Stage Ready Industry Conversations: Venue & Industry Leadership

What does it take to run a venue, build a crew and create opportunities in Ballarat's live events industry? Join Stage Ready for an open conversation with venue managers, technical leaders and industry representatives about the realities of operating venues, delivering events and developing local technical talent. The panel will explore the pressures behind the scenes — including staffing, safety, budgets, client expectations, skills shortages, workplace culture and the challenge of creating meaningful entry points for emerging crew. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit anonymous questions before and during the event. Questions will be grouped into broader themes so the discussion can be honest, constructive and respectful. This event is for venue staff, technicians, freelancers, students, volunteers, community theatre members, event organisers and anyone interested in understanding how the local industry works. Stage Ready members and mentors attend free. General admission is $5 and includes light snacks and nibbles. Come along, meet people from across the sector and help explore how Ballarat can build stronger pathways into live events, technical production and venue work.