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Does touring have a behind the scenes culture problem? Is there anyone here who hasn’t been on one of ‘those’ gigs? From banter to bullying, and it can take your confidence a long time to recover. Join us on this week’s BACK LOUNGE with Don Harman, safety anarchist and advocate for best practice at https://www.backstage-pass.ca/ for a conversation about psychological safety, ally-ship, and the responsibility we all share in calling out toxic behaviour and creating a better touring culture. To join our zoom call email info@thebacklounge.org to register in advance for this meeting (pre register closes one hour before we start). 📅 Wednesday 24th June 6pm London/ 7pm CET/ 1pm EDT / 10am PDT.

It’s a check in next week on The BACK LOUNGE. No special guests, just me asking how you are! If you have seen our posts and thought what is this back lounge thing….here’s your chance to find out  We are a global community of touring and events professionals. No denying this isn’t the easiest or most linear or careers, and it really helps to hear from others out there doing the same thing, good days, bad days and for better or for worse. Come and check it out. No pressure to speak, welcome to listen. Email info@thebacklounge.org to get the zoom link registry (closes one hour before we start). 📅 Wednesday 13th May 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT

As we roll into summer season and that familiar swing between no work panic and total overwhelm, our next BACK LOUNGE is a ‘how to’ stay grounded and keep your focus on what really matters- the work you’re passionate about AND that enables your life (and pays your rent). Matthew Hales VP, Team Leadership & Culture at Tait, will be helping us navigate the wobbly moments, from exploring a sense of psychological safety, without which we feel under threat and act out of sometimes unconsciously, to wherever you’re landing on the barometer of coping. Email info@thebacklounge.org to pre-register for the zoom link (closes one hour before we start). 📅 Wednesday 6th May 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT

CYBERSECURITY is this week’s BACK LOUNGE with Jason Danter Production Manager and Maks Czuperski CEO/Co-founder of Sweep. Every time a tour goes out, we trust that sensitive info – passports, travel details, personal data, financials – is kept safe, but just how secure is it? From unsecured WiFi networks to fake hotspots, tours are increasingly exposed to potential breaches. And as routing expands into emerging markets, understanding digital landscapes, surveillance and online presence becomes even more critical. THIS CALL WILL NOT BE RECORDED. To join the zoom, email info@thebacklounge.org to pre-register (closes an hour before the call starts) Wednesday 22nd April 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT.

THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW 🩺 This week on The BACK LOUNGE, we’re joined by a panel of medical specialists from RoadieMedic.com to talk all things health on the road.  Got questions about pre-existing conditions? Whether it’s something newly diagnosed, a long-term condition, or even something acute you’ve seen happen and want to handle better next time, now is your chance to ask the medical professionals.  From diabetes, heart issues, sleep apnea, autoimmune, to mental health including medication. Want to join the call?  Email info@thebacklounge.org to register for the zoom link, and please do send in your questions in advance too. They can be shared anonymously on the call if you’d prefer. Wednesday 15th April 7pm London / 8pm CET / 2pm EDT / 11am PDT (Note call starts 1 hour later this week, due to hospital appt before. You couldn’t make this up)

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE, it’s ‘MISDEMEANORS’ with guest Matthew Kushner, US immigration lawyer specialising in the entertainment industry. If you’re worried about how a past offence might impact a visa application, whether you’re applying from the US, heading there for work, or navigating the petition process, this session will help break it down. We’ll also look at group applications, if you regularly apply on the behalf of others. Most importantly, this is a non-judgmental call, having a history isn’t uncommon, but it can bring uncertainty. We’ll look at the practical realities, answer common questions, and help you better understand your options. Wednesday 8th April 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT. Email info@thebacklounge.org to register for the Zoom link.

This week on The BACK LOUNGE, how are you? Simple question that deserves more than ‘oh I’m ok’. Things are quite frankly a bit weird, and as the world continues to rock on its axis, there’s us, trying to make sense of it all, and find meaningful work, pay the bills and keep the passion. Whatever you do in music and events and at whatever stage of your career, join our call with like minded souls, whether you are finding a way to stay positive, or the doubts are creeping in. All welcome. Email info@thebacklounge.org for the Zoom link. All welcome to listen in and to join the discussion. 1st April 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT

Next week on The Back Lounge, we’re joined by Michelle Sabolchick, award-winning audio engineer, mentor, industry disruptor, and one of the founding members of SoundGirls. Want to know what it really takes to build a career in this business? It’s as much about attitude as anything. Michelle will be sharing the hard-won lessons that helped her make it happen. Whatever your ambition, if you want to get ahead, don’t miss it ✨ Email info@thebacklounge.org for the Zoom link. All welcome to listen in and to join the discussion. 25th March 6pm London / 7pm CET / 2pm EST / 11am PST (note a little less time difference as UK clocks not changed yet)

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE we’re talking EXPERIENCE 👀 CV honesty, overselling your skills, and what happens when you fake it…til…you can’t. Whether you’re climbing the ladder or have years in the game, join the conversation. With guests Aubrey Wright (AWrightWorld), Josh Barnes (Production Director), Daithi ‘Pinky’ Farah (Audio Engineer), and Maria Porcaro (multi skilled Touring Professional). Email info@thebacklounge.org for the Zoom link. This one could get lively! All welcome to listen in and join the discussion. 18th March 6pm London / 7pm CET / 2pm EST / 11am PST (note a little less time difference as UK clocks not changed yet)

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE we’re talking CLEVER PACKING. Whether you’re heading out on your first tour or you’re a seasoned road pro, we’re covering it all from the must-have bag, adapters and geeky essentials, to smart ways to make life easier as you cross the globe. Guest hosts Nick Gosling (Production Manager & Luggage Enthusiast), Nikki Edmonds (Backstage & Wardrobe Coordinator, Purveyor of Packing Cubes), and Makeila Estelle (Production Coordinator & Promoter Rep, Aspiring Minimalist) will be sharing the tips you wish you’d known ahead of your first tour, and offering a space to share some of the ingenious things you’ve picked up along the way. Email info@backlounge.org for the link to join our zoom discussion. No pressure to speak, welcome to listen. 🗓 Wednesday 11th March 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST.