What you missed at the Houston Media Conference

Banjo Beaver Productions had the honor of hosting a dynamic panel at the Houston Media Conference, diving deep into what it really means to “Go Pro” production in the world of live sports.

This conversation pulled back the curtain on what happens behind the scenes at professional sporting events—the cameras, the scripts, the coordination, and the countless decisions that make gameday the seamless experience fans enjoy. If you’ve ever walked into a stadium and felt the perfect blend of entertainment and athletics, you’ve experienced the work of people just like our panelists.

Meet the Panelists

• JJ Moses – Author, Speaker, and Former NFL Player

• Jackie Maldonado – Senior Producer, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

• Lauren Leal – Marketing & Media Relations

• Hannah Peery – Senior Social Media Coordinator, Houston Rockets

• Jenerro Wade – CEO & Founder, Banjo Beaver Productions

Key Insights from the Panel

The discussion centered around the challenges, victories, and strategies that define professional live productions. Some of the themes included:

• The Power of Preparation: Each year, preparation for live production is more and more intense, because you only have one chance to get it right. Jackie reflected on the things she could have done to call a better show. But no matter how much she prepares, the one guarantee is to expect the unexpected. You have to think quickly and not dwell on the problem.

• Teamwork on a Massive Scale: One of the big takeaways from the panel was how quickly colleagues in professional sports become more than just coworkers—they become family. The demands of the industry often mean missing holidays, family gatherings, and milestone events. But in the process, you build a different kind of family: a team bound by long hours, shared challenges, and the collective mission to execute top-tier productions and unforgettable moments for fans.

• Evolving Technology: From instant replays to AI-driven fan experiences, technology continues to reshape sports entertainment. ChatGPT was the hot topic, with panelists emphasizing how these resources can streamline workflows by organizing information, generating ideas, and even assisting with scripting. Still, they were clear: AI doesn’t replace human creativity. It can’t make the nuanced choices needed to weave sponsor messaging into a script while still spotlighting players and community stories. Instead, it’s a tool to help professionals work smarter and faster. The key is learning how to use it effectively, double-checking its outputs, and embracing it without fear. Technology may enhance the job, but it will never replace the human creativity at the heart of live sports.

• Lessons in Leadership: Each panelist shared personal stories of resilience, adaptability, and leadership. JJ, in particular, highlighted the importance of always being ready, what he described as a “preparation meets opportunity” mindset. What can look like luck from the outside is often the result of consistent preparation, before the opportunity even arrives. His advice is to stay ready, trust the process, and what’s meant for you will reveal itself at the right time.

Why It Matters

For most fans, a game is about the score, the players, and the memories. But this panel reminded us that sports are also about a shared human experience. Whether watching sports at home or in the stadium, the community and culture are woven together by media professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

The panel left attendees with a deeper appreciation for the craft of live production and the determination it takes to perform under the brightest lights.

Looking Ahead

Banjo Beaver Productions is proud to be part of this important conversation. As Houston continues to rise as a creative hub, we’re excited to showcase the talent, innovation, and collaboration that make our city one of the largest media markets in the country.

If you missed the panel, here are a few actionable takeaways to keep in mind as you pursue your own career in media and production:

1. Persistence. Know where you want to be and do not be complacent. Get enough experience so no one can ever tell you, you aren’t qualified for a position.

2. Be adaptable. Strengthen your critical thinking skills so you can handle any problem that may arise.

3. Creativity, Community, and Chaos. We are in an industry where we can make amazing ideas come to life and create memorable moments for others. We are creating a community not just for our fans but for the people we work with. Ensure you have their backs at all times. Then, embracing Chaos is adapting to this wild type of lifestyle and enjoying it for all the good times and the struggles that continue to help us grow and level up.