Canadians and Event Organizers Prefer Local Startups Over U.S. Tech Firms

As national pride swells across Canada, event organizers are reevaluating their ticket sales platforms, moving away from traditional U.S.-based services that often fail to accommodate the unique needs of Canadian events. This sentiment is echoed by Owen Stafford, co-founder of Simpli Events, a Canadian ticketing platform that emerged from frustrations with existing services. “We used to host events and were disappointed by expensive, hard-to-use ticketing services that did not cater to our event’s needs. That’s why we created Simpli Events,” Stafford explains.

Simpli Events has rapidly gained traction in the Canadian market, surpassing $1 million in transactions and selling over 100,000 tickets by mid-2025. This growth establishes it as a credible alternative to larger platforms like Eventbrite, focusing specifically on Canadian event organizers. The platform is designed to streamline ticket management, catering to various events from local gatherings to large community festivals. Its advantages include lower fees, a commitment to Canadian customers, and reliable local customer support, which are often lacking in international platforms.

The emergence of Simpli Events reflects a broader trend within Canada’s tech landscape, where startups are increasingly challenging international competitors by offering locally-focused Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions. This shift is more than a matter of nationalism; it's indicative of the distinctive values of Canadian consumers who prioritize trust and personal connection in their business engagements.

Stafford highlights that while features and pricing matter, the importance of genuine relationships with customers is paramount. “Canadian event organizers truly value real personal connection and trust. And that's why we focus on building relations with our customers,” he says. This focus distinguishes Simpli Events from larger, less personalized competitors.

The company also emphasizes the significance of personalized, one-on-one customer support. Many Canadian organizers prefer direct communication with real representatives rather than relying on chatbots or automated systems. Stafford states, “That one-to-one support isn’t a bonus here; it’s expected.” This commitment to customer service aligns with the preferences of Canadian organizers who seek a more human touch in their interactions.

Looking ahead, Simpli Events aims to strengthen its foothold across Canada, aspiring to be the go-to choice for event organizers in need of tailored, cost-effective management solutions. By fostering a community and adapting to the specific demands of its clients, Simpli Events not only meets a market demand but also reflects a growing trend toward localized solutions in the tech industry. The company’s vision aligns with the aspirations of event organizers, who are increasingly looking for platforms that resonate with their values and needs.

Ultimately, as Canadian communities celebrate their identity through local events, platforms like Simpli Events stand ready to support them. With a focus on lowering costs, enhancing customer relations, and ensuring a streamlined event management process, Simpli Events is well-positioned to become a central player in the Canadian ticketing landscape in the years to come.