As an event producer, my life on the road is both thrilling and demanding. One aspect that can get tricky to manage in this fast-paced, nomadic lifestyle is my health. Being constantly on the move and working on live events can impact well-being if not consciously addressed. That’s why I’ve decided to share my own tips and habits that help me stay healthy and energized while managing live events. From dietary choices to hydration, here’s my personal guide to a healthy life on the road.

MY PERSONAL EVENT RIDER

First and foremost, I’ve found it essential to establish a personal event rider a checklist of my must-have items that keep me nourished and ready to tackle the day. I ensure that I have a mini-fridge in my room filled with still water, sparkling water, apples, bananas, granola bars, and either cereal or oatmeal. These are my go-to breakfast options and snacks, making sure I’m fueled throughout my event planning and running.

Also, I’ve found it hugely beneficial to unpack and iron everything for the show run on the first day. Not only does this save time later on, but it also eliminates unnecessary decisions and lessens stress as the week unfolds.

FOOD: THE UNSUNG HERO

Food plays a major role in my life on the road. Yet, it’s easy to let the crew’s meals and healthy eating take a back seat amidst the chaos of a live event. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that my crew’s health and happiness significantly impact the event’s success.

When it’s pre-production and load-in days, I make it a point to provide a variety of healthy options for my staff. Hand fruits, single-serve granola bars, single-serve cereals and oatmeal, and nut packs are always available. The aim is to make healthy food accessible and ready without any additional hassle for the team.

However, when we’re live and on-air, it’s impossible to step away for meals. That’s when I rely on our venue partners to deliver scheduled, balanced meals. We’ve all experienced those deep-fried meals with little to no greens they’re energy zappers, especially when we’re working long hours in a dark ballroom. I always demand a menu that includes a healthy variety to keep my teams energetic and alert.

SWEET INDULGENCES

While focusing on healthy eating is critical, I believe in enjoying the sweet side of life too, albeit in moderation. Small quantities of pick-me-ups like Red Vines and Swedish Fish can offer a quick energy boost when needed. After all, balance is key!

FINAL THOUGHTS

As an event producer, my life is jam-packed, and it’s easy for health to slip through the cracks. But these habits help me stay healthy and high-performing, despite the challenges. More importantly, they set a positive example for my crew, because a healthy crew indeed is a happy crew!