March 12, 2025 – Few topics in live entertainment spark as much frustration as the broken ticketing system, where fans battle inflated prices, restricted transfers, and deceptive holdbacks just to secure seats.  The Coalition for Ticket Fairness (CTF) conference kicked off with a high-impact legislative panel discussion, diving into these issues and the urgent need for reform.  Leading the conversation was Jonathan McCollumn, DHC’s Federal Government Relations Chair, who served as moderator, alongside DHC’s Nicole Weingartner, Director of NYS Government Affairs, and Jake Roach, Associate Director of Federal Government Relations, both of whom contributed key insights into the legislative process and the future of ticketing reform.

Joining them were Gary Adler, Executive Director of the National Association of Ticket Brokers; Brian Hess, Executive Director of the Sports Fans Coalition; and Illinois consultant and lobbyist Craig Willert, all of whom brought valuable expertise to the discussion. Brian Berry, Advocacy Director of Protect Ticket Rights, underscored the core issue, stating: “We all know that the onsale is broken. The bills that CTF supports are bills that solve the biggest problem in ticketing, which is the fans’ access to the tickets themselves.” The panel explored ongoing state and federal legislative efforts aimed at curbing harmful ticketing practices and outlined how industry professionals can engage with lawmakers to push for meaningful reform.

For nearly a decade, CTF has led the charge in ticketing advocacy, and this session reinforced its mission to create a more transparent and equitable system. McCollumn, Weingartner, and Roach emphasized DHC’s commitment to working alongside policymakers, ensuring that ticketing policies prioritize consumer fairness and accessibility. The panelists agreed: the future of ticketing depends on industry professionals stepping up—not just to serve their clients but to educate and support legislators navigating these complex issues.