TUESDAY, JUNE 15 10:00 AM: OPENING REMARKS All sessions will take place in the International Ballroom - Pollstar Live!
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TUESDAY, JUNE 15 All sessions will take place in the International Ballroom. 10:00 AM: OPENING REMARKS Featuring: • Jake Berry, CEO, Jake Berry Productions • Ray Waddell, President, Media & Conferences, Oak View Group 10:15 AM: ROADIES OF COLOR/INCLUSIVITY ON THE ROAD & AT THE SHOW Roadies of Color was conceived more than 10 years ago as a social network of sorts giving professionals in the live industry the chance to “unite, network, promote each other and collaborate in order to help promote a more diverse and inclusive industry.” Today, as the lack of diversity in live entertainment has become increasingly apparent to an industry motivated to be more inclusive, ROC has become an essential platform for support, advocacy and enlightenment. While touring grapples with myriad issues to get up and running, none loom more important than our responsibility to do the right thing and create a fair, equitable and diverse live entertainment industry. MODERATOR: • Charlie Hernandez, President, QED Productions; Co-Founder, JustABunchOfRoadies PANELISTS: • Tina Farris, CEO/Owner, Tina Farris Tours • Rebekah Foster, Owner, Ujima Sound Productions Ltd. • Lance K.C. Jackson, Production Stage Manager; Co-Founder, R.O.C.U. • David “5-1” Norman, Tour Director/Tour Accounting, Tour Forensics • Bill Reeves, Production Manager, Co-Founder, R.O.C.U. • Malcolm Weldon, Production Manager, Just A Guy Pushing Boxes 11:00 AM: WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION: HOW THE PRODUCTION BIZ STOOD TALL IN THE PANDEMIC For many touring professionals, March of 2020 began what was to become their longest stretch at home in decades. In addition to learning a new language, finally finishing that deck, and learning how to play the banjo, the influential leaders in live entertainment production rose to the occasion in all kinds of ways. Not only did the pandemic give us a lesson in survival, it also provided an opportunity for the rock stars of concert production to influence government aid, inspire philanthropy, create new ways of doing business, and perfect the noble art of making a difference. Leaders on that front will discuss how they were impacted by the pandemic, the challenges and opportunities presented, and how we can successfully move to the next phase. MODERATOR: • Debbie Taylor, Production Coordinator, ACDC, U2, Black Sabbath, Guns 'N Roses & The Rolling Stones PANELISTS: • Maria Brunner, Founder, Musically Fed, President & Founder, Insight Management • Joey Gallagher, CEO, Gallagher Staging • Robin Shaw, Co-Founder, Upstaging, Inc. • Michael Strickland, Chair & Founder, Bandit Lites • Zito, Production Manager, Zito Production Services
11:45 AM: DAY OF SHOW: WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? While everybody seems to agree that we are returning to an industry that will be vastly different than the one we left, exactly how the mechanics of show day have changed remains an ongoing discussion. So what can touring professionals expect as the industry ramps up for what many expect to be the busiest period in the history of our business? Knowledgeable and influential production pros from clubs to stadiums and festivals will update us on what to expect and how to overcome challenges in terms of capacities and configurations, sanitization, back-of- house protocols, ingress/egress, traveling limitations, staffing, budgeting, VIP/premium, safety/security, etc., and other areas. MODERATOR: • Dr. K. Elizabeth Hawk, President, Ampersand Intelligence PANELISTS: • Shelly Cohen, Company Manager, VStar Entertainment • Laurie Jacoby, EVP & CEO, BSE Global • Steve Lawler, Director of Production, Live Nation Entertainment • Ralph Marchetta, SVP, GM, Phoenix Suns Arena • Roger Sandau, Managing Principal, Epic Brokers 12:30 PM: LUNCH Beverly Hills Ballroom 2:00 PM: BEYOND CONCERTS: THE NEW PRODUCTION PARADIGM A torrent of new terms entered the lexicon or changed parameters over the past year, including expanded streaming of live performances, drive-in shows, Zoom calls, virtual officing, pivoting, social distancing, and much more. At the same time, players in our business outside of the live music, particularly eSports, WWE, and producers of other non-music events, often led the way in blazing new territory that has much to offer those in the legacy concert production world. We’ll hear from alternative live entertainment producers about what works now, and how much of this new way of doing business in a restricted environment will translate into permanency as the business nominally returns to normal and looks toward the future. MODERATOR: • Jake Berry, CEO, Jake Berry Productions PANELISTS: • Rutger Jansen, SVP, Production Operations, Insomniac Events • Bob O’Brien, Production Manager, SOS Global Express • Jeremy Shand, Dir. Of TV Production Mgmt, Event Tech Ops, WWE • Stephen Shaw, Founder & Co-President, Round Room Live • Chris Weathers, Director of Production, Live Nation Entertainment 2:45 PM: POSITIVE DISRUPTION: A NEW WAY TO KEEP LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SAFE Some of the largest and most respected companies in the world are staking their reputation and the health and safety of their customers, employees, and fans on a breakthrough technology that is changing the way to world thinks about hygiene. This session will open your eyes to the power of disruptive innovation and the importance of constantly reevaluating the status quo. PANELIST: • Shannon Dan, EVP, ZOONO
3:00 PM: THE NEXT GIG: NAVIGATING THE EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE FOR TOURING PROS As the pandemic brought mass gatherings to a screeching halt in 2020, tens of thousands of professionals found themselves without a gig, whether through furloughing, layoffs, staff reductions, or the fact that there were no jobs to be found or industry to work in. As a whole, members of the touring community were forced to shift gears, stay home for the first time in years, and, in many cases, even leave the industry they love in order to survive. Now, as the fog lifts and skilled professionals seek to return to the live thing, what’s the job market like? Furthermore, how attractive are such “straight job” perks as paid vacations, health insurance and job security and will they become prevalent in our traditionally self-reliant profession? This panel will offer critical advice on how to get back into the game, direction on what's out there, insight on opportunities, what “safety nets” are available, and a clear, realistic perspective on the employment landscape for live pros in 2021. MODERATOR: • Kelly Weiss, Business & Legal Affairs, ICM Partners PANELISTS: • Todd Dyer, VP of Sales – Venues, Music Tours & Live Events, CAPS, A Cast & Crew Company • David Garretson, Special Representative, IATSE • Jeff Giek, Founder & CEO, Rhino Staging & Event Solutions • Sarah Rio, Sixthman 3:45 PM: BREAK Sponsored by: Hemphill Brothers 4:15 PM: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE III? ASK THE PROS. As live industry pros prepare to re-enter the fray for what amounts to an industry re-set, expertise, expertise and vision will play a key role in this Return to the Golden Era. For Production Live’s most popular session, some of live entertainment’s most knowledgeable, candid and outspoken influencers will take on all comers with a freewheeling, anything goes session that can take off in any direction. Get your questions ready! MODERATOR: • Stuart Ross, Manager, Stuart Ross Management PANELISTS: • Jake Berry, CEO, Jake Berry Productions • Charlie Hernandez, President, QED Productions, Co-Founder, JustABunchOfRoadies • Marty Hom, Tour Manager/Director, Fleetwood Mac, Shakira, Stevie Nicks, Beyoncé, Barbra Streisand, Van Halen, Lionel Richie • David “5-1” Norman, Tour Director/Tour Accounting, Tour Forensics • Kelly Weiss, Business & Legal Affairs, ICM Partners 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: POLLSTAR LIVE! OPENING RECEPTION Sponsored by: Climate Pledge Arena & UBS Arena Wilshire Gardens
TUESDAY, JUNE 15 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: POLLSTAR LIVE! OPENING RECEPTION Sponsored by: Climate Pledge Arena & UBS Arena Wilshire Gardens WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16 All sessions will take place in the International Ballroom. 9:00 AM: OPENING REMARKS Featuring: Tim Leiweke, CEO & Co-Founder, Oak View Group 9:30 AM: GOLDEN ERA 2.0: HOW THE CONCERT BUSINESS COMES BACK & WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE Sponsored by: Pioneer Coach The return of live entertainment to the era of unprecedented growth and success it experienced the past decade appears likely, but many challenges exist. Beyond the simple safety and security of fans, leaders of live must chart a course that must takes into account a vastly changed landscape in terms of ticketing, deal structures, traffic, venue capacities, artist relations and fan engagement. Fans overwhelmingly are ready to go to shows, but it’s not a matter of turning on the lights and opening the doors. This panel will examine what the business will look like when it returns to full-tilt boogie, where and when that happens, what sort of business we will be coming back to, and what we can expect in 2022. MODERATOR: • Ray Waddell, President, Media & Conferences, Oak View Group PANELISTS: • Jenna Adler, Music Agent, CAA • Marty Diamond, EVP & Managing Executive, Wasserman Music • Arthur Fogel, Chairman of Global Music & President of Global Touring, Live Nation Entertainment • Ron Laffitte, President, Patriot Management • Dre London, Founder/CEO, London Entertainment 10:15 AM: RAINMAKER: VOICES OF LIVE Pollstar Live's Rainmakers series feature intimate Q&A from industry innovators and influencers who are creating positive change in the live entertainment industry through boldness and creativity. MODERATOR: • Tobi Parks, Business & Legal Affairs, Lawyer, Sony Music Entertainment, Owner, xBk PANELISTS: • Dayna Frank, CEO, First Avenue & the 7th St. Entry • Audrey Fix Schaefer, Head of Communications, I.M.P. 10:45 AM: BREAK
11:15 AM: THE FUTURE OF GA: WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS? As we all learned, there is no substitute for hundreds (or thousands) of people packed together in one venue for the shared purpose of experiencing the music we love, breathing the same air as the performers and moving about freely in the love of live. As fans and the industry prepare for the return of live music that is actually “live,” it’s that “breathing the same air” part that has a lot of folks concerned. A major trend in the post-pandemic live experience has been to keep groups of fans sequestered in “pods” or certainly reserved seating areas, which begs the question: what is the future of General Admission? Many venues, from clubs to sheds to festivals, make a living on the GA experience, and certainly more than a few bands thrive in that environment. A panel of professionals who operate in the GA world will weigh in on how it might look in a post-pandemic touring world. MODERATOR: • Eric Renner Brown, Editor/Reporter, Pollstar PANELISTS: • Paul Bassman, Managing Director, Higginbotham • Phil Quist, Music Agent, CAA • Peter Shapiro, Founder, DayGlo Ventures • Larry Webman, SVP, Wasserman Music • Molly Zidow, VP Operations, Danny Wimmer Presents 12:00 PM: THE STATE OF THE MARKET FOR TOUR & EVENT SPONSORSHIPS IN 2021 AND BEYOND Sponsored by: Ross Video This session will take a deep dive into current market conditions for branding and sponsorships and the appetite for brands to spend money and engage fans at live events, including tours, festivals, venues and special events. Among the questions taken up will be what’s out there, which categories are most active, what are expectations, how has the market changed, what’s the global picture, what are metrics for success/managing expectations, what does the future look like? And in a post-pandemic world, what does activation look like on-site? MODERATOR: • Malcolm Gray, Digital Media & Partnerships, Live Nation Entertainment PANELISTS: • Kevin Gelbard, Music Brand Partnerships Executive, CAA • Dan Griffis, President, Global Partnerships, Oak View Group • Maureen Valker-Barlow, SVP Brand Alliances, Danny Wimmer Presents • Russell Wallach, Global President, Live Nation, Live Nation Entertainment • Mark Weinstein, SVP & Global Head of Marketing & Loyalty, Hilton 12:45 PM: LUNCH
2:00 PM: AN HONEST LOOK AT DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Sponsored by: Live Nation Entertainment In a Pollstar industry research project last year, 2⁄3 of those surveyed acknowledged the need for greater inclusivity in the live entertainment industry, with more than half believing “we can do better in achieving racial/cultural diversity,” and only 21% feeling the industry has done a good job increasing racial/cultural diversity.” Few would argue that the business of live entertainment is populated by people whose heart is in the right place, yet this is a business overwhelmingly populated, and run, by white males. The question is not only how leaders can make their companies and partners more inclusive and diverse, but how can talented, but traditionally marginalized, people avail themselves of the opportunities that are out there in an industry that seems to want to do the right thing. MODERATOR: • Jonathan Azu, Founder, Culture Collective PANELISTS: • Nicole Barsalona, President, Women in Music, Director, Everyday Rebellion Entertainment • Shavonne Dargan, SVP, Strategy & Marketing, CURATeD/Live Nation Media & Sponsorship • Binta Niambi Brown, Head of Operations, Strategy, Keep Cool/RCA, Founder & CEO, Omalilly Projects, Co- Founder & Co-Chairperson, Black Music Action Coalition • Eddie Orjuela, Latin Talent Buyer, Nederlander Concerts/Orjuela Entertainment, LLC • Noelle Scaggs, Founder, Diversify The Stage, Elektra Recording Artist, Fitz & The Tantrums • Bao Vo, Artist, Bao Vo Creative, Inc. 2:45 PM: NOW, WHERE WERE WE? PICKING UP THE PIECES AFTER A YEAR OFF THE ROAD Sponsored by: Banc of California Stadium When we left a thriving live entertainment business functioning at extremely high levels in March of 2020, there was much ado about everything - “farewell” tours from some of the biggest names in the industry, highly anticipated mega-treks from blockbuster acts at the stadium and arena level, and major NexGen performing artists that were only beginning to test the waters of superstardom as what is expected to be a lengthy touring career. Never has the industry had to push pause in such a manner, especially as we scale unprecedented heights with exciting young talent and proven performers engaging hundreds of thousands of fans. So how to start back? Those in the trenches will examine how they maintain connections with fans and re-start the machine as Golden Era 2.0 awaits. MODERATOR: • Sarah Pittman, Editor/Reporter, Pollstar PANELISTS: • Ken Fermaglich, Partner & Agent, Music, United Talent Agency • Adam Kornfeld, President of Touring North America, Artist Group International • Howard Rose, President, Howard Rose Agency 3:30 PM: BREAK
3:45 PM: WHERE CAN WE GO NOW? A LOOK AT INTERNATIONAL TOURING POST COVID Even under normal circumstances, international touring is a complex and multifaceted undertaking requiring vision, fortitude and flexibility. These are not normal circumstances, as markets recover financially and in terms of the pandemic at different rates and levels. Still, artists have continued to build international fan bases over the past year, and perhaps have even broken new markets via streaming and album releases since they last were able to tour globally. A group of plugged-in players in the international live game will weigh in on where the opportunities lie and how to plot a global game plan over the next few years. MODERATOR: • Brian Kabatznick, EVP, Oak View Group International PANELISTS: • Helena “Leca” Guimarães, International Festival Director, C3 Presents • Ashish Hamrajani, Founder & CEO, BookMyShow • Zaed Maqbool, VP – Middle East/South Asia, Live Nation Entertainment • Georg Leitner, CEO, Georg Leitner Productions GmbH • David Zedeck, Global Head of Music, United Talent Agency 4:30 PM: SET UP AND TURN AROUND SUPPLY AND SERVICES PRESSURES – SUPPLY CHAIN FACTORS IN THE NEW NORMAL Across all industries there are challenges in managing Just in Time Inventory needs. Shortages in tools, safety products, raw materials, like steel and construction supplier, and many items required to keep your operations running on time, on target and mitigating delays and disruptions. We will review insights we are seeing in the earliest stages of the recovery across various industries, and some approaches and strategies being applied to ensure the delivery of quality entertainment, services and solutions are not impacted by the new pressures that have emerged as part of our global recovery. PANELISTS: • RC Lawler, Director, Grainger Consulting Services • Kevin Hartler, Sr Director, Grainger Consulting Services • Brian Botts, Southern California Sales Manager, Grainger • Michael Olagbegi, VP Regional Sales, Grainger 4:45 PM: KEYNOTE Q&A MODERATOR: • Gail Mitchell, Executive Director, R&B/Hip-Hop, Billboard PANELISTS: • Sebastian Maniscalco, Comedian/Actor • Judi Marmel, Partner, President of Talent, Levity Live 8:00 PM: 32ND ANNUAL POLLSTAR AWARDS – A CELEBRATION OF LIVE Sponsored by: Live Nation Entertainment
THURSDAY, JUNE 17 8:00 AM: MORNING BEVERAGES Sponsored by: Semmel Concerts, Air Partner, & Georg Leitner Productions Wilshire Gardens 9:00 AM: HELL YES, I’M STILL GOING: UNTANGLING THE MOST MASSIVE RESCHEDULING CAMPAIGN IN THE HISTORY OF EARTH The title of this panel pretty much says it all. In March of 2020, concert producers, tour organizers, artists and venues were faced with an unprecedented challenge of cancelling or postponing thousands of shows and events worldwide. Many were rescheduled, some more than once, and yet, even faced with this vast uncertainty, fans overwhelmingly opted to hold on to their ticket. Those in the trenches will discuss how they dealt with this monumental challenge, how the rescheduling process has gone, and the fan engagement dynamic in play in these completely unique times. MODERATOR: • David Kells, EVP, Entertainment and Venues, Bridgestone Arena PANELISTS: • Gerry Barad, EVP, Booking, Live Nation Global Touring • Joe Harris, Music Agent, CAA • Peter Katsis, Managing Partner, US Music, YM&U Group • Jbeau Lewis, Agent, Music Leadership, United Talent Agency • Geni Lincoln, GM & SVP/Live Events, Forum • Bruce Solar, Partner/Head of Music Worldwide, APA 10:00 AM: CHANGING LANES: HOW TO TURN SHUTDOWN FAN ENGAGEMENT INTO POST- PANDEMIC TICKET SALES Marketing specialists, PR pros, social media managers, and fan engagement experts were faced with a unique challenge last year: how to keep fans engaged with venues, artists, and events with no live experience to build around. Most rose to the occasion, parlaying social media programs, streaming events, and deep participation from the artists and influencers themselves into meaningful connections. Many managed to not only maintain existing connections, but also build equity by reaching fans at home and availing themselves of unique opportunities as they arose. Still, it’s all about the live thing, and all indicators are that fans are more than ready to return to venues and festivals to see their favorite artists perform in person. A panel of savvy music and event marketers will explore ways to tap into the excitement and carve out a place for their events and tours in what is sure to be a highly competitive marketplace ahead. MODERATOR: • Robert Davari, Founder & CEO, Tixr PANELISTS: • Chayce Cheatham, Label Partnerships, TikTok • Mary Kay Huse, CEO & Co-Founder, Mandolin • Jamal Jimoh, VP, Head of Commerce, Hitco Entertainment • Joel Madden, Co-Founder & CEO, Veeps. • Lawrence Peryer, Chief Strategy Officer, Lyte, Inc.
10:45 AM: STARTING OVER: HOW TO STAY IN THE BUSINESS YOU LOVE With massive postponements and little or no revenue coming in, many tours, producers, promoters, agencies, venues and vendors worldwide were faced with furloughing thousands of live entertainment employees. More than a few of those employees opted to embark on new careers, but many have expressed a desire to return to the industry they love. This panel will break down the employment landscape for the live entertainment industry as it’s poised to resume full blown activity, and tips on how those who found themselves at home, off the road, or out of the business might find a way back in to elevate their career. MODERATOR: • Scott Carmichael, Founder & CEO, Prodigy Search PANELISTS: • David Garretson, Special Representative, IATSE • Natasha Russ, Regional Director, HR - West, Legends • Nurit Smith, Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation • Jeremy Young, Director of Music Tours and Live Event Sales, CAPS Payroll 11:30 AM: BREAK 11:45 AM: I REALLY DID FORGET MY WALLET: THE NEXT ERA IN CASHLESS/TOUCHLESS The pandemic has teams and venues concerned (freaked out?) about exposing fans, staff and tours to disease. The issue has teams putting a greater focus on installing contactless technology for general concessions, premium dining, and other transactions, whether its tap-and-go payments with credit cards or mobile ordering. To this point, the mobile piece represents just 2% to 5% of total transactions over the past 15 years those systems have been available. Some feel those numbers could spike dramatically after sports venues reopen for business, especially with the advent of 5G. A look at the latest and greatest in this and other new tech that will protect and entertain fans of the live experience in the Great Return. MODERATOR: • Dr. K. Elizabeth Hawk, President, Ampersand Intelligence PANELISTS: • Stas Chijik, Co-Founder, CEO, BillfoldPOS • Michael Conley, SVP, Chief Information Officer, Cleveland Cavaliers • Amy Latimer, President, TD Garden, Chief Development Officer, Delaware North • Brendan Lynch, Ticketmaster • Wayne Scarsella, EVP, Sports & Entertainment, Appetize
12:30 PM: CLOSING KEYNOTE CONVERSATION: REVIVING LIVE: WHAT’S NEXT? The Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the live entertainment industry, shutting down all touring and live events worldwide for the first time in history. Now, as the industry emerges from the smoldering embers of what had been the most successful 10-year run the business had ever seen, shows are on sale, the buses and trucks are fired up, and the industry writ large is “getting the band back together.” Most—but not all—shows and events that are on sale are performing well, and the low overall refund activity sends the message that fans are eager to resume their love affair with live. Even so, critical questions remain as to what sort of industry to which we shall return. Executives and entrepreneurs making huge bets on the future of live entertainment will convene for a candid discussion from the perspectives of venues, agencies, talent buying, management and business development in an unprecedented Conversation. MODERATOR: • Francesca Leiweke-Bodie, President, Business Development, Oak View Group PANELISTS: • Amy Corbin, Promoter, C3 Presents • Tim Leiweke, CEO & Co-Founder, Oak View Group • Casey Wasserman, Chairman & CEO, Wasserman 1:15 PM: AGENTS LIVE & LUNCH Beverly Hills Ballroom
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