Future audiences & the app-only approach: From first-timer to arts lover through digital engagement and community-building
Information
Today’s cultural audiences are evolving—no longer the dedicated subscribers of the past, but rather individuals who curate their leisure activities from a vast array of entertainment options. At the same time, the digital landscape has undergone a dramatic shift. Mobile is now the dominant platform, and people of all ages increasingly rely on NextGen apps to organize their lives and engage with their communities. Nearly 90% of mobile internet usage is spent in apps and studies show that people are spending 4 hours per day using apps. How can performing arts organizations connect with these digital-first audiences to bring them into our venues and cultivate long-term engagement? This interactive session will explore successful strategies from leading institutions such as Tessitura Members like the Met Opera, Celebrity Series of Boston, Roundabout Theatre but also examples from leading cultural organizations in Berlin, Munich and Vienna, which are redefining audience development through a mobile-first, app-only approach. By leveraging easy-connect’s NextGen App framework, these organizations are digitizing membership programs, rush tickets, and young audience initiatives to attract new patrons, strengthen customer loyalty, and drive revenue growth. We’ll examine how they harness data from digital interactions to refine marketing strategies, deliver personalized content, and foster direct communication tailored to individual interests and behaviors. Integrated social and community features further amplify digital word-of-mouth, transforming first-time attendees into lifelong arts lovers and building arts communities. This session will showcase best practices in digital engagement and collaboration. Join us to explore how innovative digital tools are shaping the future of audience development & engagement with a NTF (new-to-file) KPI of up to 75/80% and redefining the way cultural institutions connect with the next generation.
