{
  "id": 19464922,
  "title": "Agents Look Ahead as AI Keeps Advancing: ‘We Have the Privilege of Being in a Human Industry’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/agents-look-ahead-as-ai-keeps-advancing-we-have-the-privilege-of",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-11T07:15:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/business/touring/live-music-summit-2026-booking-agencies-panel-1236379247/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At the Billboard Live Music Summit in West Hollywood, agents from various top talent agencies gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the live music industry. Jbeau Lewis of UTA, Cristina Baxter of THE•TEAM, Robby Fraser of WME, Jarred Arfa of Independent Artists Group, Josh Mulder of TBA, and Shirin Nury of CAA joined Billboard senior editor Taylor Mims for a panel moderated by Mims.\n\nThe conversation touched on the growing challenges faced by touring artists, with rising production costs and larger expenses creating a tight line for profitability. Artists performing in clubs and theaters, in particular, face razor-thin margins, with success depending on a few critical decisions, such as tour length and production costs.\n\nBaxter emphasized that while the goal for some artists may be to break even, reaching that point often hinges on making well-calibrated decisions throughout the tour. Arfa noted that in some cases, the aspiration might be to ascend to a new level, highlighting that profitability is not always the primary objective.\n\nAs ticket prices continue to rise, the panel also noted that concerts are increasingly perceived as a luxury experience. The live industry was booming post-pandemic, with more artists on the road and record-breaking ticket sales. However, the growth appears to have plateaued, with 2024 and 2025 showing a stagnation in ticket gross.\n\nLewis remarked on the \"sea-change\" that occurred post-pandemic, stating that the industry had to adapt to new consumer behaviors and expectations. Despite the challenges, agents are increasingly booking tours further in advance, with some already scouting for 2028 and 2029.\n\nIn the face of this forward-looking approach, agents stressed the importance of flexibility. Baxter pointed out the need to prepare for constant route and scheduling adjustments. Nury highlighted the industry's current volatility, particularly in the label system, and suggested that agents are being called upon to play a pivotal role in orchestrating successful tours.\n\nWhile looking to the future, agents affirmed that technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), do not pose an immediate threat to their careers. Baxter explained that while AI utilizes available data to make decisions, the intricacies of tour routing and timing involve more than just publicly accessible information. Nury concluded by emphasizing the unique nature of the live music industry as a human, social one, underscoring its distinct value and challenges.",
  "summary": "Jbeau Lewis, Cristina Baxter, Robby Fraser, Jarred Arfa, Josh Mulder and Shirin Nury joined the conversation at the 2026 Billboard Live Music Summit.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}