September Wellness Corner: Navigate, Connect, Thrive

This year, Touring Career Workshop steps into a new identity as ECCHO Live Workshop, centering on what makes our industry thrive: connection, collaboration, and access to the right tools.

The 2024 theme, Navigate, invites you to see ECCHO Live as your personal “workbox” for building a stronger, more sustainable career. You’ll have the chance to explore insurance options, learn how to set up your business, attend panels with touring and festival specialists, take a deep dive into caring for yourself better during gigs and hear directly from financial advisors. Each session is designed to give you practical tools—whether it’s managing health and finances or expanding your professional network—so you leave feeling confident, capable, and connected. We feel the ripple effects of that impact resonate across our entire live event community year after year.

Registration opens October 6 on our website, along with the full session schedule and speaker lineup. So please stay tuned!

At the Heart of Wellness

Thriving in this industry also depends on something less tangible but equally vital: the people who walk alongside us. At the heart of wellness is the understanding that we are stronger together—building community, nurturing connections, and leaning on mentors not only helps us navigate challenges but also lays the foundation for growth and resilience. That’s why we’re especially grateful for the leadership and insight of our Wellness Committee Chair, Stephen Navyac, who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to this work.

Stephen Navyac, LMFT & ECCHO Live Board

Stephen provides counseling for individuals and couples, helping them strengthen relationships, shift habits, and navigate life transitions. Certified in EMDR, he supports those processing trauma or difficult experiences, and offers pre-marital counseling through the Prepare Enrich Program. With 20+ years as a Tour Manager, he brings unique insight into the realities and pressures of life on the road.

Here, Stephen shares how mentorship and community shaped his own journey:

When I first stepped into the world of artist and road management right out of college in Chicago, I had almost no idea what I was doing. Soon after, I moved to Los Angeles to work with Larry Carlton’s management company. My responsibilities were wide-ranging—sometimes mundane, other times mind-blowing. It was all new territory, but thankfully I had a patient boss who encouraged me to ask questions and be honest when I made mistakes. That mentorship shaped me and changed my life for the better.

The truth is, we’re not meant to do life—or our careers—alone. Having a network to lean on during difficult seasons is vital. I wish hardships, heartbreak, and hard lessons were rare, but that isn’t the human experience. Sometimes storms literally cancel shows, artists get sick, or bus tires blow out. Things go sideways. But with each challenge, lessons are learned that make the next one less overwhelming. Having trusted friends, tour family, and mentors to talk things through helps us stay grounded and reminds us we’re not alone.

Years ago, when I was between gigs, a mentor gave me invaluable advice: don’t sit by the phone waiting for the next opportunity. Instead, use that time to enjoy life—hike, try new restaurants with friends, take photos, play guitar—whatever fills your tank. Seeing “downtime” as an investment in myself made me more optimistic and grateful. And often, networking happened in unexpected places.

Finding your people and connecting deeply with them may be one of the best goals you can set. If you stay open to conversations, relationships, and new experiences, you’ll discover opportunities you never planned for. That mindset doesn’t just make you better at your work—it makes you better at life.

For me, that openness led to healing. Friends encouraged me to meet with a counselor when I shared some of my story growing up—my father’s addiction, the loss of a brother, and other hardships. That mentoring and care gave me a healthier mindset and, eventually, led me to become a therapist myself.

We’re lucky to earn a living in this industry. Life is about the journey—with all its ups and downs—not just reaching a destination. Dream big. Stay curious. And find your people.

Resources for Now

We’re excited to share even more at ECCHO Live Workshop this November, but for now, consider this a first step. Across the industry, countless organizations and individuals are working every day to help live event professionals be more grounded and feel more supported. Whether you’re seeking wellness support, financial resources, mentorship, or community connection, here are a few organizations that extend the circle of care.

In the spirit of getting tools into your workbox early, we’ve gathered resources you may explore right now—even if you can’t join us in Nashville (though we hope you will, because nothing beats being in a room together). Think of this as a preview, with more conversations, tools, and connections on the way.

• Chill Palm – Bringing calm and restoration to high-pressure industry life.

• Dr. Tiff – Nutrition guidance and wellness training tailored for creative careers.

• Entertainment Community Fund – Career, healthcare, and financial resources for performing arts professionals.

• People Loving Nashville – Serving unhoused neighbors and fostering community connection in Nashville.

• Music Health Alliance – Healthcare, insurance, and mental health access.

• MusiCares – Support for financial, medical, and personal crises.

• Musically Fed – Redirecting unused backstage meals to feed hungry communities.

• Musician Treatment Foundation – Orthopedic care for musicians with upper limb injuries.

• Music Forward Foundation – Online career development modules for marketing, artist development, and more.

• On Tour Network - Hub for the concert touring industry, helping professionals stay connected and organized.

• Porters Call - Based in Nashville, this nonprofit offers free, confidential counseling and support to recording artists, providing a safe place to navigate both the personal and professional challenges of life in the music industry.

• ROCKForce – A community-driven organization providing training, mentorship, and resources to support crew and touring professionals, helping them stay safe, skilled, and connected on the road.

• ROCK Nashville – Opening Fall 2025, just under 10 miles from downtown Nashville will feature rehearsal studios of all sizes, vendors supporting both artists and crews, and numerous opportunities for the live event community to connect and collaborate.

• Sound Nutrition – Healthy food access and wellness programs for artists and crew.

• Sweet Relief – Financial grants for musicians and crew facing illness or disability.

• A couple of podcasts you could dial into:

  • Just Keep Talking Podcast – Real conversations for perspective and practical advice.

  • Giggs Podcast – Tips for navigating gigs and growing your career.

  
  

More Ways to Engage with ECCHO Live

ECCHO Live isn’t just a one off event—it’s a community of year round programming and support, and there are many ways to connect directly with us throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to meet peers, access wellness support, or stay in the loop with the latest tools and resources, there’s something for everyone:

• Day Off Events – Join us for relaxed, engaging gatherings like October 13 at East Side Bowl for a casual bowling evening. These events are a great way to connect with fellow live event professionals and build your network in a fun, low-pressure setting.

• All Access – Free mental health support for live event professionals, their spouses, and dependents, available year-round with our vetted clinicians.

• All Access On Site  – Our upcoming festival on-site sessions will take place during both weekends at Austin City Limits Festival. Schedule your free session directly here.

At its heart, ECCHO Live is about people—connection, collaboration, and looking out for one another. From mentorship insights like Stephen Navyac’s, to the resources and networks we’ve shared, to the panels and sessions coming at the ECCHO Live Workshop, every conversation helps strengthen our industry from the inside out.

The resources highlighted here are just a starting point—we know there are many more out there. If you’re reading this, we’d love to hear from you: share what you do for this community, or let us know if you’re looking for guidance in a specific area. We aim to meet people where they are, to lift them up, and to help amplify their potential.

When we come together, share what we know, and support one another, the whole community thrives. Together, we keep:

Empowering People. Amplifying Potential.

— The ECCHO Live Team

And of course, there were multiple votes for Gold Bond, no explanation necessary.

If you’ve got a favorite item that gets you through the heat, the hustle, or the 18-hour work day, send it our way or tag us online. We love seeing what fuels your season.