Lucas McCarthy, CEO of Showpass, shared with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine how the company has become a disruptor in the ticketing industry through innovative technology and customer-focused strategies. From introducing features like simultaneous event checkouts to universal barcodes, Showpass is reshaping ticketing standards. Lucas highlights the company’s commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction, such as their transparent pricing and automated exchange and refund platforms. His leadership approach, shaped by previous entrepreneurial endeavors, emphasizes strategic vision and effective teamwork, ensuring Showpass not only meets but sets new industry benchmarks.
Lucas McCarthy is a 3x founder and the current CEO of Showpass, North America’s largest independent ticketing and things-to-do discovery platform. Showpass revolutionizes the ticketing industry by leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences in a sector known for poor satisfaction rates. Lucas’s entrepreneurial journey began with a design company catering to competitive gaming teams, followed by a venture developing a synchronized video upload platform for musicians worldwide. He holds a finance degree from the University of Calgary and has been featured in A&R Magazine and IQ Magazine for his innovative approach to business. Recognized for his resilience and leadership during the pandemic, Lucas has been honored in Event Industry’s Top 40 under 40 and often speaks at events about entrepreneurship, technology, and entertainment.
Showpass has been described as a disruptor in the traditional ticketing industry. Can you elaborate on the specific technological innovations and customer-centric strategies that Showpass has implemented to enhance the ticketing experience?
Back in 2014, when we embarked on this journey, we were driven by a simple yet powerful vision: to revolutionize the ticketing industry. We set out to make the ticketing experience not just better but exceptional. Our early innovations, like enabling customers to checkout with multiple events at once and introducing universal barcodes, had never been done before at the time. We didn’t just want to meet industry standards; we aimed to set new ones. As our impact grew, so did our determination to reshape the industry’s perception of ticketing. From pioneering transparent pricing structures to launching a fully automated exchange and refund platform, we’re working to change the reputation of the ticketing industry. We want to raise the bar and want everyone to expect more. That’s the spirit that drives us at Showpass.
You have a rich background in entrepreneurship with several ventures before Showpass. How have your previous experiences influenced your approach to leadership and innovation at Showpass?
I’ve always believed in getting my hands dirty, and in leading by example. Yet, I’ve come to realize that true leadership requires more than just diving into the trenches; it demands strategic vision and effective teamwork. Seeing my team share the same passion for our work is invigorating, but we’re evolving together. We’re shifting our focus toward broader strategic initiatives and it’s a journey of growth, both for me and for Showpass.
As a significant player in Calgary’s tech landscape, how do you see Showpass contributing to the growth of this sector, and what makes Calgary an ideal base for tech companies?
Calgary’s tech landscape is unlike any other, shaped by the resilience and grit of its workforce thanks to the constant boom and bust of oil & gas. Showpass, born and bred in Calgary, embodies these qualities. We’re not just a tech company, our commitment to responsible growth is a testament to our dedication to this city and Calgary’s spirit. With stakeholders from local family offices and a workforce steeped in Calgary’s culture, we’re not just contributing but leading by example. Our office culture is a reflection of who we are as Calgarians and Canadians.
The pandemic posed substantial challenges for the event industry. Can you share how Showpass pivoted its business model during this period and what key lessons were learned?
We tailored our services and products to meet current demands and pioneered markets like hotels and agritourism alongside initiatives such as a hotel concert series and a creator streaming platform. Through this journey, we learned invaluable lessons in frugality and the importance of assembling a resilient team capable of weathering any challenge. These principles have been fundamental to our growth and will continue to guide us as we navigate future endeavors.
Showpass recently unveiled a new 30,000-square-foot office, complete with a 3,000-square-foot restaurant-style kitchen. What inspired this unique office design, and how do you see it influencing the company culture and productivity at Showpass?
Inspiration for our office design stemmed from a practical need and a deep understanding of our team’s desires. My wife’s previous workplace had a kitchen, prompting us to hire our first Chef in 2017. We engaged extensively with our team to identify what would make them comfortable and productive throughout the day, and food emerged as a crucial factor. Offering amenities like a kitchen eliminates the need for tasks such as cooking, dishwashing, and grocery shopping, saving our team valuable time each week. It’s a testament to our commitment to providing a supportive and productive environment where our ambitious team members can thrive, not just professionally but also in their personal pursuits.
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