Post by Evan Tzeng

Over the next five years, AI is projected to eliminate 300M jobs – but not in live events, tourism, and hospitality. In fact, the live industry is estimated to double from $650B in 2022 to $1.2T by 2032. So, thinking about a career in live? 👍 Great news. The industry needs you. But how do you break in? 👎 Bad news. Probably the same way I did 20 years ago. Before tourism and hospitality, my career began in live events. Breaking in was not easy, nor pretty. I spent years volunteering on any gig I could find. San Jose Jazz Festival for Bruce. Gorillaz: Demon Days Live from the Apollo Theatre. Bonnaroo 2006 for Karen. Drama Desk Awards for Lauren. So many more. An internship with Rosemary at CMJ 2008 led to an intro to Tom who got me an interview with Robin who brought me onboard for Bonnaroo 2009 which is how I wound up at Superfly until 2015. For me, my bosses, friends, and colleagues – this was how almost all of us got our start. Unpaid trials by fire until someone finally said: You're hired. That's how it worked. But trials by fire won't work if this industry wants to double in a decade. Events continue to face a massive shortage of skilled workers. Quality and execution is suffering. Attendees are unhappy. Workers are burnt out. When safety is compromised, lives are at risk. We need to fundamentally reimagine how we scale our capacity to attract, train, and employ the workforce of the future. This is where Coalition of Festivals comes in. Two years ago, Malik, Seth, and Sooner at Events Vocational Education Network introduced us to Allison. (Shoutout EVEN for the incredible work they're doing paving live technical career pathways). At that time, we were just launching our first Future Festival Leaders Training Program. In our efforts to solve a talent pipeline problem, Allison saw proof of her model transforming youth and workforce development in California. Now, thanks to BRIC Foundation and Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, we're partnering with The FAM Music (an organization launched by one of our first Future Festival Leaders Aaron Raus) to deliver our no-cost training program to LA County residents. Joining the team are Jazmine (thanks Kierrah for the referral), Lindsay (thanks Jasmine for the referral), and Nicholas – three wonderful folks we're excited to work with. Know someone who wants to get into festivals and live events? Share the post below! Applications close July 17, 2025. Do you work in festivals and live events, especially talent, staffing, and recruitment? DM me. Let's build a stronger industry. And finally, thank you to everyone who made this program happen. We've got this. Let's go. 💪

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