About Us

What is OPTA?

Established in 1990, the Ontario Professional Ticketing Association is located in Toronto, Ontario. Comprised of leaders in the Ontario ticketing industry, OPTA is Canada’s only professional association dedicated exclusively to issues relevant to the management of the ticketing industry. OPTA members manage ticket offices in the performing arts, stadiums, universities, art galleries, attractions, to name a few, or provide services to support the industry. We have an unofficial working relationship with INTIX (International Ticketing Association) based in New York.
Click here for the history (so far!) of OPTA.

Mission Statement

OPTA is dedicated to the concerns with the support for preservation of and further development of fair ethics and high standards with regards to marketing, sales and service in the ticketing industry.
To promote  the development and maintenance of a high standard of service to the  ticket-buying public and user groups. 

2017-2018 Board of Directors

  • Incoming President  Darcy Stoop - Ticketmaster
  • Past President   Fran Holywell - Civic Theatres Toronto
  • Past President  Shamayne Skelly -  Consultant
  • Past-Past President   Barry Higgins - Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
  • Secretary   Alan Forsyth - TicketKing
  • Treasurer   Richard Carter - RDC Consulting
  • Director-at-Large   Jean-Francois Page - Canadian Business SenseAbility
  • Director-at-Large   Odette Cimino  - The Living Arts Centre Mississauga
  • Director-at-Large  Jessica Rashotte - Civic Theatres Toronto

Message from the President

On behalf of the Ontario Professional Ticketing Association Membership and Executive Board –

Welcome to New (OPTA) website.


Ticketing is a culture that we share. We work together to create the highest standards and the most innovative practices.  We set the tone.


An experience that an audience member has with the ticketing provider will define the way they interact with the organization going forward. Everything we aim to do is to a model that the culture would be proud of.  

 

Ticketing is no longer just counting ticket stubs – it is so much more diverse.  OPTA Members include: box office managers, patron services directors, marketing and sales directors, venue IT professionals, and industry suppliers. OPTA is open to all organizations with a ticketing presence. 


OPTA welcomes over 79 organizations from across the province. Our membership is varied, representing organizations with different focuses, including: sports, theatres, performance venues, attractions and ticketing service providers.


If you would like to learn more about our organization or inquire about becoming a member, please click here to contact our Secretary, Alan Forsyth.


Yours in ticketing,

Fran Holywell

2017-2018 OPTA President