BREAKOUT SESSIONS
The Tour That Changed My Life
Every touring professional has a show, artist, crew, or season on the road that leaves a permanent mark. Sometimes it opens a door that changes the course of a career. Sometimes it brings a hard lesson, an unexpected relationship, or a realization that changes the way you see the work—and yourself.
The Tour That Changed My Life is an honest, story-driven conversation with industry veterans reflecting on the tours and moments that shaped more than their résumés. They’ll share the pivotal experiences, personal sacrifices, lasting friendships, hard-earned lessons, and unexpected turns that stayed with them long after the final load-out.
Because sometimes the tour you remember most isn’t the one that went exactly as planned. It’s the one that changed you.
SPEAKERS
Andy Knighton
Andy Knighton is an award-winning lighting designer and director whose career spans more than four decades in concert touring and live entertainment. A longtimemember of the Bandit Lites family, Andy has worked with major artists including Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn and Reba McEntire. Known for his musical approach to lighting, quick problem-solving and calm leadership on the road, he received the 2018 Parnelli Award for Lighting Director of the Year and was nominated again in 2025 for his work with Jason Aldean.
Matt Geasey
Matt "Geezy" Geasey began his career in audio before relocating to Nashville to work at Morris Light and Sound, where he built a foundation in live production. That experience led him deeper into the technical side of touring and events, eventually working as a Technical Director on large-scale productions. In 2016, he founded Clear All Visuals (CAV) to help fellow industry professionals navigate the technical demands of live events and touring.
Sydney Taylor
Sydney Taylor is a music industry professional currently serving as Labor Coordinator for Premier Global Production. With an extensive background in the touring side of the industry, Sydney has worked nationally and internationally as an Assistant Tour Manager, Production and Wardrobe Assistant, VIP Coordinator, and Merchandise Manager with artists including Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Alice Cooper, Dream Theater, Mr. Big, and more. Beyond touring, she has experience in radio broadcasting and digital marketing at Philadelphia’s 93.3 WMMR and 102.9 WMGK, as well as music journalism. She currently writes for Loudwire, covering hard rock and heavy metal. Sydney holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Jake Tickle
MODERATOR
Jake Tickle grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA. After moving to Florida to earn a Degree in Show Production from Full Sail University, Tickle started his professional career at Vari*Lite Production Services. Driven by his love of travel and exploring the world he did a four year float on Cruise Ships. 2006 saw Jake move to Nashville to pursue a touring career. Tickle has spent the last 17 years at Bandit Lites and is currently the Vice President of Business and Innovation. Jake resides in Mt. Juliet, TN with his wife Erin and two sons.