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.

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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?

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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.

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.

“Our objective for this meeting is to explore and navigate the big issues facing our sector but to localise and focus the content and learnings specifically for this amazing region,” says Ian Nuttall, Co-Founder, TheTicketingBusiness.

Ian will be hosting several session and panel discussions, as well as sharing an overview of the technology and best practice adoptions across Europe and North America which could provide a roadmap for Asia’s entertainment businesses.

Exploring the opportunities for live music touring (and residences!) across the region, industry leader Jason Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Eventim Live Asia joins the line-up. Prior to establishing Eventim Live Asia, he led all touring activity for Live Nation Entertainment’s Asian and Middle East offices, he has worked with the biggest names in music, leading a team that has produced 80 percent of the highest-grossing Asian tours for Western artists over the past decade. From Madonna to Coldplay, Bruno Mars to U2, Jason’s expertise and experience has shaped the landscape of live events in the region.

Exploring the opportunities for touring and music exchanges across China, Lesley Zhang, Managing Director, The Creative China will draw on her experiences in cross-border collaboration and removing barriers to business.

Also picking up the focus on live music touring, we welcome back Michael Hosking, Founder, Midas Promotions who has been promoting and presenting international artists across Asia for more than four decades. In addition to the headline acts, Midas Promotions also promotes theatre-based productions and consults on all aspects of the live international entertainment market, offering its expertise in talent procurement, marketing and promotion strategies with local production services.

Local key partners – representing one of the future ‘must-play’ venues in the region – we welcome Darren Burden, Executive Director, and James Irvine, Director (Commercial), Kai Tak Sports Park. With a 50,000-capacity, harbourside retractable roof stadium, a sports ground and an indoor 10,000-capacity multi-purpose venue to programme, Kai Tak Sports Park is set to be one of the most visible new venues around.

NFT and Web3 offer the opportunity to fundamentally change how we market, distribute and manage our tickets. Emil Ljesnjanin, CEO & Founder, NFT-TiX takes us through the scope of opportunities – anchored in a selection of real-world case studies.

One of the most lucrative (post-pandemic) opportunities for upsale lies with ticket refund protection. Joe Calnan, Partnerships Director, Cover Genius offers a deep-dive into how, why and where ticket-buyers are buying protection – and how the latest insurtech software makes it easy for rightsholders and agencies to offer these add-on services.

Alongside moderating a few key discussions, entertainment ticketing sector mentor Tim Chambers, Managing Director, TJChambers Consultancy returns to TheTicketingBusiness ASIA to offer his ‘well-travelled and worldly-wise’ insights on all that’s new, emerging and established practice across our industry.

Meet all these experts and tap into the entertainment sector across the region! Get in touch to book your pass for this year’s TheTicketingBusiness ASIA meeting!

APPLY HERE

The post #TAS23: Global Issues. Regional Focus appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

Taking the lead is the most-anticipated sports and entertainment destination in Asia – Kai Tak Sports Park – as our future host event partner.

The founding event partnership further extends to two of the key partners behind this landmark development: ASM Global – the world’s leading venue operator – and Populous, the world’s leading venue design practice.

Key executives from all three organisations will be in attendance at TheTicketingBusiness ASIA (#TAS23) this October, with its experts joining key panels and breakout discussions. Furthermore, these partners will have access and visibility across the event lifecycle – through related marketing and the new, regional TheTicketingBusiness ASIA e-newsletter.

Kai Tak Sports Park will be a showcase for the very latest in fan experience, venue technology and operations.

“Bringing people together is what everyone in the sports and entertainment sector does for a living. And as our sector restarts and reinvents itself after the losses, shutdowns and closures of the pandemic, sourcing best practice from the best in our business makes so much sense,” says Ian Nuttall, Founder, TheTicketingBusiness. “We are honoured to partner with not only the most exciting new venue in the region but to also have alongside the world’s leading venue operating group and the sector’s global leader in venue design and architecture.

He adds: “The key to our sector’s re-imagining is the sharing of ideas and inspiration to create safer, more creative and ever more engaging guest experiences. We are very happy to be sharing the lessons from these giants of the sector as we build TheStadiumBusiness ASIA into THE regional meeting for our sector.”

“Never has it been more important for the industry to come together to share ideas, innovate and redefine industry best practice,” stated John Sharkey, Project Director from Kai Tak Sports Park. “Kai Tak Sports Park will be a showcase for the very latest in fan experience, venue design and operations. We look forward to supporting this event to gather the region’s sports and entertainment leaders in Hong Kong as this mega-project moves from construction to operation.”

This initial agreement forms part of a strategic plan to develop the meeting over the years in Hong Kong, growing as the key elements of Kai Tak Sports Park open their doors.

Join us in Hong Kong on 17-18 October as we explore the future of design, operations and technology for Asia’s sports and entertainment venues – only at TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2023 (#TAS23).

REGISTER HERE

The post #TAS23 Partners: Kai Tak Sports Park, ASM Global appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.