BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Load In to Load Out
A career in live events is built over time, one load-in, show, and load-out at a time. Load In to Load Out is a candid conversation about building a career that can last, not just by doing good work, but by investing in yourself, cultivating meaningful relationships, and learning how to navigate the challenges that come with life on the road and behind the scenes.
This session explores the human side of a long career: knowing when to push, when to pause, how to stay connected, and how to give yourself some grace when life doesn’t go according to plan. Come hear stories and perspective from industry professionals who have learned that sustainability is about more than making it through the next show—it’s about taking care of the person who keeps showing up for it.
SPEAKERS
Stephanie Hajjar
Stephanie Hajjar is a certified Mental Wellness + Performance Coach with more than a decade of experience supporting entertainment professionals and athletes. Known for her proactive and holistic approach, Stephanie helps clients enhance their well-being and build the foundation needed for fulfillment, meaningful success, and long-term sustainability.
Tony James
Tony James is a multifaceted entertainment professional whose career spans performance, music, television, touring, and live production. A member of the Original American Cast of STOMP and a former host of Disney’s Out of the Box, Tony has performed and toured extensively as a musician and singer-songwriter.
His television and performance credits include The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, Roseanne, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His career later expanded into live concert production and camera work, contributing to productions featuring artists including Beyoncé, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Foo Fighters, Keith Urban, Jelly Roll, and others.
With experience on both sides of the entertainment equation—as a performer and as a live-production professional—Tony brings a unique perspective on the many creative and technical pieces that come together to make live entertainment happen.
David Schultz
David Schultz is a touring and live-events professional with over 10 years of experience working across multiple sectors of the music industry. He has toured internationally and worked with artists across multiple genres, bringing a broad technical and operational perspective shaped by his previous roles as a stagehand, concert promoter, DJ, audio engineer, and lighting technician.
David studied Audio Engineering at Belmont University and began his career at Bandit Lites in Nashville, TN, before transitioning into tour management. He specializes in bridging creative and technical teams effectively, with a strong emphasis on clear communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. As a board member and industry leader, David strives to empower the people around him through positive reinforcement, thoughtful mentorship, and a team-first approach that enables everyone to do their best work.
Outside of his professional pursuits, David enjoys playing the drums, traveling, strength training, and attending music festivals.
Jeremy Young
Jeremy Young serves as Executive Vice President of Business Development at RockForce, where he leads commercial growth, client relations, and strategic partnerships.
Jeremy began his career in live entertainment nearly three decades ago with SFX/Clear Channel Entertainment, serving as Marketing Director for Riverbend Music Center, Taft Theatre, and Bogart’s in Cincinnati, Ohio. Driven by a desire to understand the live entertainment ecosystem from every angle, he transitioned to the artist side, spending several years on the road as a Tour Manager for artists including Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw, The All-American Rejects, and others.
After coming off the road in 2008, Jeremy moved into artist management, managing Gavin DeGraw’s career for nearly a decade through Vector Management and Live Nation. In 2017, he joined CAPS Payroll/Cast & Crew, returning to his touring roots while focusing on payroll and employer-of-record services for touring, festival, venue, and production crews. During the pandemic, Jeremy co-founded 3P America, providing COVID compliance and risk mitigation solutions for film, television, and live events. He later returned to CAPS Payroll/Cast & Crew as Vice President of Live Entertainment Sales, before joining RockForce in 2024.
Steven Navyac
MODERATOR
Stephen Navyac provides counseling for individuals and couples, helping people who want to improve their significant relationships, improve or change their habits, career paths, and understanding of the families they came from. Certified in EMDR for those who have experienced trauma, unpleasant memories or life experiences. Pre-marital and pre-engagement counseling available utilizing the Prepare Enrich Program. As a former Tour Manager (20+ years), Stephen has unique insights and understanding of those working in the touring profession.