The 6th Annual VenuesNow Conference, which got rolling on 9/27 in Palm Springs, drew a throng of folks from the facilities industry. Presented by Lockton and Oracle, VNC6 featured speakers, panels and keynotes with top venue executives and industry leaders. Intrepid HITS reporters were on hand for the event and all the room-temperature deli meats we could cram in our pockets.

Getting tickets into the hands of fans is a hot topic in the live sports and entertainment industry. Artists, sports teams, promoters and venues alike are keen to give fans first crack at hot tickets prior to their sale on the secondary market. At VNC6, Michi B. Inc. Founder Michele Bernstein, Ticketmaster COO Michael Wichser and Madison Square Garden Entertainment EVP, Live Josephine Vaccarello took on the topic of fair and equitable ticketing solutions during a panel conversation moderated by Logitix Head of Music Jed Weitzman.

“Over the past decade, we’ve probably had the most innovative period in live event history and certainly in the realm of ticketing,” said Weitzman.

The panel agreed that offering artists options prior to presale to work with tools in Ticketmaster’s toolbox has given fans more access to tickets. “We use all of Ticketmaster’s technology including Verified Fan, Face Value Exchange, and turn off ticket transfer to try and accomplish the goal of circumventing bots and scalpers,” said Wicher. “You want to keep as many safeguards in place as possible without putting too much friction in the system for the fans. Customer experience is paramount.”

Panelists also discussed a need for better enforcement of the BOTS Act which was passed in 2016 making it illegal to resell tickets purchased with bot technology. Meanwhile, Ticketmaster continues to innovate with options like Smart Queue and fan registration campaigns to run more orderly onsales and prioritize fans. “One thing we can agree on: Tickets need to get in the hands of fans,” said Weitzman.

Another thing we can agree on: You should never put the contents of a deli tray in your back pockets.

Seen in the photo wondering where the smell of croque monsieur is coming from are (l-r) Weitzman, Wicher, Bernstein and Vaccarello.