2023 Women Of Live: Adina Erwin
Executive Vice President, Business Operations | BSE Global
Having just assumed the title of executive vice president, business operations for BSE Global, Adina Erwin looks back at 2022 as a time for innovation coming out of the pandemic.
“We onboarded new technologies that have enhanced the guest experience at Barclays Center,” said Erwin, previously general manager at the arena, which is operated by BSE Global. Examples included additional grab-and-go markets through Zippin, digital messaging through WaitTime and a Salesforce integration improving guest relations.
For 2023, Erwin expects recruiting and retaining good talent in the workplace to continue to present opportunity as well as challenge.
“Flexibility, advancement, competitive compensation and company social responsibility are areas that resonate with our existing team members as well as prospective ones,” she noted. “Exploring compensation models such as same-day pay for the flexible workforce or including our social responsibility stance in recruitment strategies are examples of new approaches.”
With the events ecosystem currently evolving at warp speed, she sees some saturation, even in a large market.
“Sure, there will be the sellouts, but we have seen some shows dynamically lower prices,” said Erwin.
BSE Global is parent to the arena as well as primary tenant
Brooklyn Nets, G-League affiliate Long Island Nets and NBA 2K League Nets GC, while providing shared services to the Nets’ WNBA sister team, the New York Liberty.
“As an industry, it’s imperative that we become more intuitive with regards to ticket pricing and the buying habits of our fans,” Erwin said. “I think the wait-and-see approach to ticket purchases and the ever-evolving secondary market will continue to be a space to watch closely in 2023 when it comes to the ordinary fan.”
Although she noted the industry has made great strides toward gender equality, increasing racial diversity and inclusivity, while moving away from sexism and misogyny, “There is work to be done and reminding ourselves that progress, at times, may be gradual,” she said.
Erwin notes mentors Adonis “Sporty” Jeralds and Clara Axam among those who have provided guidance and advice throughout her career.
“Be versatile in your skill set because you never know how opportunity will look when it shows up at your doorstep,” she said, adding, “Always ask for a seat at the table but know when and how to make your voice count and heard. Sometimes there is power in silence.”
