March is rolling in like a buzzing hive of activity, and we’re keeping up with the B’s—TrailBLAZING Badass Women, Blackbird Studios, and having your BACK with All Access On Site ramping up, there’s plenty to dive into!
Trailblazers and Badassery in Live Events:
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on a few of the incredible women who are shaping the live events industry—past, present, and future. Last month, we proudly introduced you to the powerhouse women on our board, each who carries a story of resilience, leadership, and a commitment to lifting others up.
These women have built careers on the road, in production offices, and behind the scenes, blazing paths that others now follow. Along the way, they’ve learned valuable lessons—chief among them, tenacity. They’ve faced challenges head-on, navigating the tough moments with resilience and determination. But it’s not just about pushing through. They also make space for the importance of grace. They’ve managed to uphold professionalism and integrity while navigating the complexities of the live events world. Most importantly, they’ve sustained the value of community: supporting one another, sharing wisdom, and building genuine connections. For the sake of passing it on, we thought we’d share some snippets in this newsletter:
One of the keystones to success in this industry is building strong relationships—and you never know where they’ll be forged. Whether it’s in the fire of a tough load-in or the quick response to a call for help, the connections you make can shape your career in ways you never expect. Kyler Pastorius knows this firsthand. With 14 years in the event industry—including a decade in music touring with Keith Urban—she’s now a Production Coordinator with The Production Collective, working on major festivals and corporate events. Her advice? Relationships sometimes matter more than résumés: "Honestly, I’ve landed my next gig through the friendships I’ve built. Being kind, reliable, and positive matters more than just having the right skills. I can teach someone the job, but if I don’t enjoy working with them, they might not get the offer. My current job? A former co-worker and friend recommended me because she knew I had the skills and the temperament. A few weeks later, I was working a festival. My boss and I talk a lot about hiring personality first and skill set second."
One of the hardest lessons and an unexpected learning keystone in this industry is learning when to say no. In the beginning, it’s easy to be a “yes” person—taking every opportunity, saying yes to every request, and pushing past your own limits to prove yourself. But as TeeCee Bailey learned, that road can lead straight to burnout, resentment, and unmet needs. “When I finally made the ‘No’ breakthrough, it was like verbal diarrhea—every other word out of my mouth! But over time, I learned to use that small, powerful word with intention. Saying ‘no’ has helped me protect my time, set boundaries, and eliminate resentment. It’s taught people how I want to be treated, and it’s given me space for what truly brings me joy.” Saying no isn’t about closing doors—it’s about making sure the doors you step through are the right ones. Have you struggled with saying no, or have you learned to embrace it?
And another big piece is resilience isn't always about being rigid – The road teaches you that the toughest people often have the softest hearts, and when you stop seeing others as threats, you might just find lifelong allies. Helena Pygrum shares that, "Becoming a touring professional comes with its challenges—being away from friends, family, and even basic privacy can be difficult for anyone, but we learn to form our own support systems on the road. In my early days, I was one of only two women among nearly a hundred men, most of whom had grown accustomed to a rough, disjointed lifestyle, speaking in accents unfamiliar to me and navigating a world without FaceTime, mental health resources, or even an espresso machine in sight. Initially, I saw them as threats and took on an unnecessarily abrasive stance, but over time, they softened me as I grew stronger, and I came to love and hate—sometimes simultaneously—their working friendships; in the end, they became my brothers, offering me protection, camaraderie, and friendships that last to this day."
Busy Bees
Our next Day Off event at Blackbird Studios is officially at capacity, and we’re so grateful to them for hosting us next week for a Talk & Tour!
But don’t worry—there’s another chance to connect! Mark your calendars for our next Networking Night on April 9 at Old Smokey’s 6th & Peabody. It’s a casual gathering where different corners of our industry come together for a post-work beverage and good conversation. RSVP Here to save your spot!
We’ve Got Your Back with All Access On Site
Our All Access On Site program is gearing up for another impactful festival season, and we’re excited about the opportunities to support even more lives. In this fast-paced, high-pressure industry, mental health often takes a backseat—but your well-being matters. That’s why we’re here, providing free, confidential mental health counseling at major festivals and events nationwide.
This year, we’re expanding our reach, with 10 festivals (and counting!) on our schedule. At each stop, we’re offering more than just a booth—we’re creating a quiet, comfortable space where you can pause, decompress, and get the support you need. Whether you schedule in advance or decide day-of, our team of professionals is ready to listen, help, and support you.
Kasey and the team will be on-site to ensure confidentiality, provide comfort, and cultivate a peaceful environment where you can catch your breath. So check out our full list of festivals where AAOS will be backstage and make time to check in with yourself. We’ve got your back!
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