Fandom is a curious thing. Over the past month I’ve enjoyed experiencing artist fandom from likely and unlikely artists. When we think of fandom, it’s natural for us to jump to the super-fans – Swifties, ARMY, Directioners, Potterheads and Thronies. Yet, fandom shows up in arguably the most unexpected places.
Thousands of fans queued for what felt like hours to meet Dame Mary Beard following her sellout shows across Australia. Listening to the stories of our guests as they politely waited their turn for a personally autographed book and photo reminded me of the work Fane does, in both the likely and unlikely spaces, to connect artists with their loyal fans.
The stories of impact are a consistent theme in the conversations between artist and guest. It’s remarkable to hear how someone like Mary Beard inspires a lifelong commitment to education and a love of history. Or when we look at Priscilla Presley’s recent tour – stories of connection, friendship and travel to Graceland became a constant refrain. And the memorabilia, oh the memorabilia! I’m sure none of it was a surprise to Priscilla but I lost count of the number of body parts she was requested to sign, the random book/ magazine that was +50 years old and the number of stuffed animals, bunches of flowers and photos we collected each night.
As a side note, I write today’s BTS incredibly weary after many days of travel and long days – a pace that Priscilla Presley maintained with us until the very last show was delivered and final fan selfie was taken. I have a new-found respect for this woman, for what’s she’s achieved and her capacity to keep pace with the most gruelling of schedules. She has a fab sense of humour too and didn’t miss a beat when Sam Pang introduced her to his show mascot, Contagious George.
Rounding out the fandom experience was Guenther Steiner’s recent keynote at CyberCon in Melbourne. Whether within the MCEC conference venue, or as we walked the streets of the surrounding precinct, fans were surprised and delighted to see Guenther in town, outside of the typical F1 season.
While I’ve only picked a few names from our recent tours, the fandom from likely and unlikely places is something we experience across every tour and show date. And for the weariness our team acutely feels as we draw our high season of touring to a close, the memories of the audience interactions remind us that the conversations and experiences we create add to the cultural fabric of the cities we visit and the lifetime memories of our audiences.
Case Study: Guenther Steiner at the Australian Cyber Conference 2025
Recently our team brought global motorsport leader Guenther Steiner to the Australian Cyber Conference 2025 (AISA) as a keynote speaker.
With 6,000+ attendees and a packed plenary, Guenther delivered a custom keynote connecting Formula 1 performance, data, culture and decision-making to the conference theme Transform to Evolve.
From tailored content and video assets to delegate engagement, media visibility and onsite activation, this project highlights the value of Fane’s experience and exclusive partnership with Performance Insights.
Read the full case study and explore how Fane can support your next corporate event with extraordinary keynote speakers.
LISTEN / READ / WATCH
LISTEN: Joan of Arc, Lady Godiva, Catherine Of Siena: how were stories of extraordinary women twisted through the ages – and who were these women really? Oxford’s Janina Ramirez reveals the truth to Sir Tony Robinson. Janina Ramirez has a way of making history incredibly interesting, listen here.
READ: From loyalty schemes to late fees, gift cards to sneaky supermarkets, How They Get You pulls back the curtain on how the systems work and how to outsmart them. Written for anyone who has ever looked at their bank account and thought, I swear I didn’t buy anything, this is the ultimate handbook to understanding how the game is played – and how you don’t have to lose every single time. Find a retailer here.
WATCH: This backstage conversation with Jameela Jamil, filmed part of her Australian tour, where she opens up about the lifelong scrutiny of women’s bodies and the impossible standards that shape our sense of worth. Watch Fane Unscripted: Jameela Jamil on Self-Worth and Feminism.
2025 Announced Tours
Bringing the most exciting names in culture and entertainment to audiences around the world.
For more information on upcoming tours and tickets visit Fane Productions.
