SeatGeek to exit Asia-Pacific and non major entertainment and sport markets

Mobile-focused ticketing platform SeatGeek is to exit the Asia-Pacific market to focus on major sport and entertainment properties in the USA and Europe.

The move will see SeatGeek Asia Pacific - the former TicketServ Asia Pacific - cease operations and, in due course, will see the cessation of support for clients across Asia, Australasia and Oceania and for facilities in attractions, regional performing arts and tourism[IE>]  at the end of the clients current contract terms.

In an update to Asia-Pacific clients, SeatGeek advised that since its purchase of TopTix in early 2017 and its partner group businesses, including TicketServ it had “reviewed all vertical markets and SRO product direction”, making “the decision to focus on specific verticals (and to) sunset any new business sales outside of live entertainment.”

SeatGeek defines ‘live entertainment’ as being sport, music/concerts and major performing arts such as Broadway and West End-style commercial theatre.

The notice added “after a very careful and detailed review, and consideration of the global markets, SeatGeek Enterprise intends to slowly wind down and ultimately close its operations in the Asia Pacific region and withdraw from the regional market.”

The announcement to clients from the SeatGeek Enterprise Team added "all businesses must make difficult decisions, and this is one of the most difficult that SeatGeek Enterprise has had to make.

“At the end of the day we must make sure our business is focused on serving our customers - on the consumer and business side - in the best possible way.

“To that end, SRO is an important piece of what SeatGeek Enterprise provides, but equally important is the quality of service that comes along with the product. We don’t want to be in a place where we are unable to give clients the support and care that they need and deserve.”

SeatGeek’s advice went on to state “SeatGeek Asia Pacific will continue to perform its obligations under contracts with clients and will work with each client in due course to assist as much as possible in helping you transition to a new ticketing provider.

“We understand that for most clients this is a difficult change to make.”

In line with this exit of the Asia Pacific by SeatGeek, Ian English, the founder and Managing Director of TicketServ/SeatGeek Asia Pacific has also exited the business.

English stated “after nine years of building the business, growing a great team and expanding a wide ranging client base across the Asia Pacific, it is disappointing to have had to manage this exit direction.

“During all these years, I have had the pleasure of dealing with a fantastic group of passionate and professional organisations and people and, while these directions for the business have been decided by others, I will be doing my utmost to ensure that there are future options for the client base as well as the wider market.”

SeatGeek has invited clients with questions to email: enterprise-feedback@seatgeek.com