BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Level Up
In an industry where hands-on experience often carries as much weight as formal education, knowing when—and how—to invest in your own learning can make a difference. Level Up explores the skills, knowledge, and continuing education that can help touring professionals grow, adapt, and create new opportunities throughout their careers.
Hear from experienced industry professionals about when additional training or education can be valuable, how to identify the skills worth developing, and practical ways to keep learning while working on the road. Whether you’re looking to expand your role, take on new responsibilities, or simply stay sharp in an ever-changing industry, this session offers ideas and insight for your next step.
SPEAKERS
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Clay Joiner
Coming soon!
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TBD
Coming Soon!
Rich Flora
Rich Flora has lived all over the country to pursue his passions of audio and electronics. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, he got his start during high school while working for a regional company doing lighting and monitor mixing. This ignited his love for audio, and he hasn’t looked back since! After high school, he joined the Navy as an Electronics Tech and discovered that his true passion was for live production.
Since then, he has worked in some of his favorite cities, including Seattle, New Orleans, San Diego, and Orlando, before moving to Nashville over 30 years ago.
Throughout his career, Rich has been an audio engineer, lighting director, radio broadcast engineer, celebrity guest truck loader, and even an A/V Tech for a top-50 law firm. He’s gotten the opportunity to work with many bands, most notably Little Texas & Collin Raye during his 27 years at Clair Global.
Rich joined The Blackbird Academy in 2019. When asked about his time at Blackbird, he said, “I have worked with some of the most passionate and knowledgeable people on all sides of the industry. Now, I get to share my love of the Live Event Production and help the next generation of Audio Professionals discover their true passion”.
Chuck Hull
MODERATOR
Chuck Hull spent 52 years in the music industry as an audio engineer, tour manager, talent coordinator and event manager. Beginning with Clair Brothers in the early 70’s he moved to LA in 78 and soon added tour management to his skill set. Three years was spent talent coordinating “Fridays” on ABC TV and joining the DGA as a stage manager.
After 30 years of touring rock, pop and jazz, he landed in Nashville and got to spend the last 20 years of his career as TM for Keith Urban. Having retired from touring work in January of 2024, he now consults with management and artists on the fruition of design and project completion.
ECCHO Live’s mission of creating a support structure for an industry that lacks any long term planning is a vital concern for him.