Corralling the Chaos

Every leader in this industry is being asked to change something right now. Most of us hold steady, because holding steady feels safe. Almost nobody asks what it costs.

Angela Alea sits down with Steve Tanruther, Vice President of Rock The House Entertainment Group, and Jason Spencer, Vice President of Event Operations and Strategy at Webb Production — two leaders rewriting their entire operational playbooks, both mid-change and neither one finished.

They get into the mirror question they each had to ask before blaming the team, why the real pushback shows up weeks after everyone agreed, the difference between resistance that's worth listening to and resistance that just needs a firm answer, and how to tell when listening has quietly become a substitute for doing.

Also in this episode: what they'd each do differently, what they refuse to change no matter what, and why "we'll wait and see" is the most expensive call on the table.

Seventeen years into running a successful audio company, Ryan Amen stopped and asked himself a question most event leaders never make time for: why am I actually doing this?

In this episode of Corralling the Chaos, Ryan — General Manager of Design Sound in Southern California — talks with Angela Alea about the year he spent looking inward instead of outward. He gets into the junkyard afternoon that started his career in sound, the book that gave him a roadmap, the realization that his company was still stuck in the first stage of business, and the anonymous team survey that came back a lot less rosy than he expected.

If you're heads-down on the next load-in and the next deadline, this one's a good reason to stop for 30 minutes.

Ever wonder what it takes to create the magic of a live NFL game? In this episode of "Corraling the Chaos," Angela Alea sits down with Laura Johnson, the senior director of game presentation and live events for the San Francisco 49ers, to unveil the secrets behind the stunning experiences that captivate 70,000 fans at Levi's Stadium. If you’ve ever been awed by the precision of a game day performance, this episode is a must-listen.

Laura shares an insider's perspective on her 19-year journey in live events, overseeing a colossal 275-person team that transforms a football game into a seamless live spectacle. She breaks down the meticulous planning and real-time decision-making that goes into producing each game, ensuring that the experience feels effortless for the fans. You’ll learn about her responsibilities from the moment gates open to the final whistle, including how she manages everything from video boards to fireworks, all while adapting to the unpredictable nature of live sports.

You’ll discover:
- The surprising challenges of coordinating a live event with multiple stakeholders, including security and broadcasters.
- How Laura’s obsession with timing and detail ensures that every element hits its mark, creating a flawless experience for fans and viewers alike.
- The evolution of game presentation over the last two decades and how new technologies are reshaping fan engagement.
- Insights on the importance of online scripting versus traditional paper rundowns, and why Laura advocates for modern approaches in live event production.

In a world where live experiences are becoming increasingly essential, understanding the intricate behind-the-scenes work can deepen your appreciation for what happens at these monumental events. This episode is essential listening for sports fans, aspiring event producers, and anyone curious about the art and science of game day magic.

Join Angela and Laura for a captivating conversation that reveals the unseen efforts that create unforgettable moments, and find out why the stakes are higher than ever in the world of live sports production.

Why has the live events production industry been so chronically underserved by technology? The answer starts somewhere most people have never thought to look: a government database.

In this episode, guest host Dani Porter-Condon, VP of Marketing at LASSO, breaks down the foundational reasons production companies keep ending up with software that wasn't built for them — and what it actually takes to close that gap.

You'll learn:

• Why live events production doesn't have its own industry classification, and why that matters more than you'd think
• The critical difference between an event organizer and an event operator — and why confusing the two has cost this industry decades of operational clarity
• How production companies can identify whether they have a headcount problem or a systems problem (hint: it's almost always the systems)
• What operational maturity actually looks like on the other side of the chaos

If you're running an AV house, production company, or crew staffing firm and you've ever felt like every tool you try was built for someone else — this one's for you.

👉 See what a purpose-built event operating system looks like: lasso.io/demo

In this special year-end minisode, Corralling the Chaos host Angela Alea reflects on the journey of 2024, shining a spotlight on the dedication, creativity, and resilience of event professionals. With heartfelt gratitude, Angela explores the impact these individuals make, the teams and families who support them, and the importance of self-care as the industry transitions into 2025.

This episode of Corralling the Chaos explores the transformative power of professional networks and community building in the event industry. Host Angela Alea and guest John Barron, LASSO’s Community Manager, dive into the importance of creating a “professional village” for career growth, the evolution of LASSO’s community platform The Loop, and its role in fostering connections among event professionals.

In this episode of Corralling the Chaos, Angela presents a comprehensive checklist for businesses navigating the complex process of choosing new software solutions. Designed for event professionals and tech decision-makers, the episode dives into the crucial factors that make or break a successful software choice. Angela covers essential topics, from evaluating product depth, understanding the provider’s industry experience, assessing security standards, mobile accessibility, and onboarding timelines, to ensuring ongoing product development and customer support. By the end of this episode, listeners will have a clearer roadmap for selecting the right software partner to empower their teams and streamline operations.

In this episode of Corralling the Chaos, Angela Alea, President & CRO of LASSO, sits down with Josh Klebanoff, Co-Founder and COO of Yoke Logistics, to explore the vital role logistics plays in event planning. From understanding the unique needs of the events and entertainment industry to leveraging technology for seamless operations, Josh shares insights on why an industry-specific logistics provider can make all the difference. They discuss the importance of clear communication, preparing ahead, and how the right tech tools can mitigate common challenges in logistics, ultimately ensuring the success of every event. Discover essential tips and strategies for optimizing logistics in this engaging discussion.

In this episode of Corralling the Chaos, Angela Alea, President & CRO of LASSO, sits down with Anca Trifan, CEO and Founder of Tree-Fan Events, to discuss the unique challenges women face in the events industry and explore practical solutions. Anca shares her inspiring journey from hands-on technical roles to founding her own company, emphasizing the importance of advocating for oneself and embracing leadership opportunities. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of events, the need for work-life integration, and strategies for attracting younger generations into the industry. Tune in to discover actionable insights on personal growth, mentorship, and creating inclusive work environments.

In this episode of "Corralling the Chaos," Angela Alea and Jason Packham, an entertainment insurance expert from NFP, discuss the critical importance of understanding and managing insurance coverage in the event industry. From common misconceptions to the nuances of adequate coverage, the conversation highlights key insights to help event companies avoid costly mistakes and ensure they are properly protected.