Our vision is safe events for all who gather through the mission of education, shared experience, standards, and accountability. Since our inception, and due to the existence of the ESA, the industry now has a comprehensive “Event Safety Guide”, and an ever-growing collection of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards developed from the guide and related directly to safe event execution. We are assisting in the ANSI standard development through a partnership with a sister organization: ESTA – Entertainment Services and Technology Association.

From our work, insurers are now better equipped to recognize safe practices and have a clearer lens into the industry and what makes a safe event. We have helped to create policy change and leverage our subject matter experts to set a higher benchmark for safety than existed previously.

There are many: For reasons not yet fully understood, negative audience behavior is on the rise. Crowd rushes, projectiles, aggressiveness are all prevalent since our return to life in the wake of COVID.

Additionally, one can no longer question the effects of climate change on live events. This season has seen cancellation after cancellation related to wildfire smoke, high winds, ferocious storms, and record-breaking heat. While the ESA teaches planning for severe weather at events, the extreme nature of the recent weather is difficult even for the most prepared.

And finally, since COVID and the spate of recent tragic news of artists losing their lives to suicide, there’s a growing appreciation for mental wellness and a continued reduction of the stigmas surrounding mental health that have led to a greater willingness to care for our minds equally as our bodies. We’ve seen artists and producers alike halt recent projects to preserve the life of someone in need of help, it’s a welcome improvement that we humans are feeling empowered to speak out. And, thanks to a handful of dedicated clinicians and mental health practitioners, we now have resources which are purpose built to serve our industry.

Time, passion, personal growth, and a genuine care for the humans I’m privileged to work alongside. No one enters the business knowing everything; time and experience can and should lead to constant improvement if one can get their ego out of the way. It’s a continuous-growth mindset coupled with the influence of some truly tremendous people along the way that has made the difference for me.

I like to think I’ve always had the people-first qualities but perhaps lacked the skills to correctly utilize them. Since the great COVID reflection, I have an even greater appreciation for the humans I work alongside and the environments I help shape. I more fully recognize that it is a privilege to be in the role.

I’ve been fortunate to have a diverse professional career throughout the industry and continue to appreciate the lessons that each new opportunity brings. After four decades I still LOVE what I do for a living and with each passing opportunity attempt to do it better the next time.

Entering the business takes devotion and perseverance. Just like athletes, one must be incredibly coachable, never late (early is on time), ready to take on nearly any task, display positivity as a prime character trait especially in the face of challenging times. It’s the entertainment business, it thrives on a can-do spirit and individuals who rarely give up.

When in the business of safety, it’s important to approach concerns with a “show-go” mindset. For instance, “while this may currently be an unsafe approach, let’s explore the art of the possible to achieve a similar outcome…safely.”

Never forget it’s a business, and while it can be easy to be swept away in the “glamour” of it all, one must first succeed in the business of producing shows and/or creating safe environments. For me, it’s worth the fight to create a successful career in the entertainment sector, the rewards are incredible and there’s very little likelihood of being replaced by AI in the “live show” business.

I love, love, love, what I do for a living (once referred to as the Ted Lasso of production). I take great joy helping guide others on their career path, providing mentoring and coaching opportunities outside of someone’s comfort zone to watch them thrive.

Personally, I’m a committed family-first individual, including our two dogs who help to keep us grounded. I love traveling both professionally, and personally with family, being immersed in different languages, cultures, food, and lifestyles is one of life’s most treasured gifts, providing perspectives impossible to achieve in front of the television or device.