App Spotlight: Mayo Performing Arts Center

Photo courtesy of Mayo Performing Arts Center.

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown, New Jersey brings community together to be inspired, entertained and uplifted by the power and the passion of the performing arts. In March 2022, MPAC launched a mobile app for their patrons powered by Appscension. We recently caught up with Lauren Soule, Senior Manager of Digital Design & Platforms for MPAC, to see how it’s going with their new app.

What prompted MPAC to launch a mobile app earlier this year?

We had been considering it for some time. After making the migration to Tessitura, we felt it was time to explore the idea in more detail.

Were there any challenges in creating and launching your app?

The process was EXTREMELY smooth from the Appscension end of things. However, we did run into some roadblocks with Apple while setting up our one-tap donation functionality. It took a lot of persistence and back and forth to bridge the gap between Benevity and Apple. We got it done, but it was a major headache.

TIP: Click here to learn more about setting up One-Tap Donations for your mobile app.

How did you introduce the app to your patrons?

We promoted the app as the vehicle for mobile tickets. Mobile tickets and the ability to share them with friends and family were big selling points. So to encourage app downloads, we advertised the mobile tickets within the app.

Mayo PAC includes an ad for their app in their events’ programs.

We also created a “hub” on the website to promote the app itself. It includes an instructional video as well as different major selling points for downloading the app.

What other ticket delivery methods did MPAC offer?

Print at home and physical tickets printed from the box office.

Did mobile tickets have an impact on the use of those delivery methods?

Yea, mobile tickets definitely had an impact on their usage. But I wouldn’t say it completely replaced them, especially due to our predominant demographic.

How do your patrons use their digital membership cards?

At the moment, it is just to show their membership status. We are hoping in the future that it can be used to redeem member-related perks like drinks or concessions discounts!

By tapping on Send to Friend at the bottom of the screen, patrons can send tickets to friends and family arriving separately.

How do you utilize the app’s At-The-Venue feature?

We use it for every show as a place for patrons to access ``in-venue” amenities - the program book, the concessions menu - anything they would want to use while attending a performance.

How have patrons responded to the MPAC app?

They really love it. Heavy hitting features are definitely the mobile ticket aspect and the ability to share tickets with friends and family.

I heard that you did not want an app initially. What changed your mind?

Organizationally, we felt it was time to take the leap. Personally, my mind changed when I realized that an app could serve our patrons in a more curated way than just a mobile website. Leaning into designing this experience really helped me understand its value.

Want to learn what your mobile app could do?

Let’s talk! We would love to discuss what our Appscension service can do for you.

To schedule an Appscension demo, click here.

Have a question? Contact David.

InstantEncore is an EcoSystem partner of the Tessitura Network, the licensor and developer of Tessitura Software. The Tessitura Network does not support or verify the effectiveness of the integration or the capabilities of this product. Any and all support and questions regarding this application should be directed solely to InstantEncore.