ECCHO Live Reveals Speakers & Panel Details For 15th Annual Workshop

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ECCHO Live has announced the speakers and panels for its upcoming 15th Annual Workshop on Nov. 10 at Soundcheck at Rock Nashville.

Built around this year’s theme, EVOLVE, the workshop will feature 14 breakout sessions offering practical guidance on building a lasting career and a healthy life in live events. Speakers include touring and production professionals, industry leaders, business owners and financial experts exploring everything from leading a crew through a crisis and using AI in touring workflows to managing freelance income, strengthening professional relationships, and getting meaningful rest on the road.

Keynote speaker Chuck Hull will lead a conversation about his more than five decades of experience in live music. The veteran tour manager and audio engineer began his career with Clair Brothers in the early 1970s and spent 20 years as Keith Urban’s tour manager before retiring from touring in 2024.

Among the additional panels and speakers are:

“Building Your Dream Team” – Jason Aldean’s production manager Earl Neal, stage manager Josh “Dude” Marcus and audio crew chief Loren Zimmer join moderator Ryan Smith to discuss building connections across departments, setting expectations and maintaining strong working relationships.

“Leading Through Crisis” – C3 Presents’ Tim “Tuba” Smith, director of festivals and strategic initiatives; Jake Perry, director of operations and sustainability; and Brandon Sossamon, director of production, join moderator Brad Parker to share firsthand lessons in guiding teams through on-site crises.

“The Freelancers Playbook” – Director, designer and producer Jesse Blevins, lighting designer and director Taylor Price and Dory Reyes join moderator Jake Tickle to discuss building a reputation, finding consistent work, setting rates and navigating the business of freelancing.

“Load In to Load Out” – Mental wellness and performance coach Stephanie Hajjar, performer and live-production professional Tony James and RockForce’s Jeremy Young discuss investing in yourself, cultivating relationships and building a sustainable life in live events.

“The Tour That Changed My Life” – Lighting designer and director Andy Knighton, Matt Geasey and Premier Global Production labor coordinator Sydney Taylor join moderator Jake Tickle to reflect on the career-defining opportunities, difficult lessons and lasting relationships that followed them home from the road.

Registration is free and required, with space available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, click here.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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