This session is a collaborative workshop where we’ll dream up what an ideal inclusivity rider could look like in the live music and touring industry. While we know it’s challenging to create a universal standard due to different venues and markets, this is about imagining what we’d all love to see if we could set the bar for inclusivity.
In today’s world, festivals are bigger than ever before, with record-breaking ticket sales and lineups that seem to get more impressive every year. One of the many stand out panels at LPS has been the ‘Festivals – Worlds within a World’ panel. This highly attended gathering has welcomed industry titans such as Dre Hannah (AEG), Kevin Lyman (USC), and Les Targonski (Danny Wimmer Presents) to share their insights into the modern festival approach. The ‘Festivals – Worlds within a World’ panel has not only created new vendor contracts and employment opportunities, but it has also provided invaluable guidance to manufacturers, vendors, and entrepreneurs on current and future needs, thoughts, and directions within the festival industry. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, this panel is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving landscape. Are you ready to gain insights from industry leaders and stay ahead of the festival game? Don’t miss the ‘Festivals – Worlds within a World’ panel.
Live events are fast-paced, high-stakes, and ever-evolving—and women are at the helm of some of the most dynamic productions in the business. From stadium tours and sports arenas to corporate ballrooms and brand activations, women are shaping the future of this industry in powerful and innovative ways.
Yes, the road to leadership hasn’t been without its bumps. The entertainment industry, while glamorous on the surface, still presents a complex landscape of challenges for women and minorities. gender bias, sexual harassment, pay gaps, ageism, and systemic inequities still exist. Acknowledging these challenges is crucial, but the narrative isn’t solely one of struggle. What’s often overlooked is the resilience, creativity, and strategic brilliance that women bring to the table every day. We’re not just navigating challenges—we’re rewriting the rules.
This panel is a celebration of the women leading from every corner of the industry—and a candid look at the moments that tested us, the lessons that shaped us, and the bold moves that keep us in the game. Together, we’ll talk about building inclusive teams, adapting to change, avoiding burnout, and what it really takes to lead backstage and beyond.
Join us as we dive into:
Day One
🔹 How leadership shows up across touring, sports, and corporate events
🔹 Strategies for staying relevant, evolving with the industry, and building sustainable careers
🔹 Translating your skills from stadiums to studios to stages
Day Two
🔹 Leading crews under pressure—and how leadership flexes across audiences and expectations
🔹 Behind-the-scenes stories: bringing order to chaos and lessons from the trenches
🔹 Wrangling talent, tech, and timelines to bring the show to life
Are you considering your career path and wondering if the security of a W2 employee role is the right fit, or if the entrepreneurial spirit of being a self-employed business owner calls to you? Navigating these choices can be complex, and understanding the implications is crucial for building a fulfilling future.
That’s why we’re excited to invite you to an insightful and educational conversation: “Own Your Future: W2 Employee vs. Business Owner.” This panel discussion is designed to provide clarity and actionable insights for everyone, regardless of where you are in your career journey.
Join us as we delve into the distinct advantages and disadvantages of each path, empowering you to make informed decisions about your professional and financial landscape. Our expert panelists will cover:
Understanding the Core Differences:
The Realities of Business Ownership:
Legal & Contractual Considerations:
Crucial Considerations for Both Paths:
This is a unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge from experienced professionals who understand both sides of employment. Whether you’re currently a W2 employee contemplating a switch, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about expanding your understanding of workplace dynamics, this session is for you.
Discussion on the purpose of an event before all else is crucial. Defining the purpose of your event will drive the design, interaction between attendees, and choices you make when it comes to capturing the attention of event attendees. Once the purpose of an event is clear, it’s time to pay special attention to the production value because it’s the key to attendee engagement. Attendees are seeking bigger and bolder experiences, and focusing on your production design value will get you there.
Celebrated designers such as Cosmo Wilson (Aerosmith), Rob Koenig (Metallica), Tamlyn Wright (Silent House) have served as previous conversation curators. This panel is a must for Manufacturers, Vendors, Designers, and Production professionals from all walks. Remember, the purpose of your event should be at the forefront of your decision-making process. By doing so, you’ll create an event that attendees will love and remember.
In a world where safety and security often remain mere line items on budgets rather than integral components of event planning, the challenges we face in creating truly enjoyable live experiences become increasingly apparent. The dichotomy between the excitement of a live event and the underlying apprehension regarding safety can taint the atmosphere for attendees and organizers alike. To foster a culture where safety is not just an afterthought but a normalized part of the event experience, it is crucial to adopt a more nuanced and proactive approach. This entails incorporating advanced technologies, comprehensive training for staff, and clear communication with participants about safety protocols—transforming these elements into welcoming aspects that enhance rather than detract from the overall enjoyment.
Moreover, fostering a visible security presence while simultaneously ensuring that it does not evoke fear or anxiety in attendees is key. Creating an environment where guests feel both secure and at ease involves rethinking traditional security measures and utilizing innovative solutions like fluid crowd management strategies, mental health resources, and adaptive response plans. By prioritizing an inclusive approach to safety, we can empower everyone—regardless of background or experience—to engage fully in live events, thus enriching the collective experience. As we strive for this higher standard of safety and enjoyment, it is essential to elevate the dialogue around these issues, ensuring they are embedded in every stage of event planning and execution. In doing so, we can cultivate spaces where safety and security seamlessly enhance the joy of shared experiences, making live events a source of collective celebration rather than a cause for concern.
The live event industry, a realm where creativity and technical prowess converge, is currently experiencing a dynamic shift driven by the relentless pursuit of efficiency. As productions of all scales grapple with evolving demands and tighter budgets, technology can and needs to be a powerful ally, answering the call for smarter, more streamlined operations. We’re witnessing the integration of innovations like robotic line arrays, which not only alleviate some level of labor in ‘flying’ but also help in some cases mitigate rigging but also address critical safety and logistical concerns. This isn’t just about automation; it’s about redefining how we approach the physical setup of events.
Beyond brute force solutions, the evolution of lighting and visual technology is fostering a new era of versatility. Fixtures are no longer confined to a single purpose; instead, they are becoming multi-talented powerhouses, embodying the future of maximizing output while minimizing resource expenditure. This “more from less” philosophy extends to the smarter utilization of existing technological infrastructure, encouraging a holistic approach to production design. Our upcoming Emerging Tech panel is designed to be a catalyst for this conversation, inviting a communal exploration of the technological horizons we aspire to reach. It’s a space to discuss the innovations we dream of, the tools that inspire us, and crucially, the technologies that empower us to better manage budgets for both vendors and clients. Ultimately, this discussion aims to bridge the gap between fiscal responsibility and the boundless pursuit of those unforgettable “wow” moments that define the magic of live events.
Entertainment travel has always been an exciting and fast-paced industry, but lately, it has experienced a whirlwind of changes. In the past, entertainment representatives were the ones who were responsible for overseeing properties on the ground. However, with technological advancements and lingering pandemic models, many of these representatives are now overseeing these jobs remotely. This has brought about a new dynamic in the industry. Join this conversation as national and international properties seek to work closely with decision makers within live event travel.
There has also been a rise in airfare, fuel, rental cars, and reward program overhauls. This has made it challenging for those in the entertainment travel sector to navigate and make travel decisions that are both cost-effective and efficient. That’s why it’s crucial for all those involved in this industry to come together in an open forum to discuss these changes and seek solutions to mitigate any potential negative effects. This panel is a vital opportunity for representatives from all corners of the entertainment travel industry to come together and share their insights and experiences. It’s not just about finding ways to cut costs and make travel more manageable; it’s also about building relationships and collaborating to create a more seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Whether you’re a travel agent, a representative from a property, or someone who makes travel decisions within your sector, this panel is a must-attend event. It’s an opportunity to learn from experts and peers, exchange ideas, and work together towards a common goal of making entertainment travel smoother and more efficient for all. So let’s come together and embrace these changes, finding ways to adapt and thrive in this ever-evolving segment of the event industry.
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the landscape of corporate events is continuously evolving, driven by an array of external and internal pressures. Stakeholders, from executives to attendees, are demanding exceptional experiences that seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology while remaining cost-effective. As labor challenges arise and logistical complexities loom, event planners find themselves navigating a precarious tightrope. Moreover, the rising costs of venues and locations add another layer of difficulty, compelling planners to think creatively and strategically about their choices. In response to these intricacies, we invite Technical Directors, Producers, Vendors, and industry professionals to engage in an open communal dialogue. This collaborative conversation aims to address the pressing issues that define the contemporary corporate event landscape, exploring innovative solutions and sharing best practices. Together, we can cultivate an environment that not only meets the expectations of clients and attendees but also pushes the boundaries of what corporate events can achieve. Join us as we delve into the hot topics that shape our industry, fostering an atmosphere of learning and growth for all involved.