Why Showing Up Matters: The Power of Industry Events, Networking, and Community in Touring

Why Showing Up Matters: The Power of Industry Events, Networking, and Community in Touring

When you think about what it takes to succeed in the touring and live events industry, logistics, experience, and technical expertise probably come to mind. At High Road, we value those things deeply. But ask Sharon Lee, High Road’s founder and a respected leader in the world of concert logistics, and she’ll tell you something else: none of it happens without the people around you.

“This business runs on relationships,” Sharon often says. “And those relationships are built when we show up for each other, for the industry, and for the next generation.”

Why Industry Events Matter
Whether you’re a veteran tour manager or just getting your start in live event production, being present in the community matters. Industry events offer a chance to expand your knowledge, spark new collaborations, and build relationships that can change the course of your career.

They also provide something equally important: perspective. In a high-pressure, fast-moving industry like ours, it’s easy to stay in your lane. But getting in the room with peers, mentors, and even competitors reminds us that we’re all part of something bigger.

Where to Connect Next
We’re proud to support and participate in a number of events that bring touring professionals together. Here are a few coming up that we think you should know about:

ECCHO Live: May Day Off Tour Rock Nashville

Date: May 21, 2025
Location: Nashville, TN
Why You Should Go: ECCHO Live (formerly Touring Career Workshop) is known for championing crew members and touring professionals, and this year’s May Day Off gives attendees an inside look at Nashville’s newest live entertainment campus, developed by Rock Lititz. This is a chance to stay informed, make meaningful connections, and be part of the bigger conversation about the future of touring.

Availability is very limited for this event, so we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible to secure your spot.

InfoComm 2025

June 7–13, 2025 (Exhibits: June 11–13)
Location: Orlando, FL
Why You Should Go: InfoComm is the largest professional audiovisual trade show in North America and a key destination for anyone working in live event production. From cutting-edge gear and tech demos to expert-led sessions on everything from staging to streaming, this show is a powerful way to stay current with the tools and trends shaping our work. It’s also a fantastic place to meet production pros from across industries, swap ideas, and strengthen your network.

NAMM NeXT

Dates: June 29 – July 1, 2025
Location: Nashville, TN

Why You Should Go: This forward-looking event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and creatives to talk about the future of music and live entertainment. Whether you’re interested in tech, production, or strategy, you’ll walk away with new ideas and new contacts.

Thoughts from Production Live

Sharon recently attended Production Live, a key industry gathering hosted by Pollstar. The event featured candid insights from leaders like Kevin Lyman, who reflected on the Warped Tour as part of a TM roundtable where tour managers answered audience questions and shared real-world advice. It was a reminder of how valuable it is to gather, share stories, and learn from the people shaping our business from the inside.

Stay Connected
At High Road, we believe the best tours run on trust. And trust is fostered in the moments; in conversations between shows, collaborations over coffee, and handshakes that lead to lifelong partnerships.

So keep showing up. Stay curious. Make the time to meet the people behind the scenes. You never know where the next connection might take you.

Want to connect with Sharon Lee or learn more about what High Road is up to next? Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram or get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.