Touring professionals and industry leaders gathered at Soundcheck at Rock Nashville for an evening of career development, wellness and meaningful conversations centered around this year’s theme, EVOLVE
HARDY surprises attendees during the 15th annual ECCHO Live Workshop.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Cousino | Download Here
(NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nov. 12, 2026) ECCHO Live celebrated a milestone 15th annual Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Soundcheck at Rock Nashville, bringing together professionals from across the live events industry for an evening of education, professional development and community. Presented under this year’s theme, EVOLVE, the free event continued the organization’s longstanding mission of supporting the people behind the show, both professionally and personally.
The gathering welcomed touring veterans, production professionals, industry leaders and specialists in business, finance and wellness for 14 breakout sessions spanning three rounds. Discussions addressed the evolving demands of the live events industry, offering practical guidance on navigating career challenges, strengthening professional relationships, prioritizing personal well-being and building sustainable futures.
A highlight of the evening included a surprise appearance by country hitmaker HARDY, who offered an artist’s perspective on live entertainment and expressed his appreciation for the hardworking crew members who make live shows possible.
Another memorable moment was the keynote conversation with veteran tour manager and audio engineer Chuck Hull, whose career in live music spans more than five decades. Beginning with Clair Brothers in the early 1970s, Hull’s impressive career included working with legendary artists such as Elvis Presley, as well as spending 20 years as Keith Urban’s tour manager before retiring from touring in 2024. Drawing on his extensive experience, Hull shared perspectives on the changing touring landscape and the lessons learned throughout a career spent behind the scenes.
Chuck Hull addresses attendees during the 15th annual ECCHO Live Workshop.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Cousino | Download Here
The event also included a special recognition of ECCHO Live co-founder and Executive Director Chris Lisle, who was presented with an official proclamation from the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County by Dr. Sarah Childress, Executive Director of the Office of Entertainment, on behalf of Mayor Freddie O’Connell. The proclamation honored Lisle’s 35-year career in live entertainment and his more than 15 years of dedicated service to ECCHO Live, which he helped establish in 2011 as Touring Career Workshop. The recognition also marked a significant milestone as Lisle prepares to step down as Executive Director, having helped guide the organization from its volunteer-led beginnings into a year-round nonprofit that provides career development, wellness, and mental health resources to live events professionals.
Dr. Sarah Childress, Executive Director of the Office of Entertainment, presents Chris Lisle, Founder of ECCHO Live, with an official proclamation recognizing his contributions to Nashville’s live entertainment industry.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Cousino | Download Here
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed conversations covering some of the most pressing topics facing today’s touring professionals. Sessions including “Leading Through Crisis” and “Prepare Before You Need To” featured leaders from C3 Presents sharing firsthand insights into navigating unexpected challenges and guiding teams through high-pressure situations. “Building Your Dream Team” brought together members of Jason Aldean’s production team to discuss collaboration, communication, and the importance of strong working relationships on the road.
Other sessions explored the business side of building a lasting career in live events. “The Freelancers Playbook,” “Making a Career Out of This,” “Starting Your Business,” and “The Long Game” provided guidance on managing inconsistent income, building business foundations, navigating taxes, and planning for long-term financial stability.
As technology continues to reshape the industry, “AI For Touring” examined opportunities to streamline touring workflows while maintaining the human relationships and judgment essential to successful productions. Additional conversations, including “Level Up,” “Fresh Outta Comps” and “The Tour That Changed My Life,” focused on career advancement, networking and the experiences that shape professional growth.
Pictured (L–R): Studio Bank Senior Vice President/Entertainment Relationship Manager Kari Barnhart, Withum CPA Hope Patterson, FBMM Associate Business Manager Shelley Grayson and moderator Rachael Bronstein during the “Making a Career Out of This” panel at the 15th annual ECCHO Live Workshop. The discussion explored managing inconsistent income, setting rates, navigating taxes and building sustainable careers in the live events industry.
Photo Credit: Christy Walker-Watkins | Download Here
Reflecting ECCHO Live’s commitment to supporting the whole person, wellness remained a central component of the evening. “Load In to Load Out” explored the importance of personal investment, meaningful relationships and maintaining balance in a demanding industry, while “Sleep Like You Mean It” offered practical strategies for rest and recovery amid the unpredictable schedules of life on the road.
Live events professionals connect during the 15th annual ECCHO Live Workshop at Soundcheck at Rock Nashville.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Cousino | Download Here
Founded in Nashville in 2011 as the Touring Career Workshop, ECCHO Live has evolved from a single-day educational event into a year-round nonprofit organization providing accessible, confidential resources for professionals across the live events industry. Its ongoing initiatives include All Access Mental Health, All Access Onsite and All Access Financial Wellness, reinforcing its commitment to helping individuals navigate the challenges of both their careers and personal lives.
This year’s workshop served as both a celebration of the organization’s history and a reflection of its continued evolution, bringing together the people who make live events possible while encouraging conversations, connections and resources that extend far beyond a single evening.
For more information about ECCHO Live, its year-round programs and upcoming initiatives, visit eccholive.com.
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.