Live Nation and Ticketmaster plan to raise the standards of accessibility at live events throughout Australia and New Zealand through a partnership with disability advocacy group Get Skilled Access.
Ticketmaster, which is owned by Live Nation, has begun testing an enhanced online booking experience across its channels (website and app) giving fans with accessible needs more flexibility and choice when buying tickets.
As for Live Nation, Get Skilled Access has already provided accessibility training to 150 employees across Australia and New Zealand. The firm is also working toward providing new levels of accessibility on its stadium tours, including the upcoming U2 Joshua Tree 2019 Tour.
Get Skilled Access was co-founded by Dylan Alcott, the three-time Paralympic gold medallist, eight-time wheelchair 
tennis grand slam winner and disability advocate.
The partnership with the live entertainment industry giants will see a host of initiatives launched across their portfolio of companies in Australia and New Zealand.
“Every fan has the right to equal access of live entertainment,” said Roger Field, chief executive of Live Nation Australasia. “We’re delighted to be working closely with Dylan Alcott and Get Skilled Access to make sure that real change happens. It is essential that the industry comes together to achieve this and now is the time for us all to find solutions.”
As part of the partnership, Alcott and Get Skilled Access co-founder Nick Morris addressed 400 venue industry professionals at the recent Venue Management Association Asia-Pacific Congress.
“It’s Get Skilled Access and my mission to help people understand disability by driving organisations to be more inclusive,” Alcott said. “With my passions being sport and music, it’s a game changer to work with Live Nation and Ticketmaster to make live more accessible and inclusive for all. If we can start by getting more fans with accessibility needs to events, not only we will change people’s lives through the power of live but we will improve the industry overall.”
