Movers & shakers: ASM Global, NEC, Ziggo Dome
ASM Global has promoted three senior executives in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.
Mark Jan Kar has been promoted to senior vice president of entertainment, content and programming for the region, in addition to his current role as general manager of Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Kar joined ASM in 2018 as commercial director of Coca-Cola Arena. The following year he was put in charge of live entertainment at the venue and, in 2021, he was promoted to general manager.
Elsewhere, veteran Deb Rogers has been promoted to vice president of people and culture for Asia and the MENA region.
Her time with ASM Global began with Suncorp Stadium in 2002 as HR and training manager and since then has included the Burj Al Arab, Qatar National Convention Center, Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, and Exhibition World Bahrain.
In addition, Iain Wooldridge, finance director of Coca-Cola Arena since 2019, has been promoted to chief financial officer for MENA. Wooldridge has two decades of experience in financial leadership and strategic management across the UK and the Middle East.
“The combined expertise of these professionals will generate enormous growth across our MENA region”
“The combined expertise of these professionals will generate enormous growth across our MENA region which is powerful for the joint success not only of our venues but for the developing entertainment industry across the region,” says ASM Global (APAC) chairman and chief executive, Harvey Lister AM.
The new hires come shortly after Martin McGougan was named ASM’s regional director of business development for the MENA Region.
Elsewhere in the industry, Sir Nick Varney has been appointed as the new chair of NEC Group, based in Birmingham, UK.
Varney has over 30 years of experience working in the tourism and leisure industry and was CEO at Merlin Entertainments from its inception in 1999 to his retirement in November 2022.
He has previously served as chair of UKHospitality, the trade body representing the UK’s hospitality and tourism industry, and is currently a non-executive on the board of Marstons PLC, a senior advisor to Blackstone Private Equity, and a non-executive chair of Bath Rugby.
In the Netherlands, MOJO’s senior financial project manager Lorien Kramer has been appointed as the new director of operations at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam.
In addition, the position of director of commercial affairs will be reintroduced at Ziggo Dome. This will be filled by Birgitte de Winter, the current general manager of AFAS Live.
She will be succeeded at AFAS Live by the current general manager of operations, Jan Willem Ruijs. Rick Gemser, the current head of commerce at the Ziggo Dome, will become the new director of commercial affairs at AFAS Live.
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AXS named ticketing partner for Manchester’s AO Arena
AEG-owned ticketing firm AXS is the new ticketing partner for the AO Arena in Manchester, it has been announced.
AXS says the partnership will involve streamlining the ticket-buying process for the venue’s 1m+ customers each year and working to reduce fraud and inflated secondary ticketing by rolling out its AXS Mobile ID and AXS Official Resale platforms.
The ASM Global-operated arena has welcomed over 30 million guests and thousands of world-renowned artists since opening its doors in 1995.
In January 2024, the venue announced the completion of its £60 million redevelopment, as well as the extension of its naming rights partnership. As a result of the redevelopment, AO Arena’s capacity has increased to 23,000, reinforcing its place as one of Europe’s biggest indoor venues.
“AXS has a strong track record of delivering stand-out shows across the country”
Meanwhile, AXS has been rapidly expanding with new activity in both France and Germany. The firm’s presence in Europe also includes UK partners such as The O2, OVO Arena Wembley, Venues South Wales, BST Hyde Park and All Points East festivals. In Sweden, AXS is the exclusive ticketing provider for Stockholm Live! and Swedish Elite Football.
“We’re thrilled to welcome AXS as our new official ticketing partner,” says acting general manager of AO Arena, Gemma Vaughan.
“Both the AO Arena and AXS have a proven track record of providing guests with the very best live experiences, so this partnership makes perfect sense. By introducing the straightforward and seamless ticket experience that AXS is known for, fans now have access to a platform that is easy to use, highly intuitive and will make buying tickets a breeze. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate this new chapter for our venue and for fans in the North-West and beyond.”
Blaine Legere, president of international, AXS, says “We are proud to partner with the iconic AO Arena which has played a vital role in shaping the UK’s live scene and add another massive venue to our growing portfolio in the UK. AXS has a strong track record of delivering stand-out shows across the country, and by welcoming another ASM Global venue to AXS – our seventh this year – it means we can deliver the very best experiences to fans from all UK regions.”
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ILMC 37: Bursary Scheme opens for 2025 edition
The International Live Music Conference (ILMC) has opened the first round of applications for the Alia Dann Swift Bursary Scheme, supported by ASM Global.
The scheme offers 30 young executives a full complimentary delegate pass to the 37th edition of ILMC at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel between 25 and 28 February 2025.
Each bursary recipient will also be twinned with a dedicated industry mentor and benefit from additional networking opportunities both during and after the conference.
The scheme is intended to provide a route for live music’s brightest upcoming executives to participate in ILMC for the first time and build their network.
“At ASM Global we are deeply committed to offering meaningful opportunities to the next generation”
“Fostering the next generation is what keeps our industry thriving. From emerging creatives and artists to budding execs and agents, there is a wealth of incredible talent out there,” says Chris Bray, president of ASM Global Europe.
“At ASM Global, and through ASM Global Acts, we are deeply committed to offering meaningful opportunities to the next generation as they embark on their journey in live entertainment – and our ongoing partnership with ILMC’s Alia Dann Swift Bursary Scheme enables us to do just that. Initiatives like this are vital to the industry ecosystem, powered by the brilliant young professionals who are brimming with fresh ideas and driven by passion, innovation and creativity. We’re very excited to meet the 30 bursary recipients next February at ILMC.”
Places for the 2025 bursary will be allocated in three rounds (ending 22nd November, 3rd January, and 7th February). More information can be found here.
Founded in 2018, the bursary scheme is named after the late Alia Dann Swift, ILMC’s long-standing producer, who was instrumental in both bringing talent into the industry and supporting and encouraging new ILMC members.
Meanwhile, the countdown is on to the 37th International Live Music Conference (ILMC), which also comprises Greener Events and Innovations (GEI), Touring Entertainment LIVE and Futures Forum.
Around 2,500 live music executives are expected to attend the four-day conference, which also includes The Arthur Awards and Central London showcase event, Soho Calling.
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Movers and shakers: New hires at ASM, Zomato
ASM Global has appointed Martin McGougan as the group’s regional director of business development for the Middle East North Africa (MENA) Region.
McGougan is a strategic events specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the business across the Middle East and Scotland.
For the last ten years, he has been based at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) helping to deliver the government’s Economic Vision 2030 through the development of core markets and the establishment of key business events.
Prior to moving to Abu Dhabi, McGougan was the business development manager for Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus, (SEC) the UK’s largest integrated conference and exhibition centre.
In his new role at ASM Global, he will be based in Riyadh and be tasked with identifying potential venue management opportunities and supporting the delivery of conference and exhibition growth across the region.
Zomato has hired BookMyShow’s former head of live events and intellectual property Kunal Khambhati
Elsewhere, Zomato has hired BookMyShow’s former head of live events and intellectual property, Kunal Khambhati, in a bid to grow its own live events business.
Khambhati’s appointment comes after Zomato acquired Paytm Insider, the fintech company’s entertainment ticketing business, in a deal worth $244.1m (€219m).
Khambhati worked with BookMyShow, one of India’s largest ticketing operators, for more than seven years on events such as Lollapalooza, which was staged in India for the first time last year.
Zomato’s ‘going out’ business will eventually include a separate app called District, which will feature restaurant bookings, event ticketing and holiday rentals.
The Indian company originally began as a restaurant aggregator and food delivery business.
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Green Guardians 2024: AEG Europe, ASM Global, Mojo Concerts & more
Welcome to the second part of IQ Magazine’s 2024 Green Guardians – our annual recognition of those eco-warriors and innovators at the forefront of the battle to make the live entertainment industry more sustainable.
The Green Guardians is spearheaded by IQ and an international panel of sustainability experts to highlight and congratulate companies and organisations who are improving the live music business when it comes to being more environmentally friendly.
This year’s list includes 22 entries across a wide range of event suppliers, campaigners, and solutions providers, all of whom are working tirelessly to reduce the carbon footprint of the live entertainment business.
IQ will publish entries across all categories over the coming days, and you can find the whole cohort in the latest edition of the magazine here.
AEG Europe, a leader in the live sports and entertainment industry, is using its platform and reach to make a significant impact on the planet. With millions of fans and thousands of events annually, the company is committed to minimising its environmental impact and raising public awareness about issues to make meaningful change.
The company made new strides this year, with the world’s first carbon-removed arena events being a highlight. The O2 removed nearly 550 tons of carbon across four shows with The 1975, a monumental moment in event sustainability. The venue also achieved Greener Arena certification from AEG and introduced the Green Rider to promote sustainable practices among promoters and artists.
In addition, the American Express presents BST Hyde Park festival series that takes place in London implemented the next stage of its net-zero strategy, reducing its carbon emissions via Biochar and utilising 100% compostable serveware to limit waste. On the horizon, the company’s proposed 8,500-capacity Edinburgh Park Arena, set to open in 2027, is set to be a net-zero venue and will generate over half of its energy from low or zero-carbon technologies.
Through these industry-leading initiatives, AEG Europe hopes it can be a model for other venues, promoters, and tours worldwide, through promoting a greener future for live events.
Venue and event management giant ASM Global is elevating its buildings worldwide, with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-level certification, or a local equivalent, becoming the new standard. Its P&J Live arena in Aberdeen, Scotland, has been recognised as one of the most sustainable venues in the UK and is part of its expansive portfolio of venues in Europe, the United States, Australia, and Asia.
In late 2023, ASM Global formed a partnership with Voltus, a leader in distributed energy and virtual power plants. Voltus is set to pay ASM Global for cutting back its energy usage at its US venues, a deal that is already yielding results less than one year in.
The transnational company has also joined with r.World, the largest reuse platform, to aid in eliminating single-use plastic throughout ASM Global’s North American portfolio by replacing it with reusable service ware.
This May, the company opened Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in the US’s Ozark Mountains. The amphitheatre has been permanently designated to support a not-for-profit conservation foundation. And to ensure the company’s supply chain meets its green goals, ASM’s Supplier Diversity Program builds relationships with local businesses to support a regional ecosystem of goods and services. Participating venues include The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles), T-Mobile Center (Kansas City), Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas), and State Farm Arena (Atlanta).
Netherlands-based MOJO Concerts launched its Road to Zero Waste policy last January, driven by Kees Lamers and Maarten van Lokven. The company aims to make its festivals, concerts, and offices climate-neutral and circular by 2030, with the initiative also including popular Amsterdam venues AFAS Live and Ziggo Dome.
To achieve this objective, MOJO is working to replace diesel generators with connections to the main electricity network. This year, the events company has introduced a series of policies: from reusable coffee cups and recyclable cups at Goffertpark festivals and a shift to plant-based foods to expanded car-sharing options and a bring-your-own-bottle policy.
The Road to Zero Waste campaigns at Pinkpop Festival and Down The Rabbit Hole have been successful, with attendees receiving recycling kits with sorting information and bags leading to minimal camping gear left behind.
The Netherlands-based transportation group’s sustainability goals focus on two main areas: green facilities and sustainable touring using proven and accessible technologies.
For its facilities, Pieter Smit has implemented a range of solutions such as heating with geothermal energy, solar panels, and LED lighting. It has implemented rainwater collection for internal drainage and truck washing in some of its establishments, while its workshops and storage areas are powered by solar energy.
Pieter Smit continues to offer HVO as an interim solution for touring until more advanced technologies become widely available and affordable, while also incorporating electric vehicles and focusing on smaller, longer-distance vehicles as technology improves.
Later this year, the company will embark on an all-electric vehicle tour in collaboration with theatrical company Jakop Ahlbom.
GeoPura is a company providing zero-emission energy solutions by using renewable sources like solar and wind to create green hydrogen. This product is then used to produce clean electricity, a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, using no carbon and producing only water as a byproduct.
In 2024, GeoPura led the way in reducing emissions at major events with their hydrogen-powered generators. At the Isle of Wight Festival in the UK, they replaced diesel generators, supplying clean power to key areas like catering and guest services for the first time with hydrogen. This marked the first instance of hydrogen power being integrated into the festival’s infrastructure.
Their success at Isle of Wight festival led to further projects, including powering welfare and recycling areas at Latitude Festival, the main stage at a 30,000-cap event, the Touch Rugby World Cup, and the live TV broadcast of the BMW PGA Tour, all with zero emissions.
Partnering with brands like Live Nation, GeoPura has demonstrated that green hydrogen can effectively power large events sustainably.
Environmental sustainability is at the heart of KB Event, as the company is continuously striving to identify and deliver practical solutions to boost efficiency and reduce impact on the environment for the industry.
By working collaboratively with clients, KB Event merges expertise from different backgrounds to combat communal challenges. An example of this includes KB Event’s introduction of HVO, working with Peak Oils to supply 100% renewable, palm-oil-free diesel into its fleet. A few years out from introduction, this HVO now reduces net CO2 emissions by up to 90% and lowers nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide emissions.
This year, the palm-oil-free HVO Biofuel has been used on tours by Yungblud and Massive Attack and at events like DragCon 2024, Insurtech, Mobile World Congress, and EarthFest. Their dedication to sustainability dates back to 2008 when they became the first event logistics company to receive environmental accreditation.
Their new Wandsworth depot is ready to service events in and around London. Here, they will also provide the industry with the option of HVO, but more importantly, battery-electric vans and trucks, as they trial this with Volta Trucks.
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ASM management change follows Legends merger
There have been changes at the top of venue management giant ASM Global following its acquisition by Legends.
The $2.325 billion deal to create “the world’s preeminent premium live events company” was completed last month, with ASM continuing to operate under its new name “for the time being”.
A spokesperson for ASM has confirmed to IQ that Ron Bension is no longer CEO of ASM Global, with Dan Levy now serving as CEO of the combined Legends and ASM Global business.
Bension, who was the long-time president of Live Nation’s House of Blues Entertainment prior to joining ASM in 2021, is understood to have left the Los Angeles-headquartered firm in the wake of the merger.
ASM was formed in 2019 following a merger between arena operators AEG Facilities and Onex’s SMG
VenuesNow reports that ASM CFO Mark Rozells has succeeded Bension on an interim basis, while the rest of ASM’s leadership team is unchanged.
Sixth Street-backed premium experiences specialist Legends’ existing clients include Real Madrid, SoFi Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, FC Barcelona, New York Yankees and Ryder Cup. Its expanded geographic reach will now support partners across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North and South America.
ASM was formed in 2019 following a merger between arena operators AEG Facilities and Onex’s SMG. It operates buildings including Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, ICC Sydney Convention Center, Avicii Arena in Stockholm, OVO Arena Wembley, Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
ASM yesterday announced the appointment of Hugo Encarnação as general manager of its first Portuguese venues, Fabria XL and Fabrica L at LX Factory in Lisbon.
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ASM Global appoints GM for Lisbon’s LX Factory venues
ASM Global has appointed Hugo Encarnação as general manager of Fabria XL and Fabrica L at LX Factory, a cultural hub in Lisbon.
Encarnação will assume his new role on 10 October as ASM Global secures operations of the two live event spaces – the firm’s first in Portugal.
Encarnação most recently worked as senior producer and account manager at Europalco, leading the planning and execution of high-profile events.
His background in sales and events operations, and extensive Conferences & Events (C&E) experience, makes him well positioned to drive success at LX Factory’s venues, says ASM.
“We are thrilled to have Hugo on board as we begin our new chapter in Portugal,” says Marie Lindqvist, SVP operations at ASM Global Europe.
“We are thrilled to have Hugo on board as we begin our new chapter in Portugal”
“Hugo will be planting the ASM Global flag in Lisbon, leading the charge as we proudly take on operations at LX Factory. With his passion and expertise, we are confident that Hugo will lead his team to new heights of operational excellence and creative success in this new market, as we continue to solidify our position as market leader across Europe and our reputation as the world’s best in venue expertise and management.”
Encarnação adds: “I’m very excited to be joining ASM Global and leading the iconic Fábrica XL and Fábrica L—two venues as vibrant and unique as Lisbon itself. LX Factory is a creative powerhouse, and I can’t wait to work with the team to make it an even bigger stage for unforgettable events. Together, we’ll blend innovation with a dash of Portuguese charm—delivering top-tier experiences with all the warmth and energy that makes this city so special. And who knows? Maybe we’ll inspire some unforgettable memories, just like a perfect sunset over the Tagus River!”
In June this year, ASM Global announced that it was entering Portugal, having won the contract to manage operations at two of LX Factory premier venues.
The site, situated within a converted factory complex in the Alcântara area 10 minutes from the city centre, comprises retail concepts, dining options, outdoor bar spaces, live music, cultural events, and art installations.
ASM will operate the two live music venues, Fábrica XL and Fábrica L – which have a combined standing capacity of 2,870 – and the outdoor bar, terrace and gallery spaces.
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Sweden’s Tele2 Arena reveals new name
Tele2 Arena, ASM Global’s 45,000-capacity stadium in Stockholm, will be officially renamed 3Arena.
As the new lead partner of Stockholm Live (ASM Global), Three mobile network is set to contribute to the continued development of both the arena and the surrounding area.
The partnership marks the continuation of a longstanding relationship between Three and ASM Global which has rolled out across the UK and Europe in recent years.
The 3Arena, located in Johanneshov in southern Stockholm, opened in 2013. With a capacity of over 40,000, the arena draws 1.5 million visitors per year and is home to Hammarby and Djurgården football clubs.
With its versatile design and adaptability, it has hosted major stars such as Madonna, Adele, Elton John, Swedish House Mafia, Justin Timberlake and many more.
It has also been the site for significant sporting events such as the World and European Handball Championships and Allsvenskan (the premier football league in Sweden) and international football fixtures.
“Together, we will continue to develop one of the world’s most modern hybrid arenas”
“Three is the perfect partner for us; we share a passion for sports, entertainment, and the ongoing evolution of Stockholm,” says Marie Lindqvist, senior vice president operations Europe at ASM Global.
“Together, we will continue to develop one of the world’s most modern hybrid arenas. It has already become a central meeting place for Stockholmers and attracts visitors from far across the Nordic region for the world’s biggest acts, creating unforgettable live experiences. The extension of the existing partnership with Three and ASM Global is testament to its success so far, and we are very excited to see where it takes us next.”
Haval van Drumpt, CEO of Three Sweden, adds: “We are proud and excited about 3Arena and our new long-term partnership with Stockholm Live. Music and football are in Three’s DNA, and with our strong passion for innovation, connectivity, and experiences, we look forward to contributing to the development of the arena and the entire area. Moreover, our head office is located right across from the arena, so when the opportunity arose, we felt it was a perfect moment.”
3Arena will be equipped with advanced 5G standalone technology making the arena the most connected live entertainment space in Sweden, according to ASM.
3Arena is adjacent to the Slakthusområdet area (meatpacking district) in Stockholm, which has undergone a significant transformation in recent years and solidified itself as a dynamic destination for culture and urban development.
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AO Arena ups Gemma Vaughan to acting GM
ASM Global has promoted Gemma Vaughan to acting general manager of AO Arena in Manchester, UK, with immediate effect.
Vaughan joined ASM Global in 2023 as sales and marketing director at AO Arena, having previously held roles at Live Nation, Cuffe & Taylor and Manchester’s Escape to Freight Island.
During her 14-year career, she has worked as a promoter and marketer, and supported artists such as Faithless, Cliff Richard, Mariah Carey and Britney Spears.
Since joining ASM, Vaughan has been involved in the re-imagining of the AO Arena with the launch of The Mezz, the UK’s first celebrity chef restaurant and bar experience inside a live music venue. The Manchester-born exec also sits on the board of Brighter Sound and the Manchester Music City network.
“Gemma has a wealth of understanding of the wider UK music business and the needs of the local Manchester market”
Vaughan takes over from Jen Mitchell, who has managed the AO Arena since 2022.
“The AO Arena is embarking on another year of unprecedented demand,” says Chris Bray, president of ASM Global Europe. “Gemma has a wealth of understanding of the wider UK music business and the needs of the local Manchester market. Through her work at the forefront of the recent £60m reimagination of the arena, she has demonstrated her passion for this brilliant city, its cultural footprint and our ambition to deliver the ultimate in live entertainment experiences to the people who live here. It’s a very exciting time for the venue and for the city.”
In January 2024, AO Arena announced the completion of its £60 million redevelopment, as well as the extension of its naming rights partnership.
As a result of the redevelopment, the arena’s capacity has increased to 23,000, reinforcing its place as one of Europe’s biggest indoor venues.
The arena, which welcomes more than one million people to the venue annually, is set to host events with Peter Kay Live, Chris Stapleton, Becky Hill and Les Misérables.
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Entering the new era of arenas
ASM Global’s Maria Bertelli has discussed her efforts to strengthen the company’s market-leading presence in the UK and Europe in her first two years with the firm.
Bertelli, ASM’s SVP of business development, Europe, has been pivotal to forging entry into new markets such us Finland (Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki) and Portugal (LX Factory, Lisbon), as well as cementing ASM’s presence in the UK through contract wins at Utilita Arena and City Hall Sheffield, among others.
A former professional athlete and Olympian, Bertelli’s path to the world’s largest venue management and services company has been nothing if not unorthodox. She competed on the women’s volleyball team at London 2012, where Team GB defied expectations to finish ninth and leap from 69th to 21st in the world rankings, and is also an established leader as coach to the England senior team.
In addition, Bertelli is the most capped female British indoor volleyball player, winning more than 100 international caps for Great Britain and a further 56 for England. She also excelled in a second sport as a semi-professional footballer, competing at elite level including an FA Cup Final.
Bertelli’s sporting career has since evolved into live entertainment, where she specialises in strategic business development as part of another winning team at ASM.
“Fans are choosing to invest in an experience, they want and deserve fabulous environments, great products and outstanding service”
“As both demand and variety have surged, we’ve taken conscious and industry-leading steps to enhance our venues and expand our portfolio to ensure customers have plenty of choice and that when they do attend a show, their experience is nothing short of best-in-class,” says Bertelli. “Our mission at ASM Global is clear – everyone visiting an ASM Global venue should leave with great memories that last a lifetime. Our role is to make sure those memories are truly unforgettable, exceeding expectations at every moment.”
Prior to joining ASM, Bertelli worked in the industry for over 15 years as a venues consultant, helping public and private sector clients on a wide range of entertainment, conference, mixed-use and leisure venues projects from strategy and feasibility through to funding and delivery including first direct arena Leeds, Battersea Power Station, Connexin Live Hull, Becketwell Arena Derby, The Halls Wolverhampton, Sage Gateshead, Royal Arena Copenhagen and Singapore Sports Hub.
There has been a boom in the development and success of venues and arenas in recent years, driven by a growing appetite for an ever-broadening range of live entertainment experiences. The surge has been bolstered further by strategic investments from leading venue management companies such as ASM Global, whose portfolio has seen major growth and development in the UK, Europe and beyond.
Bertelli believes that post-Covid behaviours have changed in terms of people’s priorities. “This applies to individuals but also businesses,” observes Bertelli. “We are in the midst of an experience economy. People want to create amazing memories, be part of live events, and have outstanding experiences from start to finish. This has been superb for our industry.
“Fans are choosing to invest in an experience, they want and deserve fabulous environments, great products and outstanding service.”
“There is also a huge drive from venue owners to maximise the ‘commerciality’ of venues”
Bertelli remarks on the hugely significant role of venues and events in the economy. “They are key to driving both the day and nighttime economy, with the shift to digital and more people working from home, online retail and leisure and this has led to challenging times for many city centres,” she says. “This has given culture and venues a huge opportunity to be at the heart of city centre activity, driving footfall and regeneration. This is not only huge for municipalities but also for private-sector real estate and mixed-use destinations. The demand, and need for, successful venues may be higher than it has ever been.
“There is also a huge drive from venue owners to maximise the ‘commerciality’ of venues, whether that be to grow other city services, enable development or support the overall funding stack. We are seeing many requests for ASM Global’s operational and commercial expertise from existing and new partners.”
Through this shift, ASM Global has embarked upon the UK’s biggest venue redevelopment at AO Arena in Manchester. With a £60 million investment from ASM Global, the reimagination of the venue has proved transformative at every touchpoint.
“The feedback has been exceptional,” reveals Bertelli. “It allows us to confidently position ourselves as the best in the business – from a consumer perspective, artist perspective, promoter perspective, and brand perspective, the list goes on. Through innovation and strategic development across our entire portfolio, we are definitively repositioning the offering at each venue, raising the bar and creating venues which are fit for the future.”
Building on successes in the UK and Stockholm, ASM Global is actively exploring and expanding into new markets across Europe.
“Our team in Italy is doing great; we will have our first partnership operational later this year in Bergamo, where the Chorus Life Arena (part of wider hotel, leisure and residential district) will become one of the most modern venues in Italy with a unique design to cater for diverse event mix,” says Bertelli. “This will be followed by the opening of Cantu Arena, and there’s lots more to come, too. In Finland, we are operating Helsinki’s iconic Kulttuuritalo, which has maintained many of its original and architecturally beautiful features, while modernising areas for evolving customer tastes and demands.
“As the industry evolves, the emphasis on delivering high-quality live entertainment experiences will remain at the forefront”
“We have also recently been awarded the contract to operate the two biggest event spaces at Lisbon’s LX Factory, marking our first move into Portugal. ASM Global’s success in the UK and its strategic expansions into Italy, Finland, Sweden, and Portugal highlight the massive potential for continued growth.
“As the industry evolves, the emphasis on delivering high-quality live entertainment experiences will remain at the forefront, ensuring that our live events experiences continue to captivate audiences across Europe.”
In closing, Bertelli touches on bridging the gap between theatres and concert halls, and large-scale arenas. ASM Global has recognised the increased demand for 3,000+ capacity venues, filling a gap in cities around the UK including Hull, Derby and Wolverhampton.
“We are seeing more and more demand for such venues both in the UK and across Europe,” she says. “The higher capacity and flexibility supports the economics and provides valuable live and business events infrastructure. ASM Global’s success in the UK and its strategic expansions into Italy, Finland, Sweden, and Portugal highlight the massive potential for continued growth in this sector.
“It’s an exciting time for the venue business, and we’re working hard to ensure the output is nothing short of spectacular as we maintain our position as the leading venue management company in the world.”
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