Ann Arbor, MI — (August 20, 2024) — True Tickets, a leader in secure digital ticketing solutions, is excited to celebrate a new partnership with the University Musical Society (UMS) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. This partnership is set to transform the ticket delivery process for UMS's diverse and world-class performances, ensuring audiences enjoy seamless, secure, and convenient access to their favorite events while protecting them from ticket scams and deceptive resale practices.
UMS, one of the most respected and innovative performing arts presenters in the United States, is renowned for its expansive programming and commitment to artistic excellence. Hosting a variety of genres, including orchestral performances, jazz, dance, theater, and global traditions, UMS is dedicated to providing audiences with exceptional artistic experiences. The partnership with True Tickets will integrate state-of-the-art technology to enhance the convenience and security of its digital ticket delivery process.
“Our collaboration with True Tickets allows us to offer a more streamlined and secure ticketing process to our audience,” said Sara Billmann, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at UMS. “We are excited to both offer audiences a convenient and safe digital ticketing option while simultaneously working to combat fraudulent ticket sales and confusion created by the predatory secondary market.”
UMS has been at the forefront of addressing the challenges posed by ticket reselling scams. As highlighted in a recent article in Symphony.org, misleading practices have disrupted ticketing operations for many orchestras and arts organizations across the country. UMS has faced issues with both unauthorized websites that appear to be affiliated with UMS’s primary performance venue and inflated ticket prices, both of which erode audience trust and can impact the organization’s relationship with its patrons.
Ken Lesnik, Head of Business Development at True Tickets, shared, “We are thrilled to join forces with UMS. Our digital ticketing solutions will empower them to focus on what they do best: delivering outstanding performances. Our technology ensures that tickets are secure and verifiable, protecting patrons from scams and enhancing their overall experience.”
True Tickets' technology addresses several key issues plaguing the ticketing industry. By offering digital tickets with QR codes that refresh every 30 seconds, True Tickets prevents the resale of fraudulent or photocopied tickets. This technology also allows venues to track the entire history of a ticket, from purchase to event entry, ensuring that tickets are legitimate and used as intended.
UMS patrons can now purchase tickets with confidence, knowing that their transactions are secure and their seats guaranteed. This partnership begins with UMS's 146th season, featuring performances by many world-renowned artists and ensembles, including the Berliner Philharmoniker, Wynton Marsalis, the Silkroad Ensemble, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, Yunchan Lim, and Elevator Repair Service. The True Tickets technology will also extend to the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance productions, for which UMS serves as the authorized ticket office.
Founded in 1879, UMS has a legacy of excellence and a rich history of presenting the transformative power of the arts to audiences in Ann Arbor and beyond. The organization hosts performances in iconic venues such as Hill Auditorium, the Power Center for the Performing Arts, and Rackham Auditorium. UMS is committed to bold artistic leadership, engaged learning through the arts, and fostering access and inclusiveness.
For more information about UMS and their upcoming performances, visit ums.org.
About True Tickets
True Tickets is a secure contactless digital ticketing service that puts venues and event organizers in control of their tickets and in communication with their true audience. Currently available to Tessitura Network members, True Tickets' business-to-business solution integrates with primary ticketing systems, empowering its partners to leverage the advantages of digital-native tickets to ensure extraordinary live experiences for their guests. With True Tickets, ticket issuers can set rules and track ticket custody, limit the excesses of the secondary market, and restore direct relationships between their audiences and the live events they love. For additional information, please visit True-Tickets.com or follow True Tickets on Twitter or LinkedIn.
About University Musical Society
A recipient of the 2014 National Medal of Arts, UMS (also known as the University Musical Society) contributes to a vibrant cultural community by connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences. One of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, UMS is an independent non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor and affiliated with the University of Michigan. The organization presents dozens of music, theater, and dance performances by professional touring artists each season, along with many free public and private educational activities throughout Southeast Michigan and two month-long, community-driven arts residencies at a former train depot in nearby Ypsilanti. Since 1990, the organization has co-commissioned and supported the production of more than 80 new or reimagined works. Matthew VanBesien became the organization's seventh president in July 2017.
For media inquiries:
True Tickets
Crystal Henderson
crystal@thepresshouse.com
University Musical Society
Sara Billmann
sarabill@umich.edu