Samantha O’Connor Joins MRG Live as Senior Talent Buyer
Toronto, ON (October 22, 2025) – MRG Live, Canada’s largest independent concert and live event company, announced the hiring of Samantha (Sam) O’Connor, as Sr. Talent Buyer. She comes over having led RAPSEASON. Sam, as part of her role at MRG, will continue to shepherd and grow the RAPSEASON brand and shows. This strategic initiative reflects MRG’s continued investment and development in people and high-value properties that align with its vision for growth and cultural impact.
“Samantha O’Connor’s has proven a great astuteness in securing top-tier, identifying emerging talent and continuing to build the RAPSEASON brand. We are looking forward to both her and the brand’s further growth as they both integrate into our global network, our resources and our overall strategic approach,” remarks Matt Gibbons, President of The MRG Group.
“I’m thrilled to join the dynamic team at MRG Live, a company that shares my passion for culture, creativity, and building meaningful experiences,” comments Samantha O’Connor. “With the support and resources of MRG Live, I’m excited to continue growing the RAPSEASON brand, not only in Toronto, but nationally and internationally. This next chapter offers an incredible opportunity to expand our reach, connect with new audiences, and spotlight the talent that drives the culture forward.”
MRG Live is excited about the opportunity to take Toronto’s RAP SEASON to new markets across its network which includes Canada coast-to-coast. In addition, RAP SEASON branded content will also be integrated with the company’s media publication, Beatroute.
The acquisition follows The MRG Group’s recent management agreement with The Revelry in Kelowna, and growth in comedy with the launch of the “Is Funny” brand and national tours; reinforcing the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to delivering live experiences across many genres and regions.
About The MRG Group
The MRG Group is Canada’s largest independent experience company active in producing and promoting experiences on a global stage. Founded by Matthew Gibbons in 2008, MRG has grown to produce over 1,000 events annually ranging from intimate club shows to arena tours to outdoor events drawing hundreds of thousands with some of the leading global talent.
The company partners with brands, venues, cities and artists on end-to-end production and promotion with a true partnership approach focused on being truly aligned and collaborative programming, marketing, logistics and financial partners.
In addition to its experience business, The MRG Group operates hospitality properties (venues, clubs & pubs), a fully licensed travel retail and wholesale agency, a ticketing services company (AdmitONE) and a media property (Beatroute).
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