The Giggs Podcast: #24 Ryan Smith & Rachel Hales - Live At Lititz | Mic Check, One Two

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At THE Conference: Live At Lititz, Giggs CEO Nikki Sanz sat down with Rachel Hales, the Experience Manager at Rock Lititz, to discuss how this conference has evolved and why it’s such a vital space for connection and innovation in the industry.

Listen to the whole episode now! Click here to listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube!

A Conference Built for the Industry, By the Industry

Now in its third year, The Conference: Live at Lititz has grown from 650 attendees in its first year to over 1,100 industry professionals gathering on campus. The event isn’t just about panels and presentations—it’s about meaningful discussions, hands-on workshops, and creating an environment where touring professionals can share knowledge and experiences.

“Our team loves it. We put so much thought into the flow, the production, the content, and conversations,” Rachel shared. “This conference is one of our favorite weeks of the year because it brings the industry together to grow, learn, and share.”

The Power of Networking and Real Conversations

Unlike traditional industry conferences, The Conference has a unique structure that encourages real engagement. From speed networking sessions to roundtable discussions on topics like sustainability and crew recruitment, the goal is to create a space where professionals aren’t just being talked at—they’re talking with each other.

“There are so many things in this industry that don’t have one solid answer,” Rachel explained. “By hearing what’s working for others, we can all move forward together.”

A Commitment to Supporting Touring Crews

One of the biggest priorities for the Rock Lititz team is ensuring the conference stays focused on the professionals who make live events happen. Rachel highlighted how they’ve strategically limited vendor tickets to make sure freelance workers have priority access to the event.

“We wanted to make sure we were saving space for the right voices at the table,” she said. “This conference is for the crews and teams who are out there making live events a reality.”

Looking Ahead to Rock Nashville

With the success of Rock Lititz, the team is now gearing up for a brand-new space—Rock Nashville. While details are still unfolding, Rachel confirmed that this expansion will bring the same spirit of connection and innovation to another key hub of the live event industry.

As Rock Lititz continues to grow, it remains a place where live event professionals can come together, share experiences, and move the industry forward.