In this episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast, we’re thrilled to sit down with Ty Sutton, the President and CEO of Dayton Live, for an in-depth discussion about his remarkable career journey and the keys to successfully managing performing arts centers (PACs). Ty’s path to the top of the arts management world wasn’t a straight line—instead, it was a journey fueled by passion, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the arts. In this episode, he shares invaluable insights into leadership, venue management, programming strategies, and the importance of community engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned arts professional or someone just starting in the industry, Ty’s experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complex and rewarding world of performing arts management.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• A Career Path Rooted in Passion for the Arts
  Ty Sutton’s journey into the arts field began in a surprising place—law school. However, after discovering his true passion for event management and concert promotion in college, Ty made a career shift into the arts. Learn how his early experiences shaped his leadership style and how he leveraged his skills in event promotion and arts administration to rise through the ranks.
• The Olympic Experience: Lessons in Large-Scale Event Management
  Sutton’s first major role involved overseeing event operations at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he managed the men’s hockey venue. This experience introduced him to the challenges of managing large-scale events and helped him develop a deep understanding of the logistical and operational complexities involved in hosting major events. Discover how his Olympic experience shaped his approach to event coordination and venue management.
• Mentorship and Building a Diverse Event Portfolio
  Sutton’s time at Thanksgiving Point was formative in his career. Not only did he gain experience managing a wide variety of events, but he also learned the importance of mentorship in arts leadership. Sutton shares how working alongside seasoned mentors helped him refine his skills and navigate the complexities of managing a diverse range of shows and performances.
• The Power of Decisive Leadership
  One of the most important lessons Sutton shares is the need for decisiveness in leadership. He explains how making timely, informed decisions is crucial to effective arts management, especially in dynamic environments where circumstances can change quickly. His approach to decision-making can be applied to both strategic planning and day-to-day operations, offering a blueprint for leaders in the arts.
• Leveraging Location and Marketing for Success at Wagner Noel
  At the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center in Midland, Texas, Sutton helped build the venue’s reputation by capitalizing on its strategic location and executing targeted marketing strategies. Sutton emphasizes how understanding the unique qualities of a venue and its surrounding community is vital for creating successful arts programming that resonates with local audiences.
• Audience-Centered Programming and Community Engagement
  Sutton stresses the importance of understanding your local market when it comes to programming. He explains how the success of any performing arts center depends on its ability to align its shows with the tastes and needs of the community it serves. He also talks about the role of sincerity in programming—how authentic, relevant content fosters stronger connections with audiences and builds long-term loyalty.
• Rebranding Dayton Live: A Fresh Vision for Community Connection
  When Sutton transitioned to Dayton Live, one of his first initiatives was leading a rebranding effort to ensure that the organization’s name and identity aligned with its broader mission and activities. This rebranding was not only a reflection of the organization’s evolving goals but also a tool to enhance community engagement. Sutton discusses how effective branding can help an arts organization strengthen its relationship with its audience.
• Revenue Models and Financial Sustainability in the Arts
  One of the standout insights from Sutton’s conversation is the financial model at Dayton Live, which operates with 90% earned income and 10% contributed income—a ratio that is higher than the industry average for PACs. Sutton explains how this model helps ensure the organization’s financial health and sustainability, offering valuable lessons for arts administrators seeking to build more robust and diverse revenue streams.
• Technology’s Role in Venue Operations and Management
  Sutton shares his perspective on the role of technology in performing arts center management, focusing on tools like the Prism platform, which is designed to streamline venue operations. Sutton discusses how integrating technology into daily operations can enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and reduce operational costs.
• The Case for Arts Education: Shifting from STEM to STEAM
  Ty Sutton advocates for the reintegration of arts education into the school curriculum, arguing that a shift from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) will foster creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills in students. He highlights how the arts are essential for cultivating a well-rounded, innovative workforce for the future.
• Staying Relevant and Adaptable in a Changing Arts Landscape
  Sutton concludes by stressing the importance of staying relevant and adaptable in the ever-evolving arts landscape. He encourages arts organizations to meet audiences where they are, whether that’s through digital offerings, community outreach, or innovative programming, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and essential part of people's lives.