Touring veterans and industry experts to share practical insights at free event Nov. 10 at Soundcheck at Rock Nashville
(NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Oct. 22, 2026) — ECCHO Live has announced speakers and panel details for its free 15th annual ECCHO Live Workshop, bringing together touring veterans, production leaders and specialists in finance, business and wellness on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Soundcheck at Rock Nashville. Built around this year’s theme, EVOLVE, the workshop will feature 14 breakout sessions across three rounds, 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. Conversations will explore 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.
As previously announced, keynote speaker Chuck Hull will lead a conversation informed by 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. Panels and speakers include:
“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.
“Level Up” — Moderated by Hull, this discussion explores when additional education and new skills can help touring professionals advance their careers.
“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.
“Health Insurance Options” — Pancoast Benefits’ David Stamps and Jacob Land offer guidance on navigating health insurance options, continuing one of the workshop’s founding areas of focus.
“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.
“Prepare Before You Need To” — “Tuba,” Perry and Sossamon return for an interactive follow-up to “Leading Through Crisis,” giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions and learn from their frontline experience.
“The Long Game” — Premier Global Production CFO Joe Birdsong, tour manager Mike McGrath and TRACK mgmt’s Drew Magid join moderator Jenny Phillips of Encore Capital Wealth to explore financial flexibility, long-term planning and creating more choices for life beyond the next gig.
“AI For Touring” — MakeWake Artists manager and Advance With Me co-founder Michael Gonzales and Clear All Visuals founder Matt Geasey join moderator Sharon Lee to explore how AI can help organize information and streamline touring workflows while preserving the human judgment and relationships the work requires.
“Starting Your Business” — CPA Joy Black, founder of In The Black Accounting Services, walks attendees through the essentials of establishing a business at the local, state and federal levels and building a strong operational foundation.
“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.
“Fresh Outta Comps” — Messina Touring Group promoter representative Meesha Kosciolek, Erik Leighty and Ryan Smith join moderator David Schultz to discuss building meaningful connections before making requests, asking for favors thoughtfully and staying visible for future opportunities.
“Making a Career Out of This” — Withum CPA Hope Patterson, Studio Bank senior vice president/entertainment relationship manager Kari Barnhart and FBMM associate business manager Shelley Grayson join moderator Rachael Bronstein to address rates, inconsistent income, taxes, business structure and when to seek professional guidance.
“Sleep Like You Mean It” — Touring professional and yoga instructor Nate Woodall, production coordinator Katie Storey and Neuro Tour physical therapist Leah Lewis join moderator and board-certified health coach Marni Wandner to share rest and recovery strategies for demanding schedules and changing environments.
Registration is free and required, with space available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, click here.
EVENT DETAILS:
What: 15th annual ECCHO Live Workshop — EVOLVE
When: Tuesday, Nov. 10
Doors: 4:00 p.m.
Event: 5:00 p.m.
After Party: 10:00 p.m.
Where: Soundcheck at Rock Nashville (3200 Whites Creek Pike, Nashville, TN 37207)
Cost: Free; registration required
Registration Link: https://www.eccholive.com/event-details/2026-eccho-live-workshop-evolve-xv
About ECCHO Live: ECCHO Live is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting live event professionals with human-centered resources that extend beyond the job. Founded in Nashville in 2011 as Touring Career Workshop, ECCHO began as a single-day event focused on answering HR-related questions for those working in live touring. In 2025, the organization rebranded to reflect its growth into a year-round provider of support designed for the whole human.Today, ECCHO Live offers programs including All Access Mental Health, All Access Onsite and All Access Financial Wellness, alongside in-person events that foster education, connection and community across the live events industry. Through accessible, confidential services and community-driven programming, ECCHO Live helps the people behind the show navigate both their careers and their lives. Learn more at eccholive.com.