As part of the Behind the Scenes (BTS) Mental Health Initiative, BTS and LDI are bringing the Wellness Lounge (Booth #510) to LDI 2025, December 7-9 in Las Vegas. The Wellness Lounge offers attendees a safe space to learn about mental and physical health through daily presentations and activities. All day, attendees can take advantage of one-on-one consultations with presenters. Click on the titles below to see descriptions of the presentations.
Overdose prevention training provided by There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation will be offered at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm on Sunday and Monday. The training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, certificates of completion and an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants.
This year, we are also offering free, 30 minute, one-on-one flash career coaching. Need guidance on your next career move? Wondering how your skills translate to a job you’ve been eyeing? Participants will receive focused support from career coach and industry leader, Mark Heiser in exploring how your skills in the entertainment industry can translate to new opportunities — whether within the field or beyond it. Sessions will be offered Sunday and Monday from 4-6pm. Time slots are very limited, so sign up by emailing careers@btshelp.org in advance of the show. You can also sign up at the Wellness Lounge Booth #510 if slots are still available.
Attendees can stop by the lounge anytime and visit the Behind the Scenes team to learn about the Mental Health Initiative’s extensive tools and resources and receive valuable information participants can share with their companies, on the jobsite, or at their union hall.
BTS and LDI invite all exhibitors and attendees to join our “We’re Shining a Light on Mental Health” campaign to help reduce the stigma and encourage people to speak openly about mental health and substance use issues. The booth staff of exhibitors supporting the campaign will be wearing a “We’re Shining a Light on Mental Health” button and attendees can pick up their own at the Wellness Lounge. Exhibitors interested in participating should email shinealight@btshelp.org.
All registration options, including Expo Hall Pass, provide access to the Wellness Lounge.
Come for free coffee to get your day started and learn about the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative and all the offerings at the Wellness Lounge.
Do you know how to safely intervene if you see a co-worker being bullied or intimidated? Did you know there are different ways to intervene to match your comfort level? Join Jillian Beggs, Program Director of Behind the Scenes, and learn practical techniques to assist yourself and others in these all-too-common situations in the workplace as Behind the Scenes presents: the 5Ds of Bystander Intervention, developed by Right To Be.
Most of us are woefully unaware of the myriad of processes in our bodies while we sleep. In this session, we will talk briefly about why we get sleepy and some of the healthful things that occur in the various stages of sleep. This 30-minute session is presented by retired Safety & Training Director of IATSE Local 16, Eddie Raymond.
People in creative fields are naturally resourceful, adaptable, and unafraid to explore the unknown. In the entertainment industry, quick pivots and flexibility are part of the job. But what do you do when the work itself no longer supports your physical, mental, or financial well-being? In this session, longtime venue manager and entertainment career coach Mark Heiser explores why making a career shift — within or beyond the industry — can be a healthy, even necessary, next step. He’ll share practical strategies for navigating change, reframing your skills, and identifying new opportunities when your current path no longer aligns with your needs. You’ll also get a first look at the latest Behind the Scenes initiative: new online tools and resources designed to support your career transition or expansion, wherever your next chapter leads.
Sign up for one of Mark’s Flash 1 on 1 Career Coaching sessions available on Sunday and Monday between 4:00 and 6:00. Time slots are very limited, so sign up by emailing careers@btshelp.org in advance of the show. You can also sign up at the Wellness Lounge Booth #510 if slots are still available.
Provided by the There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation, the training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants while supplies last.
What if you don’t love exercise, but need it anyway? In this personal and practical session, Amy D Lux shares how she went from avoiding physical activity to becoming an ultra-runner and founding the Golden Ghostlight Runners, an international fundraising run club supporting Behind The Scenes Foundation. We’ll explore the neuroscience behind movement and mood, the barriers that make physical activity inaccessible or intimidating, and the connection between stress and identity, especially during times of transition or intense production schedules, when “busy” often becomes a badge of honor. Whether you’re already training or just curious, this session is about meeting your body where it is and finding joy, resilience, and relief through movement.
Provided by the There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation, the training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants while supplies last.
Live events are unpredictable—and when things go sideways, it’s not just the show on the line, it’s your mental and emotional resilience. Join Scott Kinnebrew of SGM Lighting for a session on staying grounded, calm, and clear-headed while leading under pressure, with practical tools for managing stress, supporting your team, and leading through chaos. We’ll talk about how to navigate the emotional toll of things going wrong, strengthening crew communication, and building your own inner toolkit for staying steady when the stakes are high. Expect a no-fluff, practical session filled with lessons learned the hard way—so you don’t have to. If you’ve ever had a show go sideways (or know it’s only a matter of time), this presentation is for you. Walk away with real tools, renewed confidence, and maybe even a few laughs about the things we’ve all had to survive behind the scenes.
Provided by the There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation, the training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants while supplies last.
In an industry structured around “efficiency” and pragmatism, little or no credence is given to the long-lasting damage done to our brains and bodies when we are regularly deprived of proper sleep. In this session, we will look at various afflictions caused by this reality and some strategies to get better sleep. This 30-minute session is presented by retired Safety & Training Director of IATSE Local 16, Eddie Raymond.
Working in a high-stress, fast-paced industry comes with a cost—especially when nutrition, sleep, and stress management fall to the bottom of the to-do list. In this session, “Fueling Your Body”, long time industry professional and health advocate Amé Yeager will shed light on the often-silent factors that impact energy, mood, and long-term health. She’ll share real-life strategies for reducing stress and shifting the body to a more sustainable, long term health focused state—on the road, on set, or wherever your gig may take you! Whether you’re running a show or running to catch a flight, this is your invitation to invest in the most important piece of equipment you’ve got—you.
Need guidance on your next career move? Wondering how your skills translate to a job you’ve been eyeing? Not even sure how to start navigating a change? In these free, 30-minute, one-on-one sessions, participants will receive focused support from career coach and industry leader, Mark Heiser in exploring how your skills in the entertainment industry can translate to new opportunities — whether within the field or beyond it. Sessions will be offered Sunday from 4-6pm and Monday from 4-6pm. Time slots are very limited, so sign up by emailing careers@btshelp.org in advance of the show. You can also sign up at the Wellness Lounge Booth #510 if slots are still available.
BTS Executive Director, Lori Rubinstein, will provide an overview of the many tools and resources available under the charity’s Mental Health Initiative, including suicide prevention resources, substance use information for all those impacted, the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder, resources to fight bullying and harassment, sample language on mental health for safety briefings and meetings, resources to help explore career expansion or transition, and Mental Health First Aid training.
Come for free coffee to get your day started and learn about the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative and all the offerings at the Wellness Lounge.
If you have time for a cup of coffee, you can do this brief yoga practice with Deanna Fitzgerald, Dean of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Connecticut and USA Lighting Designer. No special costumes, props, yoga mats, or experience are required. This simple combination of small movements and breathing can be the same as your first cup of coffee every day. Come wearing jeans, a business suit, or a skirt/kilt. It takes only 15 minutes and can help set you up for a calmer day!
Working in a high-stress, fast-paced industry comes with a cost—especially when nutrition, sleep, and stress management fall to the bottom of the to-do list. In this session, “Fueling Your Body”, long time industry professional and health advocate Amé Yeager will shed light on the often-silent factors that impact energy, mood, and long-term health. She’ll share real-life strategies for reducing stress and shifting the body to a more sustainable, long term health focused state—on the road, on set, or wherever your gig may take you! Whether you’re running a show or running to catch a flight, this is your invitation to invest in the most important piece of equipment you’ve got—you.
In an industry structured around “efficiency” and pragmatism, little or no credence is given to the long-lasting damage done to our brains and bodies when we are regularly deprived of proper sleep. In this session, we will look at various afflictions caused by this reality and some strategies to get better sleep. This 30-minute session is presented by retired Safety & Training Director of IATSE Local 16, Eddie Raymond.
What if you don’t love exercise, but need it anyway? In this personal and practical session, Amy D Lux shares how she went from avoiding physical activity to becoming an ultra-runner and founding the Golden Ghostlight Runners, an international fundraising run club supporting Behind The Scenes Foundation. We’ll explore the neuroscience behind movement and mood, the barriers that make physical activity inaccessible or intimidating, and the connection between stress and identity, especially during times of transition or intense production schedules, when “busy” often becomes a badge of honor. Whether you’re already training or just curious, this session is about meeting your body where it is and finding joy, resilience, and relief through movement.
Provided by the There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation, the training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants while supplies last.
People in creative fields are naturally resourceful, adaptable, and unafraid to explore the unknown. In the entertainment industry, quick pivots and flexibility are part of the job. But what do you do when the work itself no longer supports your physical, mental, or financial well-being? In this session, longtime venue manager and entertainment career coach Mark Heiser explores why making a career shift — within or beyond the industry — can be a healthy, even necessary, next step. He’ll share practical strategies for navigating change, reframing your skills, and identifying new opportunities when your current path no longer aligns with your needs. You’ll also get a first look at the latest Behind the Scenes initiative: new online tools and resources designed to support your career transition or expansion, wherever your next chapter leads.
Sign up for one of Mark’s Flash 1 on 1 Career Coaching sessions available on Sunday and Monday between 4:00 and 6:00. Time slots are very limited, so sign up by emailing careers@btshelp.org in advance of the show. You can also sign up at the Wellness Lounge Booth #510 if slots are still available.
Provided by the There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation, the training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants while supplies last.
We have all come across a situation where someone you worked with showed clear signs of problematic use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace. Have you wondered why you might want to help – and how you could help? Have you wondered if you have obligations based on your position? This preview of a webinar developed by the Behind the Scenes Substance Use Task Group will provide answers to some of these questions and help prepare you to take positive action. Presented by task group member David Lincecum, ETC Vice President of High-End Systems and International Operations.
Provided by the There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation, the training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants while supplies last.
ETC Vice President of High-End Systems and International Operations, David Lincecum, asks, “Are you sober or sober-curious?” One of the more challenging times may be when you are in social situations – parties, bars, and dinners. This short talk will offer strategies for having a great time – and being sober while doing it.
Live events are unpredictable—and when things go sideways, it’s not just the show on the line, it’s your mental and emotional resilience. Join Scott Kinnebrew of SGM Lighting for a session on staying grounded, calm, and clear-headed while leading under pressure, with practical tools for managing stress, supporting your team, and leading through chaos. We’ll talk about how to navigate the emotional toll of things going wrong, strengthening crew communication, and building your own inner toolkit for staying steady when the stakes are high. Expect a no-fluff, practical session filled with lessons learned the hard way—so you don’t have to. If you’ve ever had a show go sideways (or know it’s only a matter of time), this presentation is for you. Walk away with real tools, renewed confidence, and maybe even a few laughs about the things we’ve all had to survive behind the scenes.
Need guidance on your next career move? Wondering how your skills translate to a job you’ve been eyeing? Not even sure how to start navigating a change? In these free, 30-minute, one-on-one sessions, participants will receive focused support from career coach and industry leader, Mark Heiser in exploring how your skills in the entertainment industry can translate to new opportunities — whether within the field or beyond it. Sessions will be offered Sunday from 4-6pm and Monday from 4-6pm. Time slots are very limited, so sign up by emailing careers@btshelp.org in advance of the show. You can also sign up at the Wellness Lounge Booth #510 if slots are still available.
Most of us are woefully unaware of the myriad of processes in our bodies while we sleep. In this session, we will talk briefly about why we get sleepy and some of the healthful things that occur in the various stages of sleep. This 30-minute session is presented by retired Safety & Training Director of IATSE Local 16, Eddie Raymond.
Do you know how to safely intervene if you see a co-worker being bullied or intimidated? Did you know there are different ways to intervene to match your comfort level? Join Jillian Beggs, Program Director of Behind the Scenes, and learn practical techniques to assist yourself and others in these all-too-common situations in the workplace as Behind the Scenes presents: the 5Ds of Bystander Intervention, developed by Right To Be.
Come for free coffee to get your day started and learn about the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative and all the offerings at the Wellness Lounge.
If you have time for a cup of coffee, you can do this brief yoga practice with Deanna Fitzgerald, Dean of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Connecticut and USA Lighting Designer. No special costumes, props, yoga mats, or experience are required. This simple combination of small movements and breathing can be the same as your first cup of coffee every day. Come wearing jeans, a business suit, or a skirt/kilt. It takes only 15 minutes and can help set you up for a calmer day!
Provided by the There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation, the training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants while supplies last.
Most of us are woefully unaware of the myriad of processes in our bodies while we sleep. In this session, we will talk briefly about why we get sleepy and some of the healthful things that occur in the various stages of sleep. This 30-minute session is presented by retired Safety & Training Director of IATSE Local 16, Eddie Raymond.
We have all come across a situation where someone you worked with showed clear signs of problematic use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace. Have you wondered why you might want to help – and how you could help? Have you wondered if you have obligations based on your position? This preview of a webinar developed by the Behind the Scenes Substance Use Task Group will provide answers to some of these questions and help prepare you to take positive action. Presented by task group member David Lincecum, ETC Vice President of High-End Systems and International Operations.
Provided by the There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation, the training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants while supplies last.
ETC Vice President of High-End Systems and International Operations, David Lincecum, asks, “Are you sober or sober-curious?” One of the more challenging times may be when you are in social situations – parties, bars, and dinners. This short talk will offer strategies for having a great time – and being sober while doing it.
Provided by the There is No Hero in Heroin Foundation, the training covers basic harm reduction principles, basic harm reduction techniques for those with active use, how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan®. At the end of each free training, an Overdose Response kit with 2 Nasal Narcan® doses will be provided to all participants while supplies last.
In an industry structured around “efficiency” and pragmatism, little or no credence is given to the long-lasting damage done to our brains and bodies when we are regularly deprived of proper sleep. In this session, we will look at various afflictions caused by this reality and some strategies to get better sleep. This 30-minute session is presented by retired Safety & Training Director of IATSE Local 16, Eddie Raymond.