🎟 Thrilled to attend InterGen's #WineWednesday to hear from Lucas McCarthy, CEO and Founder, and Paul O'Donoghue, Executive Chairman, on the inspiring journey of Calgary-based Showpass. 🍷✨
Joined by my colleague and KPMG Canada Audit Partner, Scott Olsson, we heard firsthand the inspiring stories from Lucas and Paul on how Showpass has become North America's fastest-growing ticketing platform and now ranked #39 in The Globe and Mail's Top Growing Companies. 📈
We learned so much about their Team and corporate culture, their strategies for overcoming challenges like the pandemic, and the critical role that mentorship and collaboration have played in Showpass’ success. 🚀
Some takeaways from the event include:
🤝 #Showpass kept all employees during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of taking care of your people
🌽 During the pandemic they kept the lights on by selling ticketed events for hotels concerts and corn mazes, so many corn mazes
💡 Knowing your business thoroughly, combined with a long-term vision, helps you stand out in the market
⚡ Execution is crucial, turning ideas into action is what leads to real results
💰 They raised very little funds or government assistance and were able to grow and scale to where they are today
⚠ IMPORTANT: If you’re a #Calgary or #Alberta-based business that speaks to the importance and value of buying local, and you use a ticketing service other than Showpass, please consider supporting local yourself. 🙏
When Lucas spoke of the challenge that Showpass continues to have with Calgary-based companies doubting the quality or efficacy of their business because they are local, I think it struck a chord with everyone in the room. 🤔
Collectively we need to support and not doubt or dismiss our homegrown #tech and #innovation because it's from here. 👩💻
With over 100 team members and a 30,000-square-foot HQ right here in Calgary, Showpass is helping diversify our economy, provide meaningful employment, and offering a much needed ticketing alternative, and I couldn't be prouder of their achievements! 🏙️💡
Thank you to The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund for sponsoring the event and your support of our growing #YYCTech ecosystem. 🙌
A huge shout out to Sandi Gilbert, Khalid Hansraj, Toni Ignacio, Emily Hilman, and everyone on the InterGen Team, your efforts make this all possible! 👏
📸 by Jill Thompson
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