Bermuda's Premier Tickets Moves into Live Event Management

Bermuda's Premier Tickets Moves into Live Event Management
By Kelly McWilliams

A small Bermuda startup, branding itself as an all-purpose ticketer and event management company, is expanding rapidly in the island's live entertainment market.

Launched in 2009 from the software division of parent company Fireminds, Ltd., Premier Tickets was originally developed to manage online ticketing for the Bermuda Hogges soccer team and the Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

Over the past two years, the company has not only built upon its original software base but has also developed additional tools and services for event organizers, ranging from on-site event management to renting portable box office equipment to managing payments and tracking sales.

While maintaining headquarters in Bermuda, the company also provides online ticketing services for events in the Caribbean and the eastern U.S., with customer service phone support outsourced to the U.S. as well.

A primary goal for the company has been the improvement of the event production process and elimination of stress for organizers, and event management has comprised only part of the company's growth in these past two years. Premier Tickets, which earns revenue from ticket and advertising fees as well as consulting services, also has expanded its reach to cover a vast array of events.

The company is now involved in ticketing and management for concerts, film festivals, charity and other events, including large scale productions like this year's Magic of Rick Thomas show, where a four person staff processed 10,000 tickets for fans.

And growth into new arenas continues, with the company recently entering the tee reservation market with its Premier Golf division. In conjunction with Bermuda's Department of Tourism and the country's golf courses, Premier Golf provides the country's central tee time system.

Other specialized tools include customized online portals for event organizers and access to virtual seat views for ticket buyers to assist them in making the best choice possible when booking seats.