When I attended the 2025 Billboard Live Music Summit, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I filled in for my boss—someone far more seasoned in the music industry—so I came with an open mind and a willingness to learn. By the end of the day, I walked away with a new understanding of what it takes to keep the live music machine running—and the people behind it healthy, grounded, and inspired.
The summit opened with a thoughtful discussion led by Zack Borer of Amber Health and Brandon Holman, a culture and wellness leader. Both began their careers in the music business before shifting their focus to mental health. Their conversation centered on the emotional toll of life on the road and how artists and crew members can better manage stress, burnout, and long stretches away from home. They closed the session with a brief meditation exercise that could be done anywhere, anytime—a grounding way to start the day.
Next up was a lively panel on ticketing strategy featuring Lauren McKinney of Foundations Artist Management, Kristen Mitchell of Wasserman Music – Nashville, and Dean DeWulf of AXS. Together, they discussed how they’re rethinking the ticket-buying process for Chappell Roan’s 2025 pop-up shows. The focus: ensuring fans have a fair chance to purchase tickets without interference from scalpers or fraudulent resellers. As someone who’s experienced the frustration of missing out on tickets, I found their approach refreshing—it’s good to know there are people in the industry working to make ticketing more equitable and stress-free.
The main event of the day honored Usher Raymond with the Legend of Live Award. The superstar reflected on his decades of touring, sharing stories from his most memorable moments on the road.
He told industry audience members a story about his time opening for Diddy: as his 1997 hit “You Make Me Wanna…” was steadily climbing the Hot 100 (where it eventually peaked at No. 2), the crowd coming to see Usher gradually grew from ten people to a packed house. Diddy told him he wanted Usher to come out during his headlining set, but Usher recalled saying, “Nah, I’m cool. I’m gonna stay right where I’m at because I wanna earn my keep.”
From there, the afternoon broke into focused conversations. Maggie Baird (Billie Eilish’s mother) led a sustainability panel exploring practical ways to make touring and venues greener—think smarter routing, waste reduction, and vendor accountability. In a separate session, a panel of leading women agents spoke candidly about being women in the business: meaningful progress, what still needs to change, and how good agents can be invaluable partners to artists at every stage.
Additional discussions covered topics such as the revival of the long-running Warped Tour Music Festival and a closing conversation with reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro and Hans Schafer, SVP of Global Touring for Live Nation, who offered a fascinating look into the evolution of Latin music on the global stage.
Each panel ran about thirty minutes—long enough to educate and inspire, but short enough to keep the energy sharp and engaging.
By the end of the summit, I left with more than just notes. I left with a new respect for the many moving parts that make live music possible, and a deeper appreciation for the people who dedicate their lives to bringing fans those unforgettable moments on stage.
The Billboard Live Music Summit took place on November 3, 2025, at 1 Hotel West Hollywood.
