Weather or Not

2011’s stage collapse tragedies have reminded everyone that bad weather can be sudden, vicious and lethal. It’s not the first year that the elements have played their part in fatalities; perhaps we need to learn our lessons a little faster. Is it the structures themselves at fault, or perhaps the decision-making process? A panel of organisers, staging companies, enforcers and insurers will debate the issues and uncover answers.

John Probyn - COO, Live Nation 

John Probyn got his first taste for events in 1988 when he landed a sales job in commercial radio. Spotting an opportunity to involve advertisers with the station and its music he created one of the first dedicated sponsorship and events divisions in commercial radio – a decision that gave the station an important new revenue source and saw John quickly rise up the ranks. John’s role grew to creating major music events for Capital Radio’s network of stations throughout the UK.  As he mastered his skills John earned a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost experts in the production of live events.

In 1988, he decided to set up on his own and created Pro Productions where he rapidly built up a client list including the country’s biggest promoters and festivals as well as major touring shows. In 2001, Pro Productions was bought by Live Nation (then Clear Channel Entertainment) which handed John the role of UK Festival Director overseeing logistical planning and implementation of global events such as Live 8, Live Earth and Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday celebrations, while he also became the driving force behind Live Nation’s award winning festivals Download, Hard Rock Calling and Wireless. His long-term view of the business has made John Probyn arguably the most recognised production executives in the Europe. His decision to create fan forums for Download, so that he could gauge feedback on even the most minute proposed changes, has given him cult status among the festival’s fans.  In 2008, John was promoted to his current position of Chief Operating Officer for Live Nation Music UK, placing him in overall charge of all elements of planning and implementation of the company’s tours, festivals and special events in the UK.

Mark Logan - Director, Showsec

Mark Logan has been a director at Showsec for five years and began his career with the award winning crowd management, venue and event security specialists in 1991.

Mark progressed through the company, qualifying with a Masters degree in Management and Leadership whilst using his extensive experience to oversee security operations across the UK for an array of high profile festivals such as Rockness, Creamfields and Bestival.