HoldMyTicket is thrilled to announce our very first webinar HMT 101 - Basics of HoldMyTicket! Whether you're a new user or a seasoned pro, this session is designed to help you master the everything you need to use our event ticketing software to hold your events.

When it is:

• Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024
• Time: 1:30 P.M. MT

What we'll cover:

During HMT 101, we will guide through using Spark to manage your events seamlessly and Swarm as a mobile box office, including:

• Creating Events: Learn how to set up events with ease.
• Adding Tickets: Discover the simplest ways to add tickets to your events.
• Effortless Check-In: Get attendees through the door quickly and efficiently.

This webinar is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions and explore features you might not be familiar with. Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your HoldMyTicket skills.

Important: The webinar meeting link will be sent to verified ticket buyers 24 to 48 hours prior to the event.

You want as many attendees as possible at every event. And we want you to sell as many tickets as possible. But in pursuit of sold out events, it’s important not to sell more tickets than should be possible.

• Prevent overselling your events by paying attention to your venue capacity settings. Set your venue capacity — or how many maximum seats are available at your venue — under ticketing options during the event creation or editing process. Save time by setting your venue capacity as part of your venue preferences when you add a new venue.

• Use ticket buckets to manage your capacity when your event involves multiple ticket types, such as multi-day passes, various general admission packages or tickets with accommodations like overnight camping.

Ensuring fans who pay for tickets can get into your event is an important part of keeping your ticket buyers happy. For more ways on turning attendees into fans, and rocking at outstanding customer service, check out our blog and resources.

The South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, which ignited on Monday, June 17 near Ruidoso, New Mexico, have brought devastation to the local community.

While local evacuations were being lifted Monday, June 24 after a week, the fires displaced over 8,000 people and destroyed approximately 1,400 structures, according to local media reports. The full impact of the fires is still being felt even as the full extent of the loss and damage is being assessed. Currently, the FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for starting these wildfires, and some areas are still being treated as crime scenes.

At HoldMyTicket, we are deeply committed to supporting our local event organizers during this challenging time. We understand that many residents, including our event organizers, are still without basic needs, including water and internet. We are proactively reaching out to offer assistance with managing events, handling postponements and refunds, and ensuring effective communication with customers. If there's anything else we can do, just let us know.

While we understand the frustration and uncertainty ticket holders for upcoming events may feel, we urge you to remain patient as event organizers and their teams navigate the complexities of this disaster, both professionally and personally.

We stand with our community and are here to help in any way we can. To further aid those impacted by the South Fork and Salt fires, we are offering reduced fees to event organizers and promoters hosting events in support of the affected community.

Please consider making a donation to support those on the ground. Here are some organizations helping out:

• Greatest Needs Impact Fund: The Greatest Needs Impact Fund held within the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico is currently directing efforts to Lincoln and Otero counties to assist with the impact of recent wildfires.

• New Mexico Fire Relief Emergency Response Fund: The Emergency Action Fund for New Mexico Fire Relief will provide support to the Greatest Needs Impact for Ruidoso Fund. The Emergency Action Fund will be managed by the Foundation and United Way of North Central New Mexico, who will work with partner agencies in the county.

• GoFundMe Fundraisers: KOB 4 is partnering with well-known New Mexico musician and social media personality Johnny James to help victims of the wildfires around Ruidoso with a GoFundMe. You can also check out other verified GoFundMe accounts to contribute to wildfire victims.

• American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is accepting monetary donations to support emergency efforts surrounding the Ruidoso wildfires. Donate one or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

• The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army, Southwest Division is accepting donations as well. Monetary donations can be made at NewMexico.SalvationArmy.org or by texting RUIDOSO to 51555.

A great poster is both an invite and a sneak peek into your event.Your event poster should say more than just "Hey, we're having an event."

It should radiate your vibe. You want to get people feeling something, makng them look forward to what's in store at your event. Think of your event poster as a way of saying "Hey, come see what we've got planned,” by telling a little story that also gives potential attendees everything they need to know about getting to and enjoying your event.

Whether you’re plastering it around town, sharing it on social media, or adding it to your event, your event poster should pique your audience interest. Design with them in mind.

The Perfect Event Poster

Creating an engaging and informative event poster is both an art and a strategy. Here's how to ensure yours captures attention and communicates effectively:

• Event Basics: Begin with the essentials: the event's name, date, and time, prominently displayed to catch the eye. Don't forget the venue location, crucial for in-person gatherings, or access details for virtual ones.
• Attractions and Visuals: Highlight the main attractions— mention any performers, or activities that might spark interest.
• Captivating Visuals: Use compelling visuals that reflect the event's mood and theme, making your poster not just informative but memorable.
• Ticketing Information: Clearly indicate where people can purchase tickets and look up ticketing information, such as a website or venue box office. Keep in mind you can offer online ticket sales with HoldMyTicket, easily directing people to your event page.
• Connectivity and Engagement: Incorporate contact information and social media details, offering pathways for further engagement and information. A dedicated hashtag or event page can encourage sharing and create a buzz online.

Creating a powerful event poster can be a challenging process but by incorporating essential elements, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Get More from HoldMyTicket

Get more tips and insights on trends by checking out our blog regularly.

Events bring people together, and everyone should feel comfortable and welcome, whether it’s a concert, festival, or conference. Inclusivity is key to making that happen. Here’s a few ways you can make your event friendly and inclusive:

Set Clear Goals: Decide what you want to achieve—raising awareness, celebrating a community, or just making sure everyone has a great time regardless of their identity or background.

Choose the Right Venue: Make sure your venue is friendly to all. Check its history with marginalized communities and ensure it’s accessible for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Gender-neutral restrooms are a must, and no discrimination or harassment should be tolerated.

Get Everyone Involved: Bring in people from different communities to help plan the event. Partner with community organizations for resources and insights, and recruit a diverse team for planning and performances.

Do Your Homework: Research your performers, vendors, and sponsors to avoid those who have discriminated against marginalized groups. Pick partners who genuinely care about inclusivity and stay updated on any controversies involving potential collaborators.

Use Inclusive Language: In your marketing and interactions, such as your event description or marketing emails, use language that’s welcoming and non-discriminatory. Avoid offensive words and stereotypes. Listen to feedback from the community and use gender-neutral language. Respect everyone’s pronouns and don’t push for personal info.

Planning inclusive events might take a bit more effort, but it shows you respect all your attendees. Creating a safe and welcoming environment is always worth celebrating.

We know that things don’t always go as planned. Whether things hit the fan, or you just need to move dates, we understand that changes are going to happen. When they do, remember to give your attendees a heads-up.

Quickly update your event information, and notify everyone about new dates or important information. Use our event messaging tool to let your attendees know about any postponements or updates, like parking lots or street closures.

If you have questions or need a hand using any of our tools for your events, just shout. We're here to help!

You can also check out our full library of resources.

When Ryan Levey took over a historic venue in downtown Spokane, Washington, he made a shocking discovery - the venue used Venue Pilot to ticket and manage events. He reacted viscerally.

“Hell no!”

He knew what had to be done and took immediate action. He signed the venue up for a HoldMyTicket account. “It’s way better,” he reasoned coolly.

Back in 2011, a few years into his now-16 year-old career as a promoter, Ryan was introduced to the power of HoldMyTicket. As an event organizer with events at multiple venues, Ryan was struggling to keep his events organized while using yet another event ticketing platform that was failing to meet his needs. The problem plagued Ryan, following him into conversations with fellow promoters. Finally, after he exasperatedly shared his misery of managing his events once more, a solution was offered to him by another event organizer: HoldMyTicket.

“They’ll get you set up with everything in just a few days,” the wiser promoter advised. “They’ll even hook you up with a website.”

Ryan heeded the advice immediately and within a few days, he was indeed set up with everything he needed to manage and ticket his events. HoldMyTicket even hooked him up with a website. And it was all provided for free. Ryan couldn’t believe the vast capabilities he acquired with the software, discovering “HoldMyTicket is a lot more intricate, in a good way.”

It was then that Ryan vowed to always use HoldMyTicket. The platform, featuring easy event creation and ticket customization, has become an indispensable tool when it comes to managing and growing his business. Reports, coupons and the newsletter tool are essential to running his venue the best way he knows how. Using anything but HoldMyTicket is unconscionable to Ryan. “It is a staple on site that I use regularly.”

Within days of signing up his new venue for an account with HoldMyTicket, the new system was being implemented. More than a decade later, the process was still impressively simple, a testament to the platform’s ease and reliability.

“It is the tried and true method that never fails,” Ryan affirmed, with no reservations about how HoldMyTicket has impacted his career as a promoter.

“I can honestly say that HoldMyTicket has been the greatest companion to me as a promoter, and to be successful in the events I set up. And to also grow my business with reliable and effective tools.”

Whether or not Mercury is in retrograde (it is), we know that stuff is gonna happen. That’s why we want to help you be ready for anything and everything when it comes to your events, and solve any ticketing problems before they start.

Here are a ✌️couple of ways to be proactively prepared for turbulent times, and always:

• Get familiar: Our software is a bit like a magical bag - it just keeps giving everything. See all we have to offer by logging into Spark and checking out different event settings and features. From adding tickets and setting up sales start and stop times, to creating time-saving default settings, everything you need to organize and market your event can be found in our event management platform.

• Practice makes perfect. The best way to learn something is to do it. One of the best things about HoldMyTicket is that our software is designed with you in mind. Its setup is meant to be intuitive and easy to use. It’s also hard to “break,” so it’s ok to explore different settings, tools or ways to set up your tickets - just be mindful about what you’re publishing! ? If you encounter any problems, relax knowing we’re here to help. Remember: It’s always better to figure out something during a practice run than in live time.

• Ready your supplies: Whether you’re selling hard tickets or eTickets, events are all about getting tickets to your attendees. If you’re ordering tickets for your show, make sure you put in your order with enough time for our team to print and ship them to you from our offices in sunny Albuquerque, N.M. For eTickets, make sure fans know if you’re using delayed delivery and will be getting their tickets in the days leading up to your event. And most importantly, make sure you have enough equipment to get people in the door. Turn any phone into a scanner, or reach out to us a few weeks before your event to get everything you need sent your way.

We know you have a lot to do; that’s why between Spark, our event management app, and Swarm, our mobile box office, HoldMyTicket has a lot to offer. Work smarter, not harder by logging in and exploring all our time-saving tools and features now. If you have questions or requests for additional information and training, reach out to us.

You can also check out all our resources and blog for more tips on rocking your events, like our guide on holding sustainable events

Connecting with ticket buyers and event attendees across all demographics is essential when it comes to maximizing your ticket sales and profits.

Adapting how you plan and promote events to attract younger people can be really rewarding. About 51% of Gen Z go to live events every few months, which is more than the 44% of millennials and much more than the 19% of people who are 55 and older.

Event organizers can bank on Gen Z's regular event attendance by adding certain things to their marketing and planning, like being genuine, using technology, and making things easy.

Cut Through the Noise by Prioritizing Transparency and Essential Information

More than anything Gen Z cares about authenticity and transparency. Focus on being real, honest and open. Gen Z doesn’t like too much unnecessary info, so keep event ads straight to the point. Make sure your marketing and promotion are clear and show exactly what to expect, using pictures to share your main messages quickly. Your event info, like events pages, descriptions, and posters, should clearly explain who, what, when, where, and why. Tell them why the event matters, what they'll get from it, how much it costs, and any health or safety rules. Be honest about any sponsors or partners since Gen Z doesn't like sneaky tactics. Also, keep them updated during the event using their favorite online ways, and keep messages short and relevant. Make sure to consider accessibility of all sorts to avoid a faux pas that could result in your event’s online infamy.

Leverage Digital Tickets and Mobile Engagement

Using digital tickets is essential, not just handy, for attracting Gen Z to events. Etickets, along with mobile apps or online platforms that offer live updates, allow for networking, and provide extra content about the event, really appeal to Gen Z's love for smooth, digital-first experiences. These digital tools also act as a central place for all information related to the event, cutting down on the need for paper and supporting Gen Z's growing interest in protecting the environment. This approach matches their preferences for efficient, tech-savvy solutions and shows understanding of their environmental values.

Smart Use of Social Media, Moving Beyond the Use of Influencers

While social media is still key for reaching Gen Z, the approach needs updating. Instead of mainly using influencers, whose impact and trustworthiness are dwindling with Gen Z, focus on creating content they'll want to share. Offer behind-the-scenes glimpses, encouraging content created by users, and letting attendees help tell the event's story. Now, it's more about working with micro-influencers and real supporters of the brand who may have fewer followers but those followers are more dedicated and active. Working with these influencers can make your event's promotion feel more real. Also, letting all attendees share their own true experiences online can naturally extend your event's visibility. It's important to keep using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, but make sure the content is not only genuine and engaging but also offers real value, not just ads.

Adapt Your Selections

Understand that Gen Z wants something different. Instead of traditional party scenes, they're interested in entertainment that fits into their wellness lifestyle. Add wellness activities to your events and use digital tools to match Gen Z's preferences, making your place feel forward-thinking and welcoming. Since Gen Z isn't as into alcohol, offer unique non-alcoholic options like mocktails and craft sodas. Enhance the experience with interactive features like virtual reality and special theme nights. By emphasizing the social and cultural sides of your events, such as encouraging community involvement and appreciation for the arts, you'll attract those looking for deeper connections. Attracting Gen Z to events means being transparent, innovative online, and real on social media. Offer straightforward information, use digital tickets and apps, and make social media more engaging and authentic. This approach helps build a real connection with Gen Z. Aim to craft not just events, but experiences that reflect their values, tastes, and digital priorities.

Get more insights and tips by checking out all our resources.

Fred Slow, owner of Duke City Championship Wrestling, has been in entertainment for 20 years. In that time, he’s found the most success with “the thing that doesn’t exist” yet. So he decided to bring professional wrestling to Albuquerque, unsure about how it would be received, but knowing he wanted to use HoldMyTicket to ticket his events.

“We wanted to create a really good product and how people interpreted that product, that was up to them,” Fred explains. A crucial component of DCCW's rapid ascent since its inception less than a year ago has been its partnership with HoldMyTicket.

“So many of our individuals that attend our programs are already familiar with HoldMyTicket. Every individual goes to hold my ticket.com and purchases the ticket from us between $20-$45. We want to make sure they're getting the value that they deserve.”

Slow praises the platform’s ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and community-centric approach to helping DCCW achieve its goals, saying it helps him set up bookings and manage events. For him, recommending HoldMyTicket to other event promoters and organizers is a no-brainer. Its updated platform, effortless accessibility for consumers, and exceptional customer support have solidified DCCW's loyalty.

"Their updated platform, their ease of access for consumers, and their customer support has made us loyal to HoldMyTicket, I believe, for the entire existence of Duke City Championship Wrestling," Fred states with confidence, lamenting on the perks of using HoldMyTicket. “It's that ease on our end...We don't have to train anyone on a new platform.You guys have the platform set up, we have the support that surrounds it.”

Reflecting on his journey with DCCW and HoldMyTicket, Fred sees more than just a ticketing service; he sees a partner that understands the importance of community and treats its clients with the respect and attention they deserve.

"It has a tie to the community and it doesn't treat you like you're not relevant like some of the bigger ticket companies," he says, highlighting the personal touch that sets HoldMyTicket apart. “I don't feel like a client number. I feel like a client.”

Fred Slow's experience with HoldMyTicket serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community in creating and sustaining entertainment ventures. As DCCW continues to captivate audiences in Albuquerque and beyond, its partnership with HoldMyTicket remains a cornerstone of its success, embodying the spirit of mutual support and growth that defines the very essence of Duke City Championship Wrestling.

Your events deserve to soar. Leap Day is the perfect time to take a leap forward in your event planning with HoldMyTicket's intuitive ticketing platform.

Just like the extra day in February, HoldMyTicket’s Spark and Swarm give you that extra edge to create, manage, and sell tickets to your events effortlessly.

Let's jump into how to use more HoldMyTicket to rise to the top when it comes to holding the hottest events.

Leap into Efficiency: With HoldMyTicket, setting up your event is as easy as taking a leap. Streamlines ticket sales, check-ins, and attendee management, saving you time and effort. Our intuitive interface guides you through the process, allowing you to create events in just a few clicks. No more hurdles or hoops to jump through – just simple, straightforward event creation.

Rely on a Safety Net: At HoldMyTicket, we're always here to lend you a helping hand, or should we say, a help you land on your feet. Our support team is available to assist you with any questions or issues you may encounter. Leap into action knowing that you have the access to help you up every step of the way.

Jump Out from the Competition: Take control of your online presence with a website or customized widgets that reflects your brand and vision at absolutely no additional charge. Give fans an online space at which to anticipate your next event announcement. Sell tickets directly to fans, and even let attendees pick their own seats.

Launch into the Future: Embrace the future of ticketing with our cutting-edge solutions. From mobile ticketing and delayed ticket delivery to real-time analytics, we've got everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. Use social media integration to reach a greater audience and track your marketing efforts, and announce upcoming events via the HMT Newsletter Tool.

Using some of the above tips, you’re sure to leap forward with HoldMyTicket. Learn more about holding successful events with our resources and support.

Join us at HoldMyTicket in celebrating the joy of unforgettable events by becoming a part of our Affiliate Program today. Sharing the love has never been more rewarding!

How it Works:

1. Sign up: Getting started with our Affiliate Program is quick, easy, and completely free. Simply register and gain access to your personalized affiliate dashboard.

2. Share your unique affiliate link: Whether you're a seasoned blogger, a social media influencer, an event organizer, or just someone who knows a lot of people who love bringing others together, you can share your affiliate link across all your channels. Spread the ease of HoldMyTicket and make it easier for your people to hold their events with our extensive platform of tools.

3. Earn commissions: Every time someone who signs up through your unique affiliate link sells a ticket, you'll earn 10% of HoldMyTicket’s fees. The more tickets sold through your link, the more you earn. It's that simple! Once you’ve accrued at least $20, we’ll send you your cut.

But it's not just about earning rewards. By participating in HoldMyTicket's Affiliate Program, you're also making a difference by helping others find peace of mind and save time with our event management and ticketing software..

Join us in spreading the love for easier events and start earning rewards today. Get started now and become a valued member of our community of passionate HoldMyTicket enthusiasts.

Why Join HoldMyTicket's Affiliate Program?

1. Make Extra Cash: Our Affiliate Program offers competitive commission rates, ensuring that you're rewarded for your efforts in promoting events.

2. Grow your audience: By sharing HoldMyTicket with your friends, you'll attract a reputation for someone who knows what works when it comes to organizing events.

3. Support from our team: Our dedicated affiliate support team is here to help you succeed. Whether you have questions about your affiliate program earnings or need assistance with your promotions, we're here to help.

How to Maximize Your Earnings:

1. Create engaging content: Use your platform to create engaging content that highlights why you think people should use HoldMyTicket. Whether it's a blog post, a social media post, or a video, make sure to capture your audience's attention with authenticity and enthusiasm by sharing why you prefer us.

2. Promote across multiple channels: Don't limit yourself to just one channel. Promote your affiliate link across all your channels to reach a wider audience and maximize your earnings potential. Just be sure to emphasize your content is aimed at event organizers rather than attendees. For people looking for events, send them to HoldMyTicket’s event page.

3. Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and messages from your audience to build trust and loyalty, and show that you stand by HoldMyTicket, while knowing we’re here to offer support. Encourage them to sign up through your affiliate link, while reaching out to the HoldMyTicket team for a demo.

Join HoldMyTicket's Affiliate Program today and start spreading the love for unforgettable events while earning rewards. Sign up now and be a part of our community of passionate event enthusiasts.