#TBF23 review: Data-driven digital challenges and opportunities for ticketing

Hundreds of delegates from around 40 countries gathered at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester this week for TheTicketingBusiness Forum 2023 to discuss a range of timely topics, including the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation. From technological innovations to spectator experience and accessibility to premium packages, the Forum’s open-mic presentations, keynotes, fireside chats and panel …

True Tickets launches phase two of rules-based ticket sharing feature

True Tickets, secure contactless digital ticketing service, has announced the release of the next version of its rules-based ticket sharing feature. The company launched the rules-based ticket sharing functionality last year.  The feature enables event organisers to create and assign rules related to the sharing of digital tickets. The new version allows clients to set …

Live Nation launches music-led destination experience company Vibee

Live Nation has launched a new music-led destination experience company, Vibee, which will build trips for music fans to travel across the globe. Vibee has partnerships in place with live event and festival producers such as Insomniac, C3 Presents and Country Nation, as well as other Live Nation festival properties. The company is aiming to …

NITO backed by agents, managers and artists to tackle unfair concert ticketing

The National Independent Talent Organisation (NITO) has teamed up with independent agents, managers and artists to tackle unfair concert ticketing in the US. NITO was formed during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and worked alongside the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and other stakeholders to help secure Shuttered Venue Operating Grants for venues, …

Snapchat boosts AR presence at festivals through partnership

Snapchat, an instant message and social media app, is set to enhance live music with augmented reality (AR) at a further 16 festivals, as part its multi-year partnership with Live Nation. The partnership with Live Nation was announced early last year, and featured AR experiences at events including Lollapalooza in Chicago, Wireless Festival in London …

UK sees increased live entertainment ticket sales following pandemic closures

Last year saw the most tickets ever sold for live entertainment in the UK, according to research from Virgin Media O2.  The research from O2 and its Priority Tickets platform showed that there was a 43% increase in sales compared to 2019, the last full year unimpacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform also experienced …

Co-op Live brings in Gary Roden as general manager

Co-op Live has appointed former Ticketmaster executive Gary Roden as executive director and general manager of the 23,500-capacity venue, which is set to open later this year.  Roden spent eight years at Ticketmaster UK and was most recently the senior vice-president of client development and commercial. In his new role, Roden will oversee the operation …

OVO Hydro provides backdrop for Fan Club for Climate Change launch

Glasgow’s OVO Hydro helped to launch the Fan Club for Climate Change initiative at a sold-out show from rock band Paramore earlier this week.  Leading up to the Paramore concert, OVO Hydro’s concourse housed a group of volunteers that were on-hand to encourage gig-goers to sign up to Fan Club for Climate Change. By signing …