The Business of Music Festivals with Mike Mauer

Mike Mauer is the VP of Marketing, Data & Technology at Gate 52, and he joins us to break down his unconventional path through the music, live events, and festival industry. We talk about how early hands-on experience in venue operations and artist management shaped his understanding of live events, what led him to move to New Orleans on a leap of faith, and how stepping outside the music industry to work in marketing and data ultimately made him more effective when he returned.We also dig into how festivals actually work behind the scenes, from marketing strategy and ticketing to risk management and community building. Mike shares why the future of festivals is less about chasing massive lineups and more about experience, mission, and audience connection, along with lessons he’s learned about specialization, long-term growth, and putting one foot in front of the other in a competitive industry.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com