How the Savannah Bananas Turned Rejection into a World Tour

Key Concepts:

• RFP (Request for Proposal) process for selecting venues
• Demand generation through consistent delivery of a high-quality experience
• Venue selection criteria: fan experience, timing, location, and overall fit

Venue Selection Process and Evolution

• Initial Phase (Early Years): The organization actively sought out venues, facing significant challenges in convincing them to host events. This mirrors the initial struggles in attracting players and securing a single city for the world tour. The speaker emphasizes the need to "go everywhere to try to convince people."
• Transition to Demand-Driven Approach: After consistently delivering a "great show," "great product," and "great experience," demand increased significantly. In 2022, despite approaching 20-30 cities, only seven agreed to participate.
• Current RFP Process: The organization now receives over 200 bids from cities. This led to the implementation of a formal RFP (Request for Proposal) process. Teams submit bids, indicating a shift in power dynamics.
• Venue Types: The organization is now receiving inquiries from a wide range of venues, including:
  • Iconic and well-known stadiums
  • Major League Baseball stadiums (nearly all)
  • NFL stadiums
  • College football stadiums

Venue Selection Criteria

• Fan Experience: The primary consideration is ensuring the best possible experience for the fans.
• Timing: The time of year is a crucial factor in the selection process.
• Location: The geographical location of the venue is considered.
• Overall Fit: The venue must align with the organization's goals and brand.

Notable Quotes and Statements

• "We had to go everywhere to try to convince people to let us play." - Reflects the initial challenges in securing venues.
• "If you just keep showing up and you deliver a great show and a great product and a great experience, you get more demand." - Highlights the importance of consistent quality in generating demand.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The process of securing venues has evolved from active solicitation to managing high demand through a formal RFP process. The key to this transformation has been the consistent delivery of a high-quality fan experience. The organization now prioritizes venues that offer the best combination of fan experience, timing, location, and overall fit. The speaker expresses amazement at the current situation, contrasting it with the early days of struggling to sell tickets.