Having joined ZAIKO in September 2024 as chief operating officer, Shimada was promoted to CEO in April this year.

Shimada has a wealth of experience in the industry thanks to positions with Warner Music Japan, Universal Music Group and Amazon Music.

Here, Shimada discusses ZAIKO’s latest goals and projects…

What projects are you currently working on?

Kaz Shimada: “We are currently working on a live concert for one of the major Japanese artists [who cannot currently be named]. This showcases our capabilities to manage ticket sales operations in the local Hong Kong market. We are working closely with a local promoter and a venue operator.”

What are some of the trends you are experiencing in the region?

KS: “There is an increasing level of interest in Hong Kong about getting access to popular Japanese IPs, namely music, vTubers, anime, game and esports. Also, the trend of strong inbound tourism from China to Japan is continuing its momentum and it is expected to grow even further in the next two to three years.”

What is in the pipeline projects-wise?

KS: “There will be more shows with the Japanese artists and IPs that we are planning to sell tickets for in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, specific names are yet to be announced, so cannot be disclosed.”

What are you looking to discover at TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2025?

KS: “We hope to meet and interact with many business partners and players in the entertainment field in Hong Kong, such as concert promoters, IP owners, management companies, venues and financing companies.”

Join Kas and hundreds of ticketing and events execs at TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2025 #TAS25 from October 21-23.

APPLY HERE

The post #TAS25 Guest Spotlight: ZAIKO appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

#TAS25 returns to Hong Kong for its fourth edition on 21–23 October 2025, bringing together the APAC’s brightest minds in entertainment eCommerce – from ticketing, CRM and loyalty, through to marketing, payments and data analytics.

With a dedicated focus on Asia’s booming experience economy, #TAS25 explores the future of Experiences. Entertainment. eCommerce!

Already confirmed: leading names in stadium management, ticketing, live entertainment and eCommerce, including:

• 24/7 Software
• Adelaide Showgrounds
• AiFi
• AsiaWorld-Expo Management
• ASM Global (APAC)
• Aurea Exhibitions
• Circles Group
• d&b audiotechnik
• Ecoglo International
• FELD Entertainment
• Harman Professional Solutions
• Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center
• Hong Kong Tourism Board
• Insignia Presents
• iTICKET (New Zealand)
• Kai Tak Sports Park
• L-Acoustics
• Lawson Entertainment
• Legends-ASM Global
• MEHK (Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong)
• Nikken Sekkei
• One NZ Stadium (Venues Otautahi)
• PACIFA 3D
• Populous
• Protect Group
• Queue-it
• Ross Video
• Singapore Sports Hub
• SKIDATA
• TEN Group
• Tessera
• TEX Tickets
• The Underground HK
• Thorn Lighting
• TX Ticketing
• VenuePro
• Versare Flooring
• VITEC
• York Racecourse
• Zaha Hadid Architects
• Zaiko

…. and many, many more leading names in ticketing, live entertainment and cultural experiences!

Our focus for 2025: Sales. Marketing. Engagement.

#TAS25 features curated business and project meetings, exploring the latest in audience engagement, digital transformation, immersive entertainment and revenue growth strategies.

Conference sessions will hosted at the HQ Dorsett Kai Tak Hotel, right in the heart of the now-open Kai Tak Sports Park – the region’s landmark destination for sport, leisure and entertainment.

Our conference programme includes a full social programme alongside exclusive tours around Kai Tak Sports Park‘s stunning stadium, arena and entertainment facilities.

[View the #TAS25 Programme Preview here]

And #TAS25 is co-hosted with TheStadiumBusiness ASIA 2025 – delivering unique synergies for entertainment experiences across venues, places and spaces.

Don’t miss our Earlybird special – ending Friday, 5 September 2025

• Delegate Pass: £595 (save £200)
• Best Value: Delegate Pass + Hotel Bundle: £1,120 (includes 3 hotel nights – save £200)
• Includes access to TheStadiumBusiness ASIA 2025 sessions!

If you’re involved in ticketing, marketing, CRM, loyalty or the business of live entertainment across APAC, then TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2025 is where you need to be this October.

Thinking of joining us?

APPLY HERE

The post #TAS25: Attendance Update appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

TheTicketingBusiness ASIA: What are the key current challenges and opportunities in your marketplace?

Jesper Essendrop: We operate in the global internet industry, supporting over 500 ticketing providers, major e-commerce brands, financial institutions, and government entities.

The trend is clear—digitalisation and internet traffic are growing exponentially. Customer journeys are becoming more sophisticated, and the rise of AI is accelerating this transformation.

Trust is the foundation of any online interaction. For a customer to feel comfortable buying from your online store, using your service, or receiving content from you requires trust. However, the reality is that the digital noise is getting louder, and it is becoming increasingly more work for consumers to know who to trust.

Our key challenge and opportunity is helping customers ensure a fair, transparent, and reliable digital journey. That’s why our mission is “Powering Online Trust.”

It’s a big promise, and while we can’t solve it alone, we are committed to helping our clients build trust with their audiences. We believe this challenge will be crucial across all industries in the future.

Personally, I find it motivating to contribute to making online experiences—whether buying tickets, shopping, or accessing public services—better and stress-free for real people around the world.

TAS: What are the most interesting trends you are witnessing in your sector? 

JE: The fan experience begins when they buy the ticket online. We’re seeing a strong focus from the industry on making the end-to-end process smoother, more personalised, and aligned with the brand of the venue, artist, or ticket provider.

With the pandemic behind us, the entertainment industry is booming like never before, and events of all scales are taking place globally. This also means the fight against bad actors, like bot farms, is tougher than ever.

This is our sweet spot—ensuring successful on-sales that put tickets in the hands of true fans while providing a fair, transparent, reliable, and personalized digital journey.

We strongly support the shift from merely fighting bots to inviting real humans and rewarding loyal fans. Our platform enables customers to offer customer-centric experiences, such as offering tickets with better accessibility to elderly or disabled fans. And this is just one example of many.

 TAS: What’s on the roadmap for you over the next six to 12 months?

JE: We remain laser-focused on being the market leader in peak protection. With over 1,000 customers and 25 billion yearly visitors, scalability and reliability are central to our DNA.

This demands constant innovation to stay ahead as technology evolves, compliance requirements grow, and bad actors become increasingly creative. We have several R&D initiatives in progress, aiming to turn traffic peaks into business opportunities. We’re gradually introducing new features to help our customers engage with end users during wait times.

We believe the customer experience should be fair, transparent, reliable, but also personal and engaging—what we call “Enjoy the Wait!”

Think about it – for brands, our waiting room is an incredibly valuable touchpoint with the customer, where thousands of eager fans pass. We’re excited to drive turning this into a business opportunity.

 TAS: What are you looking forward to at #TAS24?

JE: I’m especially looking forward to connecting with all the passionate people who are driving the ticketing industry forward. At the end of the day, it’s all about people and relationships, and I’m so excited to share insights on trends and new innovative ideas.

And, of course, I’m also eager to experience the brand-new, stunning Kai Tak Sports Park venue!

Join Jesper and guests from across the region at #TAS24 as we explore what’s happening across sales, marketing and engagement tech for arts, culture, sports, live music, theme parks and visitor attractions throughout the APAC entertainment market.

GET IN TOUCH

The post #TAS24 Guest Preview: Making customers ‘enjoy the wait’ with Queue-it appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

We are excited to share the latest list of organisations that have confirmed their attendance. It is a distinguished line-up from 85+ organisations around the globe, including Australia, Austria, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK, and the USA.

Here’s a sampling of organisations that have confirmed their attendance at #TAS24:

(updated 4 October 2024)

• 24/7 Software
• 505 united limited
• AC Orange
• AFL Architects
• Alibaba-Inc Macau
• AmCham HK
• Asia Sports Tech
• AsiaWorld-Expo Management Ltd
• ASM Global (APAC)
• AXS
• BH Hospitality
• BookMyShow (BigTree Entertainment Singapore Pte Ltd)
• Chelsea FC Soccer School
• Circles Group
• Cityline
• CO Gestión Direct S.L.
• Cover Genius
• Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau
• disrupTEIK Consultancy
• Eticket
• EY Japan (Ernst & Young)
• Fortress GB
• Galaxy Entertainment Group
• Gigsberg
• HKCTA
• Hong Kong China Rugby
• Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center
• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Hong Kong Express
• Hong Kong Jockey Club
• HPE – HP Enterprise (Hewlett Packard)
• HSBC
• Insignia Presents
• Interpark Triple
• IRDP
• Kai Tak Sports Park
• Kallang Alive (KASM)
• Kallang Alive [KASM]
• Lawson Entertainment
• Live IT
• MacauPass
• Magic Room
• Magnetic Group (ARC Asia)
• Mandela National Stadium
• MATCH Ticketing
• MBI Selangor Malaysia
• Michael Cassel Group
• Miller Insurance Services (Singapore)
• MTS Live
• New World Development Company Ltd
• Newly Emerged Sports Association Limited
• PACIFA 3D
• Picture Board Partners (Singapore)
• Populous (APAC)
• Protect Group
• Queue-it
• RAC Arena
• Ray Beach Volleyball Academy
• SeatMap.Pro
• Selangor Football Club
• SET Creative
• Singapore Sports Hub
• SISTIC
• SKIDATA
• Sports Authority of Thailand
• Teamwass
• Ten Group
• Tennis Australia
• ThaiTicketMajor
• The Amateur Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong
• The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
• The Creative China
• The Underground HK
• Ticketflap
• Ticketmaster Singapore
• Ticketmaster Taiwan
• Ticombo
• tixity
• Total Ticketing
• TX Ticketing
• West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA)
• YoTix
• Zicket

…. and many, many more!

At #TAS24,  we bring together event creators and promoters, marketing agencies, and distribution channels – alongside the supporting cast of tech and service enablers. 

Thinking of joining us?

GET IN TOUCH

The post #TAS24: Attendance Update appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

With years of experience in digital and event tech, Gaurav Kanabar leads YoTix, a Singapore-based startup focused on revolutionising the ticketing experience. 

YoTix CTO Gaurav shared, “I’m excited to share what’s next for YoTix and our mission to revolutionise ticketing across the Asia-Pacific region. At YoTix, we’re not just building a platform; we’re reshaping the entire ticketing experience, especially for the mobile-first consumers that define this vibrant market.”

TheTicketingBusiness ASIA: What are the key current challenges and opportunities in your marketplace?

Gaurav Kanabar: One of the biggest challenges we face is the expectation of seamless, mobile-centric experiences. Consumers today are more tech-savvy than ever, and they expect ticketing to be intuitive, fast, and secure. This is especially true in Asia-Pacific, where mobile devices are the primary touchpoints for many users. Event organisers need to keep up with these high expectations.

Additionally, ticket fraud and touting remain critical issues. To combat this, YoTix is building advanced event ticketing solutions designed to fight against touting and anti-scalping. We’ve integrated secure digital ticketing that not only makes life easier for organisers but also provides a fraud-free experience for attendees.

But with every challenge comes opportunity. The rise of hybrid and virtual events is one of the most exciting developments. At YoTix, we’re focused on more than just ticketing; we offer event organisers robust data insights and tools that support dynamic pricing and hyper-personalised experiences. This shift opens the door to creating truly unique, tailored events that resonate deeply with today’s consumers.

TAS: What are the most interesting trends you are witnessing in your sector?

Gaurav: The integration of AI and machine learning is transforming the way we think about ticketing. At YoTix, we’re leveraging AI-driven analytics to predict customer behavior, optimise event capacities, and offer dynamic pricing models that benefit both attendees and organisers. This technology is unlocking new ways to deliver value and convenience, and it’s something we’re incredibly excited about.

Another game-changing trend is blockchain. By using blockchain technology, we’re providing a secure way to verify tickets and prevent fraud, effectively tackling the long-standing issue of ticket touting. It’s a forward-looking solution, and we believe it has the power to reshape ticketing in Asia, where fraud prevention is paramount.

TAS: What’s on your roadmap over the next six to 12 months?

GK: In the next year, we’re laser-focused on expanding the capabilities of the YoTix platform. From large-scale festivals and concerts to niche, intimate gatherings, we want to ensure event organisers have the tools they need to succeed. This includes deeper investments in AI and machine learning to provide predictive analytics, empowering organisers with data-driven insights that lead to smarter decisions.

We’re also doubling down on anti-scalping measures and exploring how blockchain can enhance the security of ticketing transactions. Partnerships across Asia-Pacific are a top priority too, as we see tremendous potential for digital event solutions tailored specifically to the unique needs of this fast-growing region.

TAS: What are you looking forward to at #TAS24?

GK: I’m really looking forward to engaging with other industry leaders and learning how they are addressing the unique needs of Asia’s mobile-centric audience. There’s so much innovation happening right now—whether it’s in AI, blockchain, or anti-fraud technologies—and I’m eager to see how we can collaborate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in ticketing.

#TAS24 will also be a fantastic opportunity to showcase YoTix and demonstrate how we’re reimagining ticketing for Asia-Pacific. With mobile-friendly, secure, and data-driven solutions, we’re committed to making ticketing easier and more transparent, ensuring that both event organisers and attendees get the best possible experience.

Join Gaurav and guests from across the region at #TAS24 as we explore what’s happening across sales, marketing and engagement tech for arts, culture, sports, live music, theme parks and visitor attractions throughout the APAC entertainment market.

GET IN TOUCH

The post #TAS24 Guest Preview: Reimagining Ticketing for Asia-Pacific with YoTix appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

The rules and regulations around ticket resale vary enormously across the various APAC territories. And secondary marketplaces are rarely out of the headlines.

But Swiss-based Gigsberg says it aims to offer a different approach, with all tickets guaranteed and secured, all sellers vetted – and with the promise of a customer agent always available to answer any questions.

We caught up with Alex Berni, Gigsberg’s Chief Commercial Officer ahead of #TAS24:

TheTicketingBusiness ASIA: What are the key current challenges and opportunities in your marketplace?

Alex Berni: Gigsberg is a customer-focused and transparent ticket marketplace eager to develop our global catalogue of live events further. The most notable opportunity is the APAC region. This comes with challenges, as it does with any new venture. Studying trends, local artists, navigating logistical challenges. We are excited to be able to meet with industry leads to further understand the opportunities and challenges in the region.

TAS: What are the most interesting trends you are witnessing in your sector?

AB: The most notable trend we have observed is that the live event industry is truly global. Fans from all around the world are travelling to see their favourite artist or view a sports event. Artists are taking their tours to new countries, which is encouraging fans to travel with them.

TAS: What’s on the roadmap for you over the next six to 12 months?

AB: In the next 12 months, we plan to launch in North America/Canada and make some exciting new partnerships to further grow our brand and increase visibility in new regions. Gigsberg is a customer-focused solution, and we are excited to bring it to new corners of the earth.

TAS: What are you looking forward to at #TAS24?

AB: For our first attendance at one of TheTicketingBusiness’ meetings, we are most looking forward to meeting industry leads within the APAC region to gain an understanding of the live event landscape and trends. This part of the world is a new frontier for us, so we are excited about the opportunity to network and discuss how Gigsberg can play an important role in the industry.

Join Alex and guests from across the region at #TAS24 as we explore what’s happening across sales, marketing and engagement tech for arts, culture, sports, live music, theme parks and visitor attractions throughout the APAC entertainment market.

GET IN TOUCH

The post #TAS24 Guest Preview: Gigsberg in ‘a new frontier’ appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2024 takes place at the luxurious 5-star Dorsett Kai Tak Kowloon Hotel – the chain’s brand-new, flagship hotel located next to the main stadium in Kai Tak Sports Park.

To make your experience seamless, we’ve created an exclusive international delegate package for #TAS24, which includes a full conference pass, access to all social events, and two nights at this HQ hotel.

Request your free copy of the 20-page Preview via the button below.

[REQUEST YOUR COPY #TAS24 PREVIEW]

N.B. The Earlybird delegate rate – saving £200 – is available for bookings before COB Friday 20 Sept:

• ‘National’ Package = Delegate Pass Only: £595 / HK$5950 / US$785.
• ‘International’ Package = Pass+Hotel: £895 / HK$8950 / US$1,195 (includes pass & 2 hotel nights – on 14 & 15 Oct – at the HQ hotel incl. breakfast & taxes†).

*subject to availability

The post #TAS24: Programme Preview release appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

Hong Kong’s new 50,000-seat stadium is set to become the future home of the city’s major sporting events and concerts, offering state-of-the-art sports facilities, along with new shopping and dining options.

Have a look at the recent video to see the latest stage of completion on the main stadium. The impressive façade panels were lit up for the first time in a spectacular show of colours and lights, paying tribute to Hong Kong’s Olympians.

With an area of around 28 hectares, Kai Tak Sports Park anchors the redevelopment of the former airport site, and offers a world class destination for all interests. The key venues include the main stadium (with retractable roof and flexible pitch surface), an Indoor Sports Centre with a seating capacity of up to 10,000, an ancillary sports hall offers a seating capacity of up to 500 and Public Sports Ground with a seating capacity of 5,000, suitable for hosting school sports days, athletics meets, local football and rugby matches.

The Pearl of the Orient: Kai Tak Sports Park’s execs – supported by our host partners ASM Global and Populous – will be on hand as we offer #TAS24 delegates unique tour experiences across this sports and entertainment destination as it nears completion. How will ‘The Pearl’ welcome its ticket-holders and wow its guests? 

Found out on these unique tour experiences!

GET IN TOUCH

The post #TAS24 Preview: Exclusive tours of Kai Tak Sports Park appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

And we are excited to announce Lucy Chillingworth, Global Director, Entertainment Proposition at Ten Lifestyle Management, in the speaker line-up for TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2024 (#TAS24).

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Lucy is the Global Director for Ten’s Entertainment Proposition. Ten Lifestyle Management, the world’s leading concierge service, partners with global financial institutions and other premium brands to attract and retain wealthy and mass-affluent customers. Through Ten’s digital platform and expert lifestyle managers, millions of members can access Ten’s service across travel, dining, entertainment, and retail benefits.

Lucy’s core role focuses on building, leading, and executing Ten’s ticketing strategy, ensuring that Ten has the right commercial partnerships and servicing models, ensuring members enjoy presales, preferential pricing, and bespoke access to ticketing and VIP hospitality packages.

LESSONS & INSIGHTS

Lucy’s recent successes include upgrading and launching Ten Box Office. For the creators and curators of live music, theatre, sports, and family events it’s a chance to go beyond traditional ticket sales and distribution. The Ten Box Office initiative is about more than just selling tickets; it’s about creating unforgettable experiences that truly resonate with premium fans.

Don’t miss this chance to learn how Ten Group provides artists, promoters, and venues with direct access to an engaged, passionate, and premium audience.

Meet Lucy and colleagues from across Asia exclusively at TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2024.

GET IN TOUCH

The post #TAS24 Preview: Enhancing Premium Experiences with TEN Group appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

The new Kai Tak Mall, part of the Kai Tak Sports Park complex, is getting a brand-new indoor amusement park operated by CA SEGA JOYPOLIS.

CA SEGA JOYPOLIS, which operates Tokyo JOYPOLIS—the biggest indoor amusement park in Japan—will open its first location outside Japan at the Kai Tak Mall, known as the JOYPOLIS SPORTS Indoor Sportainment. JOYPOLIS is well-known as Japan’s premier indoor amusement park and has over 20 years of experience in running entertainment venues.

The ‘JOYPOLIS Sports Indoor Sportainment Park’ at Kai Tak Sports Park will cover five floors and almost 30,000 square feet, with over 20 attractions, furthering the destination offering from the Kai Tak Sports Park, making it an ideal destination for family entertainment. The park will have three main themed zones: the Ninja Dojo Zone with fitness and brain challenges, a Sonic the Hedgehog zone, and the Future Arena Zone with mixed-reality tech and other immersive experiences.

The Sonic zone will have an interactive playground for children up to six years old, with fun games like the bouncy ‘Air Dome’, while adults and teenagers can also take part in races and matches in the Sonic Athletics area. There will also be a restaurant on the top floor, and JOYPOLIS Sports will also collaborate with popular Japanese brands and IPs to launch exclusive events featuring limited merchandise and souvenirs.

Takeshi Yoshimoto, chief executive of CA SEGA JOYPOLIS, said: “Opening the first authorised JOYPOLIS Sports flagship outside Japan in Hong Kong is a significant step in our global expansion. We selected Kai Tak Sports Park and its Kai Tak Mall for its excellent location and first-class facilities, which are sure to attract many local and international visitors. “We believe this new indoor amusement park, which combines cutting-edge technology and innovative entertainment elements, will bring unprecedented entertainment experiences and surprises to all visitors.”

Andrew Tsui, General Manager of JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG, said, “We are thrilled to bring JOYPOLIS SPORTS to Hong Kong. With its mission “Sports for All Generations,” combined with the sportainment concept, unites the world’s top technology sports games to create a unique interactive experience for everyone. JOYPOLIS SPORTS is dedicated to offering exciting and fun entertainment for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, new to sports, or just looking to relax with friends, JOYPOLIS SPORTS has you covered. Our themed restaurant blends a healthy lifestyle with delicious food, providing a perfect spot to enjoy time with family and friends. Our goal is to become the leading sports social platform, and we believe the JOYPOLIS SPORTS Hong Kong flagship will set off a new wave of sportainment excitement across the city.”

Kai Tak Sports Park is set to become a must-visit spot for locals and tourists, offering a mix of sports, leisure, entertainment, dining, and shopping all in one place. The Kai Tak Mall will be a key part of the 28-hectare Kai Tak Sports Park, which will include a 50,000-seat Main Stadium, a 10,000-seat arena, and the 5,000-capacity Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground.

Join us at TheTicketingBusiness ASIA to tour the development of Kai Tak Sports Park and understand how JOYPOLIS will reach across and engage new audience segments.

Want to join us?

GET IN TOUCH

The post #TAS24 Preview: A family affair – JOYPOLIS Sportainment Complex appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.