4 minute read

ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA TRENDS

Tracy Adams, State Sales Manager (SA/NT) at Big Screen Video, gave an insight into the future of large screens.

• This included global trends and innovations; from outlier $2.3bn dome project in Las Vegas, which uses mesh LED the size of hockey pucks; to 3D/anamorphic content, seen throughout the world from Tokyo to London, but not replicable in Australia due to road laws.*

• Relevant to the South Australian hotel market, pubs can consider more achievable options such as:

• LED video walls with split screen functionality, with the option for hotel staff to be able to control the screen remotely, using a touchpad or remote tablet as opposed to accessing a control room. This allows screening of multiple sports and even advertising for the hotel; making video walls “not just a big TV”

• This exact style of screen can be seen in the Chandelier Bar in SKYCITY or the REZZ

• Ticker wraps are the next big thing, with Winghaus in QLD shown as an example, at 23m long wrapped around the venue’s bar. Live content feeds (such as odds) keep punters engaged & venues can run relevant specials

• Rise in popularity of curved screens in hospo venues interstate

Danielle Mullins, TAB Wagering Sales Executive, covered a wide range of topics, from a vibrant new look for TAB, to their ongoing support of the South Australian hotels industry.

The exciting refresh of the iconic TAB brand, with the launch of the “We’re On” identity, is just the beginning of a comprehensive rebrand. The refresh includes a vibrant new colour palette and spans a wide array of touchpoints, from revamped marketing materials and captivating content to eye-catching merchandise and signage that will cover the extensive TAB Retail network.

Danielle also outlined TAB’s ongoing support of AHA|SA members, including:

• Digital Commissions paid for ID Verified TAB Accounts opened in-venue

• Retail-exclusive offers delivered via Venue Mode on the TAB App

• Exclusive Racing & US Sport content via SKY Racing & Sports

• Path to zero SKY Racing fees by July 2024.

TAB has also recently launched the new debatingcreating ‘Sport is our Sport’ campaign, which is currently showing on TV screens across the nation, billboards, in cinemas and, of course, in venue.

• To tease the campaign, TAB started a conversation around the country which asked one contentious question – what is Australia’s national sport?

• TAB customers weighed in on the debate and 35% of survey participants said AFL is Australia’s national sport. At the same time as polling customers, TAB asked their team members and found 41% think cricket is our national sport.

• Regardless of the results, one thing is clear: Aussies will play, support and conquer almost any sport. Which means there is only one logical answer… Sport is our Sport.

MUSIC MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

MusicSA is the state’s peak body and advocate for the contemporary music industry.

Due to scheduling issues, Christine Schloithe, CEO of MusicSA, was unable to present on the day, but made the following points:

Good Music Month:

• MusicSA has developed and launched a new project to support venues and artists, to promote South Australia as a live music destination and elevate Adelaide as Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music.

• Called Good Music Month, it’s a new annual open-access state-wide festival highlighting live music that runs the full month of November: www.goodmusicmonth.com.au

Why do venues book live artists and musicians?

• Artists add a layer of entertainment

• Attract customers

• Artists add ambience to and activate spaces and venues

• Provide a point of difference

• Artists provide another point of contact for your local community to engage with your venue.

Current trends and challenges in live music:

• Small-medium live music venues are doing it particularly tough. Business costs have increased, audience trends have changed since the pandemic and the market of local and touring acts is still rebuilding

• Adelaide has always been known for ‘late’ ticket sales for live music events. This is still the case but the rest of Australia is now experiencing a consumer lag in ticket sales and ticket sales for music in venues is slow across the board

• The music industry continues to face chronic staff and skill shortages. The industry is focusing on pathways, training and rebuilding a workforce with expert skills

• Audiences aren’t going out as much as they used to. The pandemic changed our appetite for ‘live performance’ and the more recent economic pressures are starting to bite

• Young audiences appear to have a different relationship with alcohol in venues, which is challenging the traditional venue business models. For some younger audiences, it’s the cost of alcohol and for others, it’s a health and lifestyle choice

Despite a seemingly bleak landscape, it is not all bad news. Live music is strong and resilient in South Australia and the industry is rebuilding and adapting.

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