TURNING AROUND A LEGACY SPEAKER SERIES WITH SCALABLE STRATEGY

CHALLENGE

A long-running global speaker series tied to a major media brand had been operating at a financial loss for several consecutive years. Despite its cultural value and audience loyalty, the program lacked a scalable strategy and modern business model to achieve sustainability and growth.

YULIA BOYLE’S ROLE
(PRIOR TO YPB GLOBAL):

  • Devised and implemented a turnaround strategy over 18 months to shift the series from deficit to profitability

  • Partnered with a global entertainment sales agency to scale bookings across North America

  • Repositioned the series to focus on tentpole events aligned with the brand’s marquee content launches

  • Introduced creative new formats including live symphony performances and collaborative pop-up media events

  • Launched a sponsor and partner engagement framework, including VIP experiences and curated retail opportunities

  • Led the development of the brand’s first Partner Forum, achieving top-tier satisfaction ratings

IMPACT

  • EBITDA improved by +237% YoY, shifting from a significant loss to a healthy profit

  • Expanded from 30 to 65 markets in one year, and booked over 350 events in 79 cities the following year

  • Average gross fees per event increased +34%, while net revenue margins grew +53%

  • Secured new revenue streams through high-margin events and partner activations

  • Created a scalable model that set new KPIs and operational benchmarks for the business