Phoebe Joecks
One workshop at next month’s INTIX 2025 will dare to ask the question: “What does it take to be an independent freelancer in the fast-paced, ever-changing industry of ticketing and live events?” Attempting to answer that question will be a four-member panel featuring a diverse selection of freelance event professionals with a proven track record working as independent contractors in the ticketing industry.
One of those featured will be Phoebe Joecks, independent contractor at revneD Productions LLC. She says the Jan. 28 session, titled “Mavericks: An Adventurous and Rewarding Ride Not for the Fragile,” will be “a lively session” that “will be a first of its kind for the INTIX conference programming. My fellow panelists — Geo Haynes and Jason Varnish — and I will discuss how we go about securing projects, why we do it and what the rewards can be as well as the negatives.”
Among the other topics that will be explored are defining project scope, the necessary skill sets and temperament to be a freelancer, and when to decline a gig. And, perhaps most importantly, they will discuss how to charge for services.
Joecks hopes one of the key takeaways from this session will be “a better understanding of how freelancers thrive from project to project in a variety of pillars of the live entertainment industry — sports, music, and experiential and esports. I think that the curious will have a better insight into the life of freelancing. And our panel attendees will have a greater comprehension of how we go about locking in contracts or projects.”
Of course, a lot of attendees will come into this workshop somewhat intimidated by “going it on their own” and following their bliss. Thus, the question was posed: “What is/will be your message to those particular members?”
Joecks’ reply: “My message is do what feeds your soul. Yes, it is risky, and the pandemic was full of challenges for me financially. But I continue to persevere, even branching out to the touring side of the business. And never burn a bridge! Know your worth. My fellow panelists will also have some compelling answers to this question. [chuckling] Oh, we will be a lively group.”
For sure, each panelist will bring their unique experience and perspective. Haynes is an independent professional ticketing contractor. Mealor serves as Director of Ticketing & Marketing for Las Vegas Entertainment at Boyd Gaming. And Varnish works Ticketing Operations & Event Staffing for BOM Advisers
Joecks expects one of her key talking points will indeed be what are the skills one must absolutely have to be an independent contractor. To this, she says, “Know how to advocate for yourself, your business and your team, as well as meeting the expectations of your clients and projects. Be able to maintain motivation and pursue projects that are a good fit. That said, I do not pass on many opportunities, because I wear so many different hats: music festivals; film festivals; experiential events; esports; and, yes, now concert touring.”
She says all four panelists are looking forward to just who will show up at their workshop. Less than two months out, she has an idea of the ideal attendees of “Mavericks: An Adventurous and Rewarding Ride Not for the Fragile.” She states, “Anyone who is curious about working as a freelancer and anyone who works in conjunction with an independent contractor at their business. But, above all, everyone is welcome!”
Are you registered for INTIX 2025, Jan. 27–30, in New York City? What are you waiting for? Click here to register now.
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