Adam Davis, chief executive officer of the TAIT Group, shares his perspective on the resiliency of the industry, what's new in Lititz, PA, such as the new Academy of Live Technology, and more...including the fact that TAIT is hiring and his advice for the next generation entering the biz.
Live Design: What happened at TAIT during the pandemic, and how has the company recovered?
Adam Davis: The pandemic took an enormous toll on the industries we cover and serve. The live events industry ground to a halt. But now that business is back, we are busier than ever. I remember asking ourselves in 2020, will audiences come back? The sheer number of projects coming through our doors has undoubtedly answered that question. It takes a lot of attention to keep up with the steady flow of new and returning business—a great problem to have—and one that makes us even more appreciative not only of the resiliency of our clients but also for the joy that we deliver to audiences.
LD: What are the 5- and 10-year long-term goals for TAIT; what are growth areas, and how do you stay diversified?
AD: In both the long and the short term, our goals are to continue delivering world-class projects with best-in-class services beginning with the strategy and master planning, the innovative design phase, and through production and delivery. We strive to be holistic partners to our clients, leveraging our ability to deliver end-to-end, from concept through execution, while utilizing our revolutionary technical IP.
LD: How does TAIT play a role and interact with Rock Lititz— are you integral in the expansion plans for that campus?
AD: We had felt a real need to put Lititz on the map as the epicenter of live event technology. Rock Lititz serves to further that point. It started with studio spaces to bring the creative clients here, and now we have surrounded it by 50+ live event companies. Add to that the Academy of Live Technology on the same campus. So, we started by getting the creative energy here, surrounded it by the support function, and then filling it with the next generation of young people—giving them an ecosystem to innovate. We believe this will further ensure Rock Lititz is the forever thought leader of live events and technology.
LD: What about the new university that has been announced at Rock Lititz? How involved are you in that project?
AD: We are thrilled about the Academy of Live Technology (ALT) at Rock Lititz. We love giving students inside access to the industry and the hands-on experience that will be invaluable to them as they become professionals. It represents another exciting opportunity for the TAIT team to be an integral part of the future of live entertainment in both Lititz and Wakefield.
LD: What have been the most recent, most challenging projects for TAIT—other than the Super Bowl?
AD: Every project brings its own unique set of challenges, especially as the demand for over-the-top spectacles increases. From flying some of the world’s most prominent artists to engineering complex lifts and stage props, we bring creative visions to life for performers like Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Sam Smith, Adele, Post Malone, and many others. Our business has grown to include the strategy and planning of live experiences and location-based entertainment. I continue to be very excited about the projects in the pipeline that will push audiences' expectations worldwide.
LD: How do new technologies get integrated into your projects?
AD: Creative concepts and designs drive innovation. Therefore, we as a company respond with the technology that best meets the solution. Sometimes that means responding with leading-edge development efforts to create a new solution. TAIT’s global organization is built to optimize technology one project at a time. We have created an ecosystem where we can support artists and creatives to deliver their vision. We are constantly driving towards a future technology vision 10 to 15 years out and taking one step at a time on each project.
LD: Are you hiring? If so, what positions and what kind of training do the candidates need?
AD: We are hiring across the organization. We are always looking for creative, out-of-the-box thinkers. Specifically in the STEM fields, we are hiring engineers and fabricators. Those interested in working with us can view our open positions at TAIT Careers.
LD: What advice would you give a young person wanting to enter the industry today?
AD: Try things out. Get into the mix. You don't have to start in your dream field. Some of the best insights come from experiences outside our comfort zones that help us understand how things work for the parts of the process that are outside our passion zone.
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