If you’re in touring and haven’t heard of ECCHO Live, here’s the short version: it’s the closest thing this industry has to an HR department for freelancers. Founded in 2011 by lighting director Chris Lisle and LD Erik Parker as the Touring Career Workshop — a one-day free event at Belmont University for Nashville’s touring community — it’s grown into a full 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving over 350 attendees annually. The rebranded ECCHO Live (Education, Community, Connection, Health, Opportunity) now runs year-round programming including mental health services, financial coaching, and on-site counseling at festivals. They’ve got two events on the calendar worth clearing your schedule for.
First up is something more immediate: Network Night returns on Tuesday, August 18 with an Open House Olympics format at Rock Nashville (4:30–7:30 PM). Grab a passport, hit interactive stops at ICAT, Neuro Tour, RockForce, Rock Nashville, Shure, and TAIT/Gallagher, collect stamps, and compete for a grand prize. Whether you’re touring, freelancing, working locally, or studying the industry — it’s an evening of food, drinks, games, and the people that make this whole thing run.
Then mark November 10 for the big one: the Fall Workshop’s 15th anniversary. They’re calling it their biggest one yet — this year’s theme is EVOLVE, covering how the industry and its professionals continue to grow. It’s back at Soundcheck @ Rock Nashville. Free to attend, built from the inside out by people who’ve actually been on the road.
More from ECCHO Live:
ECCHO Live Fall Workshop — 15th Year
Last week we officially announced that one of our most anticipated days for the touring community is back for its 15th (!!!) year — and it is going to be our biggest one yet. Literally.
📅 Date: November 10, 2026
📍 Location: Soundcheck @ Rock Nashville
Whether you’ve been with us since day one of TCW or you’re stepping into the ECCHO Live community for the first time, this year is all about how we EVOLVE: as professionals, as an industry, and as a community.
Drop this into your crew’s group chats and save the date!
Network Night — Open House Olympics at Rock Nashville
We’re taking Network Night on the road…around the Rock Nashville campus. Grab an Olympics Passport and make your way through interactive stops at ICAT, Neuro Tour, RockForce, Rock Nashville, Shure, and TAIT / Gallagher, collecting stamps along the way for a shot at the Grand Prize.
Come for the food, drinks, games, and a little friendly competition. Stay for the people. Whether you’re touring, freelancing, working locally, studying the industry, or somewhere in between, come play, explore, and reconnect with the live events community.
Tuesday, August 18 | 4:30–7:30 PM
