Nancy Spooner is the founder and CEO of Tempo Live Events Inc – as well as a show caller and deck manager. She will share her expertise on two panels – Women In Events and Sports, and The BUSINESS Of Show Business – at LDI’s Stage Managers Academy a two-day event on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7, 2025 in Las Vegas.
Register for LDI at www.ldishow.com. Use promo code SMA20 to save 20% on the Stage Managers Academy.
Live Design: Can you describe yourself in less than 50 words?
Nancy Spooner: A seasoned live-event producer and founder of Tempo Live Events, Inc, with over 30 years in production, I love calling shows and managing the deck. I am passionate about community-building, championing collaboration, mentorship, and excellence across the live-event industry. A proud wife, mom, and national park geek!
LD: Please give a brief overview of your training/education/career path.
NS: A TV and film graduate from San Diego State University, my career spans more than three decades in live event production. I spent 13 years as stadium producer for the X Games, 18 years with USA Gymnastics, and contributed to the Salt Lake City Olympics. Currently, I serve as stadium director and show caller for the US Open Tennis Championships, a role I've held for over two decades.
Alongside my sports work, I have produced corporate events for more than 20 years, collaborating with major agencies and brands nationwide. In 2008, I founded Tempo Live Events, Inc. as a side hustle, which has since grown into one of the nation’s leading resources for freelance event production specialists—connecting top-tier talent with clients across the U.S.
LD: Please describe your most recent project.
NS: I just returned from my twenty-first year at the US Open Tennis Championships in September, where I served as stadium producer and show caller. Working alongside the broadcast team, I helped create an unforgettable in-venue experience for spectators. My role involves directing and calling all audio and video cues – from athlete introductions and live TV interviews to video packages, sponsor giveaways, and on-court activations. I collaborate closely with the broadcast and production teams to ensure every moment on screen and in the stadium stays perfectly in sync.
LD: What are you teaching at LDI and who is your target audience?
NS: I’m all about sharing the love of live events! With over 30 years in production, I bring real-world experience from stadium shows, corporate events, and broadcast environments to help others understand what it really takes to make live shows happen. My sessions are designed to demystify event production — how it works, how to get started, and what skills make you stand out in this fast-paced industry.
Target Audience:
Anyone with that live-event fire in their eyes! Whether you’re a student, freelancer, technician, or creative just starting to explore production, my goal is to inspire, educate, and open doors to the world behind the show.
LD: What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?
NS: My biggest challenge has been balancing the career I love with being a wife and mom. Live events can be incredibly rewarding – we often earn well in concentrated bursts of time, but the travel and long hours make it tough to be away from family. The logistics of childcare are one part of it, but the emotional pull is just as real. Over the years, I’ve learned that communication, planning, and giving myself grace are key to keeping both worlds in harmony.
LD: What is your advice for people just getting into the industry?
NS: Be curious, be humble, and say yes, then figure it out. Every show is different, and that’s what makes this industry so exciting. Watch how others work, ask smart questions, and never assume you’re “too small” to make a difference. The people who last in live events are the ones who show up prepared, stay flexible, and keep their cool when things get messy (because they will). Build your reputation on reliability and attitude. That’s what gets you called back.
And one more thing! Always take out the trash and do more than your share. It’s amazing how far a good work ethic and great attitude can take you in this business.