MARI, a global events and experiences enterprise, has made headlines with its acquisition of a majority stake in Bucket Listers, a platform dedicated to helping users discover local events. MARI is backed by notable investors, including the IMI Media Group from Abu Dhabi, and is well-documented for its involvement with high-profile events like the Madrid Open and Miami Open tennis tournaments.
Bucket Listers is not only a discovery platform but also actively collaborates with leading brands including Mattel, Disney, and CBS/Paramount to create original live experiences. This operational synergy between MARI and Bucket Listers is expected to enhance MARI’s extensive portfolio, which already boasts significant events such as the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and the newly announced Frieze Abu Dhabi. These initiatives position Abu Dhabi as a rising global hub for culture, sports, and creative events.
Ariel Emanuel, the founder and principal investor of MARI, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating that “Bucket Listers gives us deeper insight into how audiences discover and decide what to do.” He highlighted how critical it is to adapt to technological changes reshaping audience engagement and demand.
Bucket Listers, with a vibrant community of 21 million users, has established itself as a go-to source for editorial recommendations on events, experiences, and pop-ups across various US cities. Andy Lederman, the founder and CEO of Bucket Listers, remarked on the unique position of live experiences in the market, noting that they represent a trillion-dollar category that lacks a unified destination. He expressed optimism about the partnership with MARI, declaring it a perfect match to support their vision of becoming the leading aggregator for both consumers and event producers alike.
As the collaboration unfolds, it signals a promising future for both companies, reinforcing their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and enhancing audience engagement on a global scale.