Eventbrite CEO on the Future of Live Events with Guy Raz | How I Built This | NPR

Transcript

hello and welcome to how I built this resilience edition this is where we talk with founders and entrepreneurs about how they're thinking creatively about their businesses during this very challenging moment and in the box next to me am i pointing that in the right direction yes is Julia Hart she's a co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite Eventbrite mana... Read More

Summary

In this video, Julia Hartz, co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, discusses how her business has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and how they have adapted to the new normal. She talks about the challenges they faced, making difficult decisions such as layoffs, and the increase in virtual events. She also shares her thoughts on the future of events and the importance of community and connectivity.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the pandemic impacted Eventbrite?

The pandemic has had a significant impact on Eventbrite, as live events and gatherings have been heavily affected. They saw the impact early on and had to move quickly to prepare their team, creators, and consumers for the changes ahead. It has been a surreal and difficult time, but they have adapted by focusing on virtual events.

Q: How did Eventbrite handle layoffs?

Eventbrite had to make the difficult decision to do layoffs, which was heartbreaking for the company. They knew they needed to take their own destiny in their own hands and come out of this stronger. They moved quickly to ensure that affected employees had support in finding new jobs, showing their commitment to their team.

Q: Has there been an increase in virtual events on Eventbrite?

Yes, there has been a significant increase in virtual events on Eventbrite. They have seen a multiple thousand percentage increase compared to last year, and many creators have successfully pivoted from in-person events to online events. The continuity of relationships and the gathering of communities in virtual experiences have become more prevalent.

Q: Do free virtual events benefit Eventbrite?

Eventbrite has never charged for free events as they see it as a competitive advantage. It attracts more people to their platform, increases awareness, and eventually leads to some of those consumers becoming event creators. Free events generate awareness and act as a stepping stone to building a community on the platform.

Q: Can virtual events replicate the intimacy of in-person events?

While virtual events can provide connectivity and engage attendees through various platforms like Eventbrite's integration with Zoom and Facebook Live, they may not fully replicate the intimacy of in-person events. The energy and physical presence experienced at live events are difficult to replicate virtually. However, there is potential for innovation and finding new ways to connect in the virtual space.

Q: How has Julia evolved as a leader during this crisis?

Julia has learned to listen and lean on her team more during this crisis. She recognizes the strength and resilience of her team, and their support has been crucial. Slowing down and being more thoughtful has become an important aspect of her leadership, as well as the ability to have deep and meaningful conversations with business heroes and peers.

Q: What tips does Julia have for hosting successful virtual events?

Julia suggests keeping it simple and focusing on a killer concept that brings value to attendees. Marketing the event effectively and considering a global audience's needs and accessibility is also crucial. Turning attendees into promoters of the event helps build a community and generates more interest. Eventbrite's seamless integration with video platforms streamlines the ticketing and access process.

Q: How has Julia managed company finances during the economic downturn?

Julia focused on the decisions they had made in the past to preserve capital and run the company responsibly. Being in a strong position prior to the crisis was crucial. She also acknowledges the incredible support of their board members and team during these challenging times.

Q: What does Julia want to take from this time and apply to the company's future?

Julia wants to maintain the power of positivity and innovation that has emerged during this time. She aims to slow down, be more thoughtful, and build the best product and company for Eventbrite's community. She hopes for a deeper sense of humanity and unity as the world works together to overcome the pandemic.

Q: What does Julia think the future holds for live events?

Julia is confident that live events will re-emerge but in a different way. Smaller, more controlled gatherings will likely return first. New formats and innovations are also emerging, such as drive-in events. While virtual events are currently flourishing, the desire for human connection and live experiences will continue to drive the revival of in-person gatherings in the long term.

Q: How has Julia's perspective on busyness and leadership shifted during this time?

Julia has learned to slow down and be less transactional in life. The pandemic has allowed for reflection and a focus on the most important aspects of life: family, friends, and Eventbrite. She hopes to carry this mindset forward and be more thoughtful in her leadership. The accessibility of virtual communication has also opened doors to meaningful conversations with leaders and peers.

Takeaways

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Eventbrite and the live events industry. Eventbrite had to make difficult decisions, including layoffs, to navigate through the crisis. However, they have seen a substantial increase in virtual events and have been focused on providing an effective platform for event creators. Julia Hartz has evolved as a leader by learning to listen, lean on her team, and be more thoughtful. She wants to take the power of positivity and innovation from this time and apply it to the future of Eventbrite. While virtual events have their benefits, live events are expected to return, albeit in a different way. The focus on community and human connection remains crucial for the success of events in both virtual and in-person formats.