About Us

You will enjoy working with our team

BlackOak launched as a distinct brand in 2018. From showstopping creative concepts to cutting edge technology, we give you design forward technical solutions to elevate the aesthetic and enhance the enjoyment of your events.

Our Family of Brands

Not just a production company, a full-service experience

We’re more than a technical production company; we’re a family of brands that turns the imagined into reality. Led by industry visionary, Tom Kehoe, our limitless capabilities allow us to meet any client need. From technical production and artistic direction to florals and a state-of-the art venue, we offer a holistic opportunity to create high-style concepts that are authentic and captivating.

Our Story

How We Got Here

BlackOak Technical Productions is a nationally recognized technical production company specializing in lighting, audio, video, staging, producing, streaming, and emerging technologies.

This technical production powerhouse came from humble beginnings. In 2012, Tom Kehoe, Founder and CEO of Kehoe Designs, identified a need for lighting to highlight the exquisite event design at each event and started building the technical team to deliver on that vision.

Lighting Takes the Lead

Tom hires Adam McCarthy as the first Kehoe Designs‘ Lighting Department employee, starting with only 6 Lekos and a pile of batteries.

2012
Branching Out

Kehoe Designs Lighting Department expands into the Event Technology Department to offer full lighting, audio, and video services making significant investments in equipment and hiring.

2013
Hit The Ground Running & Sales Team Expansion

Organic growth allows the team to produce events as significant as a 14,000-person corporate block party with 6 stages at McCormick Place.

The team expands its reach and produces the first out-of-state event. While the Kehoe Designs’ portfolio continues to expand with the addition of The Geraghty, a sophisticated, 25,000 sq. ft. venue in Pilsen supported by BlackOak as the in-house AV provider.

2015
International Production

The team nearly doubled in size, adding more new capabilities, and produced its first international event in Toronto for a global market research firm. In the same year, the technical production team developed a custom virtual reality video game with a working gas pedal and steering wheel for a Mad Max-themed corporate event and installed a ‘disappearing LED wall’ overlooking Lake Michigan for an airline route launch.

2017
The Lights Are On

BlackOak Technical Productions made its internal company debut. 2018 was the year to make an official public announcement, as BlackOak Technical Productions, a KEHOE DESIGNS company. Design Focused — Human First.

We are KIND. We are BOLD. We are RELENTLESS.

2018
The future is here!

By expanding our services during the wave of virtual and hybrid events opened up a new suite of tools for our clients. We now provide full service media production and creative direction for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events.

2022
What's Next?

This team of talented individuals loves to face newer and bigger challenges. Don’t be a stranger. If you are looking to take a fresh approach to your event, reach out and let's get started!

What's Next?