When Sh*t Goes Wrong At Events

Freddie Sparrow

Freddie Sparrow interviews the great and the good from the events world about their experiences, and learnings.

  1. 11 mar

    Ep. 21 - Duncan King (Skiddle)

    Welcome to Series 3 of When Sh*t Goes Wrong at Events - the podcast giving listeners a backstage pass to the often unheard stories of event organising. In this episode, host Freddie Sparrow sits down with Duncan King, Head of Partnerships at Skiddle, whose career spans DJing, promoting, artist management, and working at the heart of the UK ticketing industry. From the EDM boom of the mid-2000s to today’s challenging market for promoters, Duncan shares a candid look at how the industry has evolved - and what it takes to survive in it. They explore the realities of life on tour, the pressures facing artists and promoters, and why attention to detail (from backstage care to financial planning) can make or break an event. The conversation also tackles mental health in the industry, the shift toward professionalisation, and why collaboration and diversification are becoming essential for long-term success. Topics covered: Duncan’s journey from teenage DJ to industry leader at SkiddleThe role of artist managers and life behind major toursWhy artist riders and backstage care matter more than you thinkMental health challenges for artists and independent promotersThe evolution from cash-at-door events to online ticketingCurrent market pressures and the need to diversifyTrust, relationships, and building sustainable careers in eventsConnect with host Freddie Sparrow, Co-Founder of Vento, and guest Duncan King, Head of Partnerships at Skiddle. This episode is sponsored by Vento Insurance - specialists in protecting live events when sh*t goes wrong. For event insurance advice, email hello@ventoinsurance.com.

    53 min
  2. 28 ene

    Ep. 18 – Chris Carter - Founder and CEO of Eventwise

    Welcome to Series 3 of When Sh*t Goes Wrong at Events - the podcast giving listeners a backstage pass to the often unheard stories of event organising. In this episode, host Freddie Sparrow sits down with Chris Carter, Founder and CEO of Eventwise, to unpack the financial realities of running live events. From promoting student club nights in Bristol to working across the festival supply chain, Chris shares how he found his way into accountancy, and why understanding the numbers can make or break an event. The conversation covers everything from overinflated artist fees and rising costs, to the importance of solid budget sheets and cashflow management. Chris also shares some unforgettable stories from the field, including managing festival finances in Mexico under intense pressure, and what resilience really looks like when events aren’t going to plan. Topics covered: How Chris went from promoting club nights to leading an events finance businessWhy budget sheets are essential for every eventThe reality behind artist fees and marketing spendManaging cashflow at festivals (including a high pressure situation in Mexico)Why many independent promoters haven’t survived, and advice for those trying toBuilding an events brand that lasts, and the role of resilienceConnect with host Freddie Sparrow, Co-Founder of Vento, and guest Chris Carter, Founder & CEO of Eventwise. This episode is sponsored by Vento Insurance - specialists in protecting live events when sh*t goes wrong. For event insurance advice, email info@ventoinsurance.com.

    41 min

Información

Freddie Sparrow interviews the great and the good from the events world about their experiences, and learnings.