How One Festival Grew 17% in 2024 By Putting Community First (And Why Artists Should Care) | EF EP 80

In an era where festivals are shutting down left and right, Same Same But Different Festival grew revenue by 17% while others struggled. How? By challenging the "bigger is better" mindset and putting community first. In this episode, SSBD CEO Brad Sweet shares actionable insights about building trust, taking calculated risks, and creating experiences that keep people coming back.

Whether you're an artist looking to throw your own events or trying to understand where festival culture is heading, this conversation offers a blueprint for sustainable success through community-first thinking.

Key Takeaways:

• Why smaller, focused events can be more profitable than massive festivals
• How to identify and fill gaps in your local scene
• The business impact of prioritizing experience over expansion
• Strategic ways to build trust with your audience
• How giving away 500 free tickets led to long-term growth
• The importance of creating spaces for genuine connection
• Why transparency in pricing and decision-making matters

Ready to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Want to experience SSBD Festival for yourself? Visit ssbdfest.com for tickets and information.

Stop chasing bigger numbers at the expense of genuine connection. Hit play now to learn how putting community first can transform your career in electronic music.

Connect with me: http://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso_

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx