The CEO of CTS Eventim, Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, has voiced his support for social tickets for cultural events, advocating for greater accessibility to live entertainment. Schulenberg expressed that if organizers could sustainably finance such initiatives and chose to implement them, he would strongly endorse the concept. He emphasized the importance of ensuring pop culture isn’t solely accessible to higher-income demographics, acknowledging that ticket prices starting at around €70 represent a significant investment for many potential attendees.
However, Schulenberg also underscored the inherent value of cultural offerings and the expectations surrounding the quality of performances, acknowledging that market demand plays a crucial role in price determination. He cautioned against placing undue pressure on artists to perform at reduced rates, recognizing that many individuals rely on the entertainment industry for their livelihoods.
Following the pandemic, operational and production costs have risen significantly, increasing by 45% or more. The return of experienced personnel to the events sector has proven challenging, impacting the industry’s ability to operate efficiently. While Schulenberg doesn’t anticipate a continued rise in production costs to the same degree, he highlighted that artist fees remain a key factor influencing ticket pricing.
Despite broader economic headwinds, CTS Eventim reports a robust business performance. The company’s CEO noted that live music events provide an important outlet for individuals and that demand often increases during times of economic hardship. He confirmed that CTS Eventim’s current performance exceeds pre-pandemic levels of 2019, demonstrating continued growth and resilience within the ticketing sector.
