Julie is involved in business development and also manages existing music-related accounts. Some of her artist clients include Eric Clapton, Patti LaBelle, Willie Nelson, Patti Smith, Cowboy Junkies, 'N Sync, and Rush. Industry clients include 462 Concerts, Matador Records, and Soundtrack Recording Studios.

Prior to joining Near North, Julie was a co-owner of Coulter & Sands Inc. from 1986 to 1996. Julie has a bachelor of science degree in theater arts from Emerson College. She is also a member of Women in Music, Inc. and served two years on its board of directors.

What types of insurance are needed for a concert or event?
Depends on the concert or event, but normally General Liability; Workers Compensation; Inland marine for any equipment rented or owned; Event cancellation or non-appearance coverage; Non-Owned & Hired Auto coverage. Weather - if outdoors.

Artists need general liability, workers comp, equipment coverage; non-owned and hired auto coverage is optional; if they own a vehicle then commercial auto coverage. If the artist is big enough, they may want to take cancellation/non-appearance coverage for their costs and/or guarantees.

Promoters need general liability, workers comp, non-owned and hired auto, rental equipment, third party property damage, cancellation/non-appearance and weather, if outdoors.

Facilities need general liability, workers comp, non-owned and hired auto and property coverage.

Production companies should have general liability, workers comp, non-owned and hired auto and equipment insurance.

Are concert insurance rates going up?
Right now all the markets in general are trying to raise rates by at least 10 percent. Whether or not it will affect concert insurance remains to be seen and usually a rate increase would be dependent on the individual risk and its loss experience.

What are your feelings about general admission concerts in arenas?
I like reserved seating. It cuts out people being territorial which can cause problems at a g.a. show. Rates for g.a. shows are usually a tad higher because of the lack of control over the crowd as there are no ushers or anything like that due to no reserved seating.

What are your feelings on daylong festivals?
They're fine as long as they're properly organized. There is a lot more exposure on an all-day festival simply because of the time factor. When you're going all day and the crowd might be drinking all day - if things are not running properly - could lead to big problems! Especially if the crowd becomes unruly.

Are there any improvements you would you like to see at concerts?
There can always be improvements made - sight lines, more toilets, proper wiring of sound, lights; placement of staging; lower ticket pricing. And again, the improvements needing to be made would depend on the type of show and where it is held.

How important is rain insurance for an outdoor event?
It could be the difference between making or breaking your event. If you have it and it rains, it's well worth the money. If you don't have it and it rains, you usually pay in another way.

First industry job
Working for my dad at his insurance agency.

Career highlight(s)
There have probably been many but my career (I hope) is far from over, so it's tough to say. The one that comes to mind is when I was new at doing this but managed to get a Peter Gabriel tour placed in 15 minutes on a Friday when I got the call at 5 minutes to 5 on a Friday afternoon and rehearsals began the next morning. Further, there was still an open claim from the first leg of the tour!

Best business decision
Possibly joining Near North, although starting my own company was cool too.

Worst business decision
Probably starting my own company!

What is your industry pet peeve(s)?
Underwriters not getting back to me when they say they will. Probably applies to clients too. People who really know nothing about insurance acting like they know everything about insurance and trying to undermine me when I'm trying to help them.

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