Don’t Like the Weather? New Startup Makes Outdoor Events a Safe Bet

For outdoor event-goers, weather can be both a blessing and a curse. While a sunny day can make for a perfect concert or festival, the prospect of rain or extreme heat can leave ticket-holders second-guessing their purchases.

Enter Sensible Weather, a provider of weather-related protection which partnered with Ticketbud to offer a new Weather Guarantee service, allowing event-goers the option to protect their ticket purchases against weather disruptions. This feature lets attendees opt in to the guarantee at checkout, ensuring up to 100% reimbursement if weather conditions, such as rain or extreme heat, impact the event.

In an interview with PYMNTS, Nick Cavanaugh, CEO and founder of Sensible Weather, discussed how this new integration is elevating the event experience for organizers and attendees, and how the company’s digital approach is changing the way consumers engage with outdoor events.

A Game-Changer for Event Attendees

Through the Sensible Weather and Ticketbud partnership, attendees can opt into the Weather Guarantee during the checkout process, Cavanaugh said. This service allows ticket-holders to receive up to 100% reimbursement if weather conditions such as rain or extreme temperatures disrupt their event. With the unpredictability of outdoor events, this layer of protection helps consumers feel more secure in making early ticket purchases.

“Sensible Weather’s integration with Ticketbud enhances the event experience by offering peace of mind through the Weather Guarantee product,” Cavanaugh said. “This guarantee protects ticket holders against unfavorable weather conditions, providing up to 100% reimbursement if the forecast predicts rain or high temperatures at their event. The convenience of adding this guarantee during checkout, coupled with automated refunds, makes attending outdoor events less stressful and more appealing.”

How the Weather Guarantee Works

The process is simple, Cavanaugh said. When purchasing tickets on Ticketbud, event-goers can add the Weather Guarantee for an additional fee. Once this option is selected, Sensible Weather provides a custom guarantee based on the location and weather forecast for that event. The guarantee covers specific weather conditions, such as rain or extreme heat, with the criteria set based on pre-defined thresholds.

On the day of the event, Sensible Weather monitors the weather closely, he said. If the forecast indicates conditions that meet the thresholds for the guarantee, ticket holders receive an automatic refund — no questions asked, eliminating the need for ticket buyers to initiate claims. Refunds are issued through PayPal or bank transfers within three to five days of the event, ensuring fast and reliable compensation.

“This service is beneficial to event organizers because it addresses a significant barrier to advance ticket sales — the unpredictability of weather,” Cavanaugh said. “It reassures attendees while minimizing the financial risk for event organizers who may not offer weather-related refunds.”

The Role of Digital Engagement 

Sensible Weather is leveraging digital tools to enhance consumer satisfaction by providing real-time weather monitoring, automated alerts and quick refunds, Cavanaugh said. These features are designed to streamline the customer experience, ensuring ticket holders receive timely updates and hassle-free compensation in the event of weather disruptions.

“With a fully digital experience, Weather Guarantees already provide an easy and relevant way to engage ticket-holders around an event,” Cavanaugh said. “The weather becomes a key consideration for ticket holders at several critical touchpoints: during ticket purchase, when concerns about unpredictable conditions may arise, leading up to the event, when initial forecasts are available, and on the day of the even as attendees prepare to arrive or are on-site.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Digital Experience

The future of Sensible Weather lies in continuing to enhance its digital offerings, Cavanaugh said.

“Digital engagement is central to the Weather Guarantee,” Cavanaugh said. “Sensible Weather leverages real-time weather monitoring, sending text alerts to ticket holders when conditions meet the guarantee criteria. Additionally, automatic refunds via PayPal or bank transfer ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience. These digital touchpoints provide transparency and efficiency, enhancing trust and satisfaction for users while eliminating the need for attendees to initiate claims or inquiries.”

As outdoor events become a larger part of the entertainment landscape, Sensible Weather’s ability to provide protection against the elements could become a key selling point for both event organizers and attendees.

“Looking ahead, future developments could include deeper integration with event platforms to deliver all Weather Guarantee communications and benefits directly within the event platform app,” Cavanaugh said.

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