March 12, 2024

Market Insights for Music and Event Management

Executive Summary:

This research proposal outlines key insights to inform investors about the potential of a new music and event management app. It covers Market Overview, Target Audience, Competitive Landscape, and Risk Analysis, with an emphasis on how the app can stand out in a crowded market.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Market Overview: Trends, growth projections, and market potential for music streaming and event management.
  • Target Audience: Detailed profiles of user segments, their needs, and growth potential.
  • Competitive Analysis: Analysis of major competitors’ strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning.
  • Risk Analysis: Potential market, financial, and operational risks, with mitigation strategies.

Research Methodology

This research draws on extensive secondary data sources and employs a structured approach to uncover key insights across the music streaming and event management industries. By leveraging reliable data and rigorous analysis techniques, this methodology provides a comprehensive view of market trends, audience behavior, competitive positioning, and potential risks.

1. Data Collection

  1. Market Overview:
    • Objective: To gain a deep understanding of industry trends, growth projections, and market size.
    • Data Sources: Reputable industry reports and databases, including Statista, IBISWorld, MarketResearch.com, Allied Market Research, and PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook.
    • Process: A comprehensive review and synthesis of available data to calculate Total Addressable Market (TAM), Serviceable Available Market (SAM), and Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) metrics.

1. Market Overview

1.1 Music Streaming Industry

  • Trends:
    • Personalization & AI: Data-driven playlists and ML-based recommendations tailored to user moods and habits.
    • Web3 & NFTs: New revenue opportunities through NFTs and decentralized music ownership.
    • Virtual & Augmented Reality: Exclusive virtual concerts with AR enhancing engagement.
    • 5G & Smartphone Penetration: Growing smartphone adoption and 5G networks drive global streaming accessibility.
  • Growth Projections:
    • Market Size: Expected to grow from $36.7 billion in 2023 to $125.7 billion by 2032 (15.1% CAGR).
    • TAM (Total Addressable Market): $36.7 billion in 2023.
    • SAM (Serviceable Available Market): $26.057 billion (North America).
    • SOM (Serviceable Obtainable Market): $2.6 billion (10% capture in North America).

1.2 Event Management Industry

  • Trends:
    • Virtual Events & AI Integration: Rise in hybrid/virtual events and use of AI for engagement and attendee personalization.
    • Social Media as a Tool: Critical for event promotion and user engagement.
    • Sustainability Focus: Growing demand for eco-friendly event practices.
    • Augmented Reality: Enhances in-person experiences with immersive technology.
  • Growth Projections:
    • Market Size: Expected to grow to $1,757.13 billion by 2029.
    • TAM: $936.14 billion.
    • SAM: $327.6 billion (European corporate events).
    • SOM: $1.638 billion (5% capture in European market).

2. Target Audience

2.1 Music Streaming Industry

  • Primary User Groups: Gen Z (16-24) and Millennials (25-34) represent the largest and most active streaming user base, with preferences for:
    • Personalized Playlists & Recommendations
    • High-Quality Audio
    • Offline Access & Flexible Plans
    • Ad-Free Listening
  • Pain Points:
    • High Subscription Costs: Expensive for younger users, such as students.
    • Ad Interruptions: Disrupts free listening experiences.
    • Poor Recommendations: Limited diversity in music suggestions.
    • Connectivity Issues: Frustrations in areas with weak internet.
  • Growth Potential: Digital engagement and the popularity of global genres (e.g., Afro Beats, K-Pop) drive growth among younger users.

2.2 Event Management Industry

  • Primary Users: Event planners and promoters, especially within corporate and entertainment sectors.
  • Key Needs:
    • Comprehensive Tools for Budget & Attendee Management
    • Effective Marketing Solutions (e.g., social media integration)
    • Detailed Reporting for ROI & Performance
    • Logistics Support for Venues, Transportation, and Accommodation
  • Pain Points:
    • Vendor Coordination Challenges
    • Consumer Preferences Shifts: Last-minute changes create planning issues.
    • Expense Management: Difficulty in tracking and maintaining budgets.
  • Growth Potential: Increase in corporate events and the demand for hybrid event solutions drive growth. Sustainability and data analytics are emerging as important considerations for this audience.

3. Competitive Analysis

Music Streaming Platforms:

  1. Spotify
    • Strengths: Large user base, extensive library, freemium model, and strong brand recognition.
    • Weaknesses: High royalty costs, reliance on third-party content, and monetization challenges with free users.
    • Market Position: Leading in subscriber market share (30.6%).
    • Revenue Model: Free tier (ad-supported) and premium subscription.
  2. Apple Music
    • Strengths: Integration with Apple’s ecosystem, high-quality library, and artist-fan engagement.
    • Weaknesses: No freemium tier, high cancellation rate post-trial.
    • Market Position: Third in market share with 13.7%.
    • Revenue Model: Paid subscription with various tiers (Student, Individual, Family).

Event Management Platforms:

  1. Access Destination Services
    • Strengths: Experience, vendor network, and comprehensive event solutions.
    • Weaknesses: Limited geographic reach and revenue seasonality.
    • Market Position: High revenue share in event promotion.
  2. BCD Group
    • Strengths: Strong market position, international reach, and reputation in corporate events.
    • Weaknesses: Vulnerable to economic fluctuations.
    • Revenue Model: Fixed fees, cost-plus pricing, and hourly rates.
  3. ATPI Ltd
    • Strengths: Global presence, technological integration, strong customer relationships.
    • Weaknesses: Operational costs impact profitability.
    • Revenue Model: Project-based and scalable pricing.

Differentiation Strategies for Proposed App:

  • Music Streaming: Unique artist-fan interaction, exclusive music ownership options (e.g., NFTs), and event-specific playlists.
  • Event Management: 24/7 customer support, cost-efficient vendor marketplace, local market customization, and support for smaller clients.

4. Risk Analysis

Market Risks

  1. Regulatory Changes: Digital content and privacy regulations may impact revenue and operations. Mitigation:Engage with regulators and stay informed, as Spotify does.
  2. Technological Shifts: Rapid tech changes could render the platform outdated. Mitigation: Invest in R&D for future trends (e.g., Apple’s spatial audio).
  3. Market Saturation: High competition limits growth. Mitigation: Focus on niche segments like Mixcloud’s focus on DJ content.

Financial Risks

  1. Revenue Variability: Subscription fluctuations and ticket sales impact stability. Mitigation: Use data analytics for trend prediction.
  2. High Operational Costs: Content and tech infrastructure expenses are high. Mitigation: Cost-control measures, like Pandora’s royalty renegotiations.
  3. Funding Challenges: Securing continuous funding. Mitigation: Strategic alliances, as seen with Eventbrite and Sequoia Capital.

Operational Risks

  1. Talent Retention: Skilled staff needed for smooth operations. Mitigation: Competitive salaries and a positive work environment.
  2. Scalability Issues: Rapid growth can strain operations. Mitigation: Cloud-based infrastructure to handle demand spikes.

Conclusion

This research provides a detailed landscape of the music streaming and event management industries, highlighting key trends, audience needs, competitive positioning, and potential risks. By addressing these insights and strategically positioning the app, the Owens and Dev Team can demonstrate a robust growth strategy, appealing to investors and meeting consumer demands effectively.