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Leadership

CashorTrade, Fan-to-Fan Ticket Exchange, Names Two Execs to Leadership

by jummy84 October 27, 2025

written by jummy84

Face value ticket exchange CashorTrade has added two major names to its leadership ranks as the fan-first ticketing platform continues to gain traction across the live music industry. Industry veterans Andrew Dreskin — best known as co-founder and former CEO of Ticketfly and TicketWeb — and Craig Snyder, formerly of Intellitix and Lyte, have joined the company’s executive team in key leadership roles.

Dreskin joins as strategic advisor while Snyder takes on the role of vp of business development & partnerships. In his role, Snyder will focus on expanding alliances with artists, promoters and festivals that share the company’s commitment to equitable access to live events.

“When veterans like Dreskin and Snyder join forces with a grassroots platform like CashorTrade, it’s a clear signal that the face value movement is no longer fringe — it’s the future,” said Brando Rich, co-founder of CashorTrade, in a statement. “Their expertise will help us scale our mission to make live events more accessible, equitable, and community-driven.”

Snyder added that CashorTrade’s fan-first foundation, founded in 2009, now has more than 1 million verified members. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked to tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges — scalping and sky-high resale prices that hurt everyone: fans, artists, and venues,” he said. “CashorTrade is built differently. Whether a show is sold out or not, it gives fans a legitimate place to exchange tickets at fair prices while helping promoters fill seats. I’m looking forward to building partnerships that expand this community and make CashorTrade’s Gold Membership even more essential for live music fans.”

Billboard‘s Live Music Summit will be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 3. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.billboardlivemusicsummit.com/2025/home-launch.

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October 27, 2025 0 comments

Events

Weeztix strengthens European leadership in cashless solutions with SJEF acquisition

by jummy84 September 23, 2025

written by jummy84

Weeztix is proud to announce the acquisition of the cashless activities of SJEF B.V., the market leader in the Netherlands for cashless solutions in the event industry. As part of the deal, SJEF’s experienced team, hardware and client portfolio will become part of Weeztix, further strengthening their position as the leading provider of open-loop cashless solutions.

Earlier this year, Weeztix joined forces with Weezevent, forming the largest independent event solutions provider in Europe. This acquisition builds on the group’s growth journey and complements its combined expertise in innovative ticketing, cashless, and accreditation services.

Across Europe, Weezevent and Weeztix already deliver over 850 cashless events every year. Now, with the addition of SJEF’s portfolio, the Group supports an even broader range of the combined Group supports an even broader range of leading events, including Tomorrowland, Rock Werchter, Graspop, Hellfest, Lollapalooza, Best Kept Secret, Paaspop, Liquicity, Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs, Paris Saint-Germain, Royal Antwerp FC, and Club Brugge, further strengthening its position in both the Dutch market and across Europe. The SJEF cashless team and its founders will remain actively involved to facilitate a seamless transition and continued outstanding service to clients.

The Dutch market is rapidly transitioning towards cashless technology. By joining forces, Weeztix and SJEF are setting the standard for innovation, service quality, and reliability, solidifying their clear number one position in the Netherlands for cashless and ticketing solutions, while continuing to serve international clients with world-class solutions.

The parties were advised by their respective M&A teams, with Lexence, Villechenon, Clermont-Hill and Altum Corporate Finance providing financial and legal guidance throughout the transaction.

Joost Aanen, CEO and Co-Founder of Weeztix:
“When we founded Weeztix, our ambition was to empower organisers with the best tools to create unforgettable experiences. With SJEF’s cashless team joining Weeztix, we take another major step in that journey. This move strengthens our leadership in Europe and brings together two teams united by innovation and a love for live events.”

Pierre-Henri Deballon, CEO of the Weezevent Group:
“The integration of SJEF’s cashless activities into Weeztix is a natural step in our growth strategy. It reinforces the ability of our experts to serve organisers at 360°, with both open- and closed-loop solutions, tailored to their needs and top standards.”

Lauren-Jan van Doorn, CEO & Founder of SJEF and Elockers:
“Building SJEF from the ground up has been an intense and wonderful journey. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built together with our team, clients and partners. This transaction gives Elockers the resources and focus to continue growing and innovating, and it will dramatically accelerate Elockers’ global expansion while strengthening our partnership with the Weezevent Group”

Weeztix & sjef founders — Weeztix & Sjef Founders

September 23, 2025 0 comments

Events

New Research Tackles Challenges in Event Leadership Readiness

by jummy84 September 22, 2025

written by jummy84

The Event Leaders Exchange (ELX) has announced the findings of its latest research into the state of leadership in the global events sector, revealing significant challenges – and opportunities – for senior event professionals.

Based on in-depth surveys and interviews with senior event leaders (the ELX member base) from major global brands, the Future-Ready Leadership Whitepaper uncovers where event teams are best prepared for the future, and where urgent action is needed.

Among the key findings:

Just 5% of event programmes are innovated year-on-year, suggesting a need for greater experimentation and idea generation.
Almost one-third of leaders lack clear KPIs for their events, or don’t know if their KPIs are being met – putting teams at risk of budget cuts and reduced credibility.
Training budgets remain under pressure, with spend falling short of global recommendations, threatening long-term team development.
A third of event leaders are not using AI at all, and for those that are, the majority use it solely for copywriting support.

“The data shows a clear call to action,” said Nicola Kastner, CEO at ELX. “If we want events to be seen as business-critical, we need to invest in our people, measure what matters and build cultures that embrace innovation – not just once in a while, but consistently.”

The whitepaper can be accessed here

September 22, 2025 0 comments

Events

The Occasionall Group: Strategic Leadership Shift as Managing Director Josh Heyburn takes on Lecturer Role and Natalie Evans’ Contribution is Recognised in Promotion

by jummy84 September 2, 2025

written by jummy84

The Occasionall Group, a leading provider of event staffing solutions, today announces a strategic leadership transition that reflects both its growth and its commitment to people-first values. Managing Director Josh Heyburn will be shifting his focus from daily operations as he begins a new role as Lecturer in Event Management at Buckinghamshire New University, while long-time team leader Natalie Evans is promoted to People & Culture Director. Together, these changes represent both stability and evolution, as the company enters its next chapter with confidence.

Josh’s Message:

“Founding this company and leading it through the past few years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It’s been fast-paced, people-driven, and full of growth – and it’s only possible because of the brilliant team around me.

This shift marks a new chapter, not a departure. Becoming Founding Director allows me to focus more intentionally on strategic leadership, while starting a new role as a Lecturer in Event Management – a space where I hope to bring industry insights to the classroom, while also bringing a fresh perspective back into the business.

I’m incredibly proud of everything TOG has become, and proud to see Natalie formally step into the role of People & Culture Director. Her leadership, insight, and commitment have shaped the company in ways that most people don’t even notice – and I can think of no more capable person to take it forward.

With this transition, our clients, partners, and staff can expect more of what they’ve always known from TOG: thoughtful delivery, responsive leadership, and a people-first approach that puts culture at the centre of everything we do.”

Natalie’s Leadership & Continuity
Having worked closely with Josh to build and grow the company, Natalie has been pivotal in shaping TOG’s team-centred culture, developing the systems that underpin its success, and leading operations with consistency and care. Her promotion formally recognises this impact, while also reassuring clients and partners that the same high standard of service will continue seamlessly.

From Natalie:

“I’m honoured to step into the role of People & Culture Director at The Occasionall Group. Working alongside Josh to grow this business has been an incredible journey. My priority now is to ensure that our team and clients continue to feel fully supported – there will be no change to the level of excellence our clients expect from TOG.”

What This Means for the Team & Clients
Josh will continue to support the business strategically, particularly during peak event seasons, while Natalie provides strong, day-to-day leadership. This transition has been designed to be seamless, ensuring clients continue to experience the same reliability, professionalism, and exceptional service TOG is known for.

Looking Ahead
The Occasionall Group remains committed to delivering excellence for clients, staff, and the wider events community. With a leadership transition built on trust, shared values, and continuity, the company is poised for continued growth and success.

September 2, 2025 0 comments

Leadership

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