Live events are still human
Hey, Nikki here.
This week’s episode was with Butch Allen, VP of Global Business Development at TAIT, who’s done basically every job in the business (except audio, as he's quick to point out).
This conversation is equal parts how the work actually gets done and how you grow without making it weird.
Why this one matters:
If you can relate to those first few weeks of a run that feel like “holy shit, are we going to make doors,” this one will feel familiar. Butch talks about the grind, the fishbowl life, and why those who last are the people who can contribute, adapt, and still be a solid human.
And we also get practical: what “designing” really looks like (blank page → panic → budget reality → problem-solving), why “weekend warrior” schedules can be brutal in a different way, and why live events stay stubbornly human no matter how much tech gets added.
#1 Your next step is already in front of you
Butch’s advice was simple: soak up what’s around you, make the effort, contribute solutions, and be a good hang. He’s seen doors open for people who show up that way.
Takeaway: If you want the next role, start acting like it on the current one.
Try this: Pick one department you’re curious about and ask, “What’s one thing I can learn or help with this week?”
#2 The first few weeks of tour are supposed to be hard
He described the early stretch as the “worst three weeks of your life”… until the team finds the flow, and the whole thing becomes a smooth machine. That transition doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because the crew keeps solving.
Takeaway: Chaos early on isn’t failure. It’s the build phase.
Try this: After load-out, do a 5-minute “tomorrow fix” list with your nearest teammate (3 things to tighten, no blame). Personally, take a couple minutes to mentally prepare for the next day.
#3 The bill is the moment of truth in design
Butch nailed the hardest stage of design: everyone loves the first drawing… until you price it out and show the number. Then you figure it out together… because that’s the job.
Takeaway: Great ideas survive when you can re-scope without losing the point.
Try this: Before you pitch a “cool thing,” write two versions: “dream” and “doable,” with the must-haves identified.
#4 AI won't replace the human moments, but it will raise the ceiling
Butch’s take: you can’t type a prompt for “grab the feeder and run it down there.” Live events need in-the-moment adjustments. Tech will enhance the experience, but the human element is still the backbone.
Takeaway: Use tech as a tool, not a threat.
Try this: List one repetitive task you do weekly and test one AI workflow to speed it up (notes, advance checklist, comms draft).
If you want the full conversation, listen to Episode #50 of The Giggs Podcast with Butch Allen.
SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE
— Nikki
P.S. One line I can’t stop thinking about: “Contribute in a positive fashion, provide solutions, be a good hang, and doors will open.” That’s not motivational fluff. That’s touring math.
