October played host to All Access Fest 2019, our second annual career fair with a music industry twist. Nearly 3,000 young people with a dream of a career in the music industry came together in Live Nation music venues across five major U.S. cities: House of Blues Chicago, House of Blues Las Vegas, The Wiltern in Los Angeles, The Fillmore New Orleans, and House of Blues Orlando.
These inspirational events included informational panels and engaging hands-on experiences with interactive vendors showcasing the latest trends in music and technology including CD Baby, AudioFusion, Full Sail, Hercules, Massive Act, Music Supervisor, Novel Effect, and Ticketmaster. 
Each All Access Fest commenced with meaningful opening remarks from industry-leading keynote speakers such as Jammber CEO Marcus Cobb in Chicago, performer Mike Xavier in Las Vegas, Black Eyed Peas Musical Director and drummer Keith Harris in Los Angeles, iHeartRadio’s ”Wild Wayne” Benjamin in New Orleans and Jana Lakowsky in Orlando. Our talented alumni provided live entertainment at each event adding to this special day of music, networking, and learning.
Students engaged with local industry experts during informational panels that provided insight and guidance into careers in music. Industry leaders from companies such as Live Nation, Ticketmaster, MGM International, Maverick, WME, Pandora and others shared personal experience and advice to empower the next generation of leaders. Students engaged in Q&A sessions, Ask the Professional one-on-one experiences, university information breakouts, and more to gain real-world understanding and make valuable connections.
After attending the career fair, Las Vegas alumna King Tatie boasted, “All Access Fest was such an incredible experience! Getting to hear from music industry experts about the importance of sticking to your true artistry, pushing your limits within all areas of music, and being able to maintain physical and mental wellness in the industry were just some of the most significant panels I listened to. These were all great pieces of advice which I will take with me throughout my music career.”
Local music industry employers, community partners, and educational institutions including The Recording Academy, Berklee College of Music, UCLA Center for Music Innovation, College of Southern Nevada, Full Sail University, Notes for Notes, and Loyola University were onsite for students to explore a variety of opportunities ranging from degree and certification programs to industry internships, full-time jobs, and performance opportunities. HeadCount joined us nationwide to register young people to vote as we enter an important election year; and Full Sail University in Orlando provided a hands-on AI/AR experience where students experienced technology that is being used to enhance the fan experience at festivals and live shows.
When asked about her experience at All Access Fest, Los Angeles participant Ariana Munoz expressed, “Today was really cool because we don’t get a lot of events like this, especially in the music industry. It was really cool to network with a lot of people in the industry and with people our age.”
Building confidence was a big theme throughout the career fairs. At each event, Novel Effect’s virtual recording studio was set up for students to experience music production or share their talent. There was one student, Roberto Lopez, who was hesitant to sing in front of such a large group, but he decided to step up to the mic. After the experience, Roberto raved, “They had an open microphone and it was my first time in front of an audience, so it was really inspirational. I would recommend others getting involved because you get to see how it is being in an actual venue…I was scared to do it, but I did it anyway because the experience, the environment, felt as if I was someone big already.”
Another young participant, Arday Williams, expressed, “Music is my life. I listen to it when I wake up, when I sleep, I listen to music when I eat, everything is music. This gave me confirmation that this is what I want to do.”
All Access Fest 2019 was an unforgettable experience filled with informative conversations and invaluable connections. This year’s nationwide program exceeded expectations and ensured that youth from all backgrounds have access to opportunities, information, and resources that will allow them to confidently pursue their passions on-stage and off-stage as they move through life.