The message to the event ticket industry on the first day of Ticket Summit NYC was that for the business to survive and thrive in 2009, brokers, venues, teams, the Arts and ticket executives from the primary and secondary markets will have to roll up their sleeves, work together and concentrate on the fundamental approach of keeping the consumer happy.

During her welcome address to attendees of the conference Tuesday night, January 6, Maureen Anderson, interim President of the International Ticketing Association (INTIX), made it clear that with the economy in a deep recession the industry has no choice but to work harder.

"With the erosion of economic stability, there's little difference between the Arts and sports because both are experiencing closings," she said, adding that the topic will also be addressed next month at INTIX's annual conference in Salt Lake City, UT. "The lines are blurring between them and the primary and secondary ticket markets."

When it comes to popular events, consumers have an "emotional need to purchase" tickets, Anderson said, and it is the responsibility of ticket sellers, whether primary or secondary, to make sure that their buying experience is a positive one. She added that brokers and others in the industry must take a more active advocacy role as it pertains to ticket selling laws to ensure their interests are properly represented and those laws are "written by us" and not by others.

"Customers won't accept bad service," Anderson said. "Any one of us can decide to be dull or mediocre, but that just won't work in this environment."

At the cocktail reception following Anderson's speech, her words appeared to sink in with the audience.

"It's a nervous time in this industry," said Joe Pensa, President of FreeTicketExchange.com. "People aren't sure how 2009 will play out."

Showpopr President and founder Tye Miksis agreed. His Web site, a social music content site, was launched in 2008. "I've already learned a lot by coming to Ticket Summit."