CitySpark

CitySpark operates as a business-to-business digital content platform, providing media companies with tools for local event listings. Founded in 2011 by David Haynie and Bennett Cookson, the company originated in Palo Alto, CA, and is now headquartered in Sandy, Utah. CitySpark has successfully raised $670K in funding over two rounds, including support from the BoomStartup Accelerator.

The firm's core business revolves around equipping publishers, such as local newspapers and media sites, with a comprehensive, integrated calendaring solution. This platform aggregates local event information across more than 500 categories, which populates a customizable, responsive calendar that can be embedded on the client's website with a single line of code. The service is designed to help media clients increase website traffic, engage their audience, and create new revenue streams. CitySpark serves over 900 media companies, including clients like the Chicago Tribune and Tampa Bay Times.

Revenue is generated through a multi-faceted model. While there is a small monthly fee for the platform to cover data aggregation and support, CitySpark emphasizes the revenue-generating potential for its clients, often enabling them to earn more than the fee itself. Monetization tools are built directly into the platform, including options for event organizers to purchase enhanced or featured listings, calendar sponsorships, and promotional add-ons like listing syndication, targeted email campaigns, and mobile ads. Clients retain 100% of the revenue from direct sales of sponsorship packages. Furthermore, the company offers a private-label ticketing service, allowing media partners to establish their own branded ticketing service and earn revenue from ticket sales.

The platform's features are extensive, providing full editorial control, submission approval tools, and analytics for publishers. For event organizers, CitySpark offers a free submission process with tools to promote events across local sites. The system also includes robust reverse publishing capabilities, allowing media partners to export formatted event listings for print editions, newsletters, and magazines. This dual-sided approach caters to both the media outlets needing content and the event organizers seeking visibility.

Keywords: event aggregation, media services, event calendar platform, local event discovery, audience engagement, revenue generation tools, event promotion, digital content platform, ticketing solutions, online calendaring, event listing syndication, media monetization, community events, publisher tools, hyperlocal content, event marketing, digital publishing, private-label ticketing, event management software, content management