Fandom Unpacked

The electric energy of the US Open Tennis Championships goes far beyond the baseline. In this illuminating conversation, Nicole Kankam, Managing Director of Pro Tennis Marketing & Entertainment at the USTA, reveals how America's premier tennis event has become a cultural phenomenon by masterfully balancing tradition with innovation. Kankam offers a fascinating glimpse into the tournament&...

What does it mean to be a Broadway fan in today's digital world? In this illuminating conversation with top industry leaders from Playbill, Broadway News, and BroadwayWorld, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of theater fandom and how Broadway is adapting to connect with audiences in new ways. The misconception that Broadway is niche takes center stage as our guests passionately dismant...

What happens when you gather Disney's most passionate fans in one community? Michael Vargo, Senior Vice President of D23, Corporate Events & Walt Disney Archives, reveals the magic behind Disney's official fan club in this captivating conversation. From its humble beginnings in 2009, D23 has evolved into a global phenomenon connecting Disney's most devoted fans—passionate enthus...

Arts and Culture organizations are navigating unprecedented challenges with remarkable resilience. This powerful conversation with Andrew Recinos, President and CEO of Tessitura, reveals how arts leaders are responding to uncertainty with both anxiety and determination. "I'm seeing a lot of anxiety," Recinos acknowledges, "but right alongside it, I'm seeing grit and tenaci...

What makes an airline inspire true fandom in an industry often reduced to price comparisons and schedule convenience? In this fascinating conversation with Andrew Harvell, Manager of Digital Strategy and Optimization at Southwest Airlines, we uncover the unique approach that has earned Southwest loyal customers and industry accolades spanning decades. "Our secret sauce is our people," Ha...

The intersection of artificial intelligence and modern fandom is transforming how we discover, experience, and connect with live events. In this enlightening conversation, Janette Roush, Chief AI Officer and SVP of Innovation at Brand USA, shares a treasure trove of insights on the evolving relationship between AI and the live experience economy. Most marketers approach AI with a mixture of curios...

What happens when you give passionate fans five uninterrupted days with their favorite artists, chefs, comedians, or creators in the middle of the ocean? Pure magic, according to Jeff Cuellar, CEO of Sixthman. For nearly 25 years, Sixthman has been perfecting the art of creating immersive fan experiences at sea – essentially floating festivals where passionate communities can fully disconnect from...

Ever wonder why people proudly wear PBS merchandise as a badge of identity when nobody's sporting ABC t-shirts? Amy Wigler, Vice President of Multiplatform Marketing and Content for PBS, reveals the secret sauce behind one of America's most beloved media brands. "Your memories of PBS take you back to a time... it's visceral," explains Wigler, describing how the network cre...

What truly separates an ordinary gameday from an unforgettable sports experience? For the New York Red Bulls, it all comes down to their meticulously crafted "street to seat" philosophy that transforms every matchday into a celebration of community, passion, and soccer culture. Elisa Padilla, CMO of the New York Red Bulls, takes us behind the scenes of creating the most fan-friendly spor...

The passionate world of opera fandom might surprise you. Forget polite, hushed appreciation – opera enthusiasts are more like sports fans than theater patrons, tracking their favorite performers across venues, possessing encyclopedic knowledge of past productions, and vocally expressing their approval (or disappointment) during performances. Joining us for this fascinating exploration are voices f...

What happens when passionate fans decide to create the events they've always wanted to attend? Melissa Anelli, CEO and Founder of Mischief Management takes us on her journey from Harry Potter superfan to convention entrepreneur running some of the most beloved fan gatherings in entertainment. The spark began in 2007 when Anelli and fellow staff members from The Leaky Cauldron (a major Harry P...

Jonathan Linden, Co-president of Round Room Live, takes listeners behind the scenes of the Formula 1 Exhibition – a groundbreaking immersive experience bringing the high-octane world of F1 racing to fans worldwide. What happens when one of the world's most exclusive sports creates an exhibition accessible to everyone? Linden reveals how his company recognized a crucial gap in the F1 fan exper...

When the New Orleans Pelicans take the court at Smoothie King Center, they're not just playing basketball – they're celebrating the soul of a city renowned for its distinctive culture, resilience, and community spirit. This captivating conversation with Mel Barry, Senior Director of Brand Marketing for the Pelicans, reveals how the organization has masterfully woven the essence of New Or...

The relationship between artists and fans has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, and no one understands this evolution better than John Loken, EVP at The Recording Academy. In this captivating episode of Fandom Unpacked, we dive deep into how modern musicians are building authentic connections with their audiences in ways previously unimaginable. Gone are the days when performers...