We’ve just returned from TPC in Manchester, where conversations across the sector reflected a familiar but evolving theme: organizations are balancing day-to-day operational pressures with longer-term ambitions around systems, data and collaboration. Alongside celebrating Artifax’s 40th anniversary, the event created space for both practical discussions and broader reflection on how cultural organizations are working today.
Set against the backdrop of the Midland Hotel, the conference brought together venue teams, ticketing professionals and technology partners. As Gold Sponsors, it was a pleasure to support the event — and particularly meaningful to offer a scholarship place to Micha Leach, Ticketing Services Manager at Southbank Centre, enabling her to attend and take part in the sessions and networking opportunities across the two days. Supporting access to learning and community conversations is something we believe strengthens the sector as a whole.
While there was a strong focus on systems and integrations, many of the most valuable insights came from how those systems are actually being used in practice, and where gaps still exist between capability and reality.
Across conversations with both new prospects and existing customers, a consistent pattern emerged. Many organizations are still relying on manual processes or fragmented tools, particularly where systems don’t fully meet their reporting, flexibility or integration needs. In some cases, this is driven by limitations in current platforms. In others, it reflects the challenge of changing established workflows, even when better options are available.
There was also a clear focus on future planning. Teams are thinking ahead to major operational changes, from venue refurbishments to system migrations, and considering how their technology choices will support revenue forecasting, cross-team visibility and long-term growth. The question is shifting from “what do we need today?” to “what will we need to operate effectively in the future?”
Adoption remains a key challenge. Even where systems are in place, they are not always being used consistently or efficiently. In several discussions, it became clear that teams are sometimes working around the system rather than with it, often due to lack of awareness, confidence or time. When this happens, processes become harder to track, and the overall value of the system is reduced.
Alongside this, the role of integrations continues to grow. There is increasing interest in connected environments where ticketing, planning, staffing and financial systems can work together more seamlessly. Conversations around integrations with platforms such as Spektrix, Ticketsolve and Tixly highlighted the importance of data flow, reliability and reducing duplication of effort. At the same time, partnerships with complementary providers are becoming more important, not just to extend functionality, but to help organizations build ecosystems that reflect how they actually operate.
One of the strongest themes from TPC was the evolving role of teams, particularly within box office and operations. Roles are becoming more multi-functional, spanning customer service, administration and logistics. This shift increases the need for better visibility across departments, clearer tracking of activity and more structured ways of capturing and sharing information.
Data was another recurring topic, but the conversation has moved beyond collection toward interpretation. There is growing recognition that data needs to tell a story. When teams can see how their input contributes to meaningful insights, it becomes easier to build engagement, improve data quality and support more informed decision-making.
Change management also featured prominently. As one session put it, “complaining isn’t a strategy.” Resistance to new systems or processes is inevitable, but avoiding change often leads to more complexity over time. Short-term workarounds can feel easier, but they tend to create longer-term challenges. Organizations that acknowledge resistance and work through it collaboratively are better positioned to see the full value of their systems.
A related insight came from the opening keynote: “revenue is the outcome, not the goal.” This reflects a broader shift in thinking. Rather than focusing purely on financial targets, organizations are looking more closely at the processes, experiences and values that ultimately drive those outcomes.
Community also stood out as an important factor. Conversations with Tessitura and others highlighted how strong user communities can support both adoption and retention. Creating spaces for shared learning, whether through training, workshops or informal networking, helps build trust and encourages more consistent use of systems. Over time, these relationships can become just as important as the technology itself.
What TPC reinforced is this: cultural organizations are becoming more connected, more collaborative and more aware of how their systems support wider operations. But many are still navigating the challenges of adoption, integration and change. The opportunity lies not just in improving individual tools, but in strengthening the connections between them, and between the people using them.
Artifax continues to work closely with organizations across the sector as these needs evolve. From supporting integrations to helping teams get more value from their systems, our focus remains on enabling clearer, more connected ways of working that reflect the realities of day-to-day operations.
If you were at TPC and would like to continue the conversation, we would love to hear your perspective. And if you are reviewing how your systems, teams and processes work together, now is a good time to take a closer look at how those connections can be strengthened.