The World Ticket Conference

Gary Adler is the Executive Director and Counsel for the National Association of Ticket Brokers ("NATB"). He has represented the NATB for 25 years, overseeing its operations and helping to establish the NATB. Mr. Adler is the Founder of Adler Law PLC located in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. In addition to representing the NATB, Mr. Adler advises numerous business entities and trade associations on a wide range of issues. His legal practice also focuses on civil litigation in trial and appellate courts. Mr. Adler also has represented professional athletes and sports management in negotiations, corporate matters, and litigation.

Zach Anderson is President at TicketCity, a full-service ticket company based in Austin, Texas. In his role he oversees an amazing team of ticket experts in both the broker / wholesale division and ecommerce / retail division. Zach has worked in the secondary ticket industry for 31 years. He started working for TicketCity while attending the University of Texas and worked up to his current role after serving as COO, and Vice President of Marketing.

Tony Beram is President and CEO of Western States Ticket Service and Western States Ticket Service International, both based in Phoenix Arizona. Western States Ticket Service celebrated 31 years in business this year. Tony is a founding member of the NATB and is returning as a director after a several year hiatus.

Jason Berger is a seasoned industry expert with a deep-rooted passion for ensuring ticket fairness and transparency in the entertainment sector. As the driving force behind CTF , he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his advocacy work.

With over 30 years in government relations in the ticket space he brings a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the ticketing industry, Jason is dedicated to championing the rights of open and fair markets and pushing for greater accountability among ticketing companies.

Through strategic lobbying efforts and a relentless commitment to his cause, Jason has emerged as a prominent figure in the movement for fair and equitable ticketing practices. His expertise and unwavering dedication make him a trusted voice in the ongoing fight for a more just and consumer-friendly entertainment industry.

Born in New York City and raised on Knishes and the amazing New York Mets, my family moved to Phoenix in the late 70's. I have been married for 23 years to Debbie Bernstein and have three boys, all much smarter, more handsome and talented than me. At 14 years old, my dad took my twin brother Mike and I to the Madhouse on McDowell to learn the art of flipping Phoenix Suns tickets. Some of the guys at this NATB conference like Danny Sharaby and John Langbein were probably in that parking lot hustling tickets with us. This continued through my days at Arizona State University and graduate studies at "Thunderbird" the American Graduate School of International Management. I spent several years studying, working and traveling in France and continue to do so. This explains my focus helping clients with the French Open and Olympic events. I never expected that one-day, reselling event tickets would become my livelihood but it has proven to be an exciting, lucrative and often challenging career. After selling Sportwave Inc., my first internet media company in 2001 to ESPN executives based in Santa Monica, my brother received a call from Mike Domek and Nick Bucci who were interested in getting Mike's company Championship Tennis Tours to use their new xml ticket service and exchange called TicketsNow / EI Marketplace. Mike passed on the idea and put me on the phone. I loved the idea and suggested we use a domain name I registered in the late 90's called eSeats.com. Two weeks later I was in the ONLINE ticket business with eSeats.com. The rest is history.

Brian Berry is a Founder and Managing Partner of Vision360 Partners, a Washington, DC-based strategic communications and public affairs consultancy. He has advised a wide range of clients over the past 20 years, including the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB), and others in the ticketing and live events industry. Brian and his team worked with NATB in creating the Protect Ticket Rights initiative, which advocates at the federal and state levels for the rights of ticketholders and a fairer, more transparent, and more competitive market for ticket sales.

Curtis Cheng has been a leader in the ticketing industry for over 20 years — from his early years as a professional ticket reseller to his work over the past decade building DTI Management, 1Ticket and most recently Ticket Evolution into a distribution and technology powerhouse. Following Ticket Evolution's 2022 acquisition by one of the predominant private equity companies in the country, Curtis has continued to shape the future of the ticketing industry with investments across new products, platforms and distribution channels to maximize growth for professional ticket resellers.

Rocky Finseth is the President and CEO of the Carrara Group, one of Nevada’s leading government affairs and lobbying firms. For over two decades, he’s led strategic policy efforts for high-profile clients like Nevada REALTORS, HCA, PhRMA, and Anheuser-Busch, helping shape major decisions at both the state and local levels. Under his leadership, Carrara has grown from a boutique operation into a top-tier presence in Carson City.

Rocky’s bipartisan relationships and deep policy expertise have been instrumental to clients across industries, including healthcare, finance, education, and energy. Prior to his work in Nevada, he held senior government roles in Hawaii and spent time in Washington, D.C. He holds a degree in Political Science from Lewis and Clark College.

Joe Freeman is Vice President, Government Relations at SeatGeek, the ticketing technology platform. Before joining SeatGeek in January 2024, Joe was Head of Legal and then Vice President, Legal & Policy at Glassdoor, a leading online workplace review platform. Earlier in his career, Joe worked in a legal and policy capacity at Ticketmaster.

After completing law school and a judicial clerkship, Joe worked at two prominent law firms for over a decade as an antitrust and intellectual property litigator.

Drew Gainor is a visionary, 18-year ticket industry veteran, currently developing industry-leading pricing tools that increase resellers ROI and improve overall markets as the Chief Product Officer of Automatiq.

Before his time at Automatiq, Drew was a frounder of Seat Scouts. Gainor also spent five years as a founder and Vice President of Ticket Evolution where he led the development of the industries most widely used B2B tools and API's.

Brett received a BS in Finance from Lehigh University. Upon graduation, Brett went to work in Barclays' Investment Banking Division in the Industrial Group. Following Barclays, Brett joined Sixpoint Partners, a boutique investment bank in New York City.

In 2011, Brett turned his business skills to the ticketing industry and co-founded TickPick. Brett is now the Co-CEO of TickPick, overseeing operations, finance and marketing.

After nearly missing a San Francisco Giants NLCS game because he didn’t have access to print his tickets, Brad Griffith reimagined a simpler process for buying tickets on the go. Focusing completely on the mobile experience, Brad wrote v1.0 of the Gametime iOS application in 2012 and now leads a passionate team focused on mobilizing the ticket buying process for fans. He’s fascinated with fan experience - answering the question: How can we make it faster and easier to attend games?

Brad is a Santa Cruz native and huge S.F. Giants, Golden State Warriors and 49ers fan. After earning an Engineering degree from Stanford, he followed his dreams to work in sports by helping the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox (2005 World Series Champs!) build statistical infrastructure to analyze player value.

In 2010, he helped launch Zappedy, which delivered customer analytics for local businesses (sold to Groupon in 2011). From our founding in 2012 to launching in over 50 cities today, Gametime continues to put fan experience above all else to unite communities.

As the CEO of Logitix, Stu Halberg oversees the day-to-day operations of one of the most influential companies in live event ticketing. Stu and his team at Logitix deliver tools and services to manage ticket inventory for a variety of partners across sports, music, performing arts, and other entertainment industries.

Stu is carrying out a vision to serve the diverse needs of Logitix clients – from optimized pricing to distribution and inventory management to real-time insights that help sellers and buyers respond to a rapidly changing environment.

Before being named CEO of Logitix in July 2021, Stu spent seven years as Logitix's SVP of Strategy & Analytics, overseeing data and product strategy.

Stu began his career with the NHL’s Florida Panthers, serving hockey operations and business analytics for five seasons before a stint with the International Monetary Fund. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and earned his M.B.A. from Florida Atlantic University.

Brian Hess is the Vice President of the Goodfriend Group and Executive Director of Sports Fans Coalition. Named as one of DC's "Top Lobbyists" by the Hill in 2021 and 2022, Brian is an expert advocate who passionately fights for the interests of sports fans. SFC is a fan-advocacy organization that makes sure fans always have a seat at the table wherever public policy impacts the games we love. He oversees his clients' state and federal advocacy and this year has been crisscrossing the nation advocating for the Ticket Buyer Bill of Rights in several state legislatures and before federal lawmakers.

Kevin Lemke recently joined TicketNetwork as the SVP of Strategy and Planning where he has responsibility for sales, business development, product and helping chart the strategic growth path for the company. Prior to TicketNetwork, Kevin worked at Stanley Black and Decker where he launched and ran, Stanley X, a new business incubator in Silicon Valley, building marketplace and SaaS software companies.

Early in his career, Kevin served as an officer and Blackhawk pilot in the US Army. He’s a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and has an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

Thomás is an accomplished executive with a broad background in Strategy, Business Development, and Partnerships, having dedicated 12 years specifically to the ticketing industry. He played a crucial role in the team that launched and expanded Ticketbis, leading to its acquisition by StubHub International in 2016, holding significant roles in Partnerships and Supply across Europe and Latin America. Currently, at Hellotickets, he is focused on enhancing the supply of live events for this OTA, which specializes in cross-border travel.

Tom Patania is a seasoned entrepreneur and industry leader in the ticketing and entertainment space, Now in his 47th year in the industry he has built 2 companies in the ticket space. Tom thrives on adapting to change and creating new strategies. Entering into the business in 1978 he challenged the status quo when taking what was a hush business and bringing it front and center opening retail stores in 4 regional malls and an office in Florida.

With the advent of the Internet Tom had to change the business model. Today his company supplies the various different marketplaces with tickets as well as having their own successful website Selectaticket.com and retail operations.

Recognizing the market going through another change Tom launched Ticket Insight which helps teams and artist manage their inventory better with the proprietary analytical tools that the company built and Tom’s 47 years as an expert in dynamic pricing. Under his leadership, Ticket Insight has expanded into partnerships with rights holders, using data-driven strategies to help institutions maximize season ticket revenue, retention and fan engagement. A forward-thinker, Tom is also pioneering TommyTicket.com — a personalized ticketing experience that blends dynamic pricing, VIP tailgates, and curated entertainment events.

Outside of work Tom enjoys volunteering his time to help others. He has a thirst for learning and is also a member and currently sits on the board of the Entrepreneurs Organization of New Jersey. One of his best experiences was having the opportunity to be invited to Necker Island and spend a week with Richard Branson. That experience left Tom wanting to inspire others and with a new leadership style. Whether mentoring peers or planning the next big event, he brings energy, insight, and a genuine passion for bringing people together through unforgettable experiences.

A passionate technologist with a deep understanding of the ticketing landscape. As the youngest ever Enterprise Solution Architect at Ticketmaster, I thrive on innovation and pushing boundaries. Previously, I served as CTO and partner at a ticketing broker, and recently launched my own software consultancy firm. With extensive experience in both primary and secondary markets, I'm driven by a love for R&D and exploring the next big thing. My coding journey began before I even turned 10, and I haven't stopped exploring the potential of technology ever since.

Michele joined TickPick in 2019 and oversees all of its finance and administrative operations. She established the government affairs function at TickPick to promote all-in pricing legislation at the federal and state levels. Prior to joining TickPick she served as CFO of New York Public Radio for 15 years, helping to grow the company into the second largest podcast producer in the country. Before that Michele was the VP of Finance at ACTV Inc., a publicly traded digital media company acquired by Liberty Media. She started her career at Arthur Andersen LLP as an auditor and consultant with high-growth, middle-market clients. Michele is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.

Peter Savovsky, a 27-year-old professional based in Bulgaria, has crafted a dynamic career marked by academic achievements and diverse professional experiences. Holding a Master's degree in International Trade and Business and a Bachelor's in International Business, he has navigated various roles, from key account management to operational leadership. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Ticombo GmbH, Peter is dedicated to continuous learning and innovation in the international business landscape.

Under the guidance of Atle Barlaup, CEO of Ticombo with over 25 years of experience in the ticketing industry, Peter leads strategies for company growth and operations. His journey reflects a steadfast commitment to Ticombo's success and contributing to advancements in the ticketing and marketing sectors.

Sam Sherman is the CEO and Founder of Automatiq. After he began selling tickets in 2012, Sam envisioned an automated ticket marketplace that would mirror other commodity markets. The first product Automatiq introduced was the Auto Pricer in 2013. This revolutionary dynamic pricing technology helped automate a brokers' individual pricing strategy. His company continued the tradition of innovation by creating the first managed service pricing program in 2015 and releasing a brand new version of the product called UpTick in 2018.

Eric is an accomplished sports, media, ticketing & technology veteran. With a combined 25 years of experience in entrepreneurial leadership roles between Major League Baseball and TEVO, Eric brings a unique & valuable perspective to Tixstock’s global ambitions to build the industry’s next multi-billion dollar market. He is super-pumped & actively planning his 2025 trip to Madrid to attend the historic first NFL game to be played in Spain.

Kevin Wagner is the Product Owner of Pricing Software at Automatiq. The Full-Service Pricing team, launched in 2015, leverages Automatiq’s pricing technology and data resources to execute client strategies and maximize their returns as the premier managed pricing service in the industry. Joining Automatiq in 2016, Kevin has been able to make significant contributions in a number of roles ranging from Data and Analytics to Product Ownership.

A native New Yorker, Kevin received B.S. in Business Administration from Stony Brook University. He currently resides in Queens, where he enjoys spending his free time golfing and playing softball.

Biography Coming Soon

Biography Coming Soon

Biography Coming Soon

Biography Coming Soon

Jerome Cohen is the founder and owner of Best Tickets and co-founder of SeatSmart. Filled with a passion for live entertainment events at an early age, Jerome created Best Tickets in 1990 while attending the University of Texas in Austin.

Since 2006, Sam Umlas has been servicing the ticketing needs of clients across the globe. What started off with 4 extra basketball tickets, he was then inspired to create a business in getting tickets into the hands of those who enjoy live entertainment. Currently based in NYC, he is the Chief Operating Officer at Day of Game Tickets, where the entertainment focus in the city that never sleeps are sports, concert, and theater.

TicketMamba was founded by Yogan in 2009 with a passion for getting fans into the best events around Toronto. What began as a local operation quickly grew into an expansion across North America. Today, we specialize with a focus in NFL PSLs and sports season tickets across the various major sports leagues.

Cris Carter is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the most accomplished wide receivers in NFL history, known for his elite consistency, leadership, and relentless work ethic. Over a 16-year career with the Eagles, Vikings, and Dolphins, he tallied 1,101 receptions, 130 touchdowns, and earned a place on the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.

Beyond football, Carter has translated his discipline and focus into business success—serving as a sports analyst for major networks like ESPN and FOX Sports, investing in real estate, and mentoring athletes on financial literacy, branding, and life after sports. He's also taken on leadership roles in player development, most recently as Executive Director of Player Engagement at Florida Atlantic University, guiding young athletes in both performance and personal growth.

Carter’s blend of high-performance mindset and business savvy offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and professionals navigating competitive, fast-moving industries.

A performance-driven, 29-year veteran in the event entertainment and corporate hospitality industry, Dr. Corey M. Gibbs is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Elite Entertainment Experiences, a highly revered, entertainment and hospitality brokerage firm. Built on the foundation of relationships and client centricity, Elite Entertainment Experiences serves a niche retail clientele, while also providing a highly exclusive membership-based opportunity for a carefully curated, select group of elite clients, allowing them to optimize their entertainment spend and maximize the return on inventory holdings.

Featured in Forbes in July 2021 for his visionary approach and cultivation of the "E3 Analytics Suite," Dr. Gibbs is a proven business success with a rigorous work ethic, a dynamic entrepreneurial mind, a belief in analytics and data-driven decision making, and dedication to providing elite client service through customer centricity. Some of his professional affiliations include serving as past President & Board Member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB), a member of the NY-NJ Super Bowl XLVIII Host Committee, a StubHub Advisory Board of Director, and a long standing member of the prestigious New York Athletic Club.

A native of Eutaw, Alabama, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Psychology (1998) and a Master of Arts in Sport Business Management (2007) from the University of Alabama, while earning his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2019.

Jon Katz is Chief Commercial Officer at Victory Live and is responsible for all aspects of Victory Live’s B2B marketplace and affiliate network, relationships with U.S. and international marketplaces, professional resellers, and emerging sales channels (including travel, corporate benefits and rewards).

Prior to joining Victory Live, Mr. Katz played a key role for many years as a member of the executive team at Logitix, which was acquired by Victory Live in October 2024. Go Orioles and Go Ravens!

Jonny Kalfus is Senior Manager of Inventory Strategy and Sales at SeatGeek, where he has worked for over six years. Jonny’s focus is on the secondary side of SeatGeek’s business collaborating with professional sellers to increase sales and grow market share.

Brock Moore is the Senior Director of Resale at AXS, leading strategy and operations across the company’s secondary ticketing efforts. He focuses on expanding resale distribution, building out partner integrations, and making sure AXS stays competitive in an evolving marketplace.

Before joining AXS, Brock spent nearly 13 years at StubHub, much of that time in LMS — you may have seen him at the Masters, Super Bowls, or NYC LMS events. He also spent time on the supply side, working behind the scenes to help build and support the broker business.

Dale Hopkins is the Director of Product at Stage Front. He leads cross-functional teams in building strategic solutions that leverage automation, AI, marketplace integrations, and data-driven pricing. By bridging technology and operations, he delivers scalable products that empower brokers to grow and stay ahead in a constantly evolving industry.

With over a decade of experience in international consulting and product development, Dale has led multi-million dollar initiatives across global markets. He has successfully built and scaled platforms with large, diverse user bases—delivering high-impact solutions for clients across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Michael has been at Stage Front for 5 years as the Senior Director of Data Analytics and Business Intelligence. He spends his time straddling the line between data and strategy, building analytic/BI innovations, and generating insights for Stage Front and our partners. Mike has worked in Strategy and Innovation with CVS Health, Management Consulting with KPMG and Data Analytics with the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins.

Rob serves as Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Technology & Product at Stage Front, bringing more than two decades of leadership in business services, IT transformation and artificial intelligence. He is responsible for defining and executing the company’s technology strategy, driving product innovation and overseeing end-to-end digital transformation initiatives that enhance customer experience and fuel accelerated growth for ticket brokers. Prior to joining Stage Front, Rob served as Vice President of IT at Element Fleet Management, where he led multiple large-scale business transformation programs and spearheaded the development of mobile and web applications.

Alison Taylor joined Stage Front this year as the Senior Director of Marketing and Customer Success. In her role, she is focused on creating lasting relationships with Brokers and helping them to grow their business, while ensuring that all customers and partners have a seamless experience with the Stage Front brand. Alison’s previous experience focuses on data-driven lifecycle marketing, customer experience and client relations – particularly across financial services and tech industries.