CALGARY, March 26, 2021 – Showpass, a market leader in event technology and ticket distribution is announcing new landmark partnerships to further develop its ConnectX platform. Additionally, they are announcing the launch of an additional inventory channel, video games based events through their PlaygroundX product.
The mission of ConnectX is to create a centralized global ticket inventory repository for use by both traditional and non-traditional discovery channels. ConnectX allows media publisher websites and event discovery websites to monetize their event listings from any global organizer. ConnectX can turn an event listing into an embedded checkout and create a new, large revenue stream, by simply pasting the event URL. Showpass terms this ‘integrated commerce’, because tickets can be purchased natively through any distribution channel, a step towards ‘open commerce’, where any trusted seller can access inventory from any trusted partner.
Showpass is announcing their launch partner of ConnectX today, Curiocity Group whose channels will display event inventory to over 100 million potential buyers per month across North America. ConnectX will match available ticket inventory to all event content published to Curiocity’s network and offer fans a fully embedded, native checkout experience.
“ConnectX allows us to create a new revenue stream by monetizing our content automatically without any additional effort. Single click checkout means that we can retain, and convert more of our clientele, all while utilizing data to understanding them better” says Mark Montanini, CEO of Curiocity Group.
Showpass is also announcing PlaygroundX, a Unity/WebGL powered, browser-based virtual event platform that will join the online and offline world of live events. PlaygroundX will give streaming fans a video-game style space to interact with their avatar alongside small audio rooms while viewing a stream from any source, effectively combining the ‘second-screen’ for livestream viewers. Fans can interact with friends while watching and listening to a livestream concert or pre-recorded event, playing mini-games, or micro-transacting. PlaygroundX will allow access to virtual events and in-game events to be discovered through ConnectX partners.
“The world has changed fundamentally going forward; work and play are expected to be accessible anywhere in the world. ConnectX and PlaygroundX will both be integral in allowing virtual, hybrid, or in-person events to be discovered anywhere. Improving accessibility, reducing purchase friction, and expanding distribution are all extremely important to the event industry’s future growth” says Lucas McCarthy, CEO Showpass.
