By Hayley Ringle Reporter, Phoenix Business Journal. See original story here.
Gilbert-based ticketing software company TicketForce has expanded into a larger office as it announces it broke its own ticket sales record, again.
TicketForce sold over $100 million in tickets in 2017, breaking the company sales record and increasing its 2016 sales record by up to 28 percent.
TicketForce CEO Lynne King Smith attributes the sales increase to new software, marketing tools and customers.
“Ticket sales in 2017 were strong across many markets, including the surging popularity of Broadway shows (Hamilton is now traveling); many major performers hitting the road, and solid attendance at family favorite events like rodeos, racing and fairs,” King Smith said. “We expect these trends to continue through 2018 and beyond as the millennial generation continues to value experiences over other expenses for their discretionary income.”
TicketForce provides software and systems for venues to sell their own tickets independently for as much as 70 percent less than Ticketmaster.
TicketForce offers a customizable, full-service ticketing and box office management platform that includes a call center, gate sales, access control, payment processing, management tools and total data control.
The company, which was founded in 2003 as YouthForce by King Smith and her husband Brad Smith, works with over 200 partners across North America.
Local clients include the Celebrity Theatre, Tempe Center for the Arts, Orpheum Theatre and Phoenix Symphony Hall.
The 20-employee company recently moved into an office that is double the size of its old office. The new office is on the second floor of a new three-story building owned by King Smith and in the planning stages for more than two years.
“BLDG313 is a dream brought to life through the work of so many – built from the ground up, the building represents an era when buildings were built for both beauty and function,” King Smith said. “From the Chicago-style brick walls and the lot-line to lot-line footprint, BLDG313 utilizes in a genius way, every inch of space possible, making it one of the most unique projects in the area.”
The building in Gilbert’s downtown Heritage District also houses the Thrive Co-Working for Women space on the third floor, co-founded by King Smith and her daughter, Braelyn Smith. Learn more about Thrive Co-Working for Women here.
The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar and restaurant is on the first floor. There is also space for a rooftop lounge/bar on the third floor.
“Being in business for 15 years and having this kind of growth is incredible – and difficult,” King Smith said. “The live event industry is poised for more solid years and I have never felt so prepared. The new office space allows our team to grow organically while supporting things like training space, in-house equipment storage and a growing sales and marketing department.”
The office can hold more than 40 employees as the company plans to continue growing.
Hiring plans this year include adding up to six people on the sales and marketing team, up to four in customer support and one other administrator.
TicketForce’s new office features brick walls, an open floor plan, glass walled-offices, a dream room and large balcony.
“Being in this space is a draw for new potential employees with exercise facilities nearby, restaurants and the excitement of working in a downtown area,” King Smith said. “While Gilbert is a suburb, the energy here in the Heritage District is something very special.”
King Smith started as the company’s chief business development officer and became CEO after her husband turned over the top job in 2010. Brad Smith now serves in his wife’s previous role.