AiThority Interview Series with Micah Hollingworth, CEO of Broadw.ai

Know My Company

Tell us about your interaction with smart technologies like AI and Cloud-based platforms.

My engagement and use of AI tech is much like the general public. The use cases grow daily, from search results in my browser, to WAZE providing me with the quickest route to my next meeting.

How did you start in this space? What galvanized you to start BroadwAI?

From an early age, I’ve been an entrepreneur, which always dovetailed nicely with theatre and live events. Through college and my early years in New York City, I fulfilled this urge by “putting on a show!” As my professional experience grew, I found myself looking for new ways to connect and fill gaps throughout the business.

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What is BroadwAI and how does it leverage AI in its operations?

Broadw.ai merges bleeding edge AI technology with the Broadway sales and marketing experience to recreate the customer conversation from the box office window; moving that conversation to the web through show branded digital platforms, like Facebook Messenger or on your own website. In collaboration with Satisfi Labs, Broadw.ai’s platform allows you to interact and retain your customers with real-time dialogue – from more information about the show, theater access information, or which ticket purchase option suits them best. For more information, visit our website Broadw.ai.

What is the state of AI for Mobile and Voice platforms in 2019? How much has it evolved since the time you first started here?

For live events and ticketing, we are in the early days.  While there has been general awareness and support for the technology, it’s only recently improved to the point where it is suitable for public use.

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Tell us more about your vision into growing revenue opportunities by deploying AI in your product offering.

We’re starting with ticket sales, but this technology lends itself to assist with the entire activity.  Everything before, during and after the event is on the table – parking, dinner reservations, merchandise, concessions, etc.

Tell us more about your new approach to building interactive stories using AI. How does BroadwAI deliver on its promises?

We are really encouraging our show partner to be creative with our technology and to use it as an extension of the event.  It’s best when it’s authentic.  Whether that means an actual character voice or something else, is entirely up to our partners.

How do you see the raging trend of including involving AI and Machine learning in a modern CIO/ CMO’s stack budget?

That trend will only continue and the slice of the budget earmarked to AI and Machine Learning will exponentially grow.

How do you differentiate between technologies for Customer Success vs. Customer Support in Integrated Marketing Technology? Who are you competing within this landscape?

While there is definitely competition in the AI/chatbot space, there isn’t much competition at all in the Broadway/live event space. We’re really fortunate to have recognized this gap and start when we did.

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What is the biggest challenge to Digital Transformation in 2019? How does BroadwAI contribute to a successful digital transformation?

One of the biggest challenges is just getting started using the technology.  It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the options, not to mention the price tag.  We provide a complete ticketing solution to our partners, with a relatively low price tag.  This allows our partners the safety to experiment with the technology, without devoting significant resources.

Where do you see AI/Machine learning and other smart technologies heading beyond 2020?

I believe that the future will be focused on voice. The next generation wants to be able to purchase tickets as quickly as possible and voice integrations will provide the best solution.

The Good, the Bad and Ugly about AI that you have heard or predict –

There will come a time when it may be best to choose to limit AI’s potential, in order to maintain control.  Ultimately, do we (intentionally or not) cede choice to AI?

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What is your opinion on “Weaponization of AI/Machine Learning”? How do you promote your ideas?

Our focus is on simplifying the customer journey to make their purchase simple and fast.  Everyone is looking for ways to improve UX.  AI and Machine Learning will be leading that charge over the next three years.

The Crystal Gaze

What Cloud Analytics and SaaS start-ups and labs are you keenly following?

Yext, Eddytravels, SAP

What technologies within AI/NLP and Cloud Analytics are you interested in?

Any type of predictive analytics.

As a tech leader, what industries you think would be fastest to adopting Analytics and AI/ML with smooth efficiency? What are the new emerging markets for these technology markets?

Building operations.  Automated systems to ensure routine maintenance is being taken care of, while identifying items that require immediate attention.

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What’s your smartest work related shortcut or productivity hack?

My journal.  I take five (5) minutes at the top of each day to organize my action list.

Tag the one person in the industry whose answers to these questions you would love to read:

Don White, CEO Satisfi Labs

Thank you, Micah! That was fun and hope to see you back on AiThority soon.