2024 Impact 50 Honoree: Paul Tollett

PRESIDENT AND CEO
Goldenvoice

YEARS IN THE BIZ: 38
FIRST GIG IN THE BIZ: Co-promoted shows while in high school in Pomona, California

Goldenvoice is the new green.

Under the stewardship of president/CEO Paul Tollett, Goldenvoice is one of the festival market’s leading promoters, with its top-notch portfolio including the market-leading Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival as well as Stagecoach, Cruel World and Just Like Heaven among others. Though this year festivals in general are facing a softer market, Goldenvoice continues to have a direct impact on popular culture beyond its excellent bookings.

Goldenvoice, in conjunction with AEG Presents’ sustainability division, is committed to reducing carbon emissions by decreasing energy consumption, improving waste diversion and increasing the use of renewable energy and sustainable materials. Programs include recycling, composting and a reusable cup program with partner r.Cup. Goldenvoice is reducing water consumption and single-use plastic water bottles by providing water refilling stations throughout its event sites.

The company puts people where its mission is. Sustainability staff are positioned throughout Coachella and Stagecoach on consecutive April weekends at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, and Cruel World and Just Like Heaven at Brookside in May at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to support waste diversion and educate festivalgoers on the benefits of composting and recycling.

During Coachella, which Tollett co-founded in 1999, festival attendees can collect a group of four or more carpoolers per vehicle to save on gas and CO2 emissions as part of the Carpoolchella program, with prizes for decorated vehicles. Bike racks are lighted and have security. Electric vehicles are used to shuttle participants. The Energy Playground offers a view of the stage and a place to charge cell phones using Energy Seesaws.

Even though power, transportation and waste diversion are ongoing challenges, Coachella, which welcomed an estimated 200,000 visitors in 2024, has pledged to be an “agent of change” and create a festival that “leaves a positive impact on our desert home and beyond.”