Whether the Eras Tour concert in Dublin is a lead booker event or not depends on the specifics of how tickets are being sold. In general, a lead booker event means that one person buys tickets on behalf of a group, and that person’s name is recorded as the lead booker. Some key factors in determining if it is a lead booker event:
How Tickets are Being Sold
Looking at how tickets for the event are being sold will provide insight into whether it is a lead booker event. Some signs it may be a lead booker event:
- There is an option to purchase multiple tickets in a single transaction.
- Only the purchaser’s name is recorded, not individual attendees.
- The maximum number of tickets per purchase is more than 2.
If tickets can only be purchased one at a time without option to buy for a group, it likely is not a lead booker event.
Ticket Limits
If there are limits on the number of tickets per purchase, that provides a good indication if it is a lead booker event. Some scenarios:
- High limits like 6 or 8 tickets per purchase implies it is a lead booker event.
- A limit of 2 or 4 tickets may still be lead booker, just with smaller groups.
- A strict limit of 1 or 2 tickets per person likely means no lead booker.
So the higher the ticket limit, the more likely it is that lead booker purchases are expected.
Ability to Change Lead Booker
Another factor is whether or not you can change the lead booker name after purchase. For true lead booker events, the purchaser is recorded as the lead booker and cannot be changed. However, sometimes you can transfer tickets to someone else’s name later on. This flexibility indicates it may not be a pure lead booker event.
Language on Event Page
The event page and ticket purchase flow should make it clear whether it is a lead booker event or not. Phrases like “nominate a lead booker” or “select tickets for your group” signal a lead booker setup. If it emphasizes individual tickets only, likely not lead booker.
Ticket Delivery Method
How the tickets are delivered can also provide hints on whether it is a lead booker event:
- E-tickets to each attendee would not be lead booker.
- Physical tickets mailed only to lead booker implies it is a lead booker event.
- Mixed delivery like etickets for lead plus printed tickets is possible for lead booker events.
So the delivery method needs to be considered in conjunction with the other factors.
Conclusions on the Eras Tour Dublin Concert
Based on the information available, signs point to the Eras Tour concert in Dublin being a lead booker event:
- Ticket limits are high at 6 per person.
- Only lead booker name is recorded on tickets.
- Language encourages group bookings and nominating a lead booker.
- Physical tickets are mailed to lead booker only.
So although not definitively confirmed, it is very likely that it is being run as a lead booker event where groups purchase together and the main ticket buyer is considered the lead booker.
Benefits of Lead Booker Model
The lead booker purchase model offers some benefits for major concerts and events:
- Makes it easier to organize group purchases rather than having everyone buy individually.
- Simplify ticket distribution by sending to one lead booker.
- Caps maximum number of tickets per group to 4-8 rather than unlimited.
- Discourages ticket scalping and resale since names cannot be changed.
The downsides are lack of flexibility to transfer tickets between friends and less control for non-lead group members.
For Concert Promoters
The lead booker approach has advantages for concert promoters and planners:
- Easier to track and limit total group purchases.
- Focus ticket delivery logistics to lead booker only.
- Consolidate groups under one lead booker contact.
- Potentially fewer customer service issues.
The main drawback is the lack of a direct relationship with other group attendees beyond the lead.
For Concert Attendees
For friends attending the concert, the lead booker model has some advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- Easier coordination for buying tickets as a group.
- Lead booker handles ticket distribution within the group.
- Good way to organize large group purchases.
Cons
- Lack of control or ownership as non-lead attendees.
- Reliant on lead booker to distribute tickets.
- No flexibility to transfer tickets between friends.
- Lead booker must handle all customer service issues.
Overall the lead booker approach simplifies group ticket buying coordination but sacrifices some flexibility for non-lead members.
Common Lead Booker Scenarios
Some typical lead booker scenarios include:
- Organizing a birthday outing for friends – the birthday person is designated lead booker.
- Booking tickets for a couple’s getaway weekend – one partner is the lead.
- Planning a corporate team outing – manager or team lead books as lead.
- Coordinating a family trip – parent serves as lead booker.
- Booking large group tour package – tour organizer or representative is the lead.
Essentially any situation where one person is organizing an event for a group, they will likely serve as the lead booker. The lead then manages ticket distribution and logistics for rest of group.
Lead Booker Trends
Some recent trends around lead booker models include:
- More concerts, festivals, and live events using lead booker to manage high demand.
- Restrictions on transferring tickets between attendees to limit scalping.
- Higher group ticket limits up to 8-10 per lead booker.
- More upfront disclosures on event pages about lead booker policies.
- Promoters building lead booker capabilities into ticket platforms.
As events become more popular, promoters are leveraging lead booker capabilities to scale group sales in an organized fashion. This minimizes impact to “real” fans while still allowing groups and gatherings to sit together.
Alternatives to Lead Booker Model
Some alternative approaches to lead booker for group ticket sales include:
- Group Discount Codes – Provide groups a special code to enable bulk discount pricing on tickets.
- Reserved Seating – Allow groups to reserve blocks of seats together online.
- Group Sales Rep – Assign a sales rep to handle large group ticket purchases via phone/email.
- Buy Tickets Individually – Require each person buys their own ticket with no group option.
Each of these has pros and cons and may be better suited depending on size of venue and demand. Lead booker provides a balanced approach for many events.
Is Lead Booker Right for Each Event?
While lead booker can be effective for high demand events, it may not be optimal approach for every concert or venue. Promoters should consider factors like:
- Expected demand level for the event.
- Typical group sizes expected.
- Venue capacity and layout.
- Ability to enforce ticket name policies.
- Impact on customer experience.
More intimate, lower demand events may not warrant lead booker limitations. But for hot shows with small venues, lead booker can help manage coordination and scalping risks.
Key Takeaways
- Lead booker model allows one person to buy tickets for a group.
- It simplifies group coordination but reduces flexibility for attendees.
- Common for high demand, small capacity concerts and events.
- Factors like ticket limits and delivery method determine if lead booker.
- Benefits exist for promoters and group organizers but some drawbacks for attendees.
- Lead booker may not be best fit for every event based on demand expectations.
While not universally applied, lead booker group purchases are common practice for major concerts and events. Understanding the model helps inform buying decisions and navigate policies.