Adventures In Venueland

STORY EPISODE – Joyous holiday season Venuelanders! As we prepare for an exciting 2024 with some incredible guests and bonus episodes, please enjoy this special holiday treat. Here is our version of that classic, fire-side story which will hopefully warm your heart – ‘Twas the Night Before Show Day. 📖💗 We hope you’ll share this short story with coworkers and fellow live event friends, and that you have a peaceful, happy holiday season however you celebrate. See you in 2024!

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'Twas the night before show day, throughout back of house,
Not a crew member stirred, not even a mouse;
Road boxes were packed into semi trucks with care,
In hopes that by load-in they would surely be there.

The GM was nestled all snug in their bed,
While visions of show profits danced in their head;
Marketing, ticketing, security and more,
Dreamed of patrons smoothly going through doors.

This holiday show – an iconic one of a kind,
Combined Mariah, TSO, Rockettes, and Mannheim;
Promoters all wanted this last-second show,
All venues were in awe, for that you must know.

As staff arrived and prepared for the night,
A snafu was discovered, the details weren’t right;
Part time support staff never got the call,
This last-minute booking may not happen at all.

Word went out that this show needs support,
If no help arrives, they'll have to abort;
As the staff hung their heads, joined the fans and cried,
A door opened with reinforcements from far and wide.

They exclaimed, "It’s AEG! OVG! Live Nation and Legends!
There's Kroenke, MSG, NS2 – good heavens!
We need all your help, give it your touch.
Let's make this show happen, thank you so much!"

The crew all jumped in, staffing entries and parking,
People unloaded trucks, got chalk and began marking;
Ticketmaster, AXS, eTix, and more,
All teamed up to get people through the door.

With everyone in their seats and anticipation high,
The lights went down with not a dry eye;
The crowd began to roar, giving everyone a hand,
Always a favorite moment for those in Venueland.

Mannheim Steamroller was first on this bill,
They brought out the classics and had no chill;
Putting their heart into every last song,
Synthesizers, drums, and even a gong!

Next up was the Radio City Music Hall squad,
Performing numbers as the crowd ooo-ed and awed;
Their eyes – how they twinkled! Their show so razzling!
Their legs kicking sky high, the Rockettes were dazzling!

And with a blast of pyro Trans-Siberian Orchestra took the stage,
Guitars shedding, lasers beaming, a show for every age;
Holiday classics with rockstar flair,
As musicians and singers swung through the air.

Mariah closed it out, and sang loud and true,
That all she wanted for Christmas, was you-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooooo!
And just as she finished her final note,
She invited staff and crew on stage and cleared her throat.

“Normally these companies compete for nickels and dimes,
But today, this special night, they put it all aside.
They understood how important this holiday show was.
And despite who landed it, it had to happen because,

No matter who performs, what venue, or profit split,
Making memories for fans is the reason we do it.”
They joined the performers, and sang through the mic,
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Fine tune that excel spreadsheet and hit the road with as we jet set with Chris Meeds, Accounting Promoter Rep for AEG Presents. Learn what his day-to-day job looks like – from seat adjustments to dressing the house to settling shows to handling trade shots and making sure the artist experience is great. Chris talks about his travel days, which can range from 175 to 250 days out of the year, and some of his favorite parts of his job is and a peek into what it’s like to work on the road for AEG. We ask Chris “what makes a good venue from the tour side?” and discuss some tips he has for venue staff on how to keep tour dates smooth and hospitable. We talk about how he fell in love with live events, growing up 15 minutes away from Red Rocks and attending a little festival named Coachella when he was 16 years old. He talks about the importance of internships and how he learned so many sides of the industry by trying different jobs and always being engaged. From a kid falling in love with shows to golf-carting Roger Daultry around at Desert Trip - we walk through Chris’ career journey and fun stories and lessons learned along the way. Enjoy this informative and fun discussion about industry jobs, tour life, and the magic of live events.

Chris Meeds: Facebook | Instagram
AEG Presents: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Grab your camera and join us down on the court as we head to L.A. to catch up with Andrew D. Bernstein, Director of Photography for Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theatre, and L.A Live, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer. We talk with Andy about his 45 seasons of photographing the LA Kings, big Lakers moments – from the ‘Showtime Lakers’ to the Kobe and LeBron eras, being a team photographer for 12 pro sports championships, and covering 40 NBA Finals and 38 All-Star Games as the senior NBA photographer. Hear how Andy got into photography and pursued his career and craft while heeding the advice of mentors and passing that mentorship on to the next generation of photographers. We talk about the importance of talent, drive, networking, and motivation when honing your craft and continuing to reach new career milestones, and how his own obsession with his craft led to a relationship with another obsessive competitor – the “Black Mamba” himself, Kobe Bryant. Hear about the book Andy and Kobe worked on together, “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” a worldwide bestseller which now serves as an important part of Kobe’s legacy, where he walked through key life moments in his own words. We also talk about Legends of Sport, a sports content platform that Andy cofounded and serves as the host of the podcast on. Legends of Sport focuses on highlighting iconic sports moments, connecting the past to the present, and shining the spotlight back on legendary players who have since retired from their sport. Enjoy this photographer’s perspective on live events and venues, and a wonderful conversation filled with career tips and fun stories.

Andy Bernstein: Instagram | X (Twitter)
Legends of Sport: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube
Crypto.com Arena: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Slide on those cowboys boots and “get in the mood” for some Texas glam, as we spin our spurs with Hannah Baker Goodin, Director of Branding for Oak View Group's Moody Center in Austin, Texas. With a reputation of some of the best guest, artist, and tour experiences in the country, Hannah walks us through the unique structure of having a branding department and the emphasis and payoff they have seen from putting so much focus on that side. We get into the [tumble]weeds and walk through their process from when a show is booked to through the show day and how her and her team balance and prioritize events, research extensively, and put a lot of thought into creating memorable moments at each show. Learn about Moody Center’s artist experience and gifting letter, which is sent to tours to set expectations and make sure all are aware of the full rollout the venue will be offering. Learn about some of their most memorable guest experience setups – from a shipping container transformed into an album-inspired photo activation for Harry Styles's residency to a custom VW bug for people to pose with at the Jonas Brothers concert. Hannah also tells us about success they’ve had with crew gifting, and how important it is to show appreciation for them, which sometimes means more to artists than a gift. We also talk about unique artist gifts that blew artists away (like one leading to a handwritten note from The Boss) and others that fell flat but served as great learning experiences. Enjoy this fun, creativity-inspiring episode that’s packed full of great tips, career advice, and Tulsa-meets-Texas charm.

Hannah Baker Goodin: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Moody Center: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE – Grab a candle, a bundle of sage, switch on that ghost light, and join us on this special, spooky adventure through a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind venue, The Louisville Palace – which in addition to its packed concert schedule, also happens to be haunted by six different ghosts. 👻 You heard that right – SIX! Our ghastly guides for this seance are Jill Zoll, Box Office Manager, and Kaitlin McCoy, Logistics Manager and self-proclaimed venue ghost expert, who walk our hosts through the various haunted happenings in this Spanish baroque theatre. Tales of paranormal a-plenty as we hear about “The Projectionist,” the “Lady in Grey,” eerie laughs of “the children,” and numerous other phantoms who have made themselves known to staff over the years. Don’t let these angsty apparitions keep you away, though! The Louisville Palace, known to be an underplay for many artists and a can’t miss venue for lots of tours, will enchant you with its beautiful architecture and ambiance, which Jill and Kaitlin tell us about. We hope you enjoy this boo-tacular bonus episode that’s sure to add some fright to your Halloween night. We have spirits, yes we do, we have spirits how about you?

The Louisville Palace: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE (Part 3 of 3) – For our final episode of our Mental Health Series, we speak with Ari Jacobson, Clinical Director at Backline, about handling stress in the live event industry, and signs of it leading to depression in yourself or your peers. One of the most important things is to recognize and have awareness of the stress you are under – often ones not present in typical 9 to 5 jobs. It’s important to understand what your “norm” is so that you’re able to realize when you’re feeling off that norm and rhythm. Our hosts talk through some of their own recurring stressful challenges, and the group discusses the many aspects of this industry that can cause highs and lows in people’s lives. Ari offers excellent tips for balancing a stressful life, and how we should all set realistic goals. We should frame and look at failures as learning experiences and realizing you did your best but have room to grow. It’s important to carve some time out of your day for yourself, however much that can be, and relaxing with some deep breathing that can center us and give us stress relief during our hectic schedules. Managing stress inducing things like emails, or even music you listen to, on stressful days can help reduce stress. Hear about Backline’s free or discounted subscription services (like meditation, yoga, and others) and their free support groups, and how important it is to find like-minded people and friends that you can relate to, trust, and vent to when needed.

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” – Sydney J. Harris

Backline: Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | LinkedIn

Please note: The Case Management program has eligibility requirements. Click here for more information.

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE (Part 2 of 3) – Now that we’re acquainted with Backline, for our second part of our Mental Health Series we talk about work/life balance with Hallie Lincoln, Co-founder and Director of Case Management for Backline. Hallie talks about their case management program, where they provide 1 on 1 assistance for all sides of the industry where a mental health professional will get them connected with resources or providers. They have over 600 providers (therapists and coaches) in all 50 states. We discuss common challenges that face people in live events around balancing a hectic but fun work life with a social life, family, and friends outside of work. Hallie gives us insight into some trends and challenges they see with live event professionals they support, such as an increase in burnout – and how hopes for a more balanced and supportive industry post-pandemic haven’t panned out in many ways, with more events and more pressure being packed into tours. She highlights some solutions they have found to be successful, such as creating routines and goals. Our hosts talk through some of their own challenges and ones they’ve observed with peers and Hallie gives great tips for how to approach certain situations and advocate for better balance in the workplace. Hear about the advice and many resources that Backline offers people to help tackle and improve their work/life balance, such as their new Touring Notebook.

“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” – Dolly Parton

Backline: Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | LinkedIn

Please note: The Case Management program has eligibility requirements. Click here for more information.

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE (Part 1 of 3) – Coming off World Mental Health Day last week, we’re presenting our Mental Health Series in collaboration with Backline, a non-profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources. For the first part of this series, we chat with Hilary Gleason, Co-founder and Executive Director for the company, who walks us through the creation of Backline and how the organization has continued to evolve and offer more resources to meet people’s needs. Hilary gives us an overview of the three pillars of their support: case management, support groups, and mental health and wellness resources. With 14,000+ resources accessed via their website, 450+ support group sessions, and 1,300+ case management submissions, Backline is offering a wide variety of support for challenges that often uniquely affect people in this industry. We chat through some general challenges they are seeing people face and also discuss how they continue to expand to reach more people in need – such as their recently announced partnership with Master Tour, the leading touring software used by bands and touring professionals. Learn how you can support Backline’s efforts in your venues or on your tours, and how easy it is to find resources for you and your coworkers.

“Your mental health is everything — prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does.” – Mel Robbins

Backline: Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | LinkedIn

Please note: The Case Management program has eligibility requirements. Click here for more information.

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Elevate with us as we take a trip to the Mile High City, Denver, Colorado, and chat with Brian Kitts, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer for Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Learn what it’s like to have your venue on everyone else’s bucket list, and all the many unique and memorable parts of Red Rocks Amphitheatre – a national historic landmark that’s 80+ years old as a venue, 300 million years old as a location. With the Event & Venue Marketing Conference coming to Denver in June 2024, we talk about what people can expect from the city, unique locations, and the growth and changes since the last time the conference was there in 2005. Brian also walks us through his journey from attending the University of Denver (where he now teaches sports and entertainment marketing) and going to his first shows at Red Rocks to a short stint with Walt Disney Pictures and 20th Century Fox right out of grad school. Brian then returned to Denver to work for the sports teams right as Stan Kroenke purchased and forever changed sports in the city to the energetic atmosphere it is today. We also talk with him about the You Can Play Project, which he co-founded, which works to develop allies and increase acceptance and inclusion in sports. Put on that iconic U2 performance at Red Rocks in the background and listen along with us for this fun, informative episode with great tips for people entering the live event industry.

Brian Kitts: LinkedIn | Email
Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram
Denver Performing Arts Complex: Facebook | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Moose, beavers, bears, and stampedes – just another day in the life of this episode’s guest, Glen Mikkelsen, Manager of Entertainment at CN Centre in Prince George, BC, Canada. Join us for this fun episode where we learn all about Northern BC and the CN Centre, what makes them unique and special, and their various events – including the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship (originally ready to start in 2020, one day after things shut down). Hear what it’s like managing the largest venue in Canada north of Edmonton, challenges they face with booking and weather, and their hospitality-forward mindset – which is not only a staple of their residents but permeates their venue experience. Beyond his love of his city and venue, Glen is passionate about professional chuckwagon racing, which celebrated its 100 year anniversary this year, and is unique to Canada. Falling in love with the sport growing up in Calgary, Glen has authored three books on the sport, including his latest, “The Rangeland Derby - 100 Years of Chuckwagon Racing at the Calgary Stampede,” which came out this spring. We also learn how he fell in love with live events, from planning gatherings for friends to volunteering at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, where he worked ski jumping (when Eddie The Eagle competed) and bobsledding (when the Jamaican bobsled team made headlines). Grab your cowboy hat and a bottle of your finest maple syrup and enjoy this oh so Canadian episode with Glen, eh!

Glen Mikkelsen: Instagram | LinkedIn
CN Centre: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.