Ticket Summit, secondary ticketing industry's largest conference, starts today in New York City

Ticket News
Alfred Branch, Jr.

Hundreds of ticket industry professionals will descend on the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in Manhattan beginning today for Ticket Summit, the secondary ticketing market's largest conference and trade show.

The annual event is marking its second foray in New York City, but represents the sixth overall Ticket Summit, which was initially launched by TicketNews's parent company TicketNetwork as an annual conference in Las Vegas in 2006.

"From venue managers and event promoters, to ticketing agents and marketing strategists, the Ticket Summit conference has become the networking destination for professionals in the ticketing and entertainment industries," Dr. Molly A. Martinez, executive director of Ticket Summit, said in a statement. "With a unique variety of panel sessions and networking opportunities, the event offerings scheduled for this upcoming Ticket Summit conference are simply unparalleled."

About 500 industry professionals are expected to attend the event, and for the first time the conference will feature panels on concert and theater promotion, and the present and future of the primary ticketing market.

It is during the latter panel that conference has landed a coup: former Ticketmaster President and CEO Sean Moriarty will be participating for the first time at Ticket Summit.

Moriarty is one of the ticketing industry's most-respected and influential executives, and before leaving Ticketmaster, he was instrumental in the company acquiring TicketsNow.

Joining Moriarty on the Friday keynote panel "Then & Now: The Primary Market" will be Larry Witherspoon, CEO of Tickets.com); Jeff Kline CEO of Veritix; Andrew Dreskin, CEO of TicketFly; and Ben Mogil, Research Analyst with Thomas Weisel Partners, as the panel's moderator.

The conference and trade show begin tonight with a cocktail party that will feature a performance by the cast of the popular Broadway musical Rock of Ages. Thursday and Friday will feature the panel discussions and large exhibit floor where industry vendors will showcase their products and services, and the event will conclude Friday night with a gala reception at Nikki Beach in Manhattan.

Larry Witherspoon to Speak on Panel at 2010 Ticket Summit

Come see Tickets.com, CEO, Larry Witherspoon at the Ticket Summit – New York City! Larry is currently one of four executive panelists participating in the ‘Then & Now: The Primary Market’ panel on January 15, 2010 at the famous Waldorf – Astoria, NYC. For more information on this conference visit http://www.ticketsummit.org

The Boston Red Sox Sign a Multi-Year Contract Extension with Tickets.com

Agreement to include ProVenueMobile™ ticketing and Primary Ticket Auctions

Costa Mesa, CA— APRIL 29, 2009: Tickets.com, a leading global provider of integrated ticketing solutions, announced that it has signed a multi-year contract extension with Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox. With the regular season underway, the seven-time World Series Champions head into 2009 with enhanced ticketing functionality for their fans and their organization. The renewal encompasses Tickets.com products including ProVenueMobile™, Tickets@Phone®, Primary Ticket Auctions, and Automated Kiosks.

"We’re proud of our company’s long association with the Red Sox,” said Larry Witherspoon, chief executive officer, Tickets.com. "I’m pleased that we have the opportunity to serve the club with website mobilization and other upgrades this year. Our goal is to help the franchise score wins in brand differentiation, fanbase expansion, and customer service so that they can concentrate all their efforts on playing a successful season.”

The Red Sox will go live with ProVenueMobile this season, making them the third MLB franchise on the Tickets.com client roster to implement the product after the Oakland A’s and Milwaukee Brewers. ProVenueMobile enables full-circle, branded ticket transactions to be made 24/7 from any mobile phone model directly through the client’s mobilized website. To further maximize the potential of ProVenueMobile, the Boston Red Sox will simultaneously adopt the proprietary Tickets@Phone technology from Tickets.com into its suite of ticketing solutions. Tickets@Phone functionality allows customers to digitally receive unique bar-coded tickets on their mobile phone for a 100% mobile, secure, paperless—and green—ticket buying experience.

Other consumer friendly additions to the Boston Red Sox ticketing service agreement include enhanced functionality through Tickets.com technology via Automated Kiosks and Primary Ticket Auctions for select games. Both features increase the avenues through which patrons can acquire tickets. Automated Kiosks provide a convenient, easy way to get tickets without waiting in long box office lines; Auctions can serve as a fair means to acquire premium seats to key sold-out games. Other MLB teams employing Primary Auctions include the A’s, the Cubs, the Giants and the Tigers.

“Extending our relationship with Tickets.com gives me total confidence that we will be providing state-of-the-art functionality for our fans,” said Mike Dee, chief operating officer, Boston Red Sox. “With technology like ProVenueMobile, game attendees will have more options and ease of use than ever before.”

Happy Earth Day from Tickets.com

In honor of Earth Day, check out Tickets.com's environmentally friendly mobile ticketing product: Tickets@Phone.

Send paperless, barcoded tickets directly to your customers’ mobile phones. Tickets@Phone are redeemed at your venue directly from their mobile phone display through the use of a barcode scanner. Tickets@Phone “tickets” are far less expensive than printing, handling, and mailing a paper ticket.

Learn more about Tickets.com's mobile ticketing solutions >

Tickets.com at INTIX 2009

Tickets.com is at the 30th Annual International Ticketing Association Conference & Exhibition this week in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The INTIX annual conference is designed for anyone involved in ticketing in the arts, theatre, professional sports, college athletics, arenas, distribution, and entertainment management. Over 1,000 conference attendees represent the broadest range of those working in single ticket sales, subscription and group sales, marketing, ticketing operations and technology, finance and revenue management, development and patron services.

This four-day event includes a comprehensive program of issue-driven workshops, professional presentations by industry leaders, and the INTIX Exhibition -- the industry's source for ticketing products and services.

Tickets.com will debut the latest advanced ticketing solution, ProVenueMobile, at INTIX today. Learn more about Tickets.com ticketing solutions >

Now Showing...the Latest in Ticketing Technology

At Tickets.com we believe technology is the key to your success. We offer the latest in ticketing solutions to meet your organization's needs.

ProVenue® - The next generation ticketing system
ProVenueInsight™ - Provides seamless, unprecedented reporting power
ProVenueMobile™ - Enables ticket purchases and delivery on your mobile website
Campaign Creator™ - A comprehensive e-Communication platform
Uptix™ - Drives incremental revenue by utilizing stored value tickets

Visit INTIX booth #404 and ENTER TO WIN a "Tour of the Stars" getaway to Hollywood, CA.

For more information visit provenue.tickets.com or call toll-free 1.888.397.3400.

Givex and Tickets.com Launch New Uptix™ Stored Value Ticket Program

7 Jan 2009 (Atlanta, GA) – Givex, a global provider of closed loop card technologies including gift, loyalty, and other stored value programs, and Tickets.com, a leading ticketing solutions provider for live events, today announced the launch of Uptix™, a jointly developed program for storing additional value on event tickets.

Integrating Givex technology with Tickets.com’s ticketing solutions; the Uptix™ program allows individual tickets to have the ability to store data such as cash value and select merchandise. These tickets can then be used for redemption at various points of purchase such as concessions and retail stands. The program augments the role of a ticket beyond that of event access, and even allows single ticket buyers and season ticket holders to manage the program themselves on the Internet.

“This will be the must have feature in the ticketing industry,” says Dan DeMato, President of FutureTix Inc., a ticketing solutions and development consulting firm enlisted by Givex to help with the launch of Uptix™. “Organizations will now be able to offer a complete entertainment experience utilizing a single event ticket.”

Enabled tickets may also serve as a catalyst for in-game promotions, eventually including a point-based loyalty program where customers can accumulate and redeem points for rewards.

Russ Stanley, Managing Vice President, Ticket Services and Client Relations, San Francisco Giants, states “Uptix™ helps us enhance our overall fan experience. Its built-in flexibility allows us to exercise tremendous creativity in conducting a wide variety of special offers and in-game promotions for our fans, even down to the section and seat levels.”

The Giants will begin testing the Uptix™ program for their upcoming 16th annual FanFest in early February of this year. Uptix™ will also be available for viewing at this year’s National Sports Forum being held in Phoenix, AZ, January 26-28.

The innovative Uptix™ stored value program aligns with Tickets.com’s philosophy on partnerships and its commitment to providing the latest in ticketing technology to its clients. “Givex has years of proven technology in the gift card industry and an exceptional track record in customer service,” says Steve DeMots, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Tickets.com. “We are pleased to be able to work with Givex to create such a user-friendly product that will help our clients generate incremental sales and marketing opportunities.”

Karen Budahazy, Executive Vice President, Givex, concurs “Uptix™ represents an intense collaborative effort between us and Tickets.com. The company’s focus on technology fits well with our vision to expand into the sports and entertainment industries. In seeing the product’s potential and extensive benefits to both clients and their fans, we cannot be more thrilled about the launch of Uptix™.”

About Givex
Givex is known for innovative stored-value technology that has driven customer acquisition and retention programs for clients in 35 countries since 1999. Givex provides a broad range of profit enhancing processes that seamlessly integrate gift cards, loyalty engines, e-couponing and targeted email campaigns. This innovation is also backed up by years of experience and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our technology and client support. Find out more at www.givex.com.

About Tickets.com
Tickets.com is a leading provider of fully integrated event ticketing solutions for thousands of top arts, entertainment, and sports organizations worldwide. Delivering the latest in ticketing technology, Tickets.com offers the advanced ProVenue® ticketing platform, which serves as the core of a comprehensive suite of integrated features, products, and services that help clients enhance ticket sales, marketing efforts, and overall customer experience. A privately held subsidiary of MLB Advanced Media, LP, since 2005, Tickets.com is headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA, and has regional offices across the U.S. and around the world. The company also sells tickets directly to consumers at www.tickets.com.

Steve DeMots Announced as Senior Vice President of Business Development for Tickets.com

Costa Mesa, Calif. – June 16, 2008 – Tickets.com, a leading worldwide provider of integrated ticketing solutions, announced the appointment of Steve DeMots as its Senior Vice President of Business Development today. In his new position, Mr. DeMots will be responsible for identifying and developing new business sectors for Tickets.com. He will also manage strategic partnerships for the company and reinforce the critical importance of cutting-edge technology in today’s forward-thinking organizations.

“We couldn’t be more excited about Steve DeMots joining our executive team,” said Tickets.com Chief Commercial Officer Derek Palmer. “His integrity is respected industry-wide, and his business vision fits well with our philosophy of giving venues and organizations control over their ticketing operations, data, and customer relationships. The success that Steve has already achieved in the industry represents just the kind of expertise Tickets.com needs to experience exponential future growth. This is especially important as we continue to invest in our technology and expand our portfolio of products and services, as well as increase our client base.”

Mr. DeMots is an eleven year veteran of the ticketing solutions industry. Just prior to joining Tickets.com, he was with Paciolan, the Irvine-based provider of automated ticketing services, for five years, exiting as VP of Sales. During this tenure at Paciolan, he was extensively involved in the development of new market segments including professional sports teams and arenas that perform ticketing in-house, as well as several regional ticketing companies.

“I’m extremely proud to be on board at Tickets.com,” said DeMots. “I am a firm believer that more and more venues and organizations will place leading-edge technology at the top of their criteria when selecting a business partner for ticketing systems. I’m equally certain that Tickets.com, with its advanced ProVenue® software platform and full suite of groundbreaking digital ticketing solutions, is well positioned at the technological forefront of the ticketing industry.”

Tickets.com is a Founding Corporate Sponsor for a comprehensive research project on the convergence of sports and entertainment

The Sports Business Institute at the USC Marshall School of Business has undertaken a two-year research project on the convergence of sports and entertainment, with particular focus on how stakeholders monetize this convergence.

Five founding corporate partners -- professional services firm Ernst & Young; executive search and talent management firm Korn/Ferry Intl.; architectural planning and design firm Rossetti; ticketing solutions and online ticketing company Tickets.com; and web portal Yahoo! Sports - are among those underwriting the project, as is Gary Cypres, owner of the Sports Museum of Los Angeles.

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Tickets.com Signs On as Exclusive Ticket Services Provider for the Earthquakes’ Triumphant Return to Major League Soccer

Costa Mesa, CA – March 10, 2008 – Tickets.com, a leading worldwide provider of integrated ticketing solutions, announced the signing of an exclusive, multi-year ticketing services agreement with Major League Soccer’s (MLS) the San Jose Earthquakes. The “Quakes” franchise is Tickets.com’s inaugural MLS client.

"We're excited and honored to be part of the highly anticipated comeback of the San Jose Earthquakes,” said Brian Roberts, vice president of sales, Tickets.com. “This presents a wonderful opportunity to be affiliated with the premiere North American league for the world’s #1 sport – one whose popularity we believe will only continue to grow exponentially.”

The agreement is a landmark one for the team as well. It re-enters MLS for the 2008 season after a previous incarnation of the franchise relocated to Houston in 2006. The team’s debut is the focus of its “Return Of The Quakes” campaign.

For now, the Quakes will call both Santa Clara University’s Buck Shaw Stadium and Oakland’s McAfee Coliseum home. However as part of its pact with MLS, plans for a soccer-specific South Bay stadium are underway. The Quakes’ season opener is April 3 against the Los Angeles Galaxy; its April 12 home opener pits the team against the Chicago Fire at McAfee Coliseum.

Under the new agreement, the San Jose Earthquakes will utilize an advanced suite of integrated ticketing solutions that facilitates transaction speed, efficiency, and overall flexibility. Further, rich data management capabilities will assist the team in maintaining long-term relationships with its season ticket holders and other loyal fans. The team intends to also employ innovative technologies including Tickets@Home®, MyTickets™, and Tickets@Phone™. These features will combine to provide fans with convenient online ticket printing, delivery, and management, as well as faster gate entry.

“At this momentous time for our team, we’re committed to creating the best possible experience for fans and season ticket holders alike,” explained San Jose Earthquakes Executive Vice President David Alioto. “Tickets.com’s reputation for innovation in the marketplace, industry leading technology, and significant track record in professional sport firmly convinced us that Tickets.com is the right ticketing solution provider for our needs.”

Tickets for San Jose Earthquakes games are available online at www.sjearthquakes.com and www.tickets.com, through box office and kiosk sales on-site at Santa Clara University and Buck Shaw Stadium, by phone at (800) 225-2277, and at local authorized Tickets.com retail outlet locations.

ProVenue® Automated Kiosk and the Marbles Kids Museum

Case Study – ProVenue® Automated Kiosk
Marbles Kids Museum

Highly anticipated films such as The Polar Express or Harry Potter consistently resulted in lengthy queues of impatient moviegoers. This scenario prompted Marbles Kids Museum to seek an alternative to buying tickets or picking them up at will call. Tickets.com recommended deployment of its ProVenue® Automated Kiosk for ticket sales and will call pick-up. The kiosk solution became a hit with moviegoers, allowing them to bypass long lines at the box office and gain faster entry into the IMAX Theatre. The ticketing kiosk also improved traffic flow and created a better overall experience for theatre patrons.

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