Eventbrite (EB) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - Eventbrite is a leading ticketing platform aiming to evolve into a marketplace for experiences, leveraging two decades of experience in cultivating relationships on both supply and demand sides [4][5][6]. Core Points and Arguments Marketplace Transformation - The transition to a marketplace is seen as a natural progression for Eventbrite, with significant upside potential due to existing strong brand recognition and traffic of 90 million unique users [4][5]. - The relaunch of the brand and app is expected to drive user engagement and demand generation, enhancing the platform's ability to serve creators [5][6][14]. Competitive Landscape - Eventbrite holds approximately 14% of the $28 billion global mid-market events gross bookings, with a fragmented competitive landscape where no single competitor dominates [16][19]. - The company is positioned as the second most trafficked site after Ticketmaster, indicating strong market presence [20]. Industry Growth - The live experiences market is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing consumer interest in human connection and live events [17][18]. - The company anticipates that the market will benefit from tailwinds, suggesting a positive outlook for growth [18]. Financial Discipline and Cost Management - Eventbrite is focused on maintaining operational discipline and controlling expenses, with a goal to return to growth without relying heavily on performance marketing [10][12][55]. - The company aims to grow revenue faster than operating expenses, with a focus on margin expansion through efficient cost management [56]. Revenue Components - Marketplace revenue, which currently makes up about 8% of total revenue, includes premium subscription services and advertising, with advertising expected to become the largest component over time [36][37]. - The take rate is expected to increase as the company grows volume and market share, although the timing and extent of this increase will be carefully managed to maintain positive relationships with creators [47][48]. Creator Engagement and Recovery - The company experienced a loss of creators due to the introduction of organizer fees, which have since been reversed. Efforts are underway to win back lost creators through product enhancements and targeted outreach [25][26][27][30]. - The sales team is expected to play a crucial role in re-engaging creators and driving growth in paid ticket volume [34][35]. Capital Allocation and Financial Position - Eventbrite has $551 million in cash, with $241 million available for liquidity after accounting for creator payables. The company is positioned to manage its debt effectively while exploring non-dilutive financing options [58][60][62]. - The focus is on balancing the cost of debt with the flexibility it provides, with potential share buybacks considered once financial stability is demonstrated [62][63]. Other Important Insights - The company is optimistic about the potential for increased awareness and interest in live experiences, particularly with competitors like Airbnb entering the space, which could benefit Eventbrite [24]. - The emphasis on community features and user engagement within the app is seen as critical for driving demand and enhancing the overall user experience [14][15]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Eventbrite FY Conference, highlighting the company's strategic direction, market positioning, and financial outlook.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q4 revenue of $76.5 million, down 13% year-over-year, but at the upper end of the outlook range [27] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $6.5 million, compared to $8.8 million in the prior year [34] - Full year 2024 adjusted EBITDA was $35.1 million, up from $28.7 million in 2023 [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ticketing revenue declined 10% to $70.4 million, primarily due to paid ticket volume recovery from the impacts of organizer fees [28] - Marketplace revenue decreased 35% to $6 million, attributed to the loss of organizer fees, partially offset by a 35% increase in Eventbrite Ads revenue [28][14] - Total ticketing volume was 72 million in Q4, representing a 2% year-over-year growth, driven by an 8% increase in free ticket volume [29][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Free ticket volume grew 8% in Q4, indicating a significant recovery and a 25 percentage point improvement from Q3 [12] - Paid ticket volume totaled 21.6 million in Q4, also a 10% decline, but an improvement from the 14% decline reported in Q3 [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three strategic areas for 2025: expanding consumer reach, deepening creator engagement, and strengthening marketplace monetization [16] - A redesigned Eventbrite app is being rolled out to enhance event discovery and consumer engagement [17] - The company aims to exit 2025 as a stronger, more scalable business despite guiding to lower revenue due to structural changes in revenue mix [15][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views 2025 as a transition year, expecting to see continued recovery in ticketing trends and growth in Eventbrite Ads [39] - The elimination of organizer fees is expected to result in a $20 million revenue headwind compared to 2024, but management believes this will set the foundation for long-term growth [39][40] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to scale efficiently and drive stronger growth in 2026 and beyond [16][41] Other Important Information - The company ended Q4 with cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaling $465 million, down from $531 million at the end of Q3 [36] - Total debt at the end of Q4 was $241 million, with a focus on managing debt maturities in the upcoming year [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TikTok partnership and conversion rates - Management highlighted that the TikTok partnership is crucial for event discovery and ticket sales, with ongoing efforts to improve conversion rates through native ticket integration [45][46] Question: Annual outlook and EBITDA margin guidance - Management explained that the mid-single digit EBITDA margin guidance reflects the impact of the $20 million reduction in organizer fees and other cost factors [50][52] Question: Free ticket activity and its impact on revenue growth - Management indicated that free ticket activity is a leading indicator for paid ticket volume growth, with ongoing improvements in creator retention and consumer engagement [66][70] Question: Capital allocation strategy regarding share repurchases and debt management - Management stated that a balanced approach will be taken for capital allocation, focusing on managing debt maturities while executing the share buyback program [79][80] Question: Building consumer loyalty and engagement - Management emphasized the importance of app users for driving loyalty and engagement, with initiatives like the HITLIST feature to enhance event discovery [88][90] Question: Strategies to win back high-volume creators - Management noted that since reintroducing the free tier, there has been stronger engagement with creators, supported by improved marketing tools and account management strategies [111][112]