On Thursday, November 11th, 2021, I was among 12 McCaskey students who had the opportunity to visit Rock Lititz, a production hub in Lancaster county that is world-renowned for its live event services and offers everything from set design to event planning and sound technology.

We were greeted by a panel full of experienced professionals eager to share their knowledge and jobs with young people. “We may not be surgeons, but we’re doing something that really effectively makes people happy,” said one of the speakers at the event.

Activities during the day included a panel of industry experts, workshops with the various vendors at Rock Lititz, and a final event which featured keynote speakers and a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to prepare for a live show.

“Rock Lititz was such an amazing place to go,” said Brendan Lopez Nunez, an 11th grader at McCaskey who is planning on going into live production as a career as a result of Thursday’s trip. “Everything there opened my eyes to so many new opportunities that I couldn’t have even dreamed of. I hope more students in the future are able to experience this and that it helps to guide their paths moving forward.”

Hands-on pyrotechnic displays, celebrity name-dropping, and spiders hung from the air by winches notwithstanding, one of the most inspirational parts of the conference was that a majority of the industry experts began their careers when they were still in high school.

Henry Bordeaux, production director for the Biden Harris Campaign and Tour Manager for stars like Tyler, the Creator and Olivia Rodrigo, got his start in live event production at just 16 when he snuck into a club after a live show and started packing up the band’s gear. “I didn’t have this. I had to go through so much,” Bordeaux said in reference to educational programs like those at Rock Lititz. He learned many different roles on the go, working as a guitar tech even though he didn’t know how to play guitar.

Larry Tyler began as a 16-year-old intern at a business management firm, and now works as a partner at NKSFB, the largest business of its kind in the country. He now regularly collaborates with celebrities and has been recognized by Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter for his work.

“You never know who’s watching,” said David Norman, a Tour Director and Accountant who has worked with Prince. “If you do your background [research] and you do your work, someone’s going to notice you.”

Norman’s comment, though said in the context of live production, could be universalized to almost any profession or situation. This is another fascinating thing about Rock Lititz—it puts into use a sort of collaboration that sets an example for industries, situations, and groups around the world. “The product of Rock Lititz is the collaborative effort of the community,” said Matt Hales, a business development manager at TAIT, during a panel discussion about collaboration. With over 30 vendors and countless projects all over the world, teamwork is a necessity.

Despite all of the amazing things happening at Rock Lititz, the Live Event Industry has certainly had its ups and downs.

During the pandemic, many experienced and skilled professionals left the field altogether, and others were forced to find temporary jobs.

Speakers were very candid about the strenuous effects of a career in live production. “I work 24 hours a day,” Henry Bordeaux said. “If Tyler calls me at 3 in the morning, I answer.” As a new father who wants to work but also spend time with his family, Bordeaux shared, this can be extremely difficult.

But, said Sara Full, tour and production manager for The Lumineers, “I love my job. This is the best job in the world, and the pandemic only reminded me of that many times over.”

The field trip to Rock Lititz was an amazing experience. It was truly incredible to have a direct window into an entire industry, and to be able to talk to and learn from dozens of professionals. Rock Lititz’s ability to recognize the power and importance of educating the next generation through Career Exploration days, internships, and other opportunities, and its collaborative and supportive environment are what will help Rock Lititz thrive for many years to come.