How R&B ONLY Found Success Without Sponsorships: Lessons for Event Organizers

In today’s live event landscape, many organizers rely heavily on sponsorships to fund their productions. But according to Jabari Johnson, Founder and CEO of COLORS Worldwide Inc. (creators of the popular R&B ONLY event series), there’s a different path to success that doesn’t involve chasing sponsors. In a recent post on LinkedIn, Jabari shared insights into how R&B ONLY has thrived without sponsorships, instead focusing on three key revenue streams. For event organizers looking to create memorable experiences while keeping control of their profits, these lessons are invaluable.

Ownership of Production Equipment for Higher Margins

One of the most impactful strategies Johnson highlights is ownership of production equipment. He explains that by owning their own equipment, R&B ONLY is able to reduce costs significantly and increase profit margins. “I could make a whole video series on this,” he notes, emphasizing the critical role equipment ownership plays in their business model.

For event organizers, investing in your own production equipment—whether it’s sound systems, lighting, or stage setups—may require an initial outlay, but the long-term benefits are substantial. Not only does this give you more creative control over your event, but it also reduces dependency on third-party vendors and allows for higher returns from each show.

VIP Ticket Sales as a Revenue Driver

Another key strategy Johnson mentions is leveraging VIP ticket sales. VIP experiences offer attendees exclusive benefits—whether it’s meet-and-greets, early entry, or premium seating—and can command higher prices. This additional revenue stream not only boosts profits but also adds a layer of exclusivity to your event, enticing more attendees to splurge for an upgraded experience.

For organizers using a platform like Beatmatch, creating tiers of ticketing options—such as general admission, VIP, and even premium group packages—can enhance the overall experience while maximizing your revenue.

Merchandising: A Win-Win for Organizers and Fans

Lastly, Johnson underscores the importance of merchandise sales. Fans love to take a piece of the event home with them, whether it’s a T-shirt, hat, or signed poster. Merchandise allows you to extend the event experience beyond the actual performance and offers a meaningful way for fans to connect with your brand. For event organizers, selling merchandise can be a highly profitable addition to your revenue streams.

With Beatmatch, you can add a link to your e-commerce store and earn a living from event-specific branded merch sales.

What Can Event Organizers Learn?

Jabari Johnson’s approach offers a powerful lesson for event organizers of all sizes: you don’t need to rely on sponsorships to produce successful events. By focusing on ownership, VIP sales, and merchandise, you can create highly profitable experiences while maintaining creative control. For those organizing events in music, nightlife, or other entertainment sectors, these strategies can be game-changing.

At Beatmatch, we’re here to help you grow your events and increase your profitability. Whether you’re hosting a concert, a festival, or a community gathering, our platform makes it easy to sell tickets, engage with your audience, and implement these strategies to maximize your success.

Ready to Create Your Next Event?

If you’re an event organizer looking to take control of your revenue streams and build an experience your attendees will never forget, Beatmatch is the perfect platform to help you get started. Create your next event today at Beatmatch, and see how our tools can help you succeed—without the need for sponsorships.

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