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Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

From Manual Processes to Streamlined Success

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The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, a 160-acre haven showcasing a stunning array of flora, serves as a destination for nature lovers and event-goers alike. Despite its reputation for beauty and community engagement, the Arboretum faced a challenge: its ticketing process was entirely manual, creating inefficiencies during high-demand events.

In search of a solution, the Arboretum evaluated multiple ticketing platforms but found none that could fully meet their needs—until they discovered Brushfire. With a commitment to tackling technological challenges, providing hands-on support, and delivering a seamless rollout, Brushfire transformed the Arboretum’s ticketing operations.

The Challenge

Iowa Arboretum’s ticketing process was fraught with difficulties:

  • Limited Ticketing Options: Without online ticketing, all sales were managed onsite, creating bottlenecks during busy events.
  • Capacity Management: Managing high-attendance events like seasonal exhibits requires better tools to prevent overcrowding.
  • Need for Flexibility: Existing systems could not accommodate the Arboretum’s unique requirements, and custom ticketing formats.
  • Lack of Personalized Support: Other platforms evaluated fell short in their ability to address specific needs or provide personalized service.
"My experience with Brushfire has been excellent. I interviewed many ticketing platform companies, but Brushfire was the only company that stepped up and said we can meet your ticketing needs and technological challenges. They stayed true to their word throughout the process and showed up in person before we rolled out the ticketing platform. Their support team was there for us after the opening of a major exhibit and throughout the season when we had many questions. I highly recommend Brushfire."
Mark Schneider Iowa Arboretum

The Solution

Brushfire offered a tailored ticketing solution that directly addressed Iowa Arboretum’s challenges. The platform provided:

  1. Time Slot  Ticketing: Time slot ticketing ensured a smooth attendee experience by allowing the Arboretum to manage capacity, reduce wait times, and provide attendees with flexible entry options.
  2. Embedded Event Widget: A Brushfire widget embedded directly on the Arboretum’s website enabled visitors to purchase tickets without being redirected to an external platform, creating a seamless and branded experience.
  3. In-Person Rollout Support: Unlike other companies, Brushfire didn’t just promise solutions—they delivered. The team arrived onsite before launching to ensure a smooth implementation and comprehensive training.
  4. Easy Integration: With the integration of its gate solution, the Arboretum has enhanced the attendee experience by enabling self-service entry to their exhibit. Guests can now conveniently scan their tickets for seamless access, reducing wait times and streamlining the overall check-in process.
  5. Dedicated Post-Launch Support: After the launch of a major exhibit, Brushfire’s support team remained a reliable partner throughout the busy season, addressing questions and ensuring the platform continued to meet the Arboretum’s needs.

The Results

The partnership between Iowa Arboretum and Brushfire yielded exceptional results:

  • Streamlined Operations: Online ticketing simplified the purchase process for visitors and eased the workload for staff.
  • Enhanced Visitor Experience: With easy-to-use ticketing options, attendees enjoyed a seamless experience from booking to entry.
  • Increased Attendance and Revenue: Online ticketing expanded the Arboretum’s reach, attracting new audiences and boosting advance registrations.
  • Reliable Partnership: Brushfire’s dedication to delivering solutions and providing hands-on support earned the trust and confidence of the Arboretum team.

With customized features, onsite support, and an unwavering commitment to solving technological challenges, Brushfire enabled the Arboretum to modernize operations and focus on what truly matters: providing memorable experiences for every visitor.

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