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.

#TAS25 is the essential entertainment e-Commerce business meeting for the huge, fast-growing (and fast moving) APAC entertainment market.

Our focus is…

Experiences. Entertainment. eCommerce!

For our fourth edition we’re adding more speakers, more stages and more friends to explore what’s happening across sales, marketing and engagement tech for arts, culture, sports, music, visitors attractions and immersive experiences.

Our HQ hotel is the new flagship hotel of the Dorsett group right in the heart of Kai Tak Sports Park.

Dubbed The Pearl of the Orient, this landmark integrated development is the region’s ultimate destination for sports, leisure and entertainment.

Conference sessions will be hosted at the hotel along with unique venue tours across the venues and spaces of Kai Tak Sports Park.

Once again #TAS25 is also co-hosted alongside TheStadiumBusiness ASIA 2025 – bringing in an audience of venue and destination leaders across entertainment, leisure, sports, arts and culture.

Join us as explore Asia’s entertainment & e-commerce ecosystems…

Yes! I’d like to join #TAS25

[SUPER EARLYBIRD OFFER ENDS FRI 4 JULY]

The post #TAS25: Registration now open appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.

Key Highlights from #TAS24:

• Global Challenges, Local Perspectives: An expert panel tackled industry challenges such as dynamic pricing, data privacy, and the rise of the ‘stay-at-home’ culture, discussing their impacts on Asian markets.
• Audience Engagement across APAC: Strategies for reaching and engaging new fans across diverse markets were explored, highlighting best practices for culturally relevant content and tailored experiences.
• Premium Ticketing: A case study focused on targeting high-net-worth individuals with curated, exclusive experiences through seamless ticketing solutions.
• Gen Z Reassurance: Insights were shared on meeting Gen Z’s demand for flexible options, including personalised ticketing and event coverage to enhance loyalty.
• Australian Open Tennis Case Study: Attendees learned from the Australian Open’s record-breaking ticketing strategy that attracted over 1.1 million attendees, offering insights into managing high-demand events.
• Making It (More) Personal: This discussion centred on humanising digital ticketing journeys while balancing automation, emphasising the ongoing need for customer service.
• Fun on the Summer Lawns: A roadmap for event promoters was presented, outlining the stages of event development from concept to execution and risk management.
• Leveraging Social Channels: Platform-specific strategies for promoting events across Asia were examined, highlighting key social media channels for local engagement.
• Bigger Baskets and Better Buys: New approaches to customer engagement and upselling were discussed, focusing on enhancing the entire customer journey.
• Commercial Realities: The unique risks faced by promoters in Asia were explored, alongside strategies for mitigating these risks through effective ticketing.
• Marketing & Measuring: Attendees learned about tools to track marketing ROI, including the growing role of AI in campaign management and customer segmentation.
• Mapping the Future of Ticketing Platforms: This session covered essential features for ticketing platforms, such as dynamic pricing and fraud prevention, highlighting the complexities of migrating to new systems.

#TAS24 provided an invaluable opportunity for the industry to come together and tackle the challenges of the evolving entertainment landscape. From case studies to in-depth discussions, the event offered practical takeaways for all involved in ticketing, marketing, and event management.

We look forward to continuing these conversations at next year’s #TAS25, as we further strengthen and grow the ticketing ecosystem across Asia.

The post #TAS24: A Successful Gathering of Asia’s Ticketing & Entertainment Leaders 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.

Alongside various panel discussions and debates, we’ll be exploring these key themes with the AST crew including:

• Gen Z Challenge: How do you attract Gen Z to Sports and entertainment events (Key areas include using social media, immersive digital experiences, and social responsibility, along with creating shareable moments, flexible pricing, and authentic marketing to connect with Gen Z)
• Asia’s Ageing Population – How will we reach and sell tickets to an increasingly older demographic? (Asia’s population is ageing rapidly. This session will cover strategies for reaching and selling tickets to older audiences, including tailored marketing, accessible technology, and age-friendly event experiences).

Loron brings over 20 years of experience in corporate strategy, marketing, and sports marketing across Asia. His career highlights include roles with the NBA, IMAX, and Ivey Business School. Currently, Loron focuses on marketing strategies, innovation, and fundraising for sports tech companies, and he chairs the Sports Committee at The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

Jean-Baptiste has over a decade of experience in Asia in various strategic roles. He has worked with companies like Lagardère, Wanda, and Bank of China, as well as investment funds such as IDG Capital. Jean-Baptiste lectures on sports management at HKUST and CUHK and mentors at Le Tremplin in Paris. He holds an MSc in Corporate Finance and continues to enhance his Mandarin skills.

About AST
Asia Sports Tech (AST), is an Asia based strategic consulting firm dedicated to transforming Asia’s Sports, Esports, Sports Tech, Fitness and Wellbeing ecosystems. AST provides Go to Market and growth strategies, financial advisory services as well as ESG, Web 3.0 and product innovation/supply chain strategies for a broad range of international clients.

AST’s deep market expertise and extensive global network make it uniquely placed to create value for clients, partners and investors, and has established a track record of facilitating strategic partnerships, leading digital transformation, and connecting companies with investors to accelerate growth and build enterprise value. AST, is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a presence in Shenzhen, Singapore and Taiwan.

Join us in Hong Kong on 14-15-16 October 2024 as we explore how to engage and connect with audiences across Asia – only at TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2024 (#TAS24).

GET IN TOUCH

The post #TAS24: Asia Sports Tech’s double-header appeared first on TheTicketingBusiness ASIA.