Passphere Group and iTICKET merge to deliver ticketing innovations into New Zealand market

New Zealand start-up technology company, Passphere Group has today announced its merger with iTICKET. The merger aims to give "ownership of ticketing back to venues and promoters" and promises "the ultimate experience" for customers. 

Combining over 20 years of specialised knowledge and experience in event ticketing, this partnership will bring Passphere's brand new world-class scale technology and advanced analytics to play by powering the well-loved iTICKET suite of live event entertainment. 

Passphere Group’s offer's an innovative booking and analytics platform, designed to suit any form of event or transaction that requires booking to attend. Passphere Chief Executive Ezel Kokcu says the new platform is committed to resolving some of the biggest issues of ticketing for both promoters and customers, advising “the ticketing industry is currently struggling with legacy technology.

"Fans all over the world are frustrated with issues that ruin the experience of going to an event; problems at the online checkout, delays to get in the entrance to see their favourite artist and the complete nightmare that is the ticket reselling market."

Using new features, such as ‘white label’ integration, direct API access, and intuitive booking technology, the Passphere platform aims to enhance the customer journey from point of purchase right through to arriving at an event. Ticket fraud and unauthorised re-selling will be reduced by giving promoters and customers much more flexible refund, exchange and re-sale options. 

Kokcu explained “we want to bring back the fundamental experience of attending events with family and friends, without the hassles that inflexible ticketing can bring."

iTICKET Chief Executive Reece Preston says the ticketing industry has evolved at an incredible rate over the past few years, and with its new technology, Passphere Group will be at the forefront of delivering a re-imagined ticketing experience for both promoters and customers. 

Preston added "by combining iTICKET’s years of local ticketing experience with Passphere’s world-class scale technology and advanced analytics, we are boosting our ability to deliver powerful event ticketing. Our new offering positions us perfectly for future growth, both in New Zealand and overseas."

iTICKET is involved in ticketing events from community theatre and local sports to major concerts and large scale festivals across New Zealand and Australia, including Splore Festival, Taste of Auckland and Armageddon Expo. 

iTICKET was named as a winner in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 in 2014 and twice nominated for Excellence In Innovation category in the Westpac Auckland Business Awards. 

For more information go to www.passphere.com/merger 

Image top of Ezel Kokcu and Reece Preston