Road Ready: Preparing For Your First Tour is a free, two-day educational program designed to prepare early-stage & transitioning professionals for a successful career in live event touring. Presented by ESA, Show Makers, and Touring Career Workshop these sessions deliver practical insights on how to land and thrive in your first road job; starting from the initial interest through the final night of the tour.
Guided by a diverse collection of experienced touring professionals, attendees will get a unique view of what life on the road is truly like, how to prepare for it, and how to excel while on the job. Participants will also learn practical skills to keep themselves and others safe, healthy, and financially secure for life on and off the road.
CONFERENCE SESSIONS (All times CDT)
Thursday, July 15
So You Want To Be A Roadie? [10:00 AM - 10:45 AM] Our first session is an intro into the expectations vs. reality of touring, the ups & downs of the lifestyle, and an overview of roles + responsibilities on a typical road crew.
Getting the Gig [11:00 AM - 11:45 AM] Learn where to find job opportunities, how to make the transition into life on the road, & how to understand the skills required. This explores both psychological & physical preparation for your first gig.
Money Talks [12:30 PM - 1:15 PM] Discover the financial life of a touring professional, including practice in rate negotiation, saving, investment, insurance needs, and how these skills secure a strong financial future for anyone on the road.
Lobby Call [1:30 PM - 2:15 PM] It’s time to prepare to head out on tour. Learn how to get your personal, mental, practical, & financial house in order as well as discover new tips, tricks, and indispensable kit for on the road.
Friday, July 16
Rolling Out [10:00 AM - 10:45 AM] Dive into the strengths of being a team player & how to manage different personalities in your crew. This is a practical session on navigating cultural differences as well as the do’s and don’t’s of working as part of a tour.
Stayin’ Alive. [11:00 AM - 11:45 AM] Discover your role in safety culture at events as well as your legal duty of care. This session covers core event safety hazards & controls, recommended training, and prepares you for situational awareness & assessing personal risk at any gig.
Check Your Head [12:30 PM - 1:15 PM] Get industry advice for how to mentally prepare to go out on the road while maintaining balance in unfamiliar situations. This will explore the warning signs of stress and addiction, as well as how to successfully transition back to home life after the tour.
Until Next Time [1:30 PM - 2:15 PM] Our final session focuses on how to mentally cope with being off the road after a tour as well as addressing financial preparedness for down time at home.
REGISTRATION
Pre-registration for ROAD READY is now closed. Walk-ups are welcome.
(Interested in attending Summer NAMM? Learn how receive complimentary access to the show courtesy of our friends at NAMM).
Note: This is an in-person event. Streaming is not available at this time.