Stuck in the Middle With You: The state of the mid-sized market

CHAIR: Tomek WaSko, Alter Art (PL)

The mid-sized market is a critical part of the talent pipeline, providing a breeding ground for the stars of tomorrow and generating significant activity for promoters both large and small. But while the top end of the business goes from strength to strength, the middle is grappling with mixed fortunes. Clubs, theatres, and academies are facing an array of challenges, from operating costs to licensing issues to fierce market competition. On the flip side, a recent surge of multinational companies investing in mid-sized venues could indicate that some see a brighter future for the ‘squeezed middle.’ This session will look at the prosperity and the plight of this invaluable segment of the business, and explores how to grow it.