NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shubert Ticketing, a leading NYC based entertainment ticketing service, a division of The Shubert Organization, and Entertainment Benefits Group (EBG), one of the largest privately- held travel and entertainment providers in the United States, today announced a merger of their corporate benefits programs, Plum Benefits™ and TicketsatWork. The merged entity will deliver an expanded portfolio of nationwide travel and entertainment products for Plum Benefits and TicketsatWork to enhance the user experience for the members of both organizations.
With EBG and TicketsatWork bringing a notable roster of major entertainment companies and top hotels worldwide, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Cirque du Soleil, as well as the Shubert Organization’s unmatched access to NYC theater and sporting events, the newly combined organization is an industry-leading provider of travel and entertainment reaching more than 50 million users annually through more than 30,000 corporations. This merger will create a leading voluntary benefits company, differentiated by its ability to deliver exclusive access and discounts for shows, theater, theme parks and attractions, movies, concerts, hotels, car rentals and more by leveraging an existing national platform and a new technologically advanced website. Additionally, the union of both companies gives travel and entertainment suppliers the opportunity to promote their services to an extensive network of corporate customers through a login-protected, private program.
“Our vision for Plum Benefits was influenced by the feedback we received from our valued customers. We made the strategic decision to partner with such a well-established program as TicketsatWork to extend the reach of Plum Benefits beyond New York and provide a much broader selection of travel and entertainment opportunities nationwide, as well as streamlining the booking process,” said Charles Flateman, VP Marketing for Shubert Ticketing and Board Member of the newly combined organization.
“We’re excited to combine the strengths of these two companies, which are dedicated to improving employee morale, loyalty and retention for our corporate clients by providing amazing deals and exclusive offers on the most sought after entertainment and travel opportunities,” said Brett Reizen, EBG President and CEO. “There will be a mutual sharing of relationships and technology to ensure we offer the most effective and competitive service to our clients.”
Key strategic benefits of the merger include:
- Expanded product portfolio: In addition to NYC entertainment tickets, Plum Benefits users can now select from TicketatWork’s worldwide products including movie tickets, nationwide theme parks, Las Vegas shows, major attractions throughout the US, parking, rental cars and savings of up to 60 percent on hotels with over 80,000 hotels available in the most desirable destinations around the world.
- New website: The new Plum Benefits website (plumbenefits.com) has been designed to enhance the user’s online experience when navigating and booking the vast product offerings including top entertainment opportunities and providers such as Broadway, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, AMC and Cirque du Soleil. The new website was launched yesterday.
- Direct online transactions through ticketing technology: The proprietary ticketing system developed by EBG will allow customers to buy directly from the Plum Benefits website, a feature which was not available prior to the merger. This is possible through EBG’s backend technology and integration systems with several ticketing systems, providing a seamless experience for users and easy-to-manage inventory and reporting for suppliers.
- Dedicated customer service: Members of the program can rely on Plum Benefits to provide recommendations, help with purchasing, and ensure a seamless planning process with a dedicated customer service staff available 365 days a year from 8:00am, EST till 3:00am, EST.
- Broader network of exclusive corporate customers: Travel and entertainment suppliers can tap into the rapidly growing database of customers to market their products.
Brett Reizen, EBG President and CEO and Charles Flateman, Vice President of Marketing at The Shubert Organization, will represent their organizations on the newly combined board, with Brett Reizen serving as Chief Executive Officer of the new organization.
About Entertainment Benefits Group
Entertainment Benefits Group (EGB) is one of the largest privately held travel and entertainment providers in the United States. Headquartered in Miami with offices in Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York, the company features the largest and most comprehensive corporate benefits program including both travel and entertainment. With a network of consumer and B2B businesses, EBG has a proven track record of developing successful and innovative website portals and partnerships. Owning 100% of its technology, EBG has developed a customized point-of-sale ticketing and administration system that supports a continuously growing infrastructure reaching more than 40 million users. The company operates more than 45 retail locations in Las Vegas, as well as the largest vacation and welcome center near Walt Disney World in Orlando, and two customer service call centers. EBG brands include TicketsatWork.com, Showtickets.com, BestofVegas.com, NewYork.com, BestofOrlando.com and Tickets & Tours. For additional information please visit www.entertainmentbenefits.com.
About Shubert Ticketing
Shubert Ticketing is widely recognized as the ticketing industry's gold standard for long-running open engagements, as well as the leader in wholesale distribution technology and individual ticket sales within the global travel market. Shubert Ticketing’s powerful STAR system and xml-based API functionality is used by numerous venues, ticketing agencies, online distribution channels worldwide. Last year, Shubert Ticketing’s central platform processed sales of 12 million tickets, totaling over $1 billion, via box offices, online, by phone, and through hundreds of third-party agents.
Shubert Ticketing is a division of The Shubert Organization, Broadway's largest theatre owner and operator, with additional venues in Boston and Philadelphia. The Shubert Organization has been in the forefront of the American theatre for over 100 years. The Shubert Ticketing division delivers innovative solutions for both private label clients and users of Shubert’s Telecharge box office, call center, and online services.
About TicketsatWork
Owned and operated by Entertainment Benefits Group (EBG), TicketsatWork is the largest travel and entertainment corporate benefits program in the United States, reaching more than 40 million users offering exclusive discounts and special offers for theme parks, attractions, shows, events, concerts, movie tickets and hotels, with exclusive, private discounts up to 60 percent off. TicketsatWork represents partners such as Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, AMC and many more top attractions and shows across the country. As the exclusive Corporate Benefits Program for the Universal Orlando® Resort and Wet ‘ n Wild Orlando, many of the companies featured on Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list rely on TicketsatWork to aid in employee retention by offering benefits and “perks” that set their companies apart from the rest. For additional information or to join the program please visit www.TicketsatWork.com.
About Plum Benefits
Plum Benefits is a free and exclusive, member-only, corporate entertainment benefit service. More than 20,000 corporations and organizations provide Plum Benefits’ unique entertainment services to their members and employees – enhancing membership rewards and corporate benefits packages. With discounts of up to 50%, Plum Benefits has access to the best seats for Broadway and off-Broadway shows, top sporting events, family attractions, dining, and more. Plum Benefits’ clients include many of the Fortune 500 companies. For more information, visit www.plumbenefits.com.
