Ticketing conference to explain new opportunities for engagement

Registrations are flowing in for the 8th Annual NARPACA Ticketing Professionals Conference with delegates set to learn about the latest technological innovations in all areas of ticketing.
With the theme 'Technology: New Opportunities for Engagement', the conference will present in excess of 150 ticketing professionals from around Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to hear from national and international experts and network with peers from around Australasia over three busy days.
The theme for the conference is of relevance to the box office, particularly issues such as online ticketing and social media.
The event is being held from 20th to 22nd February 2012 at the Sebel Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne.
As part of the conference, a trade show offers system vendors and delegates the opportunity to share, discuss and demonstrate recent advances in ticketing systems and services. Sponsors include: Tickets.com, Tessitura, Enta, TicketServ, Foxtix, House of Tickets, PatronBase and Arts Victoria.
Organising Committee Chair Tim Roberts explains "technological innovation is increasing in pace. As a result, the traditional box office managers' role has changed and will continue to do so. The box office is increasingly falling under, or near, marketing. It is now less about processing anonymous transactions and dispatching receipts, and more about facilitating ongoing relationships. Ticketing is evolving rapidly to a variety of platforms for online transactions and self service. Other new technological initiatives are also increasingly reaching into the role of ticketing: web, email, social media and mobile devices. "
Roberts, is particularly excited that Google has agreed to speak at the Conference. The global reach of Google will provide invaluable perspectives on a variety of new developments including:
ï¾ Flight Search - and what it means to other industries like entertainment
ï¾ Google Places - and how entertainment venues can make the most of such tools
ï¾ YouTube - and its demonstration value to attract new audiences
ï¾ Google Analytics - and monitoring online transactions' volume and value
ï¾ Mobile transaction trends
Another topic that the conference will consider is the boom in online access and transactions on handheld devices with the adoption of mobile Internet about 10 times faster than desktop Internet.
According to consultancy Morgan Stanley, by 2014, "more users will connect to the Internet over mobile devices than desktop PCs."
Explaining this trend, strategist Stuart Buchanan, founder of digital agency The Nest, will share great insights and practical pointers in his session 'Mobile Transactions: Are you ready? ' - sponsored by Arts Victoria.
Rebekah Campbell, founder and Chief Executive of Posse.com, will also about mobilising fans and using this community to sell more tickets.
Suzanne Daley, Director Policy & Programs for Live Performance Australia, will also be exploring a hot topic - the thorny issue of customer data access. This is bound to get a lot of attention from venues, producers and ticket companies alike.
A case study of the potential that online marketing and ticketing delivered for the recent 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand will provide valuable learnings from a successful international event.
For more information on 8th Annual NARPACA Ticketing Professionals Conference contact Tim Roberts on 0419 277 694.
Registrations can be made online (at the link below) while the event has a Facebook community and can be followed on Twitter for updates @TixProf.
tim.roberts@ticketingprofessionals.com.au
http://www.ticketingprofessionals.com.au