AI is rapidly becoming part of how live events are designed, planned, managed, and executed—but the bigger question is not simply what the technology can do. It is how we choose to use it.

This human-led conversation will explore the real-world implementation of AI across event design, production, logistics, management, content, communication, and execution. Panelists will examine where AI is already creating meaningful efficiencies, where it still falls short, and the opportunities, risks, ethical concerns, and unintended consequences that come with increased adoption.

From faster workflows and smarter planning to questions surrounding creativity, privacy, employment, accuracy, accountability, and overreliance on technology, this discussion will look at both the pros and the cons without the hype.

Ultimately, AI can process information, identify patterns, and accelerate decisions—but live events still depend on something technology cannot fully replicate: human judgment, experience, relationships, intuition, trust, and the ability to read a room.

The goal is not to decide whether AI belongs in live events.

It already does.

The conversation is about how we use it intelligently while keeping people at the center of the experience.

As live experiences grow more ambitious, the challenge is no longer simply producing an event—it’s delivering something seamless, memorable, and meaningful under increasing complexity and pressure. Join an extraordinary panel of industry leaders who are redefining what successful event production looks like through practical thinking, operational excellence, and experience-driven execution.

This conversation brings together experts whose work spans some of the most demanding environments in the world of live events. From global logistics and high-performance sporting spectacles to some of the nation’s largest and most celebrated music festivals, these leaders have mastered the art of turning complexity into unforgettable experiences.

Silvester Grundman will pull back the curtain on the extraordinary logistical precision behind Red Bull’s world-renowned motorsport and extreme sport productions. From transporting highly specialized equipment across continents to building temporary infrastructure in challenging environments and executing against unforgiving timelines, he will share insights into the strategic planning, risk management, and innovative problem-solving required when every second matters.

Joining him are Charlie Jennings and Zachary Evans, the driving force behind Danny Wimmer Presents and the architects of some of the most highly attended festivals in the country. Their success is built on far more than scale—it stems from deeply cultivated relationships, industry expertise, and a pragmatic “blue-collar” philosophy that informs every stage of production. From concept development and festival design to execution on the ground, their approach prioritizes hard work, practicality, and an unwavering attention to detail that consistently delivers experiences audiences and artists remember long after the final performance ends.

Together, these industry leaders will share how pragmatic systems, proven methodologies, and real-world decision-making create events that do more than run smoothly—they create genuine connection, inspire audiences, and consistently exceed expectations.

Whether you’re producing global events, building immersive experiences, or looking for ideas that can transform the way you approach execution, this session offers an inside look at the thinking, strategy, and lessons learned behind world-class productions.

Touring travel is operating under a new set of constraints shaped by volatility, rising costs, and evolving crew expectations. This panel brings together leaders from touring, production, travel management, and transportation to examine how teams are adapting to these realities on the ground.

Featuring industry experts across touring and global travel brands, the discussion centers on real-world decision-making around routing, forecasting, cost pressure, and the day-to-day realities of moving people and production at scale. Grounded in lived experience rather than theory, the conversation explores how better workflows, shared visibility, and practical coordination can reduce friction and stress without removing human judgment, offering clear insights touring teams can apply on their next run.

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.

The global production landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, presenting both challenges and opportunities. In response to the ever-rising costs of production, there’s a growing imperative to explore innovative strategies that enhance efficiency and profitability.

To this end, we are hosting a focused discussion to gather and delve into the new realities of production. Our objective is to collaboratively identify and explore actionable approaches to:

• Maximize Utilization of Existing Technologies: How can we leverage our current tech stack more effectively to its full potential? What are the untapped benefits and best practices we can implement?
• Embrace New Technologies for Enhanced Output: What emerging technologies are poised to deliver greater value and advanced capabilities? How can we strategically integrate them to achieve more with less?
• Rethink Labor Modalities: Are there new or optimized approaches to workforce deployment, skill development, and collaboration that can lead to increased productivity and cost-effectiveness?
• Streamline Logistics: How can we improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of our supply chain and distribution networks?

This session will be an open forum for sharing insights, best practices, and potential solutions. We aim to foster a collaborative environment where we can collectively:

• Identify key trends and challenges impacting our production operations.
• Brainstorm innovative strategies for cost optimization.
• Develop a shared understanding of potential technological advancements and their applicability.
• Discuss practical approaches to evolving labor and logistics models.

We believe that by proactively addressing these critical areas, we can navigate the evolving production landscape effectively and build a more resilient and cost-efficient operational framework.

• Who is Stagetec?
• General overview of AXIO line and design
• Integration into existing tour workflow
• Comparison to existing system technology
  • Redundancy
  • Sound Quality
  • Integrated spitter w/ Independent Gain Control
  • Less rack spare, more functionality!
• Unique benefits from this workflow
  • Distributed Virtual Sound Check
  • Control all signals from a single GUI

Live production is under unprecedented strain. Tours are getting bigger, faster, and more complex at the exact moment the industry is facing a generational labor gap, fragmented communication, and runaway production expectations.

This panel brings together leaders from venue operations, large-scale festivals, and touring production to unpack what is actually breaking on the ground—and what needs to change next. From the disappearance of experienced mid-career crew after COVID to the inflation of production scale driven by democratized design tools and social media influence, the panel explores how misaligned expectations are colliding with real-world labor, venue, and budget constraints.

Panelists will share firsthand perspectives on why advancing has become harder than ever, how unreliable information creates downstream chaos, and why traditional “old school” production workflows no longer scale. The conversation will also examine emerging approaches to standardization, data-driven advancing, and shared systems that reduce cognitive load for venues, tours, and festivals alike.

With students and early-career professionals entering the industry alongside veterans navigating a rapidly changing landscape, this session offers a candid look at where live production is headed—and what it will take to build sustainable, professional workflows for the next generation.

Go behind the scenes with the touring team behind one of the world’s biggest arena acts as they break down how they use Master Tour to run an exceptionally tight global show operation. Led by Tour Manager Mark Oglesby and members of his core touring team, this session offers an inside look at real-world workflows used at the highest level of live touring.

The discussion dives into rapid-fire decision making, mobile usage on the road, crew coordination, advancing practices, and day-of-show execution across continents. Attendees will gain a rare, practical perspective on how elite touring teams operate inside Master Tour at scale—what drives efficiency, where challenges emerge, and how modern touring teams push technology to evolve alongside the demands of today’s global arena tours.

Join us for a focused preview of what’s next for Master Tour. Key members of the Master Tour team will share platform updates, workflow improvements, and a forward-looking roadmap, alongside high-level, data-driven touring patterns from 2025 that help frame how the industry is evolving.

The session will include updates on our rebuilt mobile experience and broader platform capabilities, designed to unlock new workflows and partnerships throughout 2026 and beyond. We will also highlight continued progress on our venue system, including growing venue adoption and endorsement from NIVA. Together, these advancements reflect ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, strengthen data flow, and support more connected workflows between touring teams and venues.

We will also introduce a community-focused partnership with Professional Tax Alliance through its Own Your Future initiative, reflecting a shared commitment to long-term sustainability and financial well-being across the touring community.

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.

Chris Phillips has spent more than 20 years in the industry working in product management, market development, and project engineering roles after graduating with a degree in Commercial Music Business from Missouri Western State University. His integration experience has extended to all phases of project work including system design, DSP programming, and final commissioning for large venues. Chris is part of Sennheiser’s Global RF Experts team and works on the Technical Applications Engineering team for Sennheiser for the Americas.

Dan Scalpone is part of Sennheiser’s Technical Applications Engineering team which handles product training and supports project business in the US/Canada. He has been designing audio and wireless microphone systems for over 20 years covering house of worship, recording studios, broadcast and touring/live sound applications.

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

The Pinnacle awards serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements within the industry.  Make sure you don’t miss this years ceremony to see the winners are!

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:

• W2 Employee: Exploring the benefits of stability, employer-provided benefits, and structured work environments.
• Self-Employed Business Owner: Unpacking the freedom, potential for higher earnings, and the exhilarating challenge of building your own enterprise.

The Realities of Business Ownership:

• What it truly takes to “Own Your Future” as a business owner.
• Essential elements for building a sustainable and successful business.
• Strategies for navigating the entrepreneurial journey with confidence.

Legal & Contractual Considerations:

• For Business Owners: Understanding the legal approaches to employment, contractor relationships, and compliance.
• For W2 Employees: How to effectively analyze and understand employment contracts to secure your position.

• Crucial Considerations for Both Paths:

• • • Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance
    • General Liability insurance
    • Health insurance options
    • Other essential coverage
  • Financial Planning and Tax Implications
  • Work-Life Balance and Professional Development

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.