India's Concert Craze: 8 Event Management Stocks Set to Ride the Wave of Growth

India's live concert scene is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, with major international acts, such as Coldplay, drawing thousands to performances in cities like Ahmedabad and Navi Mumbai. These events not only sell out but also highlight India's growing position on the global entertainment stage. As the Prime Minister recently pointed out, India's live event economy holds immense potential for further growth, offering opportunities for investment in both infrastructure and skills development.

Valued at Rs 88 billion in 2023, India's live events industry is expected to grow at a rate of 17.6% annually, reaching Rs 143 billion by 2026. This rise is fueled by an increasingly young, music-driven population, eager to enjoy live performances and concerts. For investors, this burgeoning sector offers an enticing opportunity to tap into a market that’s only getting bigger.

Here are eight event management stocks worth watching as the Indian concert and live event market continues its upward trajectory:

1. Touchwood Entertainment Ltd.
   As India's first listed event management company on the NSE, Touchwood Entertainment specializes in luxury weddings and large-scale corporate events. With strong logistical expertise, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for live concerts. Recent growth in net profits and plans to raise funds highlight its potential.

2. Mach Conferences & Events Ltd.
   Founded in 2014, Mach Conferences & Events excels at organizing international conferences and exhibitions. The company's extensive experience managing large-scale events aligns perfectly with the growing concert market. Its recent IPO and successful financial year demonstrate a strong position for future growth.

3. Party Cruisers Ltd.
   Known for its expertise in event planning and its "Live Space" division, Party Cruisers caters to corporate events, social celebrations, and increasingly, live concerts. The company’s growth strategy includes expanding its footprint through franchises, which will help it reach a wider audience across India.

4. Thinking Hats Entertainment Solutions
   Established in 2013, Thinking Hats Entertainment Solutions has quickly expanded from managing corporate events to producing content for live shows and OTT platforms. This expansion, coupled with an IPO to strengthen finances, places the company in a prime position to take advantage of the increasing demand for live entertainment.

5. Exhicon Events Media Solutions
   Exhicon, founded in 2010, provides comprehensive event management services and has been expanding its operations to meet the growing demand for large-scale events. Recent acquisitions and new infrastructure investments suggest the company is poised for significant growth, especially in managing high-profile events like concerts.

6. Zomato Ltd.
   Though primarily known for food delivery services, Zomato has recently expanded into the live event sector by acquiring Paytm's entertainment ticketing business. With the launch of Zomato Live, the company is now targeting food festivals and concerts, effectively integrating its food delivery business with the growing entertainment sector.

7. Saregama India Ltd.
   India’s oldest music label, Saregama, has been evolving its business model to include live events. The company hosted several large-scale concerts and has invested in digital entertainment platforms like Pocket Aces. With a strong catalog and increasing engagement in live entertainment, Saregama is a major player in India’s concert industry.

8. Praveg Ltd.
   Praveg, an experienced player in event management, has executed thousands of events globally. With a focus on exhibitions and large-scale cultural festivals, it is well-positioned to manage music concerts and brand activations. The company’s strong financial performance, coupled with new capex plans, positions it for continued success in the expanding live event sector.

In conclusion, India's live concert and event management industry is set for remarkable growth, offering substantial investment opportunities. Companies with the infrastructure and expertise to organize large-scale events are at the forefront of this expansion. Investors should consider these eight event management stocks as key players in shaping the future of India's entertainment sector.