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BookMyShow's Major Concert Challenges and Impact

May 23, 2025

Lecture Notes: BookMyShow's Journey and Challenges

Introduction

  • The band aspired to play at the world's largest cricket stadium.
  • Initially, it seemed like a bizarre idea but eventually led to the world's largest concert.
  • The event provided an economic boost of approximately 700 crores to Ahmedabad over two days.

Challenges in Organizing Large Concerts

  • Ticket Pricing and Bot Attacks:

    • Tickets were priced affordably, but bot attacks by secondary ticket sites created issues.
    • Legal complexities with seven departments investigating.
  • Venue Selection:

    • Ahmedabad was chosen despite being unconventional for large concerts due to infrastructure and alcohol restrictions.
    • Collaboration with Gujarat Tourism and Cricket Association for venue access.
  • Logistics and Execution:

    • Planning involved train and flight coordination due to limited infrastructure.
    • Protection of the stadium’s pitch during the concert required unique solutions.

Impact and Reception

  • Concert contributed substantially to local economy:

    • Employment, hotel bookings, and travel saw significant increases.
    • GST impact was significant, with a calculated 72 crores.
  • Charitable Initiatives:

    • Focus on making concerts accessible to a broader audience with lower ticket prices.

Market Dynamics and Trends

  • Business Model Evolution:

    • Transition from a movie ticket platform to a major event organizer and promoter.
    • Expansion into non-movie events now comprises a significant portion of revenue.
  • Artist Negotiations and Demands:

    • High-profile artists have specific demands to ensure show quality.
    • BookMyShow manages complex logistics for multiple concurrent shows.

Industry Challenges

  • Event Infrastructure in India:

    • Lack of mid-sized venues limits artist growth.
    • Need for better public infrastructure to support events.
  • Economic and Regulatory Environment:

    • Advocated for GST reduction to make events more viable.
    • Navigating legal complexities with foreign ticketing entities.

Conclusion

  • BookMyShow's founder, Ashi Shim Rojani, advocates for resilience and adaptability.
  • Emphasizes the importance of innovation and long-term vision in business.
  • Looks towards air, water, and food sectors as future opportunities.