Pollstar Live! Panel To Examine The Future Of The Golden Age

The 2024 edition of Pollstar Live! approaches apace, now just two weeks away, with panels and speakers confirmed virtually daily.

One sure to be highly anticipated is “Golden Era 3.0: How Long Will This Boom Last (And What Can We Do To Sustain?)”.

Each post-pandemic year brings another proclamation of “best ever” with record grosses and record ticket counts, but there are still disquieting signs, particularly in small venues. Still, the pipeline at the blockbuster level is full into 2024 and beyond. The panel will examine what’s driving the boom, areas of potential softness and what speed bumps may be in the offing.

Panelists represent a cross-section of high-level touring industry pros sure to provide insight as to what’s happening and what’s coming.

Moderator Jeffrey Azoff, Azoff Company COO and Full Stop Management CEO, is obviously no stranger to the world of the rarefied air of the blockbuster tour, given his representation of Harry Styles. Matt Blake, who helms CAA’s comedy department, regularly has his comics at the top of the touring charts. Live Nation’s SVP of Global Touring Lesley Olenik promotes all over the map — the actual map and the metaphorical one — while working with artists to use their platforms for good. UTA partner Cheryl Paglierani represents many of hip-hop’s hottest acts. Veteran industry pro Rich Schaefer became AEG’s president of global touring in October.

Other Pollstar Live! panel participants include Jon Bon Jovi, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Jarred Arfa (EVP, Head of Global Music at Independent Artist Group), Josephine Vaccarello (EVP of Live at Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.), Brittanie Delava (VP of Global Touring, AEG), John Boyle (Global Chief Content Officer at ASM Global), Stacy Vee (EVP at Goldenvoice), Jen Haas (Promoter, I.M.P.), Brad Wavra and Hans Schafer (SVPs of Global Touring, Live Nation), LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament.

This year’s edition of the annual Pollstar Live! conference, which also includes Production Live! (Feb. 6) and the Pollstar Awards (Feb. 7), will tackle issues affecting the opportunities and challenges currently facing live entertainment, including the economy, ticketing, sustainability and technology. Panels announced include “Golden Era 3.0: How Long Will This Boom Last (And What Can We Do to Sustain)?,” “The Role of Artists & The Live Thing in an Election Year,” “The Venue’s Role in Booking, Marketing & Maximizing Concerts,” “The Most Impactful Show Possible: Savannah Hosts Dave Matthews Band,” “Where To Go & When: Developing the Global Touring Strategy,” “How Will AI Change Live for Booking, Marketing, Operations & Risk Management” and “Sphere: Redefining the Future of Live Entertainment.”

The first day of the conference, Production Live!, will cover staging, transportation, regulations, staffing and presentation as well as focus on the need for improved communication and a generational transition in the entertainment production sector. The keynote Q&A for Production Live!, “A Matter of Trust: The Artist/Crew Dynamic in Tedeschi Trucks Band,” will be moderated by Ray Waddell, Oak View Group’s president of media and conferences, and features Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi of the band, Tour Manager Skip Richman and Production Manager Brian Speiser.

On Feb. 7, the Pollstar Awards will take place at the historic Wiltern in Los Angeles. The ceremony honors the most successful artists, executives, tours, venues, companies and more from the live industry.

Registration for Pollstar Live! is now open. For more information about the conference, visit pollstar.live.