We have clients that come to us with membership levels or interest in discounting tickets based on “family”, and while this makes sense for patron families that you want to attract and encourage to attend your events together, it creates an interesting dilemma that we often end up having to bring up as we’re assisting with setup.
The question is… how do you define a family? When we ask this question we often hear back “Two adults and two children.” To which we respond “And what about a family with one parent, or three children, or what if grandparents want to join?” Do you not give the discount or benefits to a family of mother and one child? Are they not as deserving as a family of 4?

Systemically, this also is tricky, since every ticket is priced individually. Generally what we recommend when wanting to discount based on “family” is to simply make a group discount that applies beginning at a set # of tickets. So maybe you build a “family” discount that simply applies when the order includes 4 or more tickets to a specific performance on a single order. That way there is flexibility of what the group of people might include, and you’re not in the potentially awkward position of having to tell patrons that their particular family unit doesn’t fit your family definition.

As for membership, that functionality is designed to apply to the individual who makes the contribution payment(s) toward the membership with benefits then extending to their related household members. The membership level is entirely based on how much money they have contributed to your organization. The benefits then generally increase as their amount increases. So something like having an “individual” membership level at $50, vs a “family” membership level at $75 really doesn’t work, functionally. Since the system doesn’t really care if they are an individual or family… it only cares how much money is applying. Bob Smith might be an individual and donate $75… he then would be at the “family” level. Where as Dave and Marie Jones and family might decide to donate $50 to your organization… their level would be “individual” due to the amount.

The Ticket Turtle fundraising system was designed based on industry standards for fundraising for the performing arts as interpreted by our experienced staff that have used several systems and worked for various arts organizations that actively fundraise. While it’s certainly not absolutely comprehensive and we have several small and large enhancements we hope to make in the future, we do feel it has a great deal of flexibility and power to be taken advantage of by our clients. We will continue to ponder this issue of “family” benefits, since it does continue to come up. But we’d urge clients to consider the implications of “family” definition, and maybe avoid this as a defined unit for purposes of benefits and discounting. As mentioned above, it opens an awkward can of worms to your patrons, and creates levels of complication that might otherwise be avoided. Instead, consider groups, instead of “families” as your method of discounting to attract families and groups of friends.

Any band that takes advantage of percussive stomping and claping will automatically win over a listener’s heart. Imagine Dragons’ “It’s Time” does just that with a small splash of raspy, harmonized vocals for compliment. Lead technician, Roberto Santiago, was kind enough to introduce us turtles to this week’s pick. Just wait for the breakdown at minute 3:17 and you’ll understand why it’s been his choice groove.

So let the sunlight pour through your own windows this weekend and possibly throw down a stomp or two if you feel so inspired.

On repeat for the past week has been a little-known gem from 2003 called “So Long Without You” by electronica group Bent. I know what you’re thinking: electronica, no thanks. Although one mustn’t be too hasty in giving this little ditty a chance. With ambient slide guitar, truly moving vocals, and an ever-present bass line strong enough to induce swooning, I promise you won’t be disappointed.