• Launching today at ESNS with a one-off workshop featuring Claire Turnham (Victim of Viagogo) and Nicole Jacobsen (Tickets.de)
• Geared towards promoters but with useful information for all those who work in live music and events, and can be requested at support@feat-alliance.org

The Face-value European Alliance for Ticketing (FEAT) — the organisation formed to promote better ticket resale practices across Europe — will today launch a guide for FEAT members and European promoters on how to deal with suspected touted tickets.

From set-up to post-show, "FEAT Guide: How to Find and Remove Scalped Tickets" provides simple step-by-step advice on how promoters can prevent tickets ending up in the wrong hands, while providing clear support to fans. Hoping to demystify the process of tackling touting, the guide outlines how to develop and implement an anti-tout policy, guide fans during on-sale, and spot signs of touting. It also advises on the best route to cancelling tickets in a fan-friendly way, while taking into account the relevant legal considerations. Added extras include template terms and conditions, as well as a template letter to send to any venues involved.

The guide will be available on request only — and will shortly be launched in French, Spanish and German. Those interested should contact FEAT at support@feat-alliance.org.

To coincide with the launch of the guide, FEAT will be hosting a workshop at 3pm GMT / 4pm CET today at renowned live music conference ESNS (Eurosonic) titled “F@CK Ticket Scalpers”. Speakers include secondary ticketing experts Nicole Jacobsen (tickets.de), who assisted with the development of the guide, Claire Turnham MBE (Victim of Viagogo), and FEAT’s Sam Shemtob.

The live music industry suffered drastically as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with UK live revenues collapsing by up to 90% in 2020, according to UK Music. As concerts resume, reducing touting will help ensure fans regain their trust in ticketing and can afford to see their favourite acts.

Nicole Jacobsen, Managing Director and Co-Owner of tickets.de, said: “I’m really proud to have worked with FEAT on the ‘FEAT Guide: How To Find and Remove Scalped Tickets’. At tickets.de we’ve been working to stop scalping for over ten years, and the guide is just the latest in what is an on-going and dedicated campaign.”

FEAT Director Sam Shemtob added: “With the live business looking to get back on the front foot in 2022, the timing is perfect for promoters to take steps proven to reduce touting. We hope this guide will be beneficial to all those who work in the sector.”

FEAT would like to thank all who contributed to this project, especially Nicole Jacobsen from tickets.de.