Every Columbus Day weekend, the Rogue Island Comedy Festival delivers good times and belly laughs to the seaside town of Newport, Rhode Island. This young festival, started in 2015, is no laughing matter, though. The comedy festival is the only one of its kind in the state and is already profitable in its second year of production.
Newport, with its vibrant arts culture and relaxed, small-town vibes, is integral to the local feel of the festival. “Unlike other comedy festivals, we host our shows in intimate club-like venues in downtown Newport rather than at a massive main stage,” says Katie Latimer, marketing director at the Rogue Island Comedy Festival. “Each show is presented in an intimate atmosphere; comedians are hanging out with the crowd and it feels personal.”
The festival sought a partner to ease their ticket sales and reporting challenges. The team employed Vendini to increase advance sales, streamline door sales, improve reporting and keep audiences laughing.