Ticketrends.com

Ticketmaster to debut as independent company

Standing alone. Sean Moriarty Chief Executive of Ticketmaster will be keen to see what the markets response will be.

Soon to lose Live Nation as its biggest client, the dominant seller of tickets looks for growth abroad and elsewhere.

By Swati Pandey, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
August 21, 2008

Ticketmaster is set today to become a stand-alone publicly traded company, just as the dominant seller of tickets to concerts and sporting events is about to lose its biggest customer.

For five years, the West Hollywood-based company has been part of IAC/InterActiveCorp, owner of an assortment of Internet-based businesses. Under that umbrella, the subsidiary, which last year sold 141 million tickets valued at $8.3 billion, has done well.

Over the last three years, Ticketmaster's revenue has grown at an annualized rate of 18% to $1.24 billion in 2007, with profit increasing at a 34% rate to $169 million.

But under a plan unveiled last year by IAC Chief Executive Barry Diller, the New York-based parent is spinning off Ticketmaster and three other units today by distributing shares in the units to IAC stockholders.

Ticketrends Polls

Will Live Nation suffer from an AEG/Ticketmaster Deal?

	No - Ticketmaster has too many acquisitions in play
	Not enough to mention
	Yes in select markets where AEG has venues
	Yes this is going to get really ugly

Ticketmaster in 2008

The worlds largest ticketing agency has been through a few tough scenarios recently. How will these situations roll out in 2008?

IAC/Ticketmaster - The Beijing Olympics, Hannah Montana Tour, Ticket Brokers, lastly Live Nation. Too many hot issues for Barry Diller to stomach?

Resale deals with NHL and NFL- If industry estimates are correct, the NFL deal would likely cost Ticketmaster about $20million per year for the current agreement. The business model of rebates, or prepayments toward future revenues is great when you have $1billion in cash to play with. Now that Ticketmaster is facing the future without the support of IAC 2008 will be sure to present a reality check.

Beijing Olympics- his high stakes, centerstage fiasco could be the "brookstone" of David's own doing. In the David - vs. - Goliath world, a single stone, well placed ended a conflict. The Asian market is (was) critical for future expansion and growth. This market however, may have taught an American Icon a very painful lesson. Chinese ticketing services are far more capable and sophisticated then we may (want to) believe.

Hannah Montana - On one side, if someone figured out how to buy all of my goods which resulted in driving demand - is that really a bad thing? After all, capitalism depends on supply and demand. The public responded to an economic theory of supply and demand. But, is Ticketmaster guilty of brand - infandelity?

Live Nation and Eventim: Anyone faced with a 20 - 25% loss of income is likely to pucker. Add the fact that there will likely be a continued loss due to the addition of a customer that is now a competitor will certainly be an interesting challenge for 2008.

Ticketing 2.0 in a "FLASH"

( Note from Editor: The following information is presented to further the definition and ecosystem of what we have termed Ticketing 2.0. Flashseats, a division of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers and Ticketmaster are currently engaged in a legal dispute in regards to the "Exclusivity" of Ticketmasters contract with the Cavaliers. At issue is the question of ticket transferability and the FlashSeats application VS Ticketmaster's TicketExchange. )

It's a sure sign of change and evolution, when a new application is immediately greeted with legal challenges. What is clearly evolving as a reactionary stance, Ticketmaster has pooled resources for legal actions to slow the growth of emerging technologies and busincess practices which might challenge their current business model. Based on their published financials, over $7million have been allocated for this strategy.

From our experience, $7million can buy a fair amount of software development within new platforms and best-in-breed tools. Our upcoming Ticketing 2.0 feature of the Chinese Ticketing company Piao will clearly show just how far the Ticketing 2.0 evolution has come.

Like Global Warming, the emerging technology is shifting the winds of change and sure looks to be "melting" the grip of Ticketmaster on a significant number of fronts.

Introducing the Brand Formerly known as Tix.com

As a Ticketing 2.0 benchmark, Tix exemplifies the emerging class of ticketing companies that are able to offer enterprise level solutions built on fluid and distributed technology platforms. TIX, with over 1,600 clients supports venues as small as 75 seats up to 20,000 seats.

A quick visit to this firms website presents a varied - in size, scope and location customer base. The ability to offer customized user interface among a standardized control panel or suite of options is yet, another marker of the Ticketing 2.0 evolution.

As a lifestyle marketing and entertainment company, Wantickets represents the next generation of content provider for the entertainment market. With offices in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Miami and Montreal this division of Track Entertainment can have you covered. if you are looking to get into an exclusive club like the Crobar, Playboy, or VooDoo then you likely are already familiar with Barak and his team.

Wantickets success in the club space is likely due to the relevance and connection of each core property of their parent Track Entertainment. If you are in your mid 20's technology savy and looking for a weekend that you won't soon forget, Wantickets with Wantravel can swoop you away to an inclusive adventure to satisfy whatever it is that floats your boat.

Dan Teree, COO of TicketWeb
Read more...

We are pleased to announce that Jonathan Krane, President of Emmahas accepted the position as Contributing Editor for the Asian Region. Mr.Krane has significant experience in booking, promoting and managing large scale entertainment events and venues and will be providing unique and critical insights to this market for you - the members of Ticketrends.com

"Jon really understands the local market in China. For over three years, he has been establishing relationships and providing, venue management, ticket sales and marketing services. Jon brought the Rolling Stones to China, we are very excited to have him as a Contributing Editor and Founding Sponsor of www.iataca.org" Brian Sikorski ( Executive Director)