Oak View Group CEO Chris Granger opened the 2026 VenuesNow Conference with a clear message. AI can do plenty, but it can’t make people feel like they belong.
What We Know: Granger delivered opening remarks at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, according to Pollstar. He urged venue executives to focus on preserving humanity and fostering connection. Granger acknowledged that AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude can boost efficiency and personalization. However, he argued they can’t replicate the experience of gathering together.
What They Said: Granger admitted he uses ChatGPT every day to track the live event business. The results, he noted, lean on buzzwords like optimization, premium and frictionless. What gets left out, in his view, is the heart of the work. He told the room that live entertainment is “the business of humanity.”
What Remains Unclear: Granger didn’t outline specific steps for venues weighing AI adoption. It’s also unclear how operators will balance automation with the personal touch he championed. Still, his broader point landed without a playbook attached.
What It Means: Granger’s argument hits close to home for radio. Broadcasters face the same pressure to automate, optimize and cut costs. Yet radio’s lasting strength has always been live, local and human connection. As more content turns artificial, the real thing may become more valuable than ever. That’s true for arenas, and it’s true for radio stations.
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