2025 Women Of Live: Maggie Gessner

Maggie Gessner
Head of Clubs | Live Nation/Venue Nation

PENNANT WINNER | During her time as Acting Vice President of the Washington
Nationals the team won the National League East title.

Everybody’s gotta start somewhere and in the live business, that place is almost always clubs.

“Almost every artist plays clubs at some point in their career, and we recognize how crucial touring is to their livelihood and career trajectory,” Maggie Gessner, Head of Clubs for Live Nation, says.

That’s why she’s particularly proud of Live Nation’s broad On The Road Again program, which ended merch cuts at LN-owned clubs and raised the minimum wage for staff to $20 per hour.

The program launched in late 2023 and since then has benefited more than 9,000 artists in addition to the 5,000-plus-strong workforce that keep the clubs humming as vital incubators for the artists, crew and venue operators who will eventually become leaders in the live industry.

This year, Gessner saw a future that’ll be female — if the industry works at it.

“In 2024, the women artists playing in clubs who had major breakout years embraced their authenticity and built deep connections with their fans. Plus, I’m happy to see the industry making strides to recognize and support female artists at every level, creating more opportunities for them to succeed,” she said.

For those off the stage, her advice is to keep showing up.

“Embrace the long hours and the grind. Stay dedicated, persistent, and resilient. When you’re told no, don’t give up. Keep going until you get the yes,” she says.

Professionally, Gessner oversaw the opening of the cutting-edge Archer Music Hall in Allentown, Pennsylvania, part of a broader revitalization effort in that city’s downtown and is now working on bringing Satellite Music Hall to Memphis next year. 

On a personal level, she got to share the power of live music with two very special people for the first time, taking her daughters to see Olivia Rodrigo.

“They’re such fans of hers; they knew every word, and I loved watching them sing along. Going to your first big concert to see an artist you love is an unforgettable experience, and I’m so thankful I was there with them. It was a special night that I’ll always remember,” she says