Royalties for concerts at exhibitions and fairs

Summary#

The Copyright Board published SOCAN Tariff 5.B – Concerts at Exhibitions and Fairs (2022-2027) on December 13, 2025. It sets a royalty rule requiring organisers of ticketed concerts at exhibitions and fairs to pay music performance royalties to SOCAN for the years 2022–2027.

What it does#

• Sets the royalty rate for ticketed concerts at exhibitions and fairs at 3% of gross concert ticket sales (taxes excluded) for 2022–2027.
• If a concert ticket also allows general access to the fair or exhibition on that day, the adult general grounds admission price is deducted from the ticket price to get a net ticket price before the 3% is applied.
• Royalties are calculated on a per-concert basis and must be paid within 30 days of the exhibition’s or fair’s closing.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit an organiser’s books and records, on reasonable notice during normal business hours, to check the royalty statements.
• States that amounts are not inclusive of government taxes.
• Any late payment accrues interest daily at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (as published by the Bank of Canada) on the last day of the previous month; interest does not compound.

Who's affected#

• Organisers and promoters who run ticketed concerts at exhibitions and fairs.
• Event ticketing services and box offices that handle concert ticket sales.
• Songwriters, composers and publishers whose works are in SOCAN’s repertoire (they receive the royalties).
• It is not clear from the notice whether any past unpaid amounts from concerts already held between 2022 and 2025 are being pursued; the tariff covers the 2022–2027 period.

Why it matters#

• Event budgets may need to include an added cost equal to 3% of concert ticket revenue.
• If concert tickets include fair admission, organisers will reduce the royalty base by the adult grounds admission price — which can lower the fee.
• The audit right and daily interest for late payments mean organisers should keep clear records and pay on time to avoid extra costs.
• For music creators represented by SOCAN, this clarifies one stream of revenue from concerts at fairs and exhibitions.