhart. “They look at each challenge without preconceptions, and that’s a huge advantage in our world.”
Once on board, team members are empowered to lead, learn, and grow. Gerhart describes his role as a talent scout and culture builder, finding great people and putting them in the right roles. From leadership development and mentorship to investment in top-tier training and tools, Crescent makes it clear that its people are its most valuable asset.
“When people feel seen, heard, and supported, they show up differently. They take pride in their work. They push the limits of what’s possible, and they care deeply about the outcome for our clients.”
As in nearly every industry, technology is changing the way events are produced and Gerhart is not one to resist change. In fact, he welcomes it. Among the innovations Crescent is actively exploring, artificial intelligence stands out as a game-changer. “AI won’t replace the human touch,” he explains, “but it can absolutely enhance it.”
He envisions a near future where AI plays a role in everything from logistics and equipment tracking to real-time translation and automated show calling. At Crescent, AI is already helping to streamline internal processes, assist with CAD designs, reduce communication redundancies, and improve timeline accuracy. Imagine being able to predict audience engagement based on past data or using AI tools to generate real-time feedback for live polling or content adjustments. These are not far-off ideas; they are part of the evolving toolkit that Crescent is building.
Still, for all the potential of AI, Gerhart remains grounded in the belief that technology is only as good as the people behind it. “Efficiency is great,” he says, “but it’s the energy in the room, the emotion a moment evokes, that’s still all about people. No algorithm can replace that.”
Indeed, a key reason clients come back to Crescent year after year is the company’s unwavering dedication to partnership. From the first kickoff call to the final show rundown and post-event debrief, Crescent is there, not just as a vendor, but as an extension of the client’s team. “We want to understand their goals, their audience, their brand voice,” Gerhart explains. “That’s how we make the event an expression of who they are.”
Whether it is a national sales meeting, a product launch, or an awards show, Crescent helps clients think through every detail, from scripting and staging to video content and lighting design. Since trust is so central to the relationship, clients often grant the team the creative freedom to take things further than originally imagined.
“We’re lucky,” Gerhart says. “Our clients trust us to dream big, to innovate, to push boundaries. That’s when the best events happen.”
Beyond the technical execution and logistical complexity, Crescent sees itself as a curator of moments, experiences that linger long after the final applause. It is about creating emotional resonance, not just visual impact. Whether the audience is a room of 50 or an arena of 5,000, Crescent wants every person to feel seen, inspired, and engaged.
That commitment extends to the firm’s internal culture and community outreach as well. Gerhart and his team are actively involved in mentoring young talent, giving back to their local community, and promoting diversity and inclusion within the events industry. “We want to be known for excellence,” he says, “but we also want to be known for how we treat people—our clients, our team, our community. That’s the legacy we’re building.”
In a world where flashy technology and sleek visuals often dominate the conversation, Crescent Event Productions offers something different: a balance of innovation and intention, of precision and people-first service.
As the industry evolves, embracing hybrid events, experiential design, and new modes of engagement, Crescent continues to do what it does best: create unforgettable experiences through thoughtful collaboration, exceptional execution, and a deep understanding of what makes events truly meaningful.
“We’re not just in the event business,” Gerhart says. “We’re in the business of making people feel something, and that’s a responsibility we take seriously.”
In the ever-changing world of live events, Crescent plans to continue growing its core staging division while scaling select hospitality accounts, but Gerhart’s main focus remains unchanged: build strong teams, serve clients with excellence, and keep evolving.
