Events.com buys Operabase to expand live events AI

Events.com has completed its acquisition of Operabase, the performing arts data platform, and plans to use the asset to widen AI and data tools across its live experience network. The deal extends Events.com’s push into discovery, intelligence and operations as it adds another brand to a growing portfolio.

Why it matters: - Events.com is building a broader AI and data stack for live events, and Operabase adds a verified performing arts data graph that can be extended beyond opera into other categories. - The acquisition could improve discovery, casting, archival research and audience tools for artists, venues and event producers across the live experience economy.

What happened: - Events.com announced the completed acquisition of Operabase, the performing arts platform operated by Copenhagen-based Arts Consolidated ApS. - The deal brings Operabase into Events.com’s worldwide event network. - Events.com board member Doug R. Harrison led the acquisition and will guide integration across the company’s portfolio. - Operabase’s product, data and engineering teams have joined the Events.com network and are continuing their work from Copenhagen.

The details: - Operabase has spent 30 years collecting, verifying and structuring live performance data with human oversight. - The platform includes a first-party interactive archive and data graph covering more than one million productions. - Operabase is built natively in 31 languages and is used by performing arts organizations to cast roles and plan seasons. - The platform draws millions of organic visits a year. - Events.com plans to support and expand Operabase’s next-generation AI and data technologies. - The combined companies will extend Operabase’s information engine and data graph across all categories of live events worldwide. - Operabase will keep serving the performing arts community and continue investment in product, data and capabilities. - The platform will keep expanding capabilities in discovery, casting intelligence, archival research, artist development and audience engagement. - Operabase’s multilingual foundation will scale further, with plans to launch in Arabic. - Events.com previously announced a $200 million share subscription facility with Global Emerging Markets, or GEM, upsized from an initial $100 million facility. - Events.com’s owned brands and properties include Summit, Remo, the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance, Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival and Operabase. - Events.com’s acquisition history also includes Evensi, the AI-driven event discovery engine. - Events.com says the company powers discovery, ticketing, registration, sponsorship and event management for creators and organizations worldwide. - More information is available on Events.com’s website.

Between the lines: - Operabase appears to be more than a niche arts database now; Events.com is positioning it as reusable infrastructure for a wider live events marketplace. - The acquisition fits a strategy of stacking specialized data assets into a single network that can support machine-readable discovery and personalization. - The planned Arabic launch suggests Events.com sees room to expand Operabase into additional geographies and audiences, not just preserve the existing product.

What's next: - Events.com will integrate Operabase’s technology, data architecture and intelligence capabilities into its broader platform. - The company plans to keep building AI features across the live experience economy. - Operabase will continue product development while expanding language coverage and service lines. - Events.com will use the acquisition alongside its other brands as it scales its event infrastructure business.

The bottom line: - Events.com is turning a trusted performing arts data platform into a core asset for its larger AI-driven events strategy.