The live entertainment industry is undergoing a significant transformation as consumers increasingly prioritize experiences over material possessions. At the forefront of this shift is FestivalPass, a subscription-based membership platform that’s reimagining how people access and enjoy live events across music, sports, comedy, and more.
Founded by Ed Vincent, a serial entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in consumer data and subscription models, FestivalPass addresses persistent pain points in the ticketing ecosystem. The platform offers members access to more than 200,000 live events and 200,000+ hotels globally through a frictionless experience that eliminates steep fees while rewarding loyalty.
“The magic of live events has always gone beyond the music or the crowd—it’s about connection,” says Vincent, whose previous ventures include a data and analytics company serving major entertainment clients like A&E Networks, AMC Networks, and various film studios.
What distinguishes the membership community is its focus on building connections among like-minded individuals. The platform leverages artificial intelligence for personalized recommendations, connecting members with experiences and other users who share their passions. This approach taps into the spending habits of next-generation consumers, who allocate approximately $5,000 annually to experience purchases, with a growing preference for experiential rather than material consumption.
Perhaps most innovative is the company’s Lifetime Pass offering, which allows members to make a one-time purchase in exchange for $1,200 in annual event credits that continue in perpetuity. This model has already attracted thousands of “super fans,” positioning the company to reach cash-flow positive status by 2025.
The platform operates at the intersection of two massive markets: the $200 billion live entertainment industry and the $1.2 trillion leisure travel sector. The latter is experiencing remarkable growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.3%, and is projected to reach $6.2 trillion by 2032.
FestivalPass has garnered support from an impressive roster of advisors and investors, including Cosmic Venture Partners, Brian Sharples, co-founder of VRBO/HomeAway; Shelli Taylor, former CEO of Alamo Drafthouse; Jacob Trouba, former captain of the NY Rangers NHL team who now plays for the Anaheim Ducks; and Jason Dorsey, a recognized expert on next-generation consumers.
For the 75 million next-gen consumers in the United States (and hundreds of millions globally) who attend more than six live events annually, FestivalPass’s subscription model represents a compelling alternative to traditional ticketing platforms. By combining access to events and hotel accommodations with social features and loyalty rewards, the company is building more than just access to tickets—it’s creating a community centered around shared passions and memorable experiences.
As the platform continues to expand its offerings and member base, it stands poised to capitalize on the growing preference for experience-focused consumption that defines today’s entertainment landscape.
