Ep. 47 – Ticketing Chaos Explained: Bots, Brokers & Bold Claims with Joel Schwartz

What do Donald Trump, Kid Rock, and a 200% ticket guarantee have in common? They’re all part of the chaotic, misunderstood world of live event ticketing—and veteran ticket broker, founding member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) and attorney, Joel Schwartz is here to discuss the current executive order and how it affects ticket brokers and fans.

In this high-impact episode, we sit down with one of the original voices in ticket resale to break down what’s really driving the headlines. From political theater to pricing transparency, Schwartz shares insider stories from decades in the game—starting with Lions games in the '70s and stretching all the way to Super Bowl holdbacks, Taylor Swift meltdowns, and FTC policy shifts.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why bots aren’t the real problem—and who actually is

• How “dynamic pricing” impact fans, travel planners, and the entire resale market

• What the new executive orders and pricing laws could mean for concerts, sports, and festivals

• How fans, brokers, and platforms can navigate an increasingly complex and competitive marketplace

Whether you're a travel professional, ticketing insider, or just a fan tired of hidden fees and vanishing inventory, this episode delivers clarity, context, and a dose of hard truth.

Follow us at @Tix2TravelPod on all platforms and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

www.tttpod.com

www.xpotravel.com

From concert-fueled economies to cybersecurity chaos and legal bombshells shaking the venue world—this July was anything but quiet. In this episode, we break down the biggest current events impacting travel, ticketing, and live experiences right now. Whether you're planning Q3 campaigns, pitching new partnerships, or just trying to stay ahead of what’s driving fan and traveler behavior, this is your go-to summer recap.

We cover:

• The rise of shoulder season travel and why Europe in September is outperforming July

• Airline cyber attacks and the growing importance of digital resilience

• Music tourism's billion-dollar impact from Coldplay to Blackpink

• Backstreet Boys at the Sphere and the future of immersive residencies

• Formula 1’s global takeover and luxury fan travel

• JW Roth’s bold new venue model with VENU

• The OVG antitrust indictment and what it means for arena deals going forward

If you work in tickets, travel, or the experience economy, this episode is packed with insights you need—plus trends that will shape the rest of 2025.

Listen now at www.tttpod.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us @Tix2Travel for updates, guest announcements, and more.

In this episode of Tickets to Travel, Mario is joined by Ian Chen, CEO & co-founder of Discotech, the platform that lets users “save money, party smarter.” Ian shares the story behind Discotech’s rise from a frustrating Vegas club experience to becoming a powerhouse for nightlife, festivals, and travel experiences—now with over 1.9 million app downloads.

They explore how Discotech has evolved from VIP table bookings to a full-service nightlife and festival marketplace, including affiliate travel deals, guest lists, and even $50,000 tables. Ian also reveals trends shaping nightlife today—from Gen Z’s shifting habits to the lasting impact of pandemic-era “revenge partying”—and explains how data, affiliate partnerships, and tech are driving their growth into music festivals, travel, and potentially even sports.

If you’re in nightlife, events, or travel—or just love a great entrepreneurial story—this episode is packed with insight.

Download the Discotech app to save money and discover nightlife and festival experiences: https://www.discotech.me

Subscribe to Tickets to Travel at www.tttpod.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 44 – Travel Media Reinvented: Inside Lost In Travel’s Strategy with Jon Skogmo

What happens when the mind behind viral sensations like Pizza Rat and FailArmy turns his attention to travel media? In this episode, we sit down with Jon Skogmo, founder of Lost In Travel and former CEO of viral media powerhouse Jukin Media, to explore how he’s shaking up the travel publishing world.

Jon shares his journey from clearing VHS tapes for clip shows to building a 300-person media empire—and why he’s now focused on reinventing travel content for a digital-first, community-driven audience. We dig into how Lost In Travelgoes beyond tourist traps, highlighting hidden gems, subcultures, and local creators to inspire today’s “premium economy traveler.”

We also get candid about the challenges of influencer culture, the future of SEO in travel, and why legacy travel publishers are missing the mark. Plus, Jon opens up about Lost In Travel’s multi-platform approach—from physical guidebooks and live events to neighborhood-focused editions and global collaborations.

If you care about where travel media is headed—or how to build an authentic, loyal audience in a crowded space—this is a must-listen conversation.

In this episode:

• The surprising link between viral videos and travel

• Why authenticity beats clickbait in today’s travel media

• The evolution of Lost In Travel and its unique editorial strategy

• How they’re building real-world travel communities through books and events

• Jon’s take on the future of digital content, influencers, and travel demand

Follow Lost In Travel, Travelgram, and View From My Window to see more from Jon’s team.

https://lostin.com/

Subscribe to Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences at www.tttpod.com and follow @Tix2TravelPod on social media.

Booked & Busy Abroad: SuaveSki’s Blueprint for Going Global

What happens when your biggest fans aren’t in your backyard, but across the ocean?

In this episode of Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences, we sit down with SuaveSki — a rising independent hip-hop artist and touring entrepreneur — who’s turned his U.S.-based hustle into an international movement. From Romania to Rome, and Zurich to South by Southwest, SuaveSki shares how he built a loyal fanbase abroad, booked venues without a major label, and financed it all while mentoring the next generation of creatives.

We talk strategy, mistakes, merch, booking hacks, sponsorships, and why international fans sometimes show more love than local ones. If you’re an artist, agent, venue operator, or anyone trying to crack the code on global fan engagement — this is the blueprint.

Follow Tix2TravelPod on all socials and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. For more, visit www.tttpod.com Follow SuaveSki at @suaveskimusic and @suavemob

www.suaveski.com

Ep. 42 - RevPar Problems, Real Talk: When Memes Meet Metrics with Calvin Tilokee

How do revenue managers really think? What makes hotel rates spike during Taylor Swift concerts—or Bigfoot conventions? And why do memes about ADR hit harder than your star report?

In this episode of Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences, we sit down with Calvin Tilokee of RevPAR Media, the sharp mind behind the viral @RevPARProblems Instagram account. Calvin pulls back the curtain on hotel pricing strategy, compression events, influencer marketing, and what event producers often get wrong when pitching to hotels.

Whether you’re trying to block rooms for a major festival, fill your hotel over a soft week, or just want to understand the secret language of revenue managers, this episode is packed with insight and humor.

This episode is a must-listen for hotel sales and revenue teams, meeting and event planners, festival promoters, and hospitality marketers.

Follow @RevPARProblems on Instagram for daily hotel truths and satire. And subscribe now to hear why Calvin says: “We don’t need your group when we’re already full. Call us the week after Christmas.”

For more insider conversations at the intersection of travel, ticketing, and live experiences, follow us on all socials @Tix2TravelPod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. If you haven’t listened yet, head to www.tttpod.comto catch up on past episodes.

Episode Title: Tickets for Good: How Humanitix Is Reinventing Ticketing with Purpose

In this episode of Tickets to Travel, we sit down with Jessica Markowitz of Humanitix, the nonprofit ticketing platform that’s proving business can be a force for good. From her personal journey into mission-driven ticketing to Humanitix’s rise as a global disruptor, Jess shares how this innovative platform is turning event booking fees into life-changing donations—over $10 million and counting.

We dive into how Humanitix offers lower fees, real-time analytics, and community-driven support, all while funneling 100% of profits into education, health, and accessibility projects around the world. If you're a promoter, travel planner, or nonprofit organizer, this episode will challenge how you think about ticketing—and why your platform choice matters.

Learn more at Humanitix.com

Planning your next adventure? Listeners get 10% off a Go City Pass! Use promo code TTTPOD25 at checkout on GoCity.com and start building your dream itinerary of attractions and experiences.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on all socials @Tix2TravelPod.

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Episode 40 – Beyond the Logo: The Real ROI of Event Sponsorships with Faisal Shariff Guest: Faisal Shariff | Sponsorship Strategist and Consultant

What do Spotify, FC Barcelona, Travis Scott, Qatar Airways, and spring break in Cancun have in common? They all demonstrate the power—and complexity—of strategic sponsorships when executed well.

In this episode, host Mario Bauduin speaks with Faisal Shariff, a global consultant known for turning fan behavior and experience design into measurable business results. Faisal draws on his time leading strategy for the large student group segment at Pollen and advising brands across Europe and the Middle East to reveal how smart sponsorships go far beyond logos and signage.

We explore:

• The real commercial lessons from Spotify's headline-grabbing deal with FC Barcelona

• The four-part framework Faisal uses to design high-impact brand activations

• Why fan data is essential to sponsorship ROI—and how most companies miss the mark

• Insights from major activations, including the FIFA World Cup, concerts, and luxury travel events

• How Faisal personally leverages loyalty programs and brand perks to unlock once-in-a-lifetime experiences

If you work in travel, ticketing, live entertainment, or brand partnerships, this episode offers a masterclass in how to merge emotion, utility, and data into scalable, fan-first strategies.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your shows. Subscribe to Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences.

https://tttpod.com

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Fan Travel Stories: Loyalty Runs Deep – Tattoos, Tickets, and Traveling for Tottenham Hotspur FC

What does it mean to be a true football superfan? For Dipak Patel, it means building entire vacations around matchday, joining supporter clubs for insider ticket access, and yes—getting not one, but two Tottenham Hotspur tattoos. In this episode of Fan Travel Stories, we dive into how this Spurs diehard (and travel industry veteran) plans European trips around the Premier League calendar, scores great seats without breaking the bank, and finds time for skyline walks and food tours between matches.

From digital ticketing hacks to cultural must-dos in London and beyond, Dipak shares a fan’s playbook for turning football passion into unforgettable travel experiences.

Explore stadiums and top attractions with a GoCity Pass. Get 10% off with code TTTPOD25 at checkout at https://gocity.com/en

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Whether you're a fan, a travel pro, or both—this episode is your backstage pass to smarter event travel.

In this special News Flash episode of Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences, host Mario Bauduin breaks down the biggest travel, ticketing, and live event stories making waves in May 2025.

From the explosive growth of music tourism — projected to hit $268 billion by 2030 according to IQ Magazine — to Airbnb’s new partnership with Live Nation, this episode explores how fandom, festivals, and unforgettable experiences are redefining global travel habits. We also examine Booking.com's new NBA deal and how it could change the game for sports-focused travel.

You'll hear:

• Why 60% of travelers (AMEX Global Travel Trends Report) are booking trips specifically for live experiences

• How Airbnb’s “Experiences” finally found a festival-friendly formula

• What A-Rod’s $1B Dominican Republic development means for Caribbean luxury tourism

• Why the Knicks' playoff run is pumping nearly $1B into NYC’s economy

• What the "Trump Slump" means for inbound U.S. tourism from Canada and China — and how premium travelers are keeping Vegas afloat

• Skift’s take on “Live Tourism” and how destinations are leaning into sports and culture to drive repeat visitation

This is the episode for ticketing pros, travel marketers, event producers, and anyone shaping the future of experiential tourism.

Listen and follow for more insights on the business of travel experiences. Subscribe and stream anywhere you get your podcasts. Visit: https://www.tttpod.com 

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