Insight 2026 Recap:
Key Takeaways from AXS’s Annual Partner Conference
Over three days in Los Angeles, Insight 2026 brought together AXS partners from venues, promoters, sports organizations, and leading entertainment brands for a focused program centered on fan engagement, ticketing innovation, and revenue growth. The conference combined strategic keynotes, hands-on product previews, and real‑world case studies — giving partners a clear view of what’s ahead for the live entertainment ecosystem.
A Vision for a Smarter, More Connected Live Entertainment Ecosystem
AXS CEO Bryan Perez opened the event with a clear articulation of the state of the industry and the company’s global growth strategy: flexibility, innovation, and a deeply fan-first philosophy.
Several Product leaders, including AXS Chief Product Officer Justin Burleigh and Chief Technology Officer Nikhil Bobde, SVP Consumer Experience Katie Tomezsko, SVP Enterprise Experience Kelly Kibbee, and VP, Optimization & MarTech Whitney French, followed, previewing advancements across the consumer experience, enterprise security, data intelligence, and marketing optimization. Together, these updates offered attendees a sharp look at the next generation of the AXS platform.
Case Studies That Brought the Vision to Life
Some of Insight’s most memorable moments came from partners demonstrating innovations already reshaping live events today.
Chappell Roan: Protecting Fans with Fair AXS
Fair AXS took center stage with a compelling example of verified registration and ID‑based ticketing keeping Chappell’s pop‑up shows authentically fan‑focused. Wasserman Agent, Kiely Mosiman and First Fleet Concerts Owner, Sam Summers highlighted how intentional onsale planning protected fans and reinforced transparency.
PGA TOUR + WRSTBND: The Modern Tournament Experience
The PGA TOUR’s Alex Dorsch and WRSTBND co‑founder Conway Solomon broke down how smarter access control, credentialing, and payments enhance tournament flow, streamline operations, and improve the fan experience proof that incremental tech upgrades can deliver a big impact.
The Big Conversations Everyone Was Talking About
Live Music & Touring: What’s Really Shifting
AEG Presents and Goldenvoice’s top leadership, including Brent Fedrizzi, Brooke Michael Kain, Melissa Ormond, and Rich Schaefer, unpacked the evolving economics of touring, rising production costs, shifting fan expectations, and new approaches to digital discovery, routing, and onsite experience design.
Distribution Strategies That Move the Needle
Attendees left with a clearer sense of why defining a “real fan” has become more difficult and what the industry needs to balance reach, protection, and trust. Leaders from The O2’s Adam Pearson, along with the LA Galaxy’s Urel Martinez and LA28’s Allison Katz‑Mayfield, discussed challenges and opportunities in reaching real fans, the need for control over identity and data, and how global market behaviors shape outcomes.
Ticketing Legislation: Transparency, Safety & Preparedness
NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker provided an overview of current U.S. ticketing legislation and how industry groups are working together to protect fans, venues, and artists from abusive practices . He highlighted the key policy shifts shaping live entertainment and actionable steps as to what organizations should be aware of as transparency and consumer‑protection efforts continue to evolve.
Spotlights Across the Live Entertainment Landscape
Inside L.A. LIVE: A Multi‑Venue District Working as One
Katie Pandolfo (Crypto.com Arena), Kyle Robinson (The Novo), Michelle Kajiwara (Crypto.com Arena), and Luc Robitaille (LA Kings) shared a behind the scenes look at how one of the world’s top entertainment districts operates in intentional, coordinated efforts. By aligning operations across venues, the campus delivers smoother fan flow, more consistent premium offerings, and unified access through AXS ticketing.
Lessons from Singapore and Japan
Executives Dai Sakai (Lawson Entertainment), Melvin Koh (Kallang), and Shine Zhou (AEG Presents-Asia) shared a look into the diversity in APAC regional ticketing models — from Japan’s lottery presales to Singapore’s ID verification and trust‑based systems in Greater China. Attendees gained perspective and practical ideas for demand management, fan protection, and strengthening market credibility.
Networking At L.A. LIVE
Insight 2026 built in time for partners to experience the L.A. LIVE campus offerings, including an evening at The Novo, VIP tours of Crypto.com Arena, and an LA Kings game, adding energy and real‑world context to the week. Between sessions, the district’s restaurants, bars, and open plazas provided an easy setting for continuing conversations and making new connections, giving attendees a chance to unwind while still engaging with peers just steps from the conference.
Candid Conversations About What’s Next
Insight closed with an open discussion with AXS leadership where Bryan Perez, Justin Burleigh, and Nikhil Bobde answered audience questions about the roadmap, transparency, anti‑bot protections, and upcoming product investment areas.
ICYM Insight 2026
All recorded Insight 2026 sessions (keynotes and select panels) are now available on‑demand, along with upcoming product demonstration opportunities designed to help your teams put these innovations into action.
See You in Denver for Insight 2027
A huge thank you to all who joined us in Los Angeles! The momentum from Insight 2026 is already shaping what’s coming next, and we’re excited to welcome partners to Denver in 2027 for an even bigger, more connected, and more actionable Insight experience.