From Paper to Pixel: Why Digital Tickets Improve Your Event
Ticketing is often the first touchpoint visitors have with your Parade of Homes. Whether you use digital or paper, or a mix of both, it’s important to make the experience as smooth and welcoming as possible.
While paper tickets continue to work well for many events, digital tickets offer added convenience and flexibility for both organizers and attendees. They reduce logistical steps, lower costs, and provide helpful analytics that paper can’t match. Many events choose to offer both formats so visitors can pick what works best for them.
Here are several reasons why digital ticketing is becoming a popular option for many parades.
Instant Delivery Means Happy Visitors
Digital tickets are sent immediately to each visitor’s email after purchase. The email includes a PDF attachment for every ticket bought, making them easy to access and share. There’s no waiting, no driving to a pickup location, and no risk of losing a physical copy. Visitors can also view their ticket directly inside your branded app at any time. It’s quick, convenient, and eliminates last-minute stress.
And it gets even better! If a visitor purchases their ticket in your app, that ticket is automatically saved to their phone. No more pulling up emails or typing in access codes. With that one easy step they’re ready to visit homes, view virtual tours and vote!
Capture Valuable Demographic Information
When attendees purchase digital tickets, you can ask custom questions during checkout, such as ZIP code, housing plans, or whether they want to join your newsletter. This data helps builders and associations better understand their audience and follow up more effectively after the event.
Easier Management of Promotions and Free Tickets
Need to offer a sponsor, builder, or local partner a set of free or discounted tickets? Digital ticketing makes this simple. You can generate promo codes or create special ticket types in just a few clicks. There is no physical handling or printing required. If you need help with setting this up within your ParadeSmart Dashboard, reach out to our team for assistance!
Reduce Costs and Logistical Headaches
With paper tickets, you need to send a list of hash codes to a printer, wait for them to convert the codes into QR tickets, and then pay to have them printed. Distribution also requires staff or volunteers to sell tickets in person at one or more locations. Digital ticketing removes most of these steps, saving time and resources while still offering a great guest experience.
BONUS: Use Both Systems Together
Many ParadeSmart clients use both digital and paper tickets to meet the needs of their audience. You can easily support digital ticketing through your app while still offering printed tickets at select outlets. The backend system tracks and scans both types, so you’re covered no matter which path guests take.
Want to explore digital ticketing options for your next event?
If you’re an existing ParadeSmart client with ticketing, we’re happy to help you set it up, answer questions, or walk you through a hybrid approach. Just reach out to our support team at support@paradesmart.com.
If you’re interested in learning more about our services, fill out our form below to get in touch with our team!