Wise Women Keeping the Conversation Going: Mental Health in the Live Event Industry

As we step into the season of gigs, festivals, and nonstop touring, the excitement in the air is undeniable. The energy of live events fuels our industry, but with it comes an intense workload, demanding schedules, and high-pressure environments. It’s an exhilarating ride—but one that can take a toll on mental well-being if we don’t stay intentional about care, connection, and conversation.

For those who build, produce, and execute live events, the grind is real. The long hours, time away from home, and constant push to deliver excellence and innovative problem solving can be as mentally exhausting as they are rewarding. And yet, for far too long, mental health has been treated as an afterthought in our industry. That’s why we must keep the conversation going. We must normalize talking about stress, burnout, and the resources available to help. By lifting each other up, we cultivate a more resilient and enduring industry—one where professionals don’t just endure the road’s challenges but truly flourish.

A Message from ECCHO Live Board Vice-Chair Sharon Lee, Founder of High Road Inc

“For over 12 years, ECCHO Live has been at the forefront of mental health advocacy in the live entertainment industry, providing vital resources, education, and support for touring professionals. Their mission is clear: to ensure that the people who make live events possible are not only surviving the demands of the road but thriving in their careers and personal lives.

As the founder of High Road Inc., I’ve built my career on a people-first approach to tour logistics—our trucks keep the show on the road, but the priority is always the relationships, safety, and well-being of the people behind it. That’s why ECCHO Live holds such significance for me. It embodies the kind of industry-wide collaboration and community-driven efforts that drive real progress.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that success in this industry isn’t just about resilience—it’s about support. The long hours, relentless schedules, and high-pressure environments take a toll, and without a strong foundation of community and connections, burnout becomes inevitable. Prioritizing mental well-being isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for fostering long-term careers and creating a healthier, more sustainable industry.

Looking ahead, ECCHO Live continues to lead the charge by bringing these critical conversations to the forefront. Through workshops, peer networks, and access to mental health professionals, they are equipping touring personnel with the tools they need to not only excel in their roles but to grow as individuals. Because at the end of the day, a stronger, more supportive industry benefits us all.”

The Road Ahead

Mental health in the live event world is not just a passing discussion—it’s a movement, a shift in how we care for ourselves and each other. Whether it’s utilizing our free and confidential All Access Program or visiting an All Access On Site backstage area during a show, support is within reach. You can see our full list of programming and confirmed shows on our website here: https://www.eccholive.com/programs.

As we ramp up for another busy season, let’s commit to checking in, offering support, and utilizing the resources available. ECCHO Live is here to ensure no one walks this path alone.

We’re thrilled about the expansion of our services in the months ahead, designed to keep you centered, provide moments of self-care, and offer tools to bring wellness into better focus. From new resources to enhanced support systems, we are committed to making mental well-being an accessible and essential part of every touring professional’s journey.

By keeping the conversation going, we build a future where well-being is as prioritized as the show itself. Because the best productions don’t just run smoothly—they run with people who feel valued, heard, and supported.

We are continuing to send out the ECCHO, and we hope you’ll give us a callback to keep this conversation going.

Another way to keep the conversation going: Help us better serve you by taking a quick survey conducted by Entertainment Health Services. Your input ensures we focus on what’s most relevant to your needs. Take the survey here.