Tickets, Please!

Submitted by Sarah Brubaker

With the popularity of "An Evening with Shelby Van Pelt," we were faced with a new challenge: how will we make sure that everyone who registered gets a seat? That's why, for the first time, we are using tickets for Forsyth Reads Together.

We are using a third-party service called Eventbrite. This software will allow us to email tickets to patrons who have registered for the event through our website. 

Our first step is releasing marketing materials that reflect this change. We want to be clear about the process we are using to be fair to everyone. Our posters and bookmarks say, "Registration Full. Registered guests will receive emails from Eventbrite with tickets for entry to the event."

Next, we will send an e-blast to everyone who has registered for the event. This email will have detailed information on what patrons will expect from Eventbrite and how we will check their tickets for the event. We will also send this email to Public Services staff so that they receive the same information as our patrons.

Once patrons are prepared, we will email their tickets through Eventbrite. The subject will be "Order Confirmation for An Evening with Shelby Van Pelt." There will be an orange link that says, "Go to My Tickets." A web page will open with a QR code for their ticket, or an option to "Download tickets" as a PDF. 

On the evening of the event, Library staff members will scan the tickets at the door using the Eventbrite Organizer app on library tablets. 

If patrons wish to print their tickets for the event in advance, staff may help them print their ticket free of charge.