Load-out vs strike
Theater and concert crews call it strike, and hotels and caterers often say breakdown. They all mean the same job: putting the room back the way the venue handed it over.
How long does load-out take?
It's usually quicker than the load-in, but it runs late at night once guests leave. Venues set a deadline for the room to be clear, and fees can apply if the crew runs past it.
Staying safe during load-out
Load-out is one of the riskiest parts of the night: people are tired, the room is dim and heavy cases move fast. Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves, and follow the crew lead's order for what comes down first.