Registration

Sponsored by Lockton
 

Production Live! Opening Remarks

Welcome to Production Live 2024!
 

Crisis Averted:
The Art & Craft of Subverting Murphy’s Law

The 24/7 dance that encompasses advancing, loading in, executing, and loading out a traveling live entertainment show is one fraught with potential difficulties. While Murphy’s Law is a constant edict, many potential bugaboos can be averted through communication, skilled improvisation, and hard-earned expertise. Even so, an endeavor as complex as a touring production will undoubtedly run into unforeseen challenges, so how one (ital) reacts to those circumstances becomes the standard for excellence. A seasoned team of live production professionals will discuss how crises can be averted, and how to keep rolling when gremlins do rear their ugly heads in a business where failure is not an option

Speakers

• Moderator: David '5-1' Norman, Tour Forensics
• Angie Chamberland, I.M.P.
• Randy Hutson, PRG
• Wayne Linder, Pioneer Coach
• John Lunio, SGPS ShowRig
• Bridget Fitzpatrick, Rock-It-Cargo

Transportation, Labor and Gear: 2024 Outlook
 

Sponsorede byAnecdotal evidence indicates that, as challenging as 2023 was adequately meeting demands for the three legs of the touring stool—transportation, staffing and gear—the upcoming season will be even more so. Transportation and production specialists will advise on how to navigate, budget, and prepare for what many believe will be the busiest touring season in history.
 

Speakers

• Moderator: Michael Strickland, Bandit Lites, Inc.
• Sharon Kendrew, High Road USA
• Kevin "Tater" McCarthy, Sound Image
• Juan Neele, Ampco Flashlight
• Louise Smit, Pieter Smit Trucking, Rental & Nightliner
• Jai Vatuk, Tyler Childers/ Jai Vee Productions
   

Break

Just Call Me: Improving Comms Between Artist Teams and Road Crew
 

What is dreamed up in the offices and meeting rooms of managers and agents must be executed by those on the road and in the trenches. The lack of communication between front office executives and those who must actually make the magic happen in front of live audiences—not to mention get to the venue in the first place—is a common refrain. Let’s talk.
 

Speakers

• Moderator:  Morgan Dentch, Full Stop Management
• Lou Taylor, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group
• Luis Soto
• Angie Warner, Posty Touring / Guitar Monkey Touring
• Larry Webman, Wasserman Music
   

Lunch

Sponsored by Lockton

Multiple, Sitdown, Residency, Whatever: The Pros & Cons of a Semi-Permanent Production

The entire transitory nature of touring—bringing in a show, setting it up, executing the entertainment, tearing it down, and moving on to the next place—would seem to be largely eliminated when the show doesn’t move for an extended period of time. But staying in one place brings on its own set of challenges for production pros, namely scheduling, degrees of teardown, staffing, specific venue requirements, and even boredom. Extended engagements are all the rage these days among touring artists, we’ll talk about what it means to production folks.
 

Speakers

• Moderator: Brian Edwards, SGPS ShowRig
• Steve Dixon, Roadwerx Touring, LLC
• Bobby Reynolds, AEG Presents
• Luis Rivera, Stage Right Capital
• Nick Whitehouse, Live-Redesigned

Outdoor Operations: Stage Managing, Layout & Production
 

Sponsored by PROCELL
Music fans are keen on enjoying music in an outdoor setting, be it amphitheater, festivals, or—more than ever—stadiums. Outdoor shows face unique challenges, chief among them the weather, but also in the realms of layout, security, operations and ingress/egress. We’ll examine different approaches to producing safe, fan-friendly and well-executed outdoor experiences.
 

Speakers

• Moderator: Justin Dragoo, BottleRock / Latitude 38 Entertainment
• Steven Q. Evans, Show Imaging, Inc.
• Jonathan Gilliam, United States Continued Service
• Dave Frey, Silent Partner Management
• Noah Kessler, AREA15
• Elmer Straub, 313 Presents
   

Break

 A Matter of Trust: The Artist/Crew Dynamic in Tedeschi Trucks Band Featuring Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi
 

Managers, agents, lawyers and other indispensable professionals all play a critical role, but when the rubber hits the road, the career is in the hands of the production team responsible for putting the artist in the best possible situation to do what they do—make the magic happen. This is especially true for elite musicians like Tedeshi Trucks Band, who care enormously about not only presenting the highest quality show possible to their fans, but also fostering their reputation with buyers and venues as consummate professionals who are a pleasure to work with.  Much like a marriage (oddly enough), when the relationship works, the road family thrives and the shows are unforgettable. We’ll explore this dynamic here with the consummate pros of TTB, well known for delivering the coveted “easy day.”
 

Speakers

• Moderator: Ray Waddell, OVG Media & Conferences
• Derek Trucks, Tedeschi Trucks Band
• Susan Tedeschi, Tedeschi Trucks Band
• Skip Richman, Tour Manager, TTB
• Brian Speiser, Production Manager, TTB

The Next Generation of Road Warriors Lead The Way
 

Sponsored by PRG
The industry shutdown of 2020 changed the landscape for touring production professionals, as many of the titans of the road who had shaped the way concerts were presented declined to return to the road after a taste of the normal life. That unpredictable catalyst, as well as the natural attrition that all sectors face, has led to a generational shift among the pros that make the magic happen, as a younger, more diverse workforce takes the lead, with new ideas and an admirable can-do ethos. We’ll hear from some of these inspiring leaders in the touring production world, and see how they view the world.
 

Speakers

• Moderator: Nurit Smith, Music Forward Foundation
• Haley Binder, HAIM / Brandi Carlile / KultureCity
• Loreen Bohannon, LoBo Productions
• Meg Miller, Lainey Wilson
• Misty Roberts, Independent
• Jacki Van Hoose, SGPS ShowRig

Pollstar Live! Opening Reception

Sponsored by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel

Attending Pollstar Live! 2024? Click here to view the Pollstar Live! Schedule.