Consolidation in Event Tech: Why It Matters
When Brands at Work Group acquired Chorus, the headlines called it a win for "connected brand experiences." But what does that actually mean for nonprofits and community organizations? Let’s be real—most small orgs don’t have the budget for the fancy tools these mergers aim to promote. And when consolidation happens, it often leads to higher fees, fewer options, and tools that cater to big players, not grassroots groups.
Take Chorus, for example. Before its acquisition, it was known for its conversational intelligence and CRM integrations. Useful? Sure, if you’re a corporate team with sales quotas. But for the average cultural association or local club trying to sell tickets to a Diwali gala or a community soccer fundraiser? Tools like Chorus are overkill. And now, with Chorus folded into a larger corporate ecosystem, there’s even less chance it’ll refocus on smaller organizations.
How Consolidation Harms Nonprofits
Consolidation isn’t just a business move—it creates ripple effects that hurt nonprofits in multiple ways. When platforms prioritize enterprise clients, smaller users lose out, often in these key areas:
1. Rising Costs
One of the clearest examples of consolidation’s negative impact is Eventbrite. It started as an accessible tool for small organizations, but as the company scaled, its fees became prohibitive for nonprofits. Today, Eventbrite charges up to 10% per ticket. For a $25 ticket, that’s $2.50 gone before you’ve even started fundraising.
Example:
Imagine hosting a community theater night with 200 attendees, each paying $30 per ticket. On Eventbrite, you’d lose $600 in fees—money that could’ve funded costumes, props, or marketing for future events.
By contrast, platforms like CommunityTix charge zero platform fees, leaving more funds for your programs. For the same event, you’d save that $600 while still benefiting from ticketing solutions tailored to small organizations.
2. Feature Bloat
Consolidation often leads to tools being designed for large teams with complex workflows. These tools are often poorly suited for volunteer-run clubs or grassroots groups. For example, Chorus’s CRM integrations might be perfect for a corporate sales team tracking leads, but they’re irrelevant for a nonprofit hosting a bake sale.
Why It Matters:
Nonprofits need simple, scalable solutions—not overly complex systems that require IT expertise. For example, CommunityTix offers features like centralized event management and branded subdomains without unnecessary add-ons that make platforms harder to use.
3. Data Lock-In
When platforms are acquired, users often lose control over their data. Imagine switching ticketing providers and realizing you can’t export your attendee lists without paying extra or navigating complex permissions. Worse, some platforms monetize user data, impacting privacy.
Comparison Example:
| Feature | Eventbrite | CommunityTix |
|---|---|---|
| Data Export Fees | $50-$100 | Free |
| Open-Source | No | Yes |
| Vendor Lock-In | Yes | No |
CommunityTix ensures full data ownership. Whether exporting member lists for tax purposes or repurposing attendee data for future outreach, nonprofits retain complete control.
A Practical Alternative: Zero Platform Fees
This is exactly why platforms like CommunityTix exist. Unlike Chorus or Eventbrite, CommunityTix is built with small nonprofits in mind. No platform fees. No corporate bloat. Just simple tools that work.
Let’s talk numbers. Say you’re running a community fundraiser with 150 attendees, charging $20 per ticket. On Eventbrite, you’d lose up to $300 in platform fees. With CommunityTix? You keep the full $3,000 (minus standard PayPal processing fees). That’s money you can reinvest in your programs, not your ticketing platform.
And it’s not just about saving money. CommunityTix also offers features that actually help small orgs thrive:
- Pay What You Can (PWYC) pricing: Up to three suggested price points plus a custom amount option. Perfect for equity-focused events.
- Centralized management: Events, blogs, and member data all in one place, so you’re not juggling spreadsheets and email chains.
- Branded websites: Every org gets a subdomain, so even if you don’t have a dedicated website, your events and updates look professional.
Why Data Ownership Matters More Than Ever
Another consequence of consolidation? Data lock-in. When platforms like Chorus get acquired, users often lose control over their data. Imagine switching platforms and realizing you can’t export your attendee lists or member info without jumping through hoops—or paying extra.
CommunityTix takes a different approach. It’s open-source, which means your data stays yours. Whether you’re exporting member lists for a volunteer drive or ticket sales for tax reporting, you have full control. No hidden fees. No vendor lock-in.
Actionable Steps for Nonprofits
If you’re feeling squeezed by consolidation, here are some practical steps to protect your organization:
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Audit Your Tools Review which platforms you use and calculate their total costs, including hidden fees. Compare these against alternatives like CommunityTix.
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Ask About Data Ownership Before committing to a platform, ask whether you can export your data easily and whether your data will be monetized.
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Focus on Platforms Built for Nonprofits Look for tools specifically designed for small organizations. Features like PWYC pricing, centralized management, and branded websites can make a big difference in saving time and money.
FAQ: Common Questions About Event Tech Consolidation
1. Why do fees increase after mergers?
Mergers reduce competition, allowing companies to charge higher fees without fear of losing customers. Additionally, the focus shifts to enterprise clients, who can afford premium pricing.
2. How do I know if a platform is right for my nonprofit?
Look for platforms with transparent pricing, nonprofit-specific features, and no vendor lock-in. Avoid tools designed primarily for large corporations.
3. What’s the best way to save on ticketing fees?
Choose platforms like CommunityTix that charge zero platform fees and offer flexible payment options. Compare fees across multiple providers before deciding.
4. Can I switch platforms without losing my data?
Some platforms make it difficult or costly to export your data. Opt for open-source solutions like CommunityTix to ensure full control over your data.
5. Are open-source platforms secure?
Yes, open-source platforms can be just as secure as proprietary tools, provided they are well-maintained. CommunityTix, for example, prioritizes security while giving users control over their data.
The Bottom Line
Brands at Work Group’s acquisition of Chorus is a wake-up call for nonprofits. As the event tech landscape consolidates, small organizations need to think critically about the tools they use. Are they affordable? Do they prioritize your needs? Or are they built for someone else?
If you’re tired of high fees and bloated features, it’s time to explore alternatives like CommunityTix. Built by and for community organizations, it’s proof that you don’t need to compromise on cost or control.
