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yimengliu

Are travel agents REALLY booking less often with GDSs and going direct? - 2 views

  • The report says agents are booking air tickets 15% less than they did in 2006, while they’re booking tickets direct from airline websites 65% more. That result combines with the trend that there are fewer than 10,000 agencies in the US today — down from 32,000 in 1998.
  • That’s one perspective, over a long period. But if you look at the latest data from another source, a different picture emerges. TravelClick, a provider of cloud-based solutions for hotels, found that GDS room nights in Q4 2013 grew by 5.3%, year-over-year, in North America. That was a larger jump than it reported for either OTAs or brand.com sites received from travel agents.
  • GDSs have long given travel agents a cut of the fees, while also often supplying back-office systems. GDSs have wanted to reduce these kickbacks in recent years, as airlines have negotiated hard on segment fees. But they haven’t been able to, as the bargaining hand of agents has been strong.
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  • GDSs have responded by trying to make their tools more user friendly with “graphical user-interfaces”, but uptake has been slow. Despite complaints, some established agencies seem reluctant to learn new systems.
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    There has a report about the travel agents are booking less with GDSs, the customers booking air tickets 15% less than they did in 2006 and they found they are booking tickets from the company the airline website 65% more than before. According to the research, more than 32,000 travel agencies in the US in 1998, but there are less than 10,000 travel agencies in the US today. According to this report, the article trying to find the answer about if travel agents are doing significantly fewer bookings with GDSs. Online travel agencies are very popular led by Priceline.com, Expedia, and Orbitz etc. More and more people would like to book the hotel rooms, airline ticket via the OTA. The benefit of the OTA is the customers can see the price of the different hotels or airline companies on one website rather than several websites. That can help customers save the time and money because they always can show you the lowest price. OTA make the booking easier and clear. We know how popular of the Online travel agent in these years. That's why this article trying to find it out of why the percentage of direct booking more than their booking via GDSs. Travel agents attract a lot of customers that can directly influence the number of booking with GDSs. "ASTA's survey found that American agents use GDSs to book hotel rooms 29% less today than they did in 2006 but agent reservations made on hotel websites have increased 58%". But if we change a perspective, TravelClick found that GDS room grew 5.3% in the 2013 year over year. Therefore, we can found that travel agents use of the GDS for hotel booking growing very fast than direct booking via the company website.
espence13

How Technology Is Changing the Events Industry - 1 views

  • The events industry has come a long way since its inception, due to a variety of factors, but mostly because of significant technological advances. These days, technology is driving every sector due to its fast-paced ability to get things done. And the events industry is no stranger to this fact. In recent years the ticketing landscape is almost unrecognizable. With new technological trends, and mind-boggling innovations paving the industry, it’s no wonder that there has been a huge evolution.
  • One of the most significant trends emerging is the use of mobile ticketing. Meaning, events will become cashless and paperless.
  • However, as mentioned above, mobile ticketing is opening the doors to a ticket scanning entry system for all attendees, and with that event organizers can gather data using big data technology, and use it to create a more targeted marketing strategy. Venues can invest in big data companies. By investing in their software, venues and event organizers can easily collect, process, and analyze data in a hassle-free manner. Ultimately, this frees up their time to repurpose their efforts on marketing various events
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  • VR technology has been all the hype lately, so it’s no shock that it’ll be changing the game in the ticketing industry. As of right now, VR is introducing the possibility of obtaining a 360˚interactive experience from their chosen seat before even stepping into a stadium.In the future, VR is expected to evolve live events completely, by removing the need for physical attendance. This will open up events to event goers that otherwise cannot attend due to expensive prices. People will be able to participate in a VR viewing of the live event – for a smaller price. Meaning, consumers have more opportunities to attend their favorite events without the fear of missing out.
  • New technologies at their core, are introducing simple solutions to problems that venues and organizers may face while creating unimagined stress-free experiences for fans that ooze fun and excitement.
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    Various technologies make it easier for event managers to organize great conferences and meetings. For some time now, event planners have been using technology to some extent; however, the use of event management technology is increasing with more applications that can be used. The introduction of event management tools has made it easier for event managers to do their work. There are so many event management apps that you can use to simplify how you plan for any type of event. These apps can help you better plan events so that everything goes as planned. Event management technologies can help to enhance the experience of attendees. Technology makes the work of an event manager easier and allows them to focus on the main parts of an event. It helps in all aspects ranging from attendee satisfaction to project management.
Stephanie Menendez

Air Moldova :: News :: Apollo global distribution system - 0 views

  • Air Moldova airline has implemented isuance of electronic tickets (e-ticketing) via Apollo global distribution system that is highly popular between travel agencies in USA.
  • Travellport Company
  • global distribution system (GDS)
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  • Apollo
  • Worldspan
  • Airline IT Solutions
  • Electronic ticket cannot be lost
  • GDS will increase airlines sales channels on north American market by granting the access to its transportation for more agents based in there business Apollo GDS.
  • Electronic ticket can be booked and paid via internet or at the agency’s desk.
  • issuing proses is easier,
  • Galileo
  • quicker and cheaper.
Long Jin

Review - ITA Software OnTheFly for Android - 1 views

  • ITA's technology is what powers many of the major booking engines, including some from the airlines themselves.
  • Unlike many other airline ticket applications, OnTheFly is designed with a specific kind of traveler in mind - the kind of traveler that doesn't get scared when they see booking codes or fare constructions.
  • Bottom line is that OnTheFly is the best mobile airfare search app I've ever tested - but it is most certainly not for everyone. If you just want to go online and book whatever looks cheap-ish, then you'll probably want to stay away from it.
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    This article is to introduce useful software which is made by ITA used for Flying on Android phone or Iphone. Also the author introduced the basic operation about this software. ITA has just been purchased by Google on 2010. The software makes the guests have a convenient way to search or book tickets by themselves. However, the software is unlike other airline ticket applications, it is for specific customer. If the customer wants to have a best experience for using it, he needs to know how the airline tickets work. The guest only needs to type the basic information like destination, departure time then the software will give the choices to the guest. It will include the stops, price, miles and other information. Finally, the author told his opinion that he thought the ITA software on the fly for Android is the best software he has experienced.
swhit133

Pros and Cons of the Top Online Event Ticketing Systems - 0 views

Selling tickets is one of the biggest parts of event planning so it's important to use the best event ticketing system. Using a system helps you keep your attendee information and event data organi...

https:__blog.imageinabox.com_top-online-event-ticketing-systems

started by swhit133 on 31 Oct 18 no follow-up yet
vmorr026

The Importance of an Online Event Management System - Online Event Management System - 0 views

  • Event organisers are continually appreciating the benefits of an online event management system such as an event management software. Organising an event is not an easy task, especially if the target audience is of a substantial size and if there are many teams involved during the execution phase. For this reason, automating the processes found in the event planning life cycle is a godsend to organisers who are still using old school methods. An online management system practically automates the organising process and leaves lesser room for human error. You may want to know the latest technologies and focus on an event planner software.
  • Modules of Online Event Management System An event organiser should be privy to the following modules of online event management system: 1.) Event Website
  • First, since most event processes can now be done virtually, except perhaps for attendance, a good online event management system should allow an organiser to create a customised website tailored specifically for an event. With the rise in social media, it has become very easy to share website links and thus any event website can therefore be very accessible to target attendees. 2.) Reliable Email System Second, an online event management system should allow for the simplification of the emailing system. Should social media not be enough to lure a target audience into a website, an emailing system comes in handy in a way that organisers can practically tap their networks by simply sending out invitations by electronic mail. Confirmed guests can also be easily updated or given notifications through this system. 3.) Online Ticketing Third, taking part of the modules of online event management system, is the ability of organisers to pursue online ticketing. Purchasing tickets online is now easier than ever since interested parties can simply choose from a different array of tickets to match their budget and interests. For a concert, for example, this module can greatly help in making sure attendees get their preferred seating or area during the concern date.
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  • 4.) Event App Fourth, a highly effective system is customised for mobile use. Many event organisers are currently looking into the benefits of a dedicated event app or an onsite check-in app that facilitates faster registration and attendee entry into the venue. 5.) Online Payment Fifth, a good online event management system will also allow for online payment collection. Gone are the days when event organisers have to process checks and money orders paid by confirmed attendees. Today, with the use of debit or credit cards, attendance confirmation becomes a matter that can be settled in a few minutes.
  • Those are only some of the modules and characteristics that an event organiser should look for in an effective online event management system.
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    Organizing an event can be challenging and time consuming especially when there's no system that provides a lot of resources. In this article, there's an emphasis on the significance of event management system. Having this type of system can lessen the pressure and minimize human error. There are multiple various of event management system that a company can choose from. This topic briefly pointed out the necessary and basic things to consider when it comes to online event management system for an effective and efficient outcome.
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    As an event professional I know very well how significant is to have a great event management software to back you up. The daily tasks become easily accomplished so that the main focus can be the event and not the tools on how to make it easier. This article stressed the importance to update from traditional way of working to allowing the use of technology to facilitate the event planner job. Thanks for sharing.
kteme001

Restaurant POS System Benefits - How POS Systems Help - 0 views

  • The restaurant business is highly competitive, and one of the keys to success in the industry is customer service.
  • But if you limit your restaurant to cash only payments you are routinely turning away customers from your doors,
  • The answer to the problem is simple. The introduction of a POS system with simplified credit card payment can dramatically boost daily sales in both full service and quick service establishments.
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  • Open the Door to More Customers:
  • A restaurant that sticks to a cash only concept is cutting themselves off from a potential increase in traffic.
  • With the addition of the necessary software, your POS system can also be set up to accommodate a variety of digital payment platforms such as Apple Pay, Bitcoin, and PayPal.
  • Quicker Processing of Payments: T
  • It’s important to be able to cash out customers quickly and efficiently,
  • More Accurate Payment Processing:
  • eliminating potentially costly mistakes and misunderstandings that are so common to handwritten tickets.
  • Splitting Tickets:
  • Hand splitting a ticket, especially for larger parties, can take valuable time away from other customers.
  • With a restaurant POS system, splitting checks is quick and easy
  • Prevent Order Errors:
  • Bad handwriting, unfamiliar abbreviations, and messy tickets can lead to unnecessary errors in the kitchen, resulting in mistakes on the line and delays in service
  • Track Inventory:
  • Restaurant specific POS systems allow for the real time tracking of inventory, with the dedicated software recording the projected usage of all ingredients as each order comes in and is prepared by the kitchen.
  • Whether it’s a casual dining establishment or a corner cafe, we can deliver the POS system you need to increase traffic, enhance your customer service, and boost your bottom line.
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    The article talks about how restaurants can use a POS system and reviews the pros and cons of whether a system like this is beneficial to an establishment. It states that customer service plays a huge role in the success of a business and having a well operational POS system aids in the success of the customer service offered. One example of being more successful is to be sure you can accommodate as many customers as possible… so offering the payment option of just cash limits your projected revenue whereas accepting credit cards broadens your horizon as a business owner. Saving on merchant fees may be hurting income all together. This article goes over the benefits of a POS system and how it can improve daily sales. These benefits include a quicker processing of payments, more accurate payments, splitting orders, opening the door to more customers, preventing errors and tracking inventory. All of these things assist in the accuracy and smooth running of an establishment.
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    Hello, This article is very insightful with regards to how a POS system can become beneficial. Indeed, customer service plays a major role on the business and having a well-positioned POS system. Therefore, as a hotel or a restaurant needs to focus on service, a POS system can complement this objective. Being able to accommodate as many clients as possible through great customer service and organization can be obtained through a POS system. Additionally, I think this system helps maximize time and optimize processes. I'm sure a wide array of companies are appealed to this, it is a matter of finding which type of POS system would be most suitable for them.
bnort002

Revolutionize Your Event Planning With These 7 Technological Innovations - 0 views

  • Apps are now commonplace in the event planning space, and according to a Guidebook survey, 88 percent of event professionals utilizing them say they've seen an increase in the vital metric of attendee satisfaction.
  • 3. Stay on budget.
  • event -- technology can help improve attendance by 20 percent
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  • meaning increased exposure at the event and on social media after it has wrapped up.
  • uccess
  • 1. Delegate tasks to team members
  • 2. Create a professional event registration page
  • More and more event tickets are now bought online, and an app such as Eventbrite Organizer can help you cater to this online majority with a professional event ticketing and registration
  • Enterprise Event Marketing also found that event technology can increase productivity by as much as 27 percent, thanks to faster communication and a more accurate view of team member responsibilities.
  • 4. Check attendees in.
  • Allowing attendees to purchase tickets or register online eliminates one potential chokepoint but creates another
  • 5. Plan for the unknown
  • 6. Schedule social media
  • Social media is used by 58 percent of U.S. marketers to drive engagement during events in real time, primarily through posts that highlight aspects of the event such as presentations or performances.
  • 7. Get feedback to determine ROI.
  • Even once the crowds go home, your event is
  •  
    This article discussed the importance of planning within an event and all of the aspects that have evolved with advancements in technology. Ultimately, making event planning more organized for the planner and the client. These interactive technology pieces can help keep all parties in the loop and prepared for anything.
dsada005

Southwest's GDS deals to help agents, but how much?: Travel Weekly - 0 views

  • Southwest's pending move into the Travelport and Amadeus GDSs, coupled with the carrier's entry into ARC's settlement and reporting system, will simplify workflow for travel advisors and make it easier for TMCs and leisure agencies alike to process Southwest purchases.
  • "If it becomes easier to sell Southwest, the competing airlines may take a look at it and say, 'We might be losing share,' and they may address it in a competitive way."
  • "In some instances, we have found lower fares on the Big Three carriers. I don't believe we will see an increase in competition, since they are already competing in the marketplace."
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  • Southwest announced on Aug. 5 that it will provide full content in the Amadeus and Travelport systems beginning in mid-2020.
  • Travel advisors booking Southwest through Amadeus and Travelport will be able to change, cancel or modify reservations directly through the systems. Agents who currently book Southwest through Sabre must call the airline for any ticket modification that is not a cancellation.
  • For Southwest, broader entry in the traditional agent channel will serve as a third prong in the airline's distribution offering for business and leisure agency partners, joining its direct channel and the SWAbiz booking tool.
  • The company projects that it will earn between $10 million and $20 million in additional revenue in the second half of 2020 as a result of the move.
  • "It's an intelligent compromise on Southwest's part, because to compete with other airlines in the corporate market they have to sell their tickets through the channels that corporate customers want to use,"
  • Last month, Southwest joined NDC Exchange, an airline product marketplace operated by ATPCO and SITA that facilitates direct-connect capabilities between airlines and agencies using NDC protocols. While NDC is especially useful in enabling airlines to sell ancillary products such as fare bundles and checked bags through the agent channel, Offutt said it's also important as a way to attract ordinary ticket sales through alternative booking paths. 
  • "I think Southwest realized that as NDC moved from aspirational toward practice, they had to go down that path or be left behind,"
  • while the increased functionality will make sales-tracking more efficient for agencies, it will also provide greater visibility of Southwest purchases to competing airlines, thereby making it easier for those carriers to monitor whether agencies with which they have corporate contracts are meeting market-share goals.
  • Southwest's broader entry into the GDSs will result in the legacy carriers boosting the incentives they offer corporate and leisure agencies.
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    GDS systems are predominantly used by travel agencies to book both individual and corporate travel. By expanding their listings to Travelport and Amadeus, Southwest opens themselves up to increases in bookings but also potentially moving into better competition with larger airlines. Moving into these systems also allows them to offer further NDC enabled content, such as fare bundles and checked bags, helping to build even more bookings.
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    Southwest has always been on the outskirts when it comes to the top airlines. The "big three" are known as American, Delta and United. In order for Southwest to stay in the game, they are providing full content in Amadeus and Travelport systems. Amadeus is known for its European market and Travelport is known for its US market. Southwest already belongs to Sabre, which is also a US market. However, "those offerings will both complement and exceed Southwest's current limited-content availability on Sabre" (Silk). Henry Hartveldt states that "given Sabre's leading presence in the U.S. market, Southwest will elevate its participation in the Sabre GDS as well" (Silk). Of course, by only belonging to one GDS presence, Southwest was not able to compete with the big three, however, now Southwest is back in the game. In order to sell your tickets, you must be available in the channels that customers prefer to use. Southwest realized that "they had to go down that path or be left behind" (Silk). Vlitas believes that "Southwest's broader entry into the GDSs will result in the legacy carriers boosting the incentives they offer corporate and leisure agencies" (Silk). Other airlines may fear more GDS entries from other airlines, however, it is clear that GDS is here to stay.
rroll027

GDS travel-booking model faces change | Nicholas Kralev - 0 views

  • American was on Sabre and United on Apollo, which is now part of Traveport. That means that the respective GDS hosts the airline’s data and controls its content, delivery, display, and most of its sales. The airline gives the GDS its data in parts, but it’s the GDS that in effect manufactures the airline’s product.
  • In the meantime, technology companies like Farelogix and Datalex were hard at work trying to build channels through which airlines could distribute and sell their products directly to buyers — a capability that would free them from the grip of their GDS and significantly reduce costs.
  • However, that’s not where the majority of airline tickets are sold. According to Farelogix, about 60 percent of the roughly 1 billion tickets issued worldwide each year are sold through indirect channels, and virtually all of them use a GDS
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  • The average GDS fee paid by the airlines is about $12 per ticket, or more than $7 billion a year in distribution costs, Davidson said. In contrast, Farelogix’s “Direct Connect” offers a carrier the opportunity to spend only between $2 and $3 per ticket, saving about 80 percent of the current costs.
  • The biggest irony in this saga so far has been the January announcement by Sabre, the GDS American created more than four decades
  • ago and the h
  • st of its data until recently, that it intended to drop American data from its offering later in the year. Litigation followed, but later the two companies agreed to cool it off and negotiate.
  • Why are the GDS companies resisting the direct model? Obviously, because they would lose billions of dollars in revenues. In fact, “Direct Connect” can be easily integrated into a GDS, Davidson said, with some airlines taking advantage of all current GDS functionalities, and others using only the ones they need. Not only have the GDS companies rejected that, but they have began penalizing travel agencies and other providers that use dire
  • channels in addition to their GDS. In turn, American has started imposing fees on GDS bookings.
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    American Airlines embarked upon direct booking to cut costs to GDS and was found itself facing legal consequences. This reflected the continuous fierce competition in the travel industry and the lucrativeness of the GDS.
sanchezgema_

Enhancing the passenger's digital experience through better airline e-commerc... - 0 views

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    -E-commerce options and features continue to evolve. -The first airline ticket was sold online in 1995. Soon after web check-in was introduced. -The airline industry is about selling tickets online and providing a digital experience. -Expectations of travelers and airlines constantly grow. -An important challenge is the airline keeping its online presence appealing. What is appealing to one person(s) may not be appealing to others. -Booking sites have to be simple and streamlined, but never boring or distracting. It should also have a modern look and be updated every 1-2 years. -User testing, focus groups, advanced software-engineering experiments, market segmentation and analytics investments are vital to determine if the website is fresh and appealing. -Choose usability over aesthetics. -An airline's technology partner needs to be able to customize the website to be unique and be able to refresh the site when needed. -When customers enjoy online services they create an emotional bond and are more likely to come back. -No one is anonymous in the online environment. -If a specific traveler is offered the right product at the right time, then it will increase revenue. -Airlines need to provide relevant services that fit each customer's situation. -Responsive sites are essential to adapt to different devices used. -Consider costs of maintaining a response site, the impact of having too many choices, and providing value in options rather than specifics of each item. -Increased relevancy is when it touches upon what it offers and when it offers it. -Setting trends in e-commerce will bring value to airlines around the world as well as the airline industry.
jessielee214

Travel Data Collective - 0 views

  • What is New Distribution Capability (NDC)?
  • NDC aims to transform the airline industry by addressing the current limitations in distribution
  • What is NDC?
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  • New Distribution Capability (NDC) is a new technology created by IATA to streamline the airline distribution process.
  • It's an XML-based communication standard originally developed by Farelogix in 2010 to create direct connections between airlines and third party distributors.
  • This was standardized in 2012 by IATA to replace the old EDIFACT messaging standard, which global distribution systems (GDSs) rely on.
  • NDC was orginally created as a way to bypass the GDS providers, but slowly these providers have become more involved in the process. The basic idea is that NDC is supposed to give indirect distribution channels, such as GDS and metasearch, the same capabilities as an airline’s website.
  • Who's Involved in NDC?
  • There are several different players involved in the NDC process: travel agents, airlines, aggregators and IT providers.
  • Travel agents and airlines are straightforward. The aggregators are the different intermediaries involved in communicating the travel agent's request to different airlines.
  • IT providers are responsible for integrating NDC into the airline’s IT infrastructure.
  • The integration layer method is less complicated, and companies such as Openjaw, Farelogix, and Paxport have created solutions by sitting above the airline’s PSS.
  • third party distribution process works as follows when a traveler needs to reach their destination at a certain time and price:
  • The traveler goes to their travel agent who then queries the GDS system.The GDS pulls information about schedules and fares from a third party. The GDS builds the offer, then goes to the airline to get information about availability. When the offer is available, the information is relayed back to the travel agent and passenger who can then see the airline, price and schedule.
  • In a complete NDC solution, the process goes like this:
  • A travel agent will create a shopping request which will be sent to an aggregator. The aggregator will then create an offer request to be sent out directly to airlines. The airlines will then determine a product that fits the offer.
  • The product is sent back to the travel agent through the aggregator and the offer will "evaporate" after a certain amount of time.
  • According to IATA, this process will eliminate confusion over what's included in the offer. It will also be able to simplify the airline ticketing process.
  • How Can NDC Be Implemented?
  • wo recommended ways
  • One is by integrating directly to the airline passenger service system (PSS), the other is an integration layer outside of the PSS.
  • Third Party Distribution Today and Under NDC
  • In order to set up a full NDC suite, airlines have to create an offer and order management system, which will interact with the PSS.
  • How is NDC Being Used Today?
  • There are currently 62 airlines who are either NDC Certified or XML-capable.
  • NDC connections mostly use it in limited cases, and not to its full potential. United has partnered with Amadeus to have an NDC connection to their GDS for selling their economy plus product.
  • Many airlines are piloting these simple types of connections through NDC (instead of developing their own direct connection) as it will be easier to increase the scope with other distribution providers.
  • Other carriers such as GOL are using NDC connections for offer and order management, providing ability to purchase seats, bags, upgrades, meals, car rentals, and travel insurance, as well as ability to bundle the products (this is being done with Navitaire as their IT provider).
  • What's the Future Outlook for NDC?
  • In the future, there are hopes that NDC will be able to connect to chatbots, allow purchasing and upsell through things such as Amazon and Alexa.
  • Part of the challenge is getting airlines, travel agencies and GDSs to spend money on the infrastructure needed to implement NDC.
  • Airlines are hoping that by using NDC connections either through GDS or directly to travel agents/metasearch they will be able to pull in additional revenue for each ticket sold
  • Some airlines such as Lufthansa, IAG (British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus), Meridiana, and Ukraine International Airways are introducing fees for tickets booked through GDS, however the fees are waived for tickets booked through NDC connections.
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    The article talks deeply in NDC from the past to now and is very clear about how it works. NDC can help airlines to know the need for customs and without the commission. I think one day, NDC can instead of GDS, but it still needs to take such a long time.
nellyvero71

Event Registration | Event Smart - 0 views

  • event registration
  • can help you deliver the best experience for every attendee, save time and money, build a lasting relationship with your audience, and learn how to make your next event even better
  • advanced event registration system that gives attendees multiple ticket options, collects detailed information about the attendee, processes payments, scans and validates registrations or tickets at the door, communicates with attendees automatically and tracks attendance.
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  • Meet expectations. 
  • Secure your event.
  • 1. Ask the right questions, get the right answers.
  • Remove distractions. 
  • Save time and money
  • When you have access to the right event registration data, you have powerful data to examine your performance and try to identify ways to improve.
  • With your event registration data, you can also examine your data over time to identify trends.
  • f you’re not collecting the event registration data, it is far more difficult to answer these questions.
  • you are more likely to be successful in building a audience for your events over time when you collect attendee information for their benefit and your long-term success.
  •  
    The article talk about Event Smart that is an event registration system. Explain the benefits that can be obtained having the system. Even though the article mention that the registration process can be completed used a paper, gives special importance to do it using a system.
cjdearmas

Eventbrite Launches iPad Credit-Card Reader At The Door: A Lost Opport - 1 views

  •  
    Eventbrite has introduced an iPad credit-card swiping feature that allows merchants to sell on-site tickets, merchandise, drinks and more. The company charges a $0.99 processing fee and each ticket sold takes a 2.5 per cent cut. Eventbrite issued its 50 millionth ticket last month which matches the company raised last May's $50 million in VC funding. 
  •  
    Eventbrite, a leading event ticketing organization, has launched a set of hardware in 2012 following its competitors. It focuses on gaining insight in attendee information and offer one holistic picture of the full performance of an event. So Eventbrite knows that adopting Square as a solution does not gives them what expected due to the unopen API. Arguably, establishing their own software gains more comparing to adopting Square, but they are still being "technology agnostic" and waiting for Square to open the API and work with Square.
anaslip

3 Best Free and Open Source Event Management Software - 1 views

  • 3 Best Free and Open Source Event Management Software
  • the software had to offer at least the following functionalities: Enable organizers to create an event page or website with details such as location and times. Allow attendees to register for events and/or buy tickets/passes.
  • Other important event management features include attendee management, barcode/QR scanning, email marketing, and mobile apps. However, these features were not requirements for inclusion in this list.
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  • Allevents.in is an event discovery and online ticketing platform that doubles as an event management tool. The platform helps you tap into an existing base of event-goers online and reach audiences more quickly than setting up a web page from scratch would.
  • Event setup is quick and easy. Integration with various social networks makes it easier to promote and market events. Ability to create discount codes is a much-needed functionality. The user interface could be simplified further to make it easier to navigate.
  • Eventleaf is a tool that allows you to create and promote event pages, as well as register attendees and sell tickets. The free version of the tool allows you to register up to 100 attendees per year, regardless of the number of events. It also allows you to build event websites and set up marketing campaigns for events.
  • It has a short learning curve, and it’s easy to navigate. There is a high level of customization in the design and registration requirements when creating an event page. It needs an auto-save functionality on the event creation page. It lacks the ability to adjust the audience when sending out email campaigns or surveys.
  • Odoo Events is open source software that offers features for all stages of the event planning process. You can use it to design and set up events pages, organize and schedule events on an event calendar, and manage attendee registrations. You can also use it to promote events via email marketing; integrate with social media, SEO tools, and Google Analytics; and do online and offline ticket sales.
  • Customizability of the interface. The tool is flexible enough to cater to the diverse needs of different users. Self-service means users have to fix any glitches or errors by themselves. Getting direct support from the vendor or affiliates is possible but can be pricey.
  • To help you evaluate event management solutions, here are some important points to keep in mind:
  • Size of events you plan to host:
  • Marketing and promotions needs:
  • Deployment options:
  •  
    This article shows us top 3 free even management softwares. Before choosing your software, keep these 3 things in mind: size of the event, marketing and promotion needs and deployment options.
teresastas

5 Reasons Why You Need A Travel Agent - More Than Ever - 0 views

  • The major search sites routinely leave out flights (lots of them) and even entire airlines. A lot of the flights they do show are ones you don’t want, starting with “basic economy” fares that hit you with tons of restrictions and fees, so the price you see isn’t the one you end up paying, along with connections way too short or way too long, ones that no responsible travel agent would let you book.
    • teresastas
       
      This is a very good point that is often overlooked. Southwest Airlines is one of those who do not publish their fairs on most of these OTA searches.
  • The reality is that while it was widely predicted that the internet was going to kill off travel agents when digital tools were placed at every traveler’s disposal, that just hasn’t happened, for several good reasons.
  • “They can find crazy deals”; “They will be your advocate”; “They’ll take care of the little things”; “They’re true experts” and “They don’t usually cost extra.”
    • teresastas
       
      I think that the general public believe that TA's cost extra to use. For the most part that isn't true...unless it's a cooperate travel.
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  • Travel agents are a thing of the past - they primarily booked tickets and beds. Travel advisors have taken on a much more complex role - part psychologist, life coach, executive producer, concierge, fixer, dream maker, and ‘Blink Blink’ genie, with the multitude of services that they provide.
  • Anything that causes cancelled flights (or cruises, etc.) means hassles, but the people who get through this process the most smoothly and the ones who get rebooked first and get the few available seats out of Dodge are usually the ones who used a travel agent. It’s that simple. First off, you actually have someone to call, versus long lines at banks of airport phones masquerading as “help desks.” But good agencies are constantly monitoring their clients’ flights and they usually know about your problem before you do - and often have a resolution before you even call them.
    • teresastas
       
      They make a good point about having someone to call.
  • Expertise: No one knows everything about travel, no matter how deeply they are involved in the industry.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason #2: Expertise
  • Emergencies: This is the one most applicable to the average occasional travel.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason #2: Expertise
  • It is important to remember that these advantages are not just for luxury travelers. Good travel advisors do not just know what the best hotel is, they know what the best hotel is for you and your budget and can help you find the right fit.
  • Connections: Whether you are trying to book space at a coveted 8-villa safari lodge in Africa or get a room in a top Paris hotel during Fashion Week, most hoteliers keep emergency inventory and guess who gets it? The travel advisors they have known for years who book a lot of guests and send them a lot of business.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason #3: Connections
  • “Travel advisors provide our clients with access: access to people, places, and experiences that could never be replicated, much less imagined. A great travel advisor has invested time and relationships in creating their ‘black book’ of contacts and relationships, so that when their clients travel, they are treated as a VIPs, not just a credit card number.” In my experience, everyone likes being treated like a VIP.
    • teresastas
       
      I think this lends itself to who your travel agent is and what they are most experienced in. I couldn't agree that all travel agents are going to give their clients VIP experiences.
  • “Information overload, thousands of new hotels on the scene, all sorts of new cruise ships, passport and visa issues, weather, transit strikes, political unrest, natural disasters, travel insurance, travel providers going out of business, it’s never ending. How does one navigate all of this? To avoid the travel landmines that lay in front of you, you need to get a great travel advisor!
  • Extras: When you get more than you expected for the same price, that’s a great deal, and with travel advisors this happens all the time.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason #4: Extras
  • “The millennial generation specifically may have seen their parents use a travel advisor, but don’t feel like they need one - until they are deep in the spiral of research. By shifting gears to planning with an expert, they feel liberated from the immense pressure of choosing the ‘best’ resort - because we’re cutting through the noise of all the conflicting opinions they’re seeing online.
    • teresastas
       
      This is a great point. I know first hand that when booking an actual vacation it can be so much easier to have an expert weed out the options they know won't work for you.
  • Air: If you are trying to buy the cheapest round-trip economy ticket from New York to Dallas, even the best advisors probably can’t get it for less than you can buy it online, though you still have to deal with all the pitfalls of the online travel sites and you will lose the safety net advisors provide when things go wrong. But in a couple of other cases, buying your air through an agent can actually save you money, or miles, or both.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason 5: Air Fare You will usually be able to find the cheapest economy online but there are times when a travel agent might be able to save you fees on airlines.
  • It just doesn’t seem possible, but it is, real tickets, same airline, better seats, less money. I don’t know how they do it, and frankly I don’t care, but if you know who to call this happens all the time (if you are not a client of SmartFlyer booking your vacation or business trip, they will charge you a fee to do the legwork and find you great deals on premium and mileage tickets, but in almost every case I’ve seen, it still saves you money).
    • teresastas
       
      This is a great travel tip!
  • Better Trips! At the end of the day this is the bottom line, the big win you get with a good travel advisor. They know more than you do, they are better connected, they have access to benefits you can’t get yourself, and they can match and often beat any prices you find. They plan a better trip and then provide a safety net.
    • teresastas
       
      Reason number 6: Better Trips Your trip is better all around when you use a good travel advisor!
  • Travel advisors take the overwhelming amount of information out there and distill it into the key points that apply to you - the best hotel/destination/tour for your interests, your budget, and your time frame.
  • 5 Reasons Why You Need A Travel Agent - More Than Ever
    • teresastas
       
      We have been discussing a lot about the role of GDS's and OTA's it has become clear that the role of the traditional travel agent has evolved. The question of what is the role of a travel agent and why should we still use them has come up a lot and this article breaks down the answer giving 5 reasons why we still need travel agents. The reasons are listed as emergencies, expertise, connections, airfare and extras. All of these reason collectively make a better trip all around. After reading this it makes me want to book my next vacation through a travel agent!
Marcos Oliveira

Debuts An iPad Point-Of-Sale In A Box | TechCrunch - 0 views

  • Revel Systems, an iPad point-of-sale company backed by $3.7 million in funding
  • Revel Router,” as the device is being called, is an Apple-certified “made for iPad” technology that allows shops to run their POS through an Apple iPad.
  • the system forgoes the need for an ISP-provided Internet connection in order to work – the whole thing can run off the iPad’s 3G or 4G
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  • company is selling the device as a package deal including an iPad, the router, peripherals, and POS software
  • a restaurant owner or retail owner doesn’t even know when the Internet goes out,” she says.”This is the biggest problem in these establishments, and it’s our biggest support headache
  • around 300 locations have the system installed
  • The way the system works involves proprietary hardware and a patent-pending wireless protocol
  • system isn’t really designed for mobility, but rather aims to replace the existing, stationary set-ups at the point-of-sale
  • starting package is $3,330 and includes an iPad, cash box, printer, credit card swiper, the router, and the software license
  • two support packages – email and online ticketing support for $100/month or per terminal fee that’s available 24/7.
  •  
    Revel Systems is an iPad point of sale company that is backed by $3.7 million in funding. The Revel Router is an Apple certified made for iPad technology that allows shops to run their POS through an Apple iPad. The company is selling the device as a package deal which includes an iPad, the routerm peripherals and the POS software. Currently there are 300 locations installed. Revel CEO Lisa Falzone says that a restaurant owner or retail owner doesnt even know when the internet goes out and with the iPad being on either 3G or 4G connectivity this problem will not exist. Also the need for intenret is eliminated due to the iPad. The system isnt really designed for mobility but rather it aims to replace the existing, stationary setups at the point of sale. The starting package is $3,330 and includes an iPad, cash box, printer, credit card swiper, the router, and the software license. The company offers two support pacakges and meail and online ticketing support for $100/month or per terminal fee thats available 24/7. The use of the iPad will make it easier for an establishment that is just starting out. Rather than running wires and installing internet, the use of the iPad will give the same functionality that a regualr touchscreen POS can bring. The amount of downtime due to internet failure is virtually non existent and the cost is at a very affordable price for any restaurant..
Paige Wuensch

What else? Air France, Syntec, Egencia, AirPlus, Momondo, RedSpottedHanky | Tnooz - 0 views

    • Paige Wuensch
       
      An interesting addition to amenities!
  • Air France has developed free mobile flight alerts in eight languages as well as personalised accounts via its website.
  • enables travellers to store personal information such as seat and meal preferences in a secure area.
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  • Travel search site Momondo has launched online city guides which are colour-coded according to the purpose of the travel.
  • The Egencia Business Traveller Survey reveals 59% of corporate travellers want hotels to offer MP3/mobile phone/computer chargers as standard amenities,
  • Once again, Masabi is working behind the scenes to provide the technology to allow passengers to buy tickets, search train times and earn loyalty points
Danielle Forem

Essential apps enhance Vegas visits - Travel Weekly - 0 views

  • Vegas Mate has relevant information not found on other apps, such as a listing of resort fees, finding the top suites, information for travelers on getting around, conventions, gambling and more. Under the tourist tips section, there is info on how to tip, where to find medical attention, things to do for those under 21, etc.
  • a news feed pulls in the latest updates and weather from around the city, and a trip planner helps keep all those show tickets, dinner reservations and hotel bookings in order.
  • might net additional deals and discounts.
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  • ome of the apps (such as the Aria) offer virtual tours of the rooms while others (like the app for Luxor) have much simpler listings.
  • A new wine menu app enables guests to read reviews about wines, rate beverages and email wine labels to themselves so they won't forget a vintage they've particularly enjoyed.
  • Loyalty Program is built into it. Wynn has added features such as short video clips from its show, "Le Reve," its nightclubs and a couple of the resort's bars.
  • ODDcase Blackjack comes highly recommended as a training tool for blackjack.
  •  
    Almost everyone has a smart phone now and days. Apps are used for almost anything and this article gives evidence to how much you can do with an app. The article focuses on Las Vegas and how many hotels have different apps for every occasion. Vegas Mate caught my attention from how it has things such as "a listing of resort fees, top suites, information for travelers on getting around, conventions, gambling and more" that other Vegas apps don't have. I believe it takes great time and money for these companies to keep up with the ever changing schedules for each hotel. I'm a planner and I was really intrigued on how this certain app pulls up the latest update and weather from around the city and even "keep all those show tickets, dinner reservations and hotel bookings in order." I mean who can beat that? There's no excuse to why hotels and many other tourism spots don't have an app for all the amenities that are offered. It'll surprise guests and make them really pleased with their stay.
Yujia Xie

Priceline Partner Network To Provide Hotel, Flight And Car Rental Deals For Grandparent... - 1 views

  • The ability to book published-price hotel rooms through 245,000 hotels around the world
  • The ability to book published-price hotel rooms through 245,000 hotels around the world. Grandparents.com Travel customers also will have access to Priceline's extensive database of hotel freebies, including instant discounts, free breakfast, free Internet access, and more.
  • "As The Ultimate Resource for Grandparents, we strive to deliver top quality products and services to our audience and we continue to build our offerings with superior savings on the best deals on the Internet - most recently through our partnership with Priceline Partner Network. We are pleased to grant our very first Grandparents.com Recommended� Award for best in class providers of travel services to Priceline.com," said Jeffrey Mahl, President.
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  • Grandparents.com website visitors will have the best travel services we have to offer," said Randy Schartner, President of the Priceline Partner Network. "We believe that Priceline's broad array of travel services, which are also focused on delivering savings, will fit well with Grandparents.com's mission to provide savings to its members. We appreciate Grandparents.com's trust and confidence in Priceline to serve its members and website users and are honored to receive the first Grandparents.com Recommended� Award."
  • Working behind the scenes, PPN powers travel websites for a spectrum of affinity groups, airlines and hotel management firms and chains. PPN believes that it offers the most customizable private-label travel affiliate program on the market today. PPN's private-label services include hotels, flights, rental cars, flight & hotel packages, and priceline.com's famous Name Your Own Price� travel services for hotels, airline tickets and rental cars.
  • Grandparents.com seeks to strengthen the ties between family members, promote health and wellbeing, and give timely information and expert advice on what really matters to grandparents, from family, relationships, health and money, to entertainment, travel and retirement. More than anything, Grandparents.com celebrates what it means to be a grandparent today. The company's mission is to give today's grandparents--who like no other grandparents in history are engaged, vibrant and ageless, ideas and opportunities to connect to what's important to them.
  •  
    As this article mentioned, Priceline Partner Network cooperated with Grandparents.com,Inc. to reach a business which can provide the latest information on this website. Travel customers can access to book hotels, rental car, airline tickets, air & hotel vacation packages. They try their best to provide best service and products. It also present the specific introduction about Priceline Partner Network, Priceline Group, Grandparents.com, Inc. in my opinion, this agreement can bring the visitors a new trip to search the hotels and other information. It can show various information which can be selected for customers and provide superior saving compared with other deals.
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