Producer, Moderator… Potato, Potahto?

Your complete guide to every name for the role that runs your virtual training or event

If you’ve searched for a virtual training producer (or webinar producer, moderator, or technical host), you’ve probably noticed the title isn’t consistent. Some call the role a producer. Others say moderator, technical host, or even virtual classroom assistant. This guide maps the many names people use for the same core function: the person (or team) who quietly runs the show so presenters can focus on content.

TL;DR: Whether you say producer, moderator, or technical host, you’re asking for a pro who owns the run-of-show, platform controls, and smooth participant experience.

The Platform-Specific Names (Zoom, Teams, Webex)

Zoom

Host / Co-host / Alternative Host
Panelist (Webinars)
Q&A Moderator / Interpreter

Microsoft Teams

Organizer / Co-organizer / Presenter / Attendee (Meetings)
Producer / Presenter (Live Events & Town Halls)

Webex

Host / Cohost / Presenter / Panelist
Interpreter / Note Taker

Common Names

Producer (Virtual Event Producer, Webinar Producer, Training Producer)
Technical Host / Tech Host
Moderator (Chat Moderator, Q&A Moderator)
Co-host / Cohost
Session Manager / Meeting Operator
Room Captain / Room Monitor
Facilitator Support / Co-facilitator
Run-of-Show Lead / ROS Manager
Production Assistant
Broadcast/Stream Operator / Livestream Engineer / Webcast Engineer
Virtual Classroom Assistant

Event & AV World Terms

Show Caller
Stage Manager
Technical Director (TD) / Switch Operator / Vision Mixer
Broadcast/Streaming Engineer
A1/V1 (Audio/Video Leads), Graphics Op, Playback Op

Quick Glossary

Producer / Technical Host
Runs the platform, timing, transitions, backstage comms, and problem-solving.

Moderator
Manages chat/Q&A and may be on-mic to introduce speakers or read questions.

Co-host / Cohost
A permission role in many platforms, often used as a job title.

Presenter / Panelist / Speaker
On-air talent.

Show Caller / Stage Manager / TD
Controls cues, timing, and technical execution in complex shows.

Comparison Chart

What You Might Call It	What It Means	Our Term
Zoom Co-host	Person managing participants, polls, and recordings	Producer
Technical Host	Runs the tech side of the meeting or event	Producer
Moderator	Manages audience questions/chat	Producer + Moderator
Show Caller	Calls cues and manages timing in high-production shows	Lead Producer / Show Caller
Meeting Operator	Coordinates flow and manages tech controls	Producer
Stage Manager	Manages people and timing backstage	Producer / Talent Support
Presenter Support	Provides behind-the-scenes help for speakers	Producer

FAQ: Producer vs. Moderator vs. Technical Host

Q: Is a “moderator” the same as a “producer”?
A: Not exactly. A moderator may focus mostly on audience interaction, while a producer manages the entire technical and logistical flow of the session.

Q: What’s the difference between a “technical host” and a “co-host”?
A: “Technical host” is a generic title for whoever runs the tech side. “Co-host” is usually a platform-specific permission role (Zoom, Webex, etc.). For example, in Zoom’s official webinar role descriptions, the “co-host” is a permission role that can manage participants, polls, and recordings, which many use interchangeably with other names.

Q: Why do some events have a Lead Producer, Technical Producer, and additional production team members?
A: For complex or high-profile events, a Lead Producer coordinates every cue, transition, and timing point—especially when multiple teams or media elements are involved.

Q: Do I need more than one of these roles?
A: For most trainings and webinars, one skilled producer can handle it all. For large or multi-track events, adding team members can be valuable.

SEO Corner: Search Phrases Your Team Might Use

Zoom producer, Zoom technical host, Zoom co-host support
Microsoft Teams producer for town hall, Teams live event producer
Webex host/cohost support, Webex webinar moderator
Virtual event producer, webinar producer, training producer
Chat moderator, Q&A moderator, session moderator
Show caller for virtual event, technical director for live stream
Livestream operator, broadcast engineer, webcast producer

That’s a Lot of Words! Here’s What It Boils Down To…

Call us what you like: producer, moderator, tech host, co-facilitator, tech wizard — it’s all good!

What matters most is that we’re on the same page about what you need and what we’ll deliver. That’s why, in our onboarding meeting, we’ll walk through your goals, your platform, and your must-haves so expectations are crystal clear from the start.

You bring the content. We’ll bring world-class support that ensures your learners get exactly what they need to succeed in today’s workplace.

Learn more about our virtual production services → Here!