The core concept behind GTL is simple: bring tour managers and tour service providers together for three days of networking, giving both groups valuable one-on-one time.However, the real magic happens when these two groups come together. Over the years, we’ve seen partnerships develop, alongside some important industry topics being raised, debated and discussed in a unique environment dedicated to the touring sector.
During our first three years of hosting GTL in Europe, we welcomed several delegates from the other side of the Atlantic. However, many more event professionals from across North America and LATAM told us they would love to see GTL brought to their part of the world. So, we called their bluff and, in 2026, did just that with the inaugural GTL Sessions: The Americas.
Hosted at the SLS Playa Mujeres resort in Cancún, the event brought to life the vision we had from the very beginning: to have two versions of GTL take place in a calendar year, on both sides of the Atlantic. And judging by the response to year one, we have little doubt that 2027 is very much on the cards.
For the uninitiated, GTL welcomes tour managers at various stages of their careers – from those who have overseen stadium and arena runs to those who might only be a few years into their careers. The idea being to create an environment that represents the entire touring network.
In terms of suppliers, those forming part of this year’s delegation included: Access Bookings, Accor, Air Charter, Alpha Priority Worldwide, Concert Stuff Group, Corinthia Hotels, Daysheets, EFM Global, Equinox Charter, Fly By Nite Conferences & Rehearsal Studios, Glide Travel, Global Motion, Go For Wardrobe, Hyatt Hotels, Jumbocruisers, KB Event, MasterTour, Music First Partnership, Pieter Smit Group, Private Jet Services (AKA Elevate Jet), Production Freight, Rocco Forte Hotels, Rock Rehearsal Studios, TAG, The Event Verse, The Optimists Travel and Urban Worldwide. Each supplier could select their preferred tour managers ahead of the event for a sit-down meeting, while the tour managers did the same for suppliers. T
his allowed the GTL team to create a bespoke itinerary for each delegation. “GTL Sessions is an experience I would hope every tour manager and tour provider gets to experience,” reflected Kayley Kerr of Private Jet Services. “In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the business and chaos, but GTL Sessions creates the space to reconnect, build relationships, and remember that the people are what make this industry so special.”
New to GTL this year was Robert Ezigbo of Jumbocruisers. “I was really excited ahead of attending the GTL Sessions, and every expectation I had was exceeded,” said Ezigbo. “The event was very well organised with every meeting, every talk, every meal planned in such a way to ensure that everyone was getting maximum value from attending.”
Among the returning tour service providers was Elliot Bottomley from Equinox Charter. “We feel very lucky to be part of the GTL family and to have built some great relationships along the way,” stated Bottomley. “It’s always an enjoyable few days with the best in the business, good conversations, time to socialise and plenty of opportunities to connect with people you might not otherwise get to meet.”
GTL Sessions: Tour managers and service providers unite in Málaga
Away from the meetings, GTL offered a range of Symposia Sessions covering a wide variety of topics. This year, the event welcomed Linkin Park’s Tour Director and Showmaker Founder Jim Digby, who led a session on how the industry should reconsider leadership roles within touring some of the points raised featured in an article he wrote for TPi #295.
Maks Czuperski and Karina Schulze of Sweep further offered insight into cybersecurity and why it should be a major consideration for all touring parties. The session was further enhanced by the addition of Tour Director Christian Coffey, who had worked with Sweep on several projects. We also hosted several panel discussions. The first offered a litmus test of some of the pressures tour managers are currently facing across the industry. For this, we brought a selection of TMs to the stage, including David ‘5-1’ Normal, Connie ‘Conz’ Morton-Young and Nicola Searle.
The next panel session focussed on how companies are creating solutions for freelancers. Joining the discussion were Byron Carr from TAG and Norman Grumbach from MasterTour, who shared details of their latest collaborations to deliver more innovative solutions for those working on the road, highlighting the benefits of companies in the sector working together.
Connie Fuentes of Indigo Touring, whose company provides solutions to support tour managers throughout their career journeys, meanwhile, highlighted the benefits of community and collaboration.
Lastly, to close out the Symposium programme, Music Industry Therapist Collective’s (MITC) Laurie Pegg took to the stage to discuss how freelancers can achieve a better work-life balance. The programme saw the return of the Round Table Session, where TMs and suppliers were invited to split off into smaller groups to share their thoughts and experiences on several major topics.
“I have never attended an industry conference before, which is crazy to think about after 26 years in this business, so hearing about GTL made me sceptical,” said Tour Manager Jodi Billings. “But I am more than happy I went. The connections I walked away with in just three days for future business providers and with other tour managers are incredible.”
Tour Manager Scott Ellis commented on his time at GTL Sessions: “I really enjoyed my first experience with GTL Sessions. I made some great new connections and discovered several vendors I’d genuinely consider working with on future tours. It was a fast-paced, worthwhile experience, and I’d do it again.”
Planning for both the European and Americas 2027 editions of GTL Sessions is well underway, If you’d like to learn more about both events, please visit: www.gtlsessions.com
Words: Stew Hume
Photos: Cal Halliwell
