Encouragement can be a game-changer in the world of live event and entertainment ticketing, where challenges surface daily and the spotlight often shines brightest behind the scenes. Whether it comes from leaders, peers or even patrons, encouragement has a positive impact on morale, engagement and performance. On Sept. 12, National Day of Encouragement offers ticketing professionals a moment to reflect on how simple words and thoughtful gestures can fuel wellness, create connection, and bring people closer together.

Let’s face it, ticketing is intense! The days of long first-day sales lines at outlets may be gone, but fast-paced on-sales, eager customers and countless moving parts continue to define the work. In this environment, encouragement helps maintain energy and motivation. It reminds everyone of their value, builds patience in difficult moments, and celebrates contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed. More than a feel-good gesture, encouragement fuels confidence, strengthens teams, enhances the customer experience, and helps everyone excel under pressure.

For many in ticketing, encouragement begins with the people closest to them.

“When I think about who encourages me, my family is always top of mind,” says Miranda Gamez, Product Manager — Secure Payment, AEG. “I am fortunate to have a close-knit support system, from my parents and brother to my aunts and cousins, who consistently show up with love and belief in me. Their unwavering faith in how I operate and what I am capable of, along with the encouragement of close colleagues and friends, truly lights me up. It inspires me to reflect that same confidence inward and reminds me that encouragement doesn’t just lift us, it helps us grow.”

That same sense of family encouragement shaped the path of Josh Ziegenbusch, Senior Director of Ticket and Premium Operations, Athletics.

“My dad has always been my biggest supporter,” he says. “When starting my career, he encouraged and pushed me to break through the challenges I was facing and work outside my comfort zone to find success. He would consistently provide me confidence that I belonged in the industry and knew that I would continue to grow and provide value to my organization. That belief and consistent positive messages meant more than anything. I lost him last year, but as I encounter more challenges, I can hear his voice and support.”

Ziegenbusch now strives to carry that same spirit forward in his own leadership.

“I try to bring a positive outlook each day. Encourage co-workers and staff to feel empowered and supported on a daily basis. Be a good listener and provide uninterrupted attention when appropriate. Give autonomy and opportunity for growth and be accepting of mistakes — they are the best learning lesson and growth opportunity.”

Gamez also makes a point of passing encouragement on to others.

“Encouragement is something I try to weave into my daily life and team culture. I focus on building people up, helping them see their own potential so they can make meaningful moves in their lives and careers. Mentorship is a big part of that for me,” she says. “I mentor several individuals from women in the industry to interns of all backgrounds, and I also co-chair the INTIX Mentor Program, which is incredibly meaningful to me. It is one of the most rewarding ways I have found to foster confidence, connection and growth.”

The impact is clear to those who work alongside her.

“Miranda Gamez, my co-chair on the INTIX Mentor Committee, has been a huge source of encouragement for me,” Lucille Pickering, Enterprise Partnerships, Stay22, says. “She is not only inspiring to work with but has been an incredible support, especially when it comes to public speaking.”

She continues, “Miranda has this knack for giving guidance that is both practical and confidence-boosting. When I am preparing talks or presentations, she helps me refine my messaging, calm my nerves, and focus on connecting with the audience. Knowing she believes in me makes me feel confident [and] prepared to spread the word of the Mentor Committee and the benefits it has for all INTIX members.”

Pickering also incorporates encouragement into her own leadership style.

“On the INTIX Mentor Committee, we intentionally foster encouragement — celebrating mentees’ wins, supporting mentors, and sharing feedback that helps everyone grow,” Pickering says. “I bring that same approach to Stay22: Giving shout-outs, actively supporting teammates, and creating an environment where people feel confident to share ideas, take risks, and step into leadership opportunities, whether that is in a meeting, on a call or in front of an audience.”

Encouragement often brings deep satisfaction when it leads to visible development and progress.

“At this point in my career, satisfaction comes in the form of seeing encouragement translate into hard work with the end result of achievement and advancement,” Jon Secunda, Director of Box Office Operations for the University of Nebraska Omaha, says. “Very recently, we had our young Assistant Manager graduate to bigger and better things, albeit for a different organization, but I am so happy to see a deserving person rewarded.”

For others, encouragement is the energy shared within a trusted circle that keeps spirits high.

“My encouragement comes from the amazing circle of friends and family who give time to fill my cup on a daily basis, whether it is an early morning call or just a quick note of ‘You got this!’” Ebony Hattix, Director, Guest Relations, Memphis Grizzlies, says. “I love my people, and they are all so different.”

Encouragement is also woven into the daily rhythm of life in ticketing.

“Working in a box office is like a crash course in humility, Duncan Moss, Director of Ticket Operations, Ravinia, says. “You are instantly part of a team and go about your work as a team member. In our box office, we constantly talk, and we talk about life, work, ticketing, the world, tonight’s performance, oh, and some more about life. This is therapy, and inside all of it is us lifting each other up through words of encouragement and listening. I get so much energy from my co-workers and box office staff, and we are constantly encouraging each other in our professional world, just as much as our personal worlds. Coming into work can be stressful sometimes, but I am always greeted with smiles, laughs and the best kind of encouragement I could ask for, my box office team!”

Harmony McGivney, Box Office Manager at The Kaye Playhouse, sees encouragement as something that can be shared through everyday interactions, both in and beyond the ticket office. “I think encouragement/positivity is a super important tool when navigating through one's ticketing career and life in general. Dealing with the general public is not for the faint of heart. Although at times it may be challenging to implement, I often think of the Dolly Parton quote, ‘If you see someone without a smile today, give 'em yours.’ You never know what someone is going through, so I do my best to lead with kindness and compassion.”

Stories like these remind us that significant impact often comes from small acts. From managers, it may be an acknowledgment, such as, “I see how hard you are working.” From peers, it can be a quick thank you or shout-out. From customers, it often comes in the form of compliments or positive reviews that, when shared with teams, can brighten an entire day.

Here are four ways ticketing professionals can make encouragement part of their everyday culture:

1. Do a daily shout-out. Quick recognition can set a positive tone for individuals or an entire team.
2. Share thoughtful tokens of appreciation. Handwritten notes, a Post-it on someone’s desk or digital kudos are easy to pass along and meaningful to receive.
3. Create an encouragement board. Whether it is on a wall in the office or in a digital space, it gives everyone a place to share gratitude.
4. Try an encouragement chain. An email or message that is passed from person to person until everyone has been included ensures no one feels overlooked.

Above all, the key is to be authentic. Generic or forced praise quickly falls flat, but genuine encouragement leaves a lasting impression.

“I always try to listen to my team and allow them to feel and take as much of my energy as they need,” Hattix says. “We all feed off each other. It is fun and keeps us uplifted!”

Encouragement not only lifts morale but also reduces the emotional load of dealing with a rough day or unhappy customers, creating a buffer against stress. In the live events industry, where long hours and high expectations are part of the job, this kind of support is vital for sustaining both individual wellness and team performance.

That’s why National Day of Encouragement on Sept. 12 is the perfect reminder to make encouragement intentional. Challenge yourself to share authentic words of encouragement that day and then carry the practice forward all year long. In ticketing, where the work is high stakes yet often invisible, encouragement isn’t just nice to have. It is a powerful force that helps people feel seen, supported and ready to shine.

Or as Hattix says, “To all my people, you are roses in a garden and I’m glad you are here!”