Beyoncé, Oasis, Billie Eilish & Kendrick Lamar lead nominees for the 37th Annual Pollstar Awards!
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National Tour Deals vs. Market-By-Market: What It Means for Production Teams - Sponsored by FM Systems
Speakers: Ned Collett (SGPS/ShowRig); Nelly Neben (Axis Management); Raphiki Rhodes (HansTolo Enterprises); Erik Selz (Arrival Artists); Elmer Straub (313 Presents)
Description: With the majority of national arena/stadium tours working on national promoter deals, a wealth of artists are still working with artists on a market-by-market basis across all venue levels. What does this mean for touring production professionals seeking to establish consistency and elite production values for their shows every night?
Transportation: Service vs. Price in an Uber-Competitive Market - Sponsored by JustPark
Speakers: Brian Edwards (ShowRig); Julie Black (Premier Aviation); David Kiely (Road Show Services); Mark Larson (Beat the Street); Doug Oliver (Pioneer Coach); Rich Thomson (Dreamliner)
Description: Tours looking to pull together enough trucks and buses for long hauls or short runs are faced with a lack of available rolling stock and a competitive market. Transportation companies are on the phone with tour and production managers as tour representatives try to sort through an evolving marketplace in making decisions about moving the show.
Best Laid Plans: Reconciling Touring Ambition with Reality - Sponsored by PRG
Speakers: Misty Roberts (Self-Employed); Randy Hutson (PRG); Lenore Kinder (Wasserman); Meesha Kosciolek (Messina Touring Group); Pete Lopez (SGPS ShowRig)
Description: Artists are creative, ambitious people, and if they want to come out on a giant cocoon and drop from the ceiling, it falls on production geniuses to create the automation and touring personnel to set it up and tear it down every night. Similarly, onstage gags have become more expensive than ever, so business managers set a budget and agents route a tour that pays the bills. Somebody has to make all those plans happen. Sometimes there is a disconnect.
Keynote Q&A: Truckstops, Parking Lots & Where TF Is Catering?: 30 Warped Years with Kevin Lyman
Speakers: Kevin Lyman (Kevin Lyman Group); Ray Waddell (Oak View Group)
Description: From his early days as a touring production professional on Lollapalooza, to founding and melting faces on the annual Vans Warped tour for over 20 years, to his resurrection of the Warped brand in 2025, Kevin Lyman has been many things to many people. Known as a rebel WITH a cause, Lyman has laid his blood, sweat and tears on the line in gravel parking lots, tour buses, and greasy truckstops from coast to coast, and has forgotten more about logistics, moving Patton’s army, and guiding young professionals through the glory and heartbreak of life on the road than many pros ever know. Promoter, Producer, mentor, educator, counselor, friend, Kevin Lyman is one of the true iconoclasts of live entertainment.
DAY-OF-SHOW: Who Has Their SH*T Together (AND Who Doesn't)? - Sponsored by Procell
Speakers: Paul Bradley (Master Tour); Ryan Plagman (Messina Touring); Luis Soto (Independent)
Description: When the tour rolls up to the venue, the production team can often figure out in the first five minutes what kind of day it’s going to be. Venues and touring professionals discuss best practices to make the day go smoothly, red flags that it might not, and what to do to keep things on track.
Staying Mentally, Physically and Financially Healthy on the Road - Sponsored by Rockforce
Speakers: Wade Johnson Jr. (Music Cares); Rachael Bronstein (Life's Jam); Jason Cabello (Recovery Unplugged); Hilary Gleason (Backline); Andy Warg (Armory); Mike Sutherland (Live Nation / The Wiltern); Andrea Sweeney (RockForce); Angie Warner (Tour Manager)
Description: Just like all segments of society, touring live entertainment professionals can face personal challenges in their lives. But the intense stress, high-risk environments, lack of a home structure, and a longstanding culture can create an environment rife with triggers and potential pitfalls, not only for those seeking sobriety, but also potential risks the physical and financial health of all. Professionals specializing in providing resources available to touring industry professionals will discuss the potential speed bumps out there and actionable steps those on the road can take to take care of their most valuable asset — themselves.
Tour Manager Roundtable: Ask Us Anything!
Speakers: Ray Waddell (Oak View Group); Marty Hom (Marty Hom Inc.); Misty Roberts (Tour Manager); Luis Soto (Independent); Tone Lopez (HansTolo Enterprises); Angie Warner (Tour Manager)
Description: Veteran tour managers will take on the hottest topics of live production in an anything goes panel. Among the issues on the table: staffing, the prevalence of automation, professionalism (or lack thereof), venue and festival relations, safety/security, and what it’s like out there!
Keynote Discussion: The Story Behind FireAid LA
Speakers: Sharon Waxman (TheWrap); Irving Azoff (The Azoff Company); Shelli Azoff (The Azoff Restaurant Group); Jeffrey Azoff (Fullstop Management); Joel Gallen (Tenth Planet Productions); Dan Griffis (Oak View Group); Geni Lincoln (Live Nation); Allison Statter (Blended Strategy Group); Gillian Zucker (LA Clippers & Intuit Dome / Halo Sports & Entertainment)
Description: In the tradition of Live Aid and Live 8, FireAid was held at L.A.’s Kia Forum and Intuit Dome less than three weeks after a series of historic wildfires brought destruction and despair to the area. Featuring such artists as Billie Eilish, Green Day, Joni Mitchell, John Fogerty, Gracie Abrams, No Doubt, Jelly Roll and Stevie Nicks, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Peso Pluma and Red Hot Chili Peppers, among many others, the event raised more than $100M. In a Pollstar Live! exclusive, FireAid LA organizers, including Shelli, Irving, and the Azoff family, Geni Lincoln, Live Nation, Gillian Zucker, LA Clippers and more will gather to discuss the remarkable series of events that led to staging the two historic concerts, and the astonishing generosity and kindness that made FireAid LA possible.
Rock is Back! - Sponsored by Sixthman
Speakers: Allison Hagendorf (A-Game Productions); Keith Cunningham (KLOS-FM/Los Angeles/Meruelo Media); Mark DiDia (RedLight Management); Ken Fermaglich (United Talent Agency); Ryan Harlacher (Creative Artists Agency); Amanda Phelan (no company listed)
Description: From across verticals and on the road, for developing acts to the veteran acts from the ‘90s and beyond, it’s plain to see that rock ’n roll is having (another) moment. Seasoned professionals in the rock world will discuss what it takes to not only break through from the pack, but also to sustain across varying trends seeking fans’ attention. Today’s rock is more diverse, streaming is hot and ticket sales are strong – how do we tap into this momentum?
South Asian Markets & Western Artists: Long Term Prognosis
Speakers: Joe Giordano (Oak View Group); Cameron Kaiser (Creative Artists Agency); Naman Pugalia (BookMyShow); Mohammad Shah (Wasserman Music); Nidhish Varugese (Live Nation)
Description: Led by India and Pakistan, South Asia has become one of the most intriguing opportunities in the global touring marketplace today, with U.S.-based promoters and talent agencies to increasingly route tours into the territory. Rapid infrastructure growth and an expanding venue profile on the ground in South Asia have spurred touring professionals representing Western artists like Ed Sheeran and Coldplay to take a hard look at the risk/reward dynamic for exploring these markets, while promoters and presenters of regional and local music events embrace emerging trends, their approach to programming, and how to tap into social media with global reach. Promoters and agents familiar with these markets will discuss what are real viable opportunities, and which trends to be aware of regarding this rapidly changing global music phenomenon.
Rainmakers I - Reimagining Ticketing: Balancing Fan Access, Artist Empowerment, and Marketplace Fairness
Speakers: Jeremy Thompson (Live Nation Entertainment); Isaac Bryan (California Assembly District 55); Ron Gubitz (Music Artists Coalition); David Touhey (International Association of Venue Managers / Connett Consulting)
Description: As the ticketing landscape continues to evolve, new reforms are on the horizon to make the experience better for fans, artists, and other content owners. This panel will explore the future of ticketing through the lens of legislative change, featuring California Assemblyman Isaac Bryan (CA-55th District), the driving force behind AB1349 – the most ambitious pro-artist ticketing bill in the nation. AB1349 tackles issues like speculative ticketing and ticket harvesting, setting a new standard for protecting fans and artists from broker manipulation. Join industry leaders and policymakers for an in-depth discussion on how to balance fan access, artist empowerment and the evolving demands of the ticketing ecosystem.
Booking/Artist Development: Where are Tomorrow's Headliners Coming From? Sponsored by Live Nation
Speakers: Mollie Lehman (Chorus); Annie Flook (Propeller); Meredith Peters (Laylo); Kara Smoak (Messina Touring Group); Aaron Summer (Mick Management)
Description: Throughout its history, the live entertainment industry has demonstrated a consistent ability to produce generation after generation of headliners, as concerns of replacing the legacy acts that have been the foundation of the business for more than 40 years inevitably begin to call it a career. As the new bands of yesterday become the legacy acts of today, the conversation around the future has shifted from "how will the talent ranks be replenished" to "where are these artists coming from?" The answer is everywhere. Key players in artist development and the careful building of artist careers will weigh in on the wealth of new artists on the horizon and how to help them grow and connect with their fans.
From Announce to Closeout: Maximizing First-Party Data Throughout the Touring Life Cycle - Sponsored by VENU
Speakers: Jonathan Azu (Culture Collective); Robbie Brown (United Talent Agency); Kiely Mosiman (Wasserman Music); Milly Olykan (Live Nation); Jacqueline Reynolds-Drumm (Creative Artists Agency); Del Williams (Danny Wimmer Presents)
Description: This panel will delve into the pivotal role of first-party fan data in modern touring strategies. Discover why cultivating and leveraging direct fan relationships is crucial for sustained audience growth. Our panelists will share proven strategies and highlight cutting-edge tools like Seated for presale strategies, and Propeller for tour marketing and data capture in-venue. Gain actionable insights on maximizing tour impact in 2025 and beyond.
Rainmakers II: Kevin Cronin Q&A with Rob Light—Still Rolling! - Sponsored by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Speakers: Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon & The Kevin Cronin Band); Rob Light (Creative Artists Agency)
Description: Iconic rock vocalist Kevin Cronin, the voice of REO Speedwagon, will sit with legendary CAA agent Rob Light to discuss his 50-year touring career. With Cronin at the mic, REO's continuous touring and prolific recording powered platinum albums, selling 22 million albums in the U.S. and 40 million worldwide and numerous Cronin-penned singles including the No. 1 hits "Keep on Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling." Live highlights include performances at Live Aid, back-to-back sold-out shows at the Houston Astrodome, New Orleans Superdome, Tokyo’s Budokan Arena, and five sold-out nights at Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheater. Cronin is currently finalizing his memoir, “Roll With The Changes... my life within and without REO Speedwagon," and touring in his current outfit the Kevin Cronin Band.
Power Players: Are We in a Market Correction?
Speakers: Jeffrey Azoff (Fullstop Management); Lee Anderson (Wasserman); Mac Clark (Creative Artists Agency); Rich Schaefer (AEG Presents); Lesley Olenik (Live Nation)
Description: The live entertainment business enjoyed more than two decades of record-setting business on a global scale, interrupted only by two years of pandemic-related shutdown that served to increase demand and add fuel to the box office fire. Finally, and somewhat predictably, the live business experienced its first hints of a plateau in 2024, with global box-office receipts relatively flat despite some of the highest-grossing tours of all time working. Industry leaders will discuss the prospects of a return to the upward trend of contemporary touring, and how a contraction can be avoided.
Casino Entertainment: Transitioning to the Next Era - Sponsored by Enmarket Arena
Speakers: Jarred Arfa (Independent Artist Group); Ken Ashley (Creative Artists Agency); Eddie Clemens (United Talent Agency); Sean Saadeh (Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment); Brett Schaffer (WME); Sarah Zawalski (313 Presents)
Description: With many of the legacy artists that have traditionally been the backbone of casino entertainment now well into their 70s, casino bookers are faced with a drastically different talent pool over the next 10 years. Among the questions to be answered: Have talent agencies changed their thinking about booking casinos? What’s in the comedy pipeline to play gaming resorts? How will sellers approach pricing for gaming buyers given these evolving artist rosters? What data do casino buyers use to evaluate talent? What is the impact on the emergence of new “super casinos” in non-traditional markets?
How Venues Can Partner in Booking, Marketing and Taking Risk - Sponsored by Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Speakers: Billy Brill (DWP Talent Services, LLC); Deana Baker (Choctaw Casino Resort – Durant / Choctaw Grand Theater); Dan Boyle (WME); Paul Davis (MGM Resorts Int’l); Kell Houston (Houston Productions); Joe Moallempour (Danny Wimmer Presents / DWP Talent Services, LLC)
Description: The days of venues waiting for the phone to ring and handing over the keys when the show gets to town are long ago in the industry rear view. Today venues from club to stadium level are involved in every facet of the live entertainment event, including finding a place in the routing, shaping the manifest, input in pricing strategy and sales, premium, contracts, multi-faceted marketing, and, when necessary, taking risk and partnering. Skilled pros on both sides of the deal will discuss today’s show/venue dynamic.
Rainmakers III: Mike Shinoda Q&A with Zach Sang
Speakers: Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park); Zach Sang (Zach Sang Show)
Description: Mike Shinoda, co-founder of Linkin Park, joins Pollstar Live!’s Rainmakers, moderated by media personality and interviewer Zach Sang. Known for his innovative approach to music and technology, Shinoda will join a candid, one-on-one conversation to discuss how he and his bandmates engineered their stunning relaunch last year, which landed #1 songs and a #1 album globally, as well as sold-out stadiums and arenas around the world last fall and this year.
Town Halls:
In-Venue Tech: Analysis of Trends in Tech
Speakers: Larry Nicols (Oak View Group); Steve Carlin (AiFi Inc); Kacy Fletcher (Xerox); Jake Henricksen (d&b Audiotechnik Corporation, Americas); Jaclyn Lash (San Diego Padres); T.J. Sagen (Cast & Crew Live Entertainment)
Description: The advent of AI solutions tailored to the public assembly sector, along with continuing data analysis and other tech advances, are significantly impacting the operation of facilities, fan engagement, and the overall success of events. Leaders in the tech space will break down and simplify new tech for both new and existing facilities with intel venue operators can take home and put to use now.
State of Mid-Level & Boutique Festivals
Speakers: Eric Gilbert (Duck Club Entertainment); Bryan Benson (C3 Presents); Josh Kurfirst (WME); Chamie McCurry (Danny Wimmer Presents); Chris Porter (Hardly Strictly Bluegrass); Bruce Solar (Paladin Artists)
Description: Prior to the 2020 pandemic shutdown, mid-level, boutique, and artist-curated festivals in markets of all sizes were enjoying a renaissance. Since then, particularly following the boom of the return in ’22, these festivals have joined their mega fest counterparts in being subject to the whims of consumer tastes, competitive events, and a dependence on large typeface artists. While many festivals have cracked the code on tapping into consumer tastes of music and lifestyle, cancellation headlines reared their ugly heads last season and smaller festivals are facing challenges beyond just the weather. Veterans of the space will take on the current state and future of a space that remains crucial to the overall health of the live music economy.
Don’t Retire…Rewire. Pivoting from One Successful Career to Another
Speakers: Joey Scoleri (Live Nation); Joel Baskin (The Feldman Agency); Nick DeLuco (Oak View Group / Hamilton Arena); Darren Gilmore (Watchdog Management); Erik Hoffman (Live Nation)
Description: When you become successful in your career, it can be easy to become complacent. Learn from effective music executives who tackled a new career path after finding great success and notability in another. When the learning curve flattens, try a new angle. Embrace the challenge of using your expertise in a new way.
O, Canada!
Speakers: Chuck Morris (AEG Presents / Colorado State University Music Business); Nick Forster (eTown); Holly Gleason (Independent); Bill Mell (Jam For Good)
Description: A growing number of international artists are discovering what Canadian artists have known for years: Canada is more than Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. This country of more than 40 million people can offer as many as 30 cities with small arenas, theatres, clubs, casinos, PAC’s and more. Hamilton Arena is the latest example of how this market is exploding, along with others you may have never heard of producing big grosses and thousands of fans. Agents, managers, promoters, and buildings will weigh in on how Canada can be an extensive part of a North American tour or a country on its own.
State of Independents
Speakers: Gideon Gottfried (Pollstar); Phil Bowdery (Live Nation); Gary Hutchinson (Oak View Group); Jim King (AEG Europe); Rauha Kyyrö (FKP Scorpio); Toby Leighton-Pope (TEG Europe)
Description: While two major promoters and a half-dozen alphabet agencies have their hands on an estimated 70% of the overall global concert business, rumors of the demise of independent promoters and agencies 20 years ago turn out to be greatly exaggerated. That doesn't mean independent agents and promoters, and the venues with whom they share a symbiotic relationship, don't still face challenges; but they counter market forces through competing intelligently, managing risk, and focusing on over-delivering for artists, partners, and fans. This panel will take a look at the current state of affairs for independents, the challenges they face, and the opportunities on the horizon.
UK/Euro Market Analysis: Inspiring Stories From Across The Atlantic - Sponsored by Co-op Live
Speakers: Adam Bauer (Madison House); Wayne Forte (Entourage Talent Associates, Ltd.); Randy Nichols (Fly South Music / Force Media Management); Stephen Parker (National Independent Venue Association); Steve Schenck (TKO); Megan Stoll (Duck Club Entertainment)
Description: Europe is huge. In terms of land mass, it's slightly larger than the U.S. 44 countries contribute to the continent's incredible diversity of culture, geography and economy. It's not easy to pick highlights from such a vast live entertainment market, but we've succeeded: a panel of Europe's best and brightest will share their individual success stories from the past year, and discuss how they may influence the wider live entertainment industry going forward.
Keynote Discussion: Jelly Roll: Beautifully Broken
Speakers: Jelly Roll (Musical Artist); Michael Rapino (Live Nation)
Description: Multiple award-winning artist Jelly Roll, a finalist for Country Tour of the Year at the 2025 Pollstar Awards, will discuss his rapid ascension into arena-level headlining status, the state of "country music" touring today, and what's coming next in touring and recording. The genre-bending powerhouse and breakout star of country and hip-hop, whose prolific creativity and talent is rivaled only by his enduring focus on making the world a better place, will be joined by moderator Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation, the world's leading live entertainment company.
Rainmakers IV: Pollstar Live! Pop-Up: The Return of Promoter 101 featuring Paladin Artists
Speakers: Luke Pierce (Works Entertainment); Dan Steinberg (Emporium Presents); Chyna Chuan (Paladin Artists, Inc.); Steve Martin (Paladin Artists, Inc.); Andy Somers (Paladin Artists, Inc.)
Description: The immensely popular podcast Promoter 101 will return after a long absence with an exclusive Pollstar Live! pop-up featuring principles from upstart indie agency Paladin Artists.
