Jason Spiess’ Post

Complex Acquires Family Style Food Festival Complex has acquired the festival Family Style, an annual festival in LA that combines food with street culture, fashion and music. This adds a new entertainment asset to the broader Complex media empire. Complex has been expanding both horizontally and vertically - when the media company was acquired by NTWRK earlier this year, that basically mashed together a street culture media publication with a street culture live commerce platform. NTWRK added a new layer of commerce to drive revenue for the broader group. Complex now has Family Style to supplement their flagship live event ComplexCon. First We Feast has been one of the most successful Complex sub-brands, spawning the hugely popular content format of interviewing celebrities while eating hot wings and also launching their own hot sauce brand. The addition of Family Style tops off Complex's "food vertical" - they create First We Feast interview content that is shared across digital media channels. They create a physical hot sauce brand to sell to their fans and they now curate a live physical event called Family Style to bring together the culture, content, community and commerce. They could replicate the same formula for their other "verticals" like fashion, hip hop, and lifestyle. At this rate, Complex could eventually build a Viacom-esque vertically integrated media holding company that focuses on the passionate niche of street culture. https://lnkd.in/eQSGgqPt #complex #media #culture #streetwear #food #marketing #ecommerce

"A curated view of where innovation is happening in marketing today, why it matters, and how it is transforming modern business". --- Inside the sound. I believe this trend is also making its way to Europe. It certainly offers an evolved experience for a bar that serves great cocktails and drinks. The way these spaces are designed and curated is incredible—something you would never expect. The new JAM Record Bar in Sydney is designed to resemble a giant speaker. Listening bars are becoming increasingly popular these days, and JAM Record Bar in Sydney captures this trend perfectly, creating the feeling of being inside a massive speaker. Designed by Akin Atelier for Justin Hemmes, CEO of the hospitality group Merivale, and his sister Bettina, JAM Record Bar is a nod to their family’s history. The name "Jam" comes from their parents, John and Merivale, and was also the name of a music label Hemmes used to run. This unique bar is located on the corner of George Street in Sydney’s central business district. Though the bar is compact, measuring only 18 square meters, it can comfortably seat up to 45 people. The front of JAM Record Bar features large glass panels, a holdover from its past as a store, allowing patrons to enjoy views of the street. Inside, there is a plywood sidebar and black metal chairs designed for people-watching. The bar’s music selection spans a wide range, from funk and soul to ambient soundscapes, and includes a regular lineup of DJs to enhance the listening experience. 🙌 What’s your take? # 394 HOSPITALITY, Australia 👉 More content on our website b-f-t-m.com/DRUMROLL Subscribe to the weekly newsletter. 🎯 If you want to learn more about our transformative approach to generating growth (yes, what we call innovation marketing!), feel free to write us privately. Justin Hemmes, Bettina Hemmes, Merivale More about this topics follow #MaurizioRibotti #innovationmarketing #cultureofmodernbusiness #luxury #premium #lifestyle #DRUMROLL #marketing #communication --- All rights and credits are reserved to the respective owner(s). Contact us to add you as a reference or content removal.

"A curated view of where innovation is happening in marketing today, why it matters, and how it is transforming modern business". --- Inside the sound. I believe this trend is also making its way to Europe. It certainly offers an evolved experience for a bar that serves great cocktails and drinks. The way these spaces are designed and curated is incredible—something you would never expect. The new JAM Record Bar in Sydney is designed to resemble a giant speaker. Listening bars are becoming increasingly popular these days, and JAM Record Bar in Sydney captures this trend perfectly, creating the feeling of being inside a massive speaker. Designed by Akin Atelier for Justin Hemmes, CEO of the hospitality group Merivale, and his sister Bettina, JAM Record Bar is a nod to their family’s history. The name "Jam" comes from their parents, John and Merivale, and was also the name of a music label Hemmes used to run. This unique bar is located on the corner of George Street in Sydney’s central business district. Though the bar is compact, measuring only 18 square meters, it can comfortably seat up to 45 people. The front of JAM Record Bar features large glass panels, a holdover from its past as a store, allowing patrons to enjoy views of the street. Inside, there is a plywood sidebar and black metal chairs designed for people-watching. The bar’s music selection spans a wide range, from funk and soul to ambient soundscapes, and includes a regular lineup of DJs to enhance the listening experience. 🙌 What’s your take? # 394 HOSPITALITY, Australia 👉 More content on our website b-f-t-m.com/DRUMROLL Subscribe to the weekly newsletter. 🎯 If you want to learn more about our transformative approach to generating growth (yes, what we call innovation marketing!), feel free to write me privately. Justin Hemmes, Bettina Hemmes, Merivale More about this topics follow #MaurizioRibotti #innovationmarketing #cultureofmodernbusiness #luxury #premium #lifestyle #DRUMROLL #marketing #communication --- All rights and credits are reserved to the respective owner(s). Contact us to add you as a reference or content removal.

Background music can be a real game-changer in the hospitality industry! It can influence emotions, mood, and overall customer experience. Now, it's about time more establishments recognized the power of the atmosphere in creating memorable evenings. #musicstreaming #musicforbusiness #musicindustry #backgroundmusic

The “Fearless Gin Sour” with Valley of Mother of God gin is the creation of Massimo Zitti, owner of Mother Cocktail Bar, and is a tribute to the global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift. Her six sold-out Eras Tour concerts in Toronto have significantly boosted the city’s economy. Destination Toronto estimated an economic impact exceeding $282 million, with over $152 million in direct spending. This financial surge is attributed to several factors: • Tourism and Hospitality: The concerts attracted approximately 240,000 attendees, many from outside Toronto. Hotel bookings for the concert dates were nearly 83% higher in downtown Toronto compared to the same period last year, with citywide demand up by 36%. • Local Businesses: Restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment venues experienced increased patronage. Moneris, a Canadian payment services provider, reported a 57% week-over-week increase in spending across all categories during the first three days of the Toronto leg of the tour. • Tax Revenue: The concerts generated nearly $40 million in tax revenue across all levels of government, benefiting public services and infrastructure. (Source: Chat GPT) Check out the Fearless Gin Sour video on Instagram for this delicious recipe.

New Post: Tixr Hears London Calling With Expansion to Europe - https://lnkd.in/gjYdpARZ - Tixr, the fast-growing primary ticketing and live event commerce company, today announced the official opening of its London office and strategic expansion into continental Europe. Industry veteran Stephanie Rosa has been appointed to serve as managing director of the London outpost, leading a new handpicked local team to build upon the company’s already robust roster of partners in the region. The move marks the California-based company’s latest international launch, following the expansion of its operations into Canada, announced in March. Tixr’s recent client partnerships in Europe include Space Ibiza, Eden Nightclub in Ibiza, British digital radio station Kisstory, F.A.T. International, RuPaul’s Dragcon, Dreamhack, Uptown Festival, Dublin ComicCon, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Egg London, E1 Series, Brockwell Live, Aramco Team Series, and London’s popular brewery Signature Brew. Most recently, Tixr partnered with Forbidden Forest Festival which took place earlier this month. Nestled in hundreds of acres of lush forest on the grounds of the stunning Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, Forbidden Forest brings together 20,000 over three nights to celebrate music, nature and dance. Tickets for next year’s fest, the first to be handled under the new Tixr deal, go on sale to the general public later this year. “There’s no modern platform more capable of servicing such a wide array of complex events, and the opportunities in the region are immense,” said Rosa. “The fantastic regional team we’ve built is honoured to partner with iconic sell-out festivals like Forbidden Forest that value design, innovation, and share in our mission to deliver the best fan experience possible, starting with the ticket.” Before relocating to London for her newly created role, Rosa served as Tixr’s director of partnerships and sales operations. She came to Tixr from UK-based Festicket, which was acquired by Lyte in 2022, where she served as vp of sales in North America.  “Each year we set out to deliver extraordinary customer experiences”, said Laura Ball, marketing director at Forbidden Forest Festival. “When we selected Tixr as our trusted ticketing partner for 2025 and beyond, we knew each year we could collaborate to further raise the bar and deliver a best-in-class experience for our Forbidden Forest customers.” Tixr already services events in 10 European countries and exclusively powers more than 500 of the most respected live entertainment brands in 40 countries. Since its inception, Tixr has processed nearly $2 billion in transactions through its highly visual, modern, unified commerce platform built for sales beyond admission tickets. Tixr’s new London office is located at London Bridge.   - #new

#Indians in the mass affluent category and above are clearly moving to an #experiential #economy. And it is not only about #music #concerts , annual #holiday or fancy dining-experiences from #michelin star chefs. They expect a good experience even when shopping - be it at a mall or a flagship store. Are you readying your #business to deliver an exceptional #experience? https://lnkd.in/dct8KZFY

Quick update: I just passed the very tough community board in Manhattan to open a new venue/cafe/bar in the previous Rockwood Music Hall space at 192 Allen. The deal came up very quickly and I need financial partners to get the lease signed in the next week or so. Looking to do a combo of my other places: Cake Shop, Baker Falls, The Library Bar, alt.coffee. I got CB3 approval for bands, DJs and 3AM, 7 days per week. Can get this done for 250K. Anyone interested or know any people who are comfortable with this type of investment? Please no Sales calls at this time... i've been doing this for 30 years and do not need a dishwasher lease from you right now, I need funding to get this place open. Let me know and thank you for your time. Nicknextdoor@bakerfalls.com 917-687-0296 All Points Bulletin for Founders/Investors:  Have you ever dreamt of being an owner of a venue in New York City? After good news last night, we are looking for Founders Club investors to push the new live venue and community gathering space over the line to secure the space in downtown New York City at 192 Allen Street. Those who know me know that I have successfully launched and operated multiple money-making venues in New York City, from the Lower East Side’s beloved Cake Shop, to the still going strong Library Bar in the East Village, to the pioneering coffee shop alt.coffee. It’s now time for the next big venture. Riding the wave of saving the Pyramid Club space with Baker Falls at 101 Ave A last year, my partners and I are looking to create a second, more intimate version of what we built. A place where people of all generations can come out, see each other face-to-face, and gather around the hearth of music, experience, performance, and discovery. We are  creating a different kind of social club… an alternative to SoHo House… a safe space to rock out, experiment, and build something special over time through residencies and regular live events like a weekly curated retail Maker Fair. We will be all about artist collaborations, from T-shirts to to-go coffee cups.    We will have a full service cafe with plenty of space and outlets to get some work done, meet new friends, have a meeting, and hang out drinking coffee.  And let’s not forget amazing cocktails, beer & wine programs, and lots of Non-Alcoholic options during the night time. I love everyone who has ever walked in our doors over the last 30 years, let’s do this together. Nick and the Baker Falls Enterprises team And Remember: Downtown is a State of Mind (™)

🎟️ Scalping Gone Wild: From Concerts to Fine Dining 🍴 The problem of scalping has evolved far beyond concert tickets, now impacting everything from restaurant reservations and golf tee times to public services. Bots and resellers are creating chaos, inflating prices, and leaving businesses and consumers to deal with the fallout. From no-shows at Michelin-starred restaurants to the ongoing battle against unfair ticket resales, it's clear that stronger regulations are needed to restore fairness and trust. And as digital transactions grow, so do calls for stronger protections to ensure fairness and transparency. At Bixeler, we’re building a safer, more transparent ticketing experience—one that puts people first. This piece highlights why that mission matters now more than ever. ➡ Read the full article and join the conversation https://lnkd.in/eMc2f6hG What do you think? Is it time for stricter rules to fight bots and unfair markups? Let us know in the comments! 💬

The stadium lights illuminate thousands of faces, the crowd's energy is palpable and a wave of excitement fills the air. In the midst of live sports and music, there's a new player on the field — craft beverages.   At Crafted ERP, we've witnessed how the #CraftedCommunity is seizing the moment, forging impactful partnerships with sports and music venues to elevate the fan experience and expand their brand reach.   Take Braxton Brewing Company, for example. As the official seltzer of teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Indiana Pacers, they've tapped into a fanbase hungry for local, artisanal options. By crafting co-branded variety packs, they've blended team spirit with craft quality, creating a winning combination that resonates with fans.   The harmony between craft beverages and venue experiences is undeniable. Whether it's our customers like Stateside Urbancraft Vodka expanded partnership to place Surfside RTDs at MLB ballparks, or the Tampa Bay Rays’ Sip Shine Moonshine Slushie Bar, these collaborations go beyond sales—they're about crafting unforgettable moments that fans associate with the game and the brand.   And it's not just about local fame; some craft producers, like Garrison Brothers Distillery, are going national with partnerships spanning NBA teams and PGA tours. These alliances showcase the versatility and broad appeal of craft beverages, proving that they have a place in the big leagues.   But managing these partnerships isn't easy—that's where Crafted ERP comes in. Our end-to-end solution supports producers with seamless management of multiple locations, diverse product lines and intricate partnerships, allowing you to grow your beverage business the way you want. #craftbeverages #beverageproduction #craftbeer #craftspirits #brewerysoftware #distillerysoftware #rtdproduction #beveragepartnerships