Ticketing & Registration Terms Glossary
Your Guide To Ticketing And Registration Terms—Covering Ticket Types, Pricing, Access Control, And Resale Strategies.
Ticketing and registration are at the heart of every successful event. From access control to upsells, the language of ticketing can be a maze of acronyms, policies, and platforms. 🤔
If you’ve ever wondered “What’s the difference between an e-ticket and mobile ticketing?” or “How do presales and dynamic pricing really work?”—this glossary has you covered.
Below, you’ll find the essential terms that every event organizer, venue operator, and attendee should know when it comes to tickets and registration. Whether you’re managing a stadium, a local festival, or a digital event, this guide will help you master the basics. ✨
🎟 Ticket Types & Formats
Barcode Ticket
A ticket with a unique barcode that can be scanned for entry and tracking.
E-Ticket (Electronic Ticket)
A digital ticket delivered via email or mobile app, scanned for entry.
Hard Ticket
A physical, printed ticket as opposed to a digital version.
Mobile Ticketing
The use of smartphones or devices to purchase, store, and present tickets.
Paperless Ticketing
A system where no physical tickets are issued; entry is managed through digital credentials.
QR Code Ticket
A ticket containing a unique QR code for scanning at entry points.
Season Pass
A ticket granting access to multiple events or sessions over a defined period.
Ticket Bundle
A package combining multiple tickets or pairing tickets with merchandise, parking, or perks.
🎫 Sales & Pricing
Box Office
The physical or virtual location where tickets are sold and distributed.
Comp Ticket (Complimentary Ticket)
A free ticket provided to VIPs, sponsors, media, or staff.
Dynamic Pricing
A pricing strategy that adjusts ticket costs in real time based on demand, time, or inventory.
Early Bird Ticket
Discounted tickets available for a limited time before standard pricing begins.
General Admission (GA)
A ticket type granting access without assigned seating.
Group Ticketing
Selling bundles of tickets for groups, often at discounted rates.
Presale
A period when tickets are offered to a select group before general public access.
Reserved Seating
Tickets that assign specific seats to attendees.
Scalping
The unauthorized resale of tickets, often at inflated prices.
Secondary Ticketing
The resale of event tickets through third-party platforms or marketplaces.
Service Fee
An extra charge added to cover processing or administrative costs.
Upsell
Offering add-ons or upgrades (e.g., VIP access, merch) during the ticket purchase process.
Waitlist
A system allowing potential attendees to register interest in tickets if they become available.
🛠 Registration & Processing
Access Control
The process of verifying tickets and managing entry, often using scanners, turnstiles, or RFID/NFC.
Capacity Management
Monitoring and controlling ticket sales to ensure venue limits aren’t exceeded.
Credential
A badge, wristband, or pass granting access to specific areas or functions.
Order Confirmation
The receipt or notification sent after purchase, often including QR codes and event details.
Payment Gateway
A service that securely processes online ticket payments.
Refund Policy
The rules governing if and how tickets can be refunded or exchanged.
Registration Form
An online or paper form used to collect attendee details during ticketing or sign-up.
Ticket Inventory
The total number of tickets available for an event.
Ticket Marketplace
An online platform where tickets are bought and sold, including resale.
Ticket Scanner
A device or app used to validate tickets at entry points.
Ticket Transfer
Reassigning a ticket from one attendee to another, often through digital tools.
Will Call
A location at the event where attendees can pick up pre-purchased tickets.