In what has become a staple of the touring industry’s calendar, THE Conference: Live at Lititz saw organisers make notable changes to the event, off the back of feedback from the past two editions. This included ensuring access for younger people earlier on in their career to the seminar topics presented throughout the three-day conference. With the event showing year on year growth, 2024 saw well over 1,000 people visit the Rock Lititz campus with a packed scheduled of sessions bringing over 130 speakers.
“You’ve got to leave the industry better than you found it,” asserted co-founder, Charlie Hernandez during the welcome address, highlighting the need to welcome newcomers and the wider issues affecting the industry.
“One of our goals was to delve into the ‘how’ – which is why we’ve included several learning sessions including CPT training, truck packing and financial planning,” added fellow founder, Stuart Ross, detailing some of the additional sessions available to attendees.
In a bid to bring more young people to the event, organisers encouraged sponsors to support those new to the industry by paying for their entry with the development of a scholarship fund. The number of younger individuals was notable, specifically amid the New To The Crew round table, held on the opening day of the conference. Led by founder, Marty Hom, attendees were encouraged to share their story and ambitions while posing questions to the veterans in the room.
2024 also saw the introduction of the Advisory Board of Production Managers, Jason Danter and Malcolm Weldon; Tour Managers, Angie Warner, Giovanni Vargas, Jerome Crooks and Assistant Tour Director, Andrea Espinoza. These six individuals offered strategic guidance in line with their extensive industry experience on content, event structure, and attendee experience. “What I value the most about the industry is learning from the incoming generation because everything is so different from what I needed 25 years ago,” Warner said on the main stage. The conference featured several ‘breakout’ panel discussions and round tables on a host of topics. From mental health and wellbeing through to how to best support a team.
A highlight was Right to Be’s Ali Brokaw and SafeTour’s Kelly Clague seminar on Respect and Inclusion Training, as well as a powerful session led by Joanne Croxford of Roadies in Recovery which delved into the issues of addiction. Other highlights included Designing for an Advancing Industry led by TAIT’s Adam Davis and The ‘Why’ Behind Tour Budgets led by Founder Stuart Ross. Throughout the day, attendees were invited to visit the nearby facilities of companies on the campus, including Clair Global, TAIT and ATOMIC. Wednesday night saw the return of multiple speakeasies. Hosted by several of the events partners – 4Wall Entertainment, Beat The Street, Clair Global, CSG, Daysheets, d&b audiotechnik, DiGiCo, Dreamliner, and Music Matter Productions.
“The programming felt strong, but as always, the people in the room are the most important element,” said Emily Cassidy, Director of Conferences and Partnerships at Rock Lititz at the conclusion of this year’s event. “There was an eagerness to engage with content this year that was often met with trepidation in year one. There were so many sessions where people were sharing personal stories and being vulnerable in a way that inspires true change. I think it shows strength to be open and accessible to others, and we saw that across the board. There so many new faces and perspectives in the room that challenged and shifted the dynamic and I can’t wait to expand on that.”
THE Conference: Live at Lititz 2025 will take place this year from the 9 to 11 December. You can visit the website for more details.
Words: Stew Hume
Photos: Paige Durborow and TPi
www.theconferenceliveatlititz.com
