Event Ticketing Software: Top Picks for UK Hospitality Businesses

In the hospitality industry, offering unique and memorable events can significantly boost your venue's profile and revenue.

Whether you're hosting a food festival, live entertainment, or a themed dining experience, effective ticketing is crucial. The right event ticketing software simplifies the process, from selling tickets to managing guests, and can even help promote your events.

In this article, we explore the top event ticketing software solutions available to hospitality businesses in the UK - whether you run a restaurant, bar, or hotel - and provide insights into what you should look for when choosing the right platform.

Are you keen to start selling tickets to events in your venue? Discover the power combo of Access Tonic and DesignMyNight!

What to look for in event ticketing software

Choosing the right ticketing software is vital to the success of your events. Here are some key features to consider when selecting a solution for your hospitality venue:

1. Ease of use: The software should be intuitive and easy to use, both for you and your customers. A smooth setup process and user-friendly interface will ensure that you can manage your events without a steep learning curve - so you can focus on selling out your event!

2. Integration with existing systems: Ideally, the ticketing software should integrate seamlessly with other systems you use - especially if tickets will be available on a discovery platform, like DesignMyNight. This integration helps streamline your work and ensures all your data is in one place.

3. Customisation options: Look for software that allows you to customise tickets to suit your event, and importantly, fit in with your brand. Ticket options, pricing, and event pages should be considered and suit the specific needs of your event.

4. Promotion and marketing tools: Effective promotion is key to selling out your events. Choose a platform that offers built-in marketing tools, such as social media integration, email campaigns, and discount codes.

5. Reporting and analytics: Of course you will want to know how sales are going, and a detailed reporting suite will help you understand the performance of your events, from ticket sales to customer demographics, and where sales are coming from. This data is invaluable for planning future events too.

6. Customer support: Reliable customer support can make a significant difference, especially if you encounter issues during a busy event. Opt for a platform that offers good support availability and options to ensure you're getting the help you need from start to finish.

Top Event Ticketing Software for UK Hospitality Businesses

1. Whova

Whova is an event management platform that includes robust ticketing features. It is particularly suited for larger events (like in hotels and conference rooms), offering tools for attendee management, marketing, and networking. Whova's mobile app provided real-time updates and engagement opportunities. It can be complex and command a high price for smaller events or those with simple needs.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive event management tools, including ticketing
• Mobile app for enhanced attendee engagement
• Customisable event pages and ticket types
• Built-in promotional tools, including email campaigns and social media integration
• Detailed analytics and reporting features

2. TicketLeap

TicketLeap provides a simple and user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for small to mid-sized events. The platform offers straightforward ticketing features along with customisable event pages. It's an ideal option for venues that prioritise ease of use and affordability. But that does come at the expense of it's features which can be limited - especially for marketing and promotion.

Key Features:

• Intuitive and easy-to-use platform
• Customisable event pages with branding options
• Mobile-friendly ticketing and check-in
• Integration with social media for event promotion
• Detailed reporting on ticket sales and attendance

3. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is one of the most popular event ticketing platforms globally. It offers a wide range of features, including powerful promotional tools and extensive analytics. Eventbrite is particularly beneficial for venues looking to reach a broader audience, thanks to its large marketplace of event-goers. It does charge higher fees compared to other platforms, and they are prone to change relatively frequently.

Key Features:

• Extensive promotional tools, including social media and email marketing
• Mobile-friendly ticketing, including a dedicated check-in app
• Customisable event pages with branding options
• Access to a large marketplace of potential attendees
• Detailed analytics and reporting tools

4. Access Tonic Ticketing Software

Access Tonic, developed by The Access Group, is designed specifically for the hospitality and leisure industries. It provides a full suite of ticketing and event management tools, with a focus on enhancing the customer experience. Its integration with other Access Group products makes it a powerful option for businesses already using their software. The commission-based pricing model may be less cost-effective for high-volume venues with frequent or large events.

Key Features:

• Designed specifically for hospitality and leisure venues
• Seamless integration with other Access Group products, such as POS and CRM systems
• Advanced reporting and analytics tools
• Customisable ticket types and pricing
• Comprehensive customer support and onboarding

How to Choose the Right Ticketing Software for Your Venue

When selecting ticketing software, consider the unique needs of your venue and the type of events you plan to host. If you're looking for an all-in-one solution with strong integration capabilities, Access Tonic might be the best fit. For those prioritising ease of use and broad audience reach, Eventbrite or TicketLeap could be ideal. Whova is a great choice for much larger events that require advanced attendee engagement features.

Conclusion

Selecting the right event ticketing software can make all the difference in the success of your events. With the right tools, you can streamline ticket sales, enhance the customer experience, and drive more revenue. Whether you're a small venue hosting intimate gatherings or a larger establishment planning extensive events, these software solutions provide the features and flexibility you need to succeed. Explore your options and choose the one that best aligns with your business goals.