Best News World n. 6 - Winter 2013

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WINTER 2013

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OMNITICKET NETWORK

BEST UNION GROUP

E X P O

Achievements and new goals for the new year

Be st U n i on c h o se n as Ticketing Partner

News from US and Wo r l d M a r k e t !

SPECIAL CULTURE

F I E R A C AVA L L I

J O H N D AV I E S

Art & Entertainment: Best Union’s recipe against the crisis

“Slip” the obstacle of the crisis and exceeds 156,000 visitors

Ticketing Systems: History and Future

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UK USA SINGAPORE Dear readers, this last issue of 2012 naturally leads us to a summary of the year just ended.

In this tough year our group has grown in all markets, about business and geography, in which it is present.

During 2012, we signed long-term agreements with two major customers of the Group; we have released some world-class projects such as the Historic Royal Palaces in London; we started working with the second group of entertainment in the world, Merlin Group, and we have also won all the biggest races for the management of cultural events in Italy.

For EXPO 2015 our team will take care of the ticketing and access control and in Asia we opened the Japanese market and won races on four major parks.

In the U.S. the ticketing of Graceland and the Elizabeth Taylor Foundation are just two of the prestigious achievements in that part of the world.

In the Middle East a new park in Tunisia and the opening of Yas Waterworld, the largest water park in the world, are synonymous with the desire to concentrate in a decisive way to the development of that part of the world.

In terms of economics, we can and must do better despite having improved all the rates.

This is the first commitment we make to those who work and believes in us.

B E S T U N I O N G R O U P

Achievements and new goals for the new year

Merry

s a m t s i r h C

and

happy

! r a e Y w e N

The second task concerns the preparation of a new three-year business plan that needs to be screened to confirm our vocation to growth through the aggregation of other realities.

The third commitment, perhaps the most important, concerns about the people working and collaborating with us. My thoughts are turned to them, with the commitment to tenaciously pursue the goal of an even better prospect for all of us.

We owe it to all those who have proven to believe.

In the next issue some important orders will, hopefully, be announced.

I take this opportunity to wish a Happy New Year to all those who know how to love and share all the best in the world.

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UK USA SINGAPORE On October 16th, 2012, Best Union Company S.p.A. was selected as Ticketing Partner of EXPO 2015 S.p.A. The offer is part of a broader proposal concerning the provision of banking services related to the role of Organizer’s Banking Partner assigned to Intesa Sanpaolo. The proposal, referred to the event Expo Milano 2015 to be held in Milan from May 1st to October 31st 2015, declares Best Union to be in charge for the preparation and the administration of both the platform and ticketing services related to the event.

The assignment of the Ticketing Partner role is subject to the successful outcome according to ex. Article 38 of Legislative Decree no. 163/2006.

E X P O 2 0 1 5 Best Union chosen as Ticketing Partner

It will be the largest worldwide event ever organized around the theme of food and nutrition and will unite countries, institutions, companies and NGOs from all over the world.

Expo will be the occasion to tackle the global food challenge and to promote the sustainable development of our planet.

It will be a worldwide event in which 140 participants ranging from countries, International Organizations to companies will have the possibility to showcase the solutions that they are experimenting in order to ensure safe and nutritious food for the growing global population.

Over 20 million visitors are expected at Expo Milano 2015 and one billion people will connect to the CyberExpo platform.

Expo Milano 2015 is the next Universal Exposition and will be organized around the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”, from May 1st to October 31st in Milan, Italy.

The aim of Expo Milano 2015 is to be an aggregator of ideas and contributions from people, companies, organizations and institutions. It is Expo 2015’s intention to leave a legacy of initiatives and solutions which will live and grow beyond 2015.

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OMNITICKET

NETWORK

NEW TURNSTILES FOR PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY!

News from US Market!

This fall the world’s largest rotating Tramcar, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, upgraded to new turnstiles after 15 years of using O m n i T i c k e t ’s f i b e r g l a s s millennia models.

The Tramway worked with OmniTicket and Perey Turnstile to implement two new models of turnstiles that are a perfect fit for the Tramway’s unique operation.

The upgraded stainless steel turnstiles include a drop arm model to accommodate disabled guests and strollers, along with a traditional tripod model for quick and easy general admissions. Each turnstile model provides automated control of the turnstile bars and is equipped with a state-of-the-art 2D barcode scanner which is able to read barcodes from cell phones, printat-home tickets and standard ticket stock.

The new turnstiles allow the Tramway to quickly load each cable car with up to 80 people per car to take the exciting ride up the cliffs of Chino Canyon.

While not quite as exciting as the view from the Mountain Station, the new turnstiles appear to be a big success!

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OMNITICKET

NETWORK

News from US Market!

OMNITICKET PRESENTS I P H O N E A P P AT I A A PA TECHNOLOGY TRENDS SHOWCASE OmniTicket Network presented the industry’s latest mobile ticketing technology at the Technology Trends Showcase on Monday, November 13th at the Orange County Convention Center. The exciting new OmniTicket IPhone App integrates directly with the OmniTicket Network Ticketing system to give visitors the opportunity to easily buy attraction and theme park tickets safely and securely wherever they are.

The OmniTicket IPhone App can also be branded for a specific park or attraction, and provides visitors with everything they need to plan their perfect experience from beginning to end. Before their visit they can check park operating hours, map out what attractions they want to see and when as well as research average ride wait times to avoid waiting in long lines.

Visitors can also view special event and show information, make dining reservations in advance, get up to date weather information and so much more!

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THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM GOES ONLINE W I T H OMNITICKET!

OMNITICKET

NETWORK

News from US Market!

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.flaquarium.com and clicking on B u y T i c k e t s !

The Florida Aquarium is now selling tickets online through OmniTicket Network. Guests can now go online to buy general admission tickets, special event tickets and memberships to Tampa’s most exciting attraction.

The Florida Aquarium showcases 20,000 aquatic plants and animals and was recently ranked as one of the top ten museums by TripAdvisor.com!

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OMNITICKET

NETWORK

News from the World OMNITICKET EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE

WITH NEW INSTALLATIONS OmniTicket Network has completed new installations of their Best Overview Solution (BOS) at multiple prestigious attractions around the world.

Highlighted installations include projects such as the Historic Royal Palaces in the UK, Tokyo Lego Discovery Centre in Japan and the Puteri Family Theme Park in Malaysia.

With these new BOS installations OmniTicket Network now has client sites in 26 countries around the globe using OmniTicket systems to perform ticket sales, group sales, event sales, web sales, retail sales and access control.

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UK USA SINGAPORE Charta's tradition in providing computerized ticketing systems for the main Italian theaters is established since many years.

And it is no coincidence that a prestigious institution such as the Piccolo Teatro Grassi in Milan relies on the professionalism of our Group.

SPECIAL CULTURE

Art & Entertainment: I L T E A T R A N T E Best Union’s recipe at the Piccolo Teatro Grassi in Milan against the crisis After reflecting on the world of theater, Franco Branciaroli has chosen Il Teatrante by Thomas Bernhard, a play rarely presented in Italy.

In Il Teatrante, an obscure provincial theater, an Italian actor-author and frustrated megalomaniac is faced with an impossible choice and is caught between his ambition and the need of the company which is composed of his own family who are working to make ends meet.

A p e s s i m i s t l i k e n o o t h e r, playwright Bernhard does not give the theater or players a chance for redemption.

Yet, in reciting his failure to the last drop of blood, the theater once again creates its own surprising miracle.

See the play... to witness Franco Branciaroli’s test as an actor, and to get to know Thomas Bernhard, the Austrian novelist and playwright known for his caustic lyrics which are soaked in pessimism.

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THIRTY A R T S I N I TA LY O V E R FA S C I S M Charta and Palazzo Strozzi in Florence have established a productive synergy through an interesting exhibition held in the halls of the Florentine mansion until the 27th of January.

The exhibit highlights the 30s in Italy, a period that, despite the increasingly heavy yoke of the fascist dictatorship, from the point of view of art and culture, was extremely lively and creative.

This is demonstrated by the exhibition which consists of 99 paintings, 17 sculptures and 20 design objects that trace the history of a series of intellectual movements that would have important influence on the decades to come.

The period seems to be an openair laboratory with styles and trends that chase each other and sees the entry of design and mass communication including posters,

Art & Entertainment: Best Union’s recipe against the crisis

radio, cinema and the first magazines collected from the "fine arts" a series of ideas and images to send to the public.

The artists presented are among the most famous of the contemporary art scene, such as Mario Sironi, Giorgio de Chirico, Alber to Savino, Achille Funi, Carlo Carrà, Giorgio Morandi, Renato Guttuso and others, from classicism to futurism, expressionism abstract art, from monumental to the lounge painting.

Charta’s reservation service has been chosen by the organizer and thus Charta once again supports major museums in constant research of innovation and quality.

Thirty years.

Arts in Italy over fascism Florence, Palazzo Strozzi 22 September 2012 - 27 January 2013

www.palazzostrozzi.org

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SPECIAL CULTURE Art & Entertainment: Best Union’s recipe against the crisis The Muse, after all tickets for the autumn tour were sold out in a few hours, and after the triumph at the San Siro gig in June 2010, will be back next summer on the Italian stage with two spectacular stadium shows, one on June 28th in Turin and the other on July 6th in Rome.

The British band who composed Survival, the official anthem of the Olympic Games in London, has just released his new album, The 2ndLaw, which was able at the same time to climb the charts reaching number 1 in 24 countries (including Italy, where he was at the top for 3 consecutive weeks), winning critical acclaim from old fans and making new fans fall in love.

With 16 million records sold, 1 Grammy and 2 Brit Awards, their success is due to the ability to blend various musical styles and genres, a mix of progressive rock, dance electronic and orchestral symphonies, political issues and science fiction stories, combined with an uncanny ability to take the stage and wow audiences. Their career is characterized by constant experimentation.

Especially in their later work they have not spared special effects, inserting music choirs, strings and woodwinds, pianos, guitars and a myriad of details that help to define their "grand vision" of music.

Presales are available now through Vivaticket which guarantees secure purchases and high quality service.

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SPECIAL CULTURE Art & Entertainment: Best Union’s recipe against the crisis

THEATRE CARLO FELICE IN GENOA Charta, a subsidiary of Best Union Group. is proud of their collaboration with one of the major Italian cultural institutions. The Teatro Carlo Felice is the principal theater of Genoa and one of the most famous in Italy. The Opera, Ballet and Symphony seasons will be held at the Teatro Carlo Felice along with recitals and various events.

The theater is located just next to the central Piazza De Ferrari in the city center near the equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, and not far from the fountain that is one of the symbols of the city.

For the current season Vivaticket Charta, with its always updated online portal and its network of stores, will manage the advance services of the scheduled performances with particular attention to the quality of services offered.

A full range of events are planned from opera, symphony and ballet, including the Turandot, Macbeth, Rigoletto, La Traviata, and a special Lago dei Cigni on ice.

Once again, the Best Union Group has been chosen to be on the side of those who, in Italy and in the world, makes culture at high level.

Many special guests will perform including the most famous city singer, Paolo Conte, the Monte Cauriol choir and Franco Battiato, and cultural activities in cooperation with Friends of the Carlo Felice and the Conservatory N. Paganini will be presented.

In addition, a traditional theatrical season will be dedicated to a younger audience at Auditorium Eugenio Montale.

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SPECIAL CULTURE Art & Entertainment: Best Union’s recipe against the crisis

Experience Theatre Magic with the Most Beautiful Stories of All Time

TEATROLANDIA: MUSICAL THEATRE FOR CHILDREN FROM 3 TO 99 YEARS Vivaticket is pleased to announce the launch of a close collaboration with Teatrolandia, an organization started in Genoa which organizes events and entertainment throughout Italy in partnership with charities and nonprofit organizations.

The Genoa-based company has a rich program of theater shows dedicated to the world of fairy-tales which are able to excite child and adults.

First we highlight the Dream Factory in May at the Politeama Genoa, an exciting show for the whole family with enchanting costume changes and live singing and dancing.

The audience will journey to distant lands, visit enchanted castles and traverse stormy seas where crashing waves break on the cliffs of wonderful sirens.

In January the Teatro Alfieri in Turin (and in April in Naples) presents the Magical World of Oz, a musical set in Kansas on a farm where little Dorothy Gale lives. www.teatrolandiashow.it

Following a violent storm Dorothy is transported with her house to a dream world that is populated by strange characters with funny names and extravagant clothes.

Accompanied by a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodman and a Cowardly Lion, which are in search of themselves and their own dignity, Dorothy takes an incredible journey through fantastic adventures, music and characters.

Surprises of all kinds are found as Dorothy searches for the wonderful world of the Wizard of Oz. And in Milan in April, Cinderella will be presented at the Teatro della Luna. This musical of Compagnia delle Formiche is dedicated to one of the most well-known fairy tales told around the world.

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SPECIAL CULTURE Art & Entertainment: Best Union’s recipe against the crisis

The exhibition documents the strategies of banking institutions to promote contemporary art through the exemplary collection belonging to Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, which took over the works of Banca Toscana.

THE ART OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY IN MANTUA Art and Finance Work Closely Together to Spread Culture and Knowledge of the Region.

Teleart, part of the Best Union Group, has long been present in Mantua in the management of ticketing services, online booking and call center services for the amazing local museums. In this regard we now present an event that brings together public and private entities in perfect synergy. This event happens at Palazzo Te where two banks of the region make their collections of works available for fans of contemporary art.

The title of the exhibition is Paintings, Sculptures and Drawings of the Twentieth Century. Until the 24th of February 2013 there will be works by artists such as Carlo CarrĂ , Ottone Rosai, Giorgio Morandi, Filippo De Pisis, Gino Severini, Giorgio De Chirico and others.

The Mantuan section is dedicated to the works of the Foundation's Banca Agricola Mantovana, which is focused on the support and development of local artists of the twentieth century that are active in the area.

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F I E R A CAVALLI “Skip� the obstacle of the crisis and exceeds 156,000 visitors

Record numbers and closing beyond the most optimistic expectations for the 114th edition of Fieracavalli with more than 156,000 visitors from 75 countries (155,000 in 2011) in four days, 2500 horses of 60 breeds, an entire fairgrounds of 350 thousand square meters, more than 650 exhibitors from 25 countries, 45 breeding associations, 10 foreigns and 180 initiatives between sports competitions, exhibitions and performances with record attendance between Westernshow and Iberian horse Fair which become the two top events in the respective European sectors.

There have been an excellent response from the audience during the ROLEX FEI World CupTMdi Jumping races with 12,500 spectators and the Gala evening with 10,200 admissions.

"Despite the crisis, Fieracavalli holds well in this trade, as evidenced by the results of turnout, but also by the largest and most prestigious attendance from exhibitors, satisfied by sales performance and the presence of qualified buyers.

Articles written by Press Office Fieracavalli This is confirmed by the numbers with a 10% increase in attendance breeding, 20 new initiatives between scheduled appointments and - thanks to investment in incoming activities foreign delegations have increased by 35% "said Ettore Riello, President of VeronaFiere.

The presence of tour operators have been increased in the equestrian tourism trade fair in the Hall number 1, with important applications for travel packages from across Europe and Morocco. Very appreciated by the audience have been the innovative project of Breed flavors that matched the typical Italian street food with the folklore of the native breeds.

A positive result that brings benefits in particular for the breeding sector, which is going through a critical juncture, and for the horseback tourism, which is instead in strong expansion.

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UK USA SINGAPORE The twelfth edition of Jumping Verona, only Italian stop of the Rolex FEI World CupTM, ended with an “azzurro” remarkable result, thanks to the podium by Luca Moneta.

"We could not star t a better collaboration between the new leadership FISE and Fieracavalli, both from the point of view of organization and sport.

"Fieracavalli confirms its inter nationality, thanks to the increasing number of visitors from Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Russia, with more than 650 journalists accredited from 20 countries + 10% compared to 2011.

Despite the rain and the economic difficulties, on Saturday there have been a record attendance and the first two days dedicated to the exhibitors showed a +5% in B2B contacts ", says Giovanni Mantovani, General Manager of VeronaFiere.

This trend has been confirmed by the exhibitors, who also appeciated the choice of position of the main companies in the sector close to the field test of the Rolex FEI World CupTM.

F I E R A CAVALLI “Skip” the obstacle of the crisis and exceeds 156,000 visitors Finally, this year, Fieracavalli has enhanced the service in veterinary medicine h 24 with fifteen professionals, three veterinar y ambulances, two mobile clinics and continued farrier service.

www.fieracavalli.it www.veronafiere.com The second place of our athletes made us live moments of great emotion, so as the 37th Grand Prix of the Regions under 21 and the 25 th National Competition Pony that has brought more young players to the elite of the equestrian sport, "says Antonella Dallari, President of F.I.S.E.

Fieracavalli will meet you again from 7 to 10 November 2013.

Photos by Iris Russo, winner of the photo contest Fieracavalli 2012 "Un Clic fuori dal Ring "

Articles written by Press Office Fieracavalli

Best Union, long-standing partner of VeronaFiere for everything related to pre-sales and access control, is proud to have contributed to the overall success of this event and is already looking to the next editions to further improve the provided service to visitors.

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UK USA SINGAPORE Earlier in the Autumn, Omniticket’s Director of UK Operations John Davies delivered a presentation at IAAPA's Euro Attractions Show (EAS) in Berlin. He looked at how far ticketing systems have advanced from their very humble beginnings (an old cigar box used to collect money at the front gate of an attraction) to today’s multi functioning, ticketing, access control and security systems.

From precursors technical reporting systems through the first cash registers, over the years, the techniques have evolved, reaching more and more innovative methods to maximize ticket sales through the use of different channels.

The next advancement was when barcode scanning technology was combined with high speed thermal printing technologies and networked computer systems. This allowed the on-demand production of tickets at the point of sale – and these tickets could be produced with bar-codes which could be scanned at turnstiles or hand-scanners to validate the ticket and record it’s usage.

The advent of smart phones then presented a new challenge to the industry – both for the attractions and for the ticketing systems providers.

Should the suppliers produce mobile optimised websites - meaning that all smarts phones - regardless of their

J O H N D AV I E S Ti c k e t i n g S y s t e m s : History and Future

operating system – can view the attraction’s website on their phone and make the booking ?

Or should they produce an attraction-specific “App” for each operating system – ie Apple, Android, Window?

This dilemma continues today.

But of course this technology is already beginning to be overtaken by “NFC” – Near Field Communications – or RFID as it was more commonly known.

The very latest generation of smart phones (surprisingly, with the exception of the iPhone 5 ) are incorporating this technology.

Beside the mentioned ticketing and access control systems, Davies talks about an “upsell” process dedicated to the final customer.

This means offering the possibility of promoting a multi-day ticket/annual pass instead of a single day ticket, or promoting food or retail add-on packages. About CRM systems (Customer Relationship Management): these have historically been used to accumulate as much demographic data about actual guests – or potential guests – with the idea of maintaining their awareness of your attraction and encouraging future visits.

At the end Davies starts winding up by summarising the importance of a ticketing system to some of the departments within an attraction, because investment in such systems is normally prioritised behind many other high profile things such as rides, shows, restaurants and so on.

It is worth remembering that the ticketing system is normally responsible for 50% or more of the revenue in a pay-one-price visitor attraction, with the remainder of course being food and merchandise spend.

BuonNatale e e felic ovo!

u N o n An

A BUSINESS MODEL UNIQUE AND INNOVATIVE

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WINTER 2013

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