Drew McManus

Drew McManus may be UpStage’s CEO but don’t let that title fool you into thinking he’s just a tech geek. Unlike traditional tech leaders, Drew brings 30 years of specialized arts consulting expertise, positioning him to solve critical industry challenges that generic CRM platforms miss. 

In 2010, McManus launched The Venture Platform, demonstrating his commitment to sector-specific solutions. This pioneering website development platform specifically served arts organizations and artists, establishing his track record of understanding and solving industry-specific challenges. 

His expertise spans across multiple sectors and is regularly quoted in major media outlets including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Washington Post. His expertise spans broadcast appearances on NPR's All Things Considered and Weekend Edition. As a sought-after speaker, he's presented at leading industry conferences including Opera America and Americans for the Arts, while guest lecturing at institutions like Northwestern University and Eastman School of Music. 

McManus's industry impact extends beyond technology innovation. For 19 years, he transformed the arts sector dialogue through his influential daily blog, Adaptistration, about the orchestra business. As founder of ArtsAdminJobs.com, he created North America's leading arts employment platform, and the only one offering free posting for both organizations and job seekers. This combination of technical innovation and deep sector expertise uniquely positions him to understand and solve the industry's most pressing operational challenges.