The 29th Annual ALSD Conference in Chicago was an event for the books. From top-notch networking to hearing from some of the brightest speakers in the business there was excitement in the room and pages of insights and takeaways for our team including:
Technology is changing and so are the fans
We are in a new age of sports where technology is ever-changing and so are the interests of the fans. With fans’ exposure to so many technologies, it is more important than ever to capture their attention and retain it. Focus on utilizing technologies that will cut through the noise and captivate the audience. Be targeted and strategic with your approach to technology. A fluid fan is open to change, empowered to choose, and continuously evolving.
Ticketing is going ticketless
Paper tickets will soon be a thing of the past. Fans expect mobile-first ticketing options and, often times, even prefer it. Stand out with a user-friendly mobile-first ticketing experience for your fans and position your organization as a thought leader in the space. The MLB has enjoyed great success with converting its teams to the At Bat app and adoption has been strong. Training is key, especially among season ticket holders and big premium spenders, but the ease of use is winning over skeptics. Sharing tickets has never been easier. The secondary market has had to adjust but they've done so with StubHub and Ticketmaster leading the way. Clubs are seeing a big difference in how much data they now can have access too.
Demographic trends
Millennials will soon be the majority of America’s workforce and fanbases. It is important to tap into their interests and deliver the game-day experience in a way that will resonate with them. In addition to this, women in sports are becoming a more powerful fanbase as a focus on gender equality continues to be a part of the conversation. The USWNT’s recent World Cup Victory has amplified this messaging and has the world excited about the future for females in sports and business.
Storytelling above all
At the end of the day, storytelling is how your organization will stand out and thrive in this digital world. You must be able to communicate your value clearly and in a compelling way. Show fans why they should attend games. There is a lot of competition with the 75 inch TV. Tell us why your ballpark or arena has more to offer than the big screen.
It is imperative to stay honed in on trends in the sports technology world and focus on the initiatives that will drive the most value for your organization. As a partner of over 350+ of the biggest brands in sports, we are here to drive revenue and value for your team. Want to learn more? Request a demo today.
