The next time you purchase a ticket at Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, remember you are ordering from the best box office staff in North America.
The box office staff of Portland’5 Centers for the Arts was named Outstanding Box Office for 2014 from the International Ticketing Association (INTIX). Made up of a variety of organizations involved in ticketing from around the world, INTIX is the leading forum for the ticketing business, keeping both the public and industry insiders up to date on the latest practices, products and services.
According to the INTIX website, the Outstanding Box Office Award showcases “professionalism, leadership, service and special achievements through creative, informative and innovative management.” Portland’5 was the first Northwest organization to receive the award in the 25 years it has been given out.
"This is the top box office honor for our industry and recognizes the high level of customer service and professionalism that our box office is known for," says Robyn Williams, Executive Director of Portland’5. "We couldn't be prouder."
The recognition is prestigious because the ticketing industry does not give out many awards of this scale. For example, the award considers organizations of all sizes and geographic locations. Past winners include the performance company Cirque du Soleil, which runs its own box office, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Sundance Institute in Utah.
Stephanie Viegas Dias, director of ticket services at Portland’5, accepted the award on behalf of Portland’5 in January during INTIX’s annual conference. Viegas Dias says the award offers Portland’5 staff a powerful feeling of validation because it’s given out by peers who understand the complexities of the job and the industry.
"We have a small staff – three full-time plus some part-time staff," says Viegas Dias. "So we do a lot with the resources we have."
Organizations have to be nominated by another organization or client to be considered for the award. Requirements for consideration are many.
An organization must be an INTIX member and have been in business for at least five years. It must also have an outstanding reputation for customer service – a staff that operates with accuracy and precision, for instance.
In order to make a decision, INTIX requires organizations to fill out a questionnaire and send internal documents about accounting practices as well as other vital information.
For Viegas Dias and the box office staff, the award may offer inspiration when things get crazy busy in a job that’s often that way most of the year.
"The job is a stressful, deadline driven position," says Viegas Dias. "Events are always happening or going on sale. There’s constant communication with promoters and those promoters range from those who have not done this for long to very experienced people. That’s why I feel so good that we are doing a great job here and are on the right track. It’s uplifting."