Community tickets are key in making local events more successful and well-organized. But traditional paper tickets can be limiting when it comes to communication, tracking, and sustainability.
By switching to digital tickets, you can streamline event management—sending real-time updates directly to attendees’ phones, monitoring attendance more accurately, and cutting down on paper waste.
That’s where PassKit comes in.
With PassKit, you can quickly create, customize, and manage digital tickets for any community event, all in one place.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics and show you how to use PassKit to simplify your event planning and make it easier for people to attend and stay informed.
Summary
The global event registration and ticketing platform market is projected to grow from approximately $1.5 billion in 2023 to around $3.5 billion by 2032, driven by a strong annual growth rate of 10%.
Organizations are turning to digital ticketing solutions like PassKit to make event management easier, automate how they engage with attendees, and use data analytics to create better experiences and boost interaction—all from one platform.
Key benefits include:
- Quick setup for any event
- Instant updates and easy validation
- Loyalty program integration for repeat guests
- Mobile and eco-friendly tickets
- Transparent ticket prices
- Affordable pricing for all attendees
Digital solutions cut wait times and speed up check-in. Organizers get insights into attendance and guest trends. Many groups now connect ticketing with membership for a seamless experience.
Digital community ticket programs built with PassKit help remove barriers to attendance—making it easier for students, families, and local organizations to participate in events, grow community engagement, and increase overall turnout.
You can create, personalize, manage and distribute community tickets using traditional and digital channels and send push notifications and location-based alerts to boost guest communication and experience.
You don’t need coding or design skills to use the platform.
If you’re ready to test it, sign up for PassKit’s 45-day free trial and see how digital community tickets can make a difference.
What are community tickets, their purpose and impact?
Community tickets are event passes that sports teams, venues, or event organizers share with nonprofits and local organizations. They make events more accessible to people from economically challenged backgrounds.
These tickets are usually shared with youth groups like schools, charities, and other community-focused organizations. They are intended for group participation, not for fundraising, resale, or promotional use.
Community tickets help bring young people together. It makes them feel included. Local events feel more lively and welcoming.
How do community ticket programs work?
Community ticket programs make buying and using tickets for local events simple and affordable. People usually purchase tickets online, share them with friends, and get special offers from local organizations.
Most participating organizations use digital systems like PassKit, so guests’ tickets show up on their phones as soon as they buy them.
Joining a community ticket program connects individuals with nearby venues, groups, and nonprofits. These programs help them discover new events and support their community at the same time.
Each attendee:
- Picks an event from a partner organization
- Buys digital tickets on a secure platform
- Gets tickets by email or on their mobile device
- Shows their digital ticket at the event entrance
They often get perks like discounts or early access to popular events. Local groups work together to make events more exciting, and people can invite friends with just a few taps.
For tips on improving your event experience, check out some event strategy hacks.
Benefits of digital community ticket programs
Digital community ticket programs make buying, selling, and using tickets a breeze. You can manage ticket numbers, track sales, and make your event run smoother—no paper needed.
With digital tickets, you can monitor ticket quantities in real time to ensure fair distribution and prevent exceeding purchase limits. You’ll know if your event is full or if there’s still space.
Benefits include:
- Easy advance purchase: People can buy tickets early, right from their phones.
- Faster entry: Guests can scan their tickets at the door and skip the long lines.
- Better security: Each ticket works once, so there’s less chance of fraud.
It’s simple to set special prices, like discounts for early birds. You can also promote last-minute tickets to fill your event.
Digital ticketing keeps financial details online, so you don’t have to worry about handling cash. You can track who attends and tweak prices or ticket numbers for your next event.
Key restrictions of community tickets
Community tickets usually come with some limits to keep events fair and organized. These rules make sure everyone gets a shot at joining local events:
- Limited quantity: Free tickets are often capped per person, so more people get a chance to enjoy the event.
- First come, first served basis: Tickets go out in order until they’re gone.
- Personal use only: Organizers try to prevent reselling by issuing tickets for personal use only.
- Age and location: Sometimes, only locals or certain age groups can get tickets.
Venues check complimentary tickets at the door to stop misuse and prevent duplicate entries. It keeps things secure for everyone coming in.
It is the responsibility of nonprofit organizations and individuals to follow all ticket policies and avoid misuse.
Clear restrictions keep the event fair and manageable. Make sure you share the guidelines before tickets go live.
How to create your community tickets with PassKit
PassKit is the leading event ticketing software that lets you create, manage, and send digital tickets for events—big or small. It works for in-person and virtual events, whether they’re free, paid, or recurring.
You can make custom event tickets that match your branding with logos, colors, and advanced fields. Every ticket is personalized and unique, featuring a QR code for secure and easy check-in.
You also get simple attendee management—see who’s coming, send updates via push notifications, and keep event info in one spot. You can set different ticket types for different needs or access levels.
Start a 45-day free trial to test the platform.
How PassKit’s event ticketing software works
Start by signing up for PassKit and accessing your dashboard. Visit the page for the event creation section and submit your event details—date, location, and ticket types.
You can create ticket tiers, like General Admission or VIP, and set custom prices. It makes it easy to organize events with different perks or access levels.
You can use pre-made templates to design your mobile wallet tickets with custom colors, branding, advanced fields, and personal touches.
Check out the Pass Designer to see how it works.
Attendees get their tickets on Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, so there’s no need for paper, printing or shipping. Each ticket is optimized for perfect preview in mobile wallets.
PassKit keeps your event safe by using unique digital tickets and reducing counterfeits. Each ticket comes with a scannable QR code for smooth entry.
At the event, your staff can use the PassReader app to scan QR codes quickly. Only valid tickets are accepted at the entrance, improving the event access control.
If plans change, you can update tickets, and attendees receive instant notifications or location-based alerts.
Start a 45-day free trial for first-hand experience.
PassKit’s advanced features for community ticket programs
PassKit includes Event Tickets API and integrates with Zapier and Make to streamline ticketing.
You can connect your existing tech stack, marketing automation tools or email marketing platforms so buyers get confirmations and updates automatically.
Add loyalty or membership programs to your tickets, rewarding frequent guests with perks or discounts. You can also use digital coupons to boost attendance by sending offers straight to your community’s phones.
With advanced analytics, you’ll see who’s attending and track guest engagement during your event.
Get detailed data on ticket sales, attendance, and popular ticket types. Detailed reports and attendee information enable better event management.
These insights help you fine-tune future events for even better results.
Why event organizers choose PassKit for community ticket programs
Many local organizers like PassKit because it’s user-friendly and flexible.
You get to control every detail—from how your tickets look to what attendee info you collect and requesting tickets. That’s a big deal if you care about branding and knowing your guests.
PassKit gives guests real-time updates if anything changes before the event. That means less confusion and fewer last-minute emails.
Digital tickets also cut down on paper waste. If you’re trying to be eco-friendly, that’s a nice bonus.
PassKit has strong security and automated fraud detection. It helps keep fake tickets out and lets your guests feel safe.
When people trust your event, your community grows. That’s what most organizers want, right?
Start a 45-day free trial now.
Maximizing fundraising with community tickets
Consider the following options.
Try tiered ticket options. Offer basic, VIP, and group tickets. Higher-priced tickets can include perks like better seats or extra raffle entries.
It gives donors choices and can boost support. Members like options, especially when it comes to giving.
Bundle tickets with donation chances. Add a spot at the checkout for guests to toss in an extra gift. You can also include donations in ticket packages, allowing people to give a little more as they buy. Allocating a portion of tickets for special fundraising packages can help maximize support and manage attendance more effectively.
Create urgency with early bird or VIP tickets. Limited-time deals push people to buy sooner. Exclusive VIP experiences attract donors who want something special.
Attract sponsors through your ticket program. Offer sponsors branding on digital tickets, shout-outs in event emails, or even naming rights for ticket tiers.
Sponsors love the extra visibility. It also strengthens their connection to your community.
Encourage social sharing. Make it easy for guests to post their tickets on social media. That spreads the word and can boost sales.
Partner with local businesses for extra value. Give ticket holders coupons, samples, or special deals. It’s a win for your guests and helps local shops.
After the event, follow up and offer extra fundraising opportunities using your attendees’ contact info.
Best practices for nonprofit ticket offices
Want your nonprofit ticket office to run smoother and feel more welcoming? A few good habits go a long way.
Centralize ticket management digitally. Using a system like PassKit keeps requests, sales, and reports all in one spot. It just makes life easier for everyone.
Set clear ticketing policies and train your team. Spell out your rules for refunds, reselling, or group sales up front. A quick note or online post helps attendees know what to expect.
Reserve free or discounted tickets for underserved groups. Keep a few tickets available and let people request them through a simple form or by contacting your office.
Make sure to include tickets for individuals with disabilities to promote inclusivity and ensure everyone can access your events.
Monitor ticket availability in real-time. A digital system shows which tickets are left and lets you send updates fast. That helps avoid double-booking headaches.
Offer multiple ways to get tickets:
- Online purchase
- Box office pickup
- Phone or email request
- Special codes for community partners
Staff and volunteer training matters. Make sure everyone knows the digital ticketing tools and can answer basic questions.
Support your customers quickly. Always reply to lost ticket questions or help requests. Put your ticket office’s contact info front and center on your site and receipts.
Gather attendee feedback. After events, ask people how things went. Use their feedback to improve next time.
Pay attention to privacy, security, and quick responses. That’s how you create a better experience for your community and event team.
Conclusion about community tickets
Community tickets are a great way to get everyone involved and make them feel like they belong at local events.
They make things more affordable, breaking down financial barriers so more interested people and children can jump in and enjoy what’s happening around them.
This easier access makes a real difference for those who might otherwise be excluded and helps bring the entire community closer together.
With more people attending and mingling, there are better-shared experiences, a stronger sense of belonging, and a livelier local culture.
PassKit gives you simple tools to create, manage, and share community event tickets. It helps make local gatherings run smoother and more organized, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
With PassKit, you can:
- Design and send digital tickets in just a few minutes
- Share updates with attendees instantly
- Accept mobile payments and donations
- Connect with apps you already use
Give PassKit’s 45-day free trial a shot and see what changes for your next event!
