Introduction: The Future of Event Management
The global online event ticketing market is projected to soar to $68 billion by 2028, growing at an impressive annual rate of 7.5%. This rapid expansion highlights a transformative shift: technology is no longer just a supporting tool in event management—it’s now the driving force behind seamless attendee experiences and scalable operations. From instant online ticket purchases to real-time data analytics, digital platforms have redefined how we approach events.
One platform at the forefront of this transformation is Big Ticket Technologies, formerly known as Xorbia Tickets. This innovative company has not only streamlined event management but also significantly increased its revenue through the use of cutting-edge technology. By leveraging advanced tools like real-time analytics, mobile app integration, and scalable cloud-based solutions, Big Ticket Technologies has set a new standard for the industry.
The journey of Big Ticket Technologies from Xorbia to a leader in revenue generation showcases a larger trend in the event ticketing space: technology is at the heart of modern platforms, enabling seamless user experiences, scalability, and profitability.
Table of Contents
- Evolution of Event Management Technology
- Core Technologies Powering Event Ticketing Platforms
- Emerging Technologies Shaping the Future
- Monetization Models in Ticketing Platforms
- Unique Features and Customization for Event Organizers
- Sustainability and Green Initiatives in Event Tech
- Data Privacy and Cybersecurity in Ticketing
- Competitive Landscape Analysis
- The Future of Event Ticketing
- Conclusion
Evolution of Event Management Technology
From Paper Tickets to Digital Platforms
Not too long ago, organizing events relied on simple paper tickets. These were exchanged at the door, and organizers used manual processes to track sales and attendance. While this worked for small events, it became a challenge as events got bigger. Managing large crowds, tracking tickets, and gathering data were difficult and time-consuming.
The shift to electronic ticketing changed everything. Early digital systems allowed event organizers to track sales more easily and offered better control. As the internet and mobile technology advanced, ticketing evolved into complete digital ecosystems. These systems now handle everything from ticket sales and marketing to real-time attendee data.
Platforms like Big Ticket Technologies (which started as Xorbia Tickets) have led this transformation. They’ve introduced innovative tools to make event management simpler, faster, and more profitable. By adopting technology, Big Ticket Technologies has helped event organizers increase their revenue while giving attendees a smoother experience.1
Big Tickets: A Case Study in Growth Through Technology
The journey of Big Ticket Technologies is a perfect example of how technology can drive success in the event industry. It started in 2003 as Xorbia Tickets, a platform designed to simplify ticket sales for smaller events. Its tools were easy to use, making it popular with event organizers.
In 2018, Xorbia2 rebranded as Big Ticket Technologies, a move that represented its growth and commitment to using advanced technology. This rebranding wasn’t just a name change—it introduced new features to help the platform grow its revenue and serve more organizers. Key improvements included:
- Scalable cloud-based systems to handle large numbers of ticket sales quickly and reliably.
- Mobile apps that let organizers manage events from anywhere.
- Real-time sales tracking to help organizers make smarter decisions and boost event success.
The shift from Xorbia Tickets to Big Ticket Technologies shows how embracing digital tools can lead to significant growth. By focusing on technology, the platform has stayed ahead in a competitive industry and become a trusted name for event organizers.
Core Technologies Powering Event Ticketing Platforms
Event ticketing platforms are no longer just about selling tickets—they’re now powerful tools that make organizing events easier and more profitable. Platforms like Big Ticket Technologies (formerly Xorbia Tickets) lead the way by using smart technologies to deliver smooth, reliable experiences for event organizers and attendees. Let’s explore the core technologies that make this possible.
Tech Infrastructure Behind Big Tickets
For a platform like Big Ticket Technologies, having a strong technical foundation is crucial to handle the demands of large-scale events. Here’s how it works:
- Real-Time Analytics and Cloud Computing
- With cloud-based systems, Big Tickets can handle thousands of ticket sales at the same time without crashing.
- Real-time analytics gives event organizers instant insights, like tracking how many tickets are sold, which times are busiest, and who’s buying the tickets. These insights help organizers make smarter decisions to improve their events and grow revenue.
- API Integrations
- Google Maps API: Makes it easy for organizers to include venue locations on event pages, so attendees can find the event without hassle.
- Social Media Integration: Lets organizers promote events directly through platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Attendees can even buy tickets without leaving the social media app, making it more convenient and increasing ticket sales.
These technologies are the backbone of Big Ticket Technologies, helping organizers run successful events while boosting their revenue.3
The Role of Mobile Apps
Mobile apps have changed the way people organize and attend events. Big Ticket Technologies uses mobile technology to make events smoother for everyone:
- Fast Check-Ins
- Organizers can use Big Tickets’ mobile app to scan QR codes on tickets, cutting down waiting times and speeding up entry.
- Convenience for Attendees
- Attendees can use their phones to check event details, access their tickets, and even get real-time updates. This means they don’t have to print tickets or worry about losing them.
Mobile apps make events more organized and enjoyable, proving how important mobile technology is for platforms like Big Tickets.4
Payment Processing and Cybersecurity
Keeping payments secure is a top priority for ticketing platforms like Big Tickets. Here’s how they protect users:
- Tokenization and Encryption
- Sensitive payment information is replaced with unique tokens, so actual card details are never stored. Encryption ensures data is safe during transactions.
- PCI Compliance
- Big Tickets follows strict security rules (PCI DSS standards) to protect cardholder information and ensure safe payments.
- Fraud Detection
- With AI-powered fraud detection systems, Big Tickets reduces risks for organizers and buyers. This makes the checkout process safe and trustworthy for everyone.
By focusing on security, Big Tickets builds trust with users, which is key to growing its revenue and reputation.5
Emerging Technologies Shaping the Future of Event Ticketing
Blockchain for Ticket Authenticity
Blockchain is revolutionizing the event ticketing industry by addressing one of its biggest challenges: fraud. Traditional ticketing systems often struggle with counterfeit tickets and ticket scalping. Blockchain offers a transparent, decentralized solution to these problems.
- Preventing Fraud:
Blockchain-based tickets are created as unique digital assets, often referred to as NFTs (non-fungible tokens). Each ticket is tamper-proof and linked to an unchangeable digital ledger, making it impossible to counterfeit. - Ensuring Transparency:
With blockchain, every transaction is securely recorded and visible on the ledger. Organizers can track ticket ownership and sales history, ensuring a fair resale market and eliminating scalping.
For platforms like Big Ticket Technologies, blockchain could enhance trust among users, improve ticket resale experiences, and increase event security.
Reference: Read more about blockchain’s potential in ticketing here.
AI for Personalized Event Marketing
Artificial intelligence is helping event organizers take marketing to the next level. By analyzing user data, AI tools make it easier to target the right audience, optimize pricing strategies, and recommend events to attendees based on their preferences.
- Optimizing Pricing:
AI analyzes sales patterns and attendee behavior to determine the best pricing strategies. For example, dynamic pricing models can automatically adjust ticket prices based on demand, ensuring maximum profitability. - Targeted Advertising:
With AI-powered tools, organizers can target ads to specific groups of people based on demographics, location, and browsing behavior. This ensures that marketing budgets are spent effectively, reaching audiences more likely to buy tickets. - Event Recommendations:
Platforms like Big Ticket Technologies could use AI to recommend events to users based on their past attendance or interests, creating a more personalized and engaging experience.
By integrating AI, platforms can help organizers boost ticket sales while delivering highly customized experiences for attendees.
AR/VR for Enhanced Engagement
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are opening up exciting possibilities for the future of events. These technologies are transforming how attendees experience events, offering new ways to engage both in-person and virtually.
- Virtual Event Previews:
AR and VR can let attendees preview venues and events before buying tickets. For example, a VR walkthrough of a concert setup or an AR overlay showing seating views could help users make more informed decisions. - Hybrid Event Experiences:
For attendees unable to travel, VR can provide immersive virtual access to live events, creating a hybrid model where physical and virtual attendees share the experience. - Interactive Elements:
At live events, AR can enhance engagement by offering interactive features like scavenger hunts, live polls, or augmented visuals synced with performances.
For platforms like Big Tickets, AR/VR could be the next big step in creating memorable experiences for both organizers and attendees.
Monetization Models in Ticketing Platforms
Ticketing platforms like Big Ticket Technologies have evolved beyond simple systems for selling tickets. Today, they leverage advanced technologies to unlock multiple revenue streams, making them powerful tools for both event organizers and the platforms themselves. Below, we explore the various monetization strategies and how Big Tickets has optimized its revenue model.
Revenue Streams Enabled by Technology
Modern ticketing platforms generate revenue through a combination of direct and indirect streams, powered by cutting-edge tools and integrations.
- Service Fees
- A significant portion of revenue comes from service fees charged on each ticket sale. These fees vary based on ticket prices, event type, and the features used by organizers. For platforms like Big Tickets, service fees are a predictable and scalable revenue source.
- Premium Organizer Tools
- Platforms offer premium features like advanced analytics, real-time reporting, and personalized event branding for organizers who need more robust tools. These add-ons are often tiered, allowing platforms to monetize based on the level of functionality needed.
- Cross-Promotion and Partnerships
- Platforms like Big Tickets can partner with other companies to promote additional services, such as catering, venue rentals, or event insurance. By integrating these services into the platform, ticketing companies earn a share of referral or affiliate revenue while adding value for organizers.
By diversifying their revenue streams, platforms ensure sustainable growth while offering more value to both organizers and attendees.6
Case Study: How Big Tickets Optimizes Revenue
Big Ticket Technologies (formerly Xorbia Tickets) has successfully implemented a variety of features to drive its revenue growth. Here’s a breakdown of some key strategies:
- Upselling Add-Ons
- Big Tickets allows organizers to sell additional items alongside tickets, such as merchandise, food vouchers, or VIP upgrades. These extras not only enhance the attendee experience but also boost ticketing revenue for the platform.
- Marketing Automation
- Big Tickets offers built-in marketing tools that help organizers promote events effectively. These include email campaigns, retargeting ads, and social media integrations. By helping organizers reach more attendees, the platform generates higher ticket sales and service fees.
- Flexible Pricing Options
- The platform supports dynamic pricing models, where ticket prices can adjust based on demand or availability. This feature enables organizers to maximize sales during peak periods, directly benefiting the platform’s service fee revenue.
- Organizer Loyalty
- By offering user-friendly tools, responsive support, and a scalable platform, Big Tickets retains long-term partnerships with event organizers. This loyalty translates to recurring revenue for the platform.
Big Tickets’ focus on providing comprehensive solutions not only drives its revenue but also helps organizers achieve greater success, making it a win-win strategy.
Unique Features and Customization for Event Organizers
Modern event organizers need more than just a ticketing system—they need tools tailored to their unique needs. Platforms like Big Ticket Technologies (formerly Xorbia Tickets) stand out by offering features that are flexible, customizable, and designed to solve real-world challenges. Let’s explore the tools and innovations these platforms provide to help organizers create successful events.
Tailored Solutions for Organizers
Ticketing platforms like Big Tickets understand that no two events are the same. That’s why they offer customizable features that allow organizers to design their event pages and workflows exactly how they want.
- Branding Options
- Organizers can customize event pages with their logos, color schemes, and themes, ensuring a consistent brand experience. This helps build trust with attendees and enhances event recognition.
- Customizable Dashboards
- Big Tickets provides organizers with dashboards that can be tailored to track the metrics that matter most, such as ticket sales, attendee demographics, and revenue breakdowns. This makes it easy to monitor event performance in real time.
- Built-In Marketing Tools
- Platforms like Big Tickets include tools for email marketing, social media promotions, and attendee retargeting. These tools enable organizers to reach a wider audience while keeping promotional costs low.
With these solutions, Big Tickets empowers organizers to take full control of their events while providing attendees with a professional, seamless experience.
Solving Real-World Problems with Technology
Event organizers face a range of challenges, from last-minute ticket sales to managing no-shows. Platforms like Big Tickets use innovative technologies to address these issues, ensuring events run smoothly:
- Handling Last-Minute Ticket Sales
- Big Tickets enables organizers to sell tickets online right up until the event begins. Attendees can purchase tickets on their phones and receive instant confirmations, making it easy to accommodate late buyers.
- Reducing No-Shows
- No-shows can hurt both the event experience and revenue. Big Tickets combats this by sending automated reminders and updates to attendees before the event. These reminders encourage attendance and reduce the likelihood of empty seats.
- Streamlining Check-Ins
- QR code scanning tools built into mobile apps make check-ins fast and efficient, eliminating long lines and improving the attendee experience.
- Adapting to Capacity Changes
- For events with fluctuating attendance limits, Big Tickets provides flexible ticketing options that allow organizers to adjust capacities and ticket availability in real time.
By solving these real-world challenges, Big Tickets helps organizers focus on delivering a successful event instead of worrying about operational hurdles.7
Sustainability and Green Initiatives in Event Tech.
Paperless Ticketing and Digital-First Approaches
One of the simplest yet most impactful ways ticketing platforms reduce environmental harm is by adopting paperless ticketing. Traditional events relied heavily on printed tickets, brochures, and schedules—all of which contributed to waste. Today, ticketing platforms offer digital-first solutions that promote sustainability:
- Digital Tickets:
- Big Ticket Technologies allows attendees to access their tickets via mobile apps or email. This eliminates the need for printing, saving resources and reducing waste.
- Electronic Check-Ins:
- Organizers can use QR codes for seamless digital check-ins, further minimizing the need for paper.
- Online Event Information:
- Event details such as schedules, maps, and updates are shared online, replacing printed handouts. Attendees can access this information on their devices, ensuring convenience without compromising the environment.
By embracing digital-first strategies, platforms like Big Tickets significantly lower the environmental impact of events while offering attendees a modern, hassle-free experience.
Opportunities for Carbon Footprint Tracking
While ticketing platforms are already helping events go green, there’s an opportunity to take sustainability a step further with carbon footprint tracking. For platforms like Big Ticket Technologies, incorporating eco-friendly analytics could unlock new ways to promote environmentally conscious events:
- Tracking Carbon Impact Per Attendee:
- Platforms could estimate the carbon emissions associated with each ticket purchase by analyzing factors like venue energy usage, attendee travel distances, and waste generated during the event.
- Offset Options:
- Big Tickets could partner with carbon offset programs, giving attendees the option to offset their share of emissions during ticket purchase. For example, a small fee could be added to support reforestation or renewable energy projects.
- Insights for Organizers:
- Providing event organizers with detailed carbon impact reports could help them make more sustainable choices. For instance, they could reduce energy use by switching to LED lighting or encourage carpooling by offering discounts for attendees who share rides.
- Eco-Certifications:
- Big Tickets could reward organizers with “green event” badges for meeting sustainability benchmarks, encouraging broader adoption of eco-friendly practices.
By integrating carbon tracking tools, Big Ticket Technologies could position itself as a leader in sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious organizers and attendees alike.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity in Ticketing
Challenges in Handling User Data
Handling sensitive user data comes with several risks, particularly in the event management industry, where breaches can harm both attendees and organizers. Key challenges include:
- Data Breaches:
- Cyberattacks targeting ticketing platforms can result in stolen payment details, email addresses, and other personal data. Such breaches can erode customer trust and lead to significant financial and reputational damage.
- Phishing and Fraud:
- Fraudulent actors may target attendees with phishing scams disguised as event-related emails, tricking users into sharing their personal information.
- Scalability Issues:
- As platforms like Big Tickets grow, they must ensure that their security measures can scale to protect increasing amounts of data while maintaining system performance.
How Big Tickets Safeguards User Data8:
- Encryption: All sensitive data, including payment information, is encrypted both in transit and at rest, ensuring it cannot be easily intercepted or accessed.
- Tokenization: Payment details are replaced with unique tokens, ensuring that actual card details are not stored on the platform’s servers.
- Fraud Detection Tools: AI-driven systems monitor for suspicious activity and prevent unauthorized access to user accounts.
By prioritizing these security measures, Big Ticket Technologies minimizes risks and builds user confidence.
Compliance with Data Protection Laws
In addition to implementing strong security measures, platforms like Big Ticket Technologies must adhere to strict data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States.
- GDPR Compliance:
- Under GDPR, ticketing platforms must ensure transparency about how user data is collected, stored, and used. For example:
- Users must consent to the collection of their data during ticket purchases.
- Platforms must provide clear options for users to view, download, or delete their personal information.
- Data breaches must be reported within 72 hours to the relevant authorities.
- Under GDPR, ticketing platforms must ensure transparency about how user data is collected, stored, and used. For example:
- CCPA Requirements:
- Similar to GDPR, CCPA gives users greater control over their data. Platforms like Big Tickets must allow users to opt out of data sharing with third parties and provide detailed privacy policies.
- Data Minimization:
- Both regulations emphasize collecting only the data necessary for transactions. Platforms must avoid over-collection of data to reduce risks.
Big Tickets’ Approach:
- Regular audits and updates to ensure compliance with global data protection laws.
- Providing clear privacy policies and tools that let users manage their personal information.
- Training employees to handle sensitive data responsibly, reducing human error risks.
By adhering to these regulations, Big Ticket Technologies not only avoids legal penalties but also reinforces its commitment to user privacy.9
Competitive Landscape Analysis
How Big Tickets Stands Out
Big Tickets differentiates itself from its competitors by offering features and services tailored to smaller and mid-sized event organizers, while still being scalable for larger events.
- User-Friendly Platform for Independent Organizers:
- While competitors like Ticketmaster focus on large-scale events such as concerts and festivals, Big Tickets caters to independent organizers who need simple, cost-effective solutions for managing local events. Its user-friendly interface makes it an attractive choice for organizers with limited technical expertise.
- Customizable Features:
- Unlike Eventbrite’s standardized tools, Big Tickets provides more customization options for event branding, ticketing, and reporting. This allows organizers to create a more personalized experience for attendees.
- Transparent Pricing Structure:
- Big Tickets offers straightforward pricing with no hidden fees, a key differentiator from competitors like Ticketmaster, whose fees are often criticized for being unclear and excessive.
- Focus on Mobile Technology:
- Big Tickets excels in mobile-first solutions, offering apps that help organizers streamline ticket sales and check-ins. While most competitors provide similar functionality, Big Tickets places an emphasis on simplicity and accessibility for users on the go.
- Customer Support:
- Smaller event organizers often praise Big Tickets for its responsive and personalized customer support, which sets it apart from larger competitors with less accessible service models.
Areas for Improvement and Growth Opportunities
While Big Tickets has established itself as a reliable platform for event organizers, there are areas where it can innovate to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry:
- Expand to Larger Events:
- To compete with Ticketmaster and Eventbrite in the large-scale event space, Big Tickets could enhance its infrastructure to handle massive volumes of ticket sales for stadium events or global conferences.
- AI and Predictive Analytics:
- Incorporating AI-driven tools for demand forecasting, attendee engagement, and dynamic pricing could provide organizers with smarter insights and greater revenue opportunities.
- Broader Integrations:
- Expanding third-party integrations with CRMs, email marketing platforms, and event management software like Salesforce or HubSpot could make Big Tickets more appealing to enterprise-level clients.
- Focus on Sustainability:
- Building sustainability features, such as carbon footprint tracking or eco-friendly badges for green events, could attract environmentally conscious organizers and attendees.
- Enhanced Networking Features for Attendees:
- Adding attendee networking tools like in-app chats or matchmaking for business conferences would position Big Tickets as a go-to solution for professional events.
- Global Expansion:
- Targeting international markets where digital ticketing is still emerging could open new revenue streams and increase brand recognition.
By focusing on these growth opportunities, Big Tickets can strengthen its position as a leader in event ticketing while staying ahead of evolving industry trends.
The Future of Event Ticketing
Predicted Trends in the Industry
- Decentralized Ticketing with Blockchain
- Blockchain technology is set to revolutionize ticketing by providing secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions. Decentralized ticketing will allow organizers to track ticket ownership and prevent fraud or scalping through digital verification. Blockchain could also facilitate peer-to-peer ticket transfers, offering greater flexibility for attendees.
- Fully Virtual and Hybrid Events
- The shift to virtual and hybrid events during the pandemic has proven that digital experiences are here to stay. Future platforms will need to provide robust solutions for virtual attendees, including immersive experiences powered by VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality). Ticketing systems will need to accommodate both physical and virtual passes seamlessly.
- Dynamic and Flexible Pricing Models
- AI-powered dynamic pricing will become more common, adjusting ticket costs based on real-time demand, historical data, and attendee preferences. Platforms that can offer these capabilities will empower organizers to maximize revenue.
- Sustainability as a Core Offering
- Eco-consciousness will continue to shape the ticketing industry. Paperless ticketing, carbon footprint tracking, and partnerships with sustainability initiatives will become standard practices for platforms aiming to appeal to green-minded attendees.
- Data-Driven Personalization
- As consumer data becomes more accessible, platforms will need to focus on hyper-personalization. From recommending events based on past attendance to delivering tailored discounts, ticketing platforms will need to use AI to make every customer interaction unique and meaningful.
How Big Tickets and Similar Platforms Must Adapt
To remain competitive in a fast-evolving market, platforms like Big Ticket Technologies must embrace innovation and continuously refine their offerings. Here are some key steps for staying ahead:
- Invest in Emerging Technologies
- Big Tickets should explore integrating blockchain for secure ticketing and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to create unique, collectible event passes. By adopting these technologies early, the platform can establish itself as a forward-thinking leader.
- Enhance Virtual Event Capabilities
- Expanding features for virtual and hybrid events will be crucial. This includes tools for virtual reality experiences, live-streaming integrations, and networking capabilities for online attendees.
- Expand Data Analytics Offerings
- Providing organizers with advanced analytics tools that predict trends, optimize pricing, and measure attendee engagement can set Big Tickets apart from competitors.
- Focus on Sustainability
- Incorporating green features like carbon offset options, eco-friendly event certifications, and waste reduction initiatives can appeal to environmentally conscious organizers and attendees.
- Global Expansion
- As digital ticketing grows globally, Big Tickets should explore untapped markets, particularly in regions where event tech adoption is still emerging. Offering localized features and multilingual support could be key to capturing new audiences.
- Strengthen Partnerships
- Collaborating with venue owners, content creators, and event sponsors can create new revenue opportunities and enhance the platform’s value proposition.
Conclusion
Technology has undeniably transformed the event management industry, revolutionizing how organizers plan, promote, and execute their events. From real-time analytics and mobile apps to blockchain and AI, these advancements have made events more efficient, secure, and engaging for both organizers and attendees. Platforms like Big Ticket Technologies (formerly Xorbia Tickets) exemplify this transformation, leveraging innovative tools to empower organizers, streamline processes, and create memorable experiences while driving significant revenue growth.
What sets Big Ticket Technologies apart is its commitment to offering tailored solutions, robust security, and forward-thinking features that cater to the diverse needs of event organizers. Whether it’s addressing real-world challenges like last-minute ticket sales or providing eco-friendly, paperless ticketing options, Big Tickets continues to deliver exceptional value to its users.
As the story of Big Ticket Technologies’ revenue growth from Xorbia illustrates, staying ahead of emerging trends is essential in the ever-evolving ticketing industry. Technologies like blockchain, AI, and AR/VR present exciting opportunities for platforms and organizers alike. By embracing these advancements, Big Tickets has solidified its position as a leader in the space, driving innovation and growth.
We invite you to explore the technologies discussed in this article and consider how they could enhance your own event experiences. Whether you’re an organizer looking to optimize your event or an attendee seeking convenience and personalization, the future of event tech holds endless possibilities.
References:
- https://www.datanyze.com/companies/big-tickets/56721596 ↩︎
- https://www.neverbounce.com/company/xorbia/1155788750 ↩︎
- https://www.bigtickets.com/online-ticketing/about-us/ ↩︎
- https://www.datanyze.com/companies/big-tickets/56721596 ↩︎
- https://www.bigtickets.com/ ↩︎
- https://www.eventbrite.com/ ↩︎
- https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/ ↩︎
- https://www.csoonline.com/ ↩︎
- https://techcrunch.com/ ↩︎