LPA Ticket Attendance and Revenue Survey 2015

Photo: Lore - Bangarra Dance Theatre, Jeff Tan

Special EventsClick for more info

As with previous years, the Special Events category is particularly variable as it is highly dependent on whether performances that cannot be classified into other categories take place. Revenue in the Special Events category increased by 85.2% from $10.98 million to $20.34 million while total attendances grew more strongly, increasing by 164.7%. However there was a significant drop in the average ticket price, falling from $86.90 to $42.26, explaining why revenue growth was softer than growth in attendance.

The increase in this category can be explained by the aforementioned fluctuation in events. Major events in this category in 2015 included the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular which toured nationally in 2015 and the Floriade Nightfest.

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Special Events - Revenue and Attendance (2004–2015)

Revenue ($) Growth (%) Total Attendance* Growth (%) Average Ticket Price ($)** Growth (%)
2004 $96,706,366 3,125,013 $45.43
2005 $89,357,246 -7.6% 2,992,097 -4.3% $31.50 -30.7%
2006 $82,143,879 -8.1% 2,625,779 -12.2% $42.64 35.4%
2007 $117,203,892 42.7% 3,453,077 31.5% $48.56 13.9%
2008 $10,324,979 -91.2% 374,623 -89.2% $43.60 -10.2%
2009 $23,602,096 128.6% 559,434 49.3% $67.79 55.5%
2010 $31,449,876 33.3% 526,503 -5.9% $88.67 30.8%
2011 $15,799,946 -49.8% 370,239 -29.7% $57.28 -35.4%
2012 $4,250,001 -73.1% 91,189 -75.4% $57.58 0.5%
2013 $6,030,274 41.9% 113,294 24.2% $73.18 27.1%
2014 $10,984,057 82.1% 210,390 85.7% $86.90 18.8%
2015 $20,340,607 85.2% 556,914 164.7% $42.26 -51.4%

*Based on both paid and unpaid tickets

** Average Ticket Prices are calculated based only on paid tickets

State/Territory Breakdown Close Table

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Special Events - Revenue by State/Territory (2015)

State/Territory Revenue ($) Proportion Industry Share Change From 2015) Attendance Proportion Industry Share Change From 2015)
NSW $2,292,445 11.3% -25.3% 30,917 5.6% -39.4%
VIC $6,321,899 31.1% 13.7% 120,817 21.7% 10.8%
QLD $5,230,352 25.7% 15.1% 289,679 52.0% 40.6%
WA $4,588,318 22.6% -1.3% 60,734 10.9% 13.3%
SA $1,058,269 5.2% -2.9% 15,328 2.8% -1.1%
ACT/NT/TAS $849,324 4.2% 2.4% 39,439 7.1% 6.3%

Photo: RocKwiz - New World Artists

Supplementary Data

The Special Events category drew attendance of 194,373 and generated revenue of $2.27 million in 2015. Although the average ticket price ($46.21) is higher than the industry average, the proportion of zero-priced tickets (75%) is significantly above the industry average (26%). This most likely reflects a large proportion of free events held in this category. Special Events is particularly variable as it is highly dependent on whether performances take place that cannot be classified into other categories.

Although Key Organisations only generated 5% of total revenue, their share of attendance was 76% which is a direct consequence of the high proportion of zero-priced tickets issued.

Note: This data is supplementary to the 2015 primary ticketing survey data.

Photo: RocKwiz - New World Artists

Individual Category Results