Press Releases

Boyertown, PA – (October, 2008) Kansas City Zoo, one of the nation’s largest zoos, has deployed Gateway Ticketing Systems’ eGalaxy product to expand their sales capacity to include online sales. eGalaxy, which includes eGalaxy Server and eGalaxy Web Store, is part of Gateway’s comprehensive ticketing solution designed to meet the zoo’s need for greater sales capacity, membership sales, advance and group ticket sales and resource management.

With a recent multi-million dollar renovation and expansion, the Kansas City Zoo has brought life to its entrance with above- and below-water viewing of river otters and majestic trumpeter swans. Expecting an increased number of visitors over the next several years, the zoo required a ticketing system that would not only increase sales opportunities by including online sales but also meet the need to grow and manage its membership revenue. Knowing Gateway has years of experience and expertise in the zoo industry, Kansas City Zoo trusted Gateway to meet their requirements.

Mark Gradwell, Gateway Project Manager said, “One of Kansas City Zoo’s main requirements with the new ticketing system was to be able to sell tickets online. They wanted to offer their guests the convenience of purchasing tickets before they arrive at the front gate. They also knew that could reduce wait times at the front gate, which of course is great for customer service.”

Like other zoos, Kansas City Zoo offers a variety of group events such as picnics, private catered events, and school and bus groups. These events require management and tracking to be done properly, and Galaxy features functionality to handle these needs.

“With the Galaxy® Interface to The Raiser’s Edge® (RE Console), all of the zoo’s existing passes have been imported from their existing Raiser’s Edge installation into their Galaxy database. Now all of their pass and membership information will be updated automatically in their membership database” said Gradwell. “This Galaxy feature provides them with a very clean process for pass sales and renewals and improves efficiency by enabling them to maintain the information in one familiar application,” he said.

The Zoo is also using Order Entry at two guest relations Point of Sale (POS) stations for processing group reservations, and Manager’s Workstation for real-time user status and secure password management.
Gradwell said, “The zoo is very excited about having eGalaxy to deliver and track online sales, and they’re looking forward to the opportunities for growth with their group sales and events, as well as their membership sales.”
According to Gradwell, the Gateway team did an excellent job of training the zoo and preparing them for go-live. He said, “A five-day training was conducted onsite. Two Gateway team members brought them live and then continued to support the customer for nine days beyond that to ensure the most successful implementation possible.”

====================
About Kansas City Zoo:
Founded in 1909, the Kansas City Zoo is one of the nation’s largest zoos. Spanning 200 acres, the Zoo features more than 900 animals from throughout the world. The Zoo’s strongest features are its true-to-life African experience and extensive Australian exhibits. Along with its marvelous animal collection the Zoo prides itself on outstanding educational opportunities – including overnight safaris – for children, families and classrooms.

About Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.:

Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. celebrates 20 years as the world leader in high-speed admission control and ticketing software for the attraction, amusement and transportation industries. Located in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, Gateway Ticketing Systems provides sales, service and support for Point of Sale and ticketing systems throughout North America and worldwide.

For more information on Gateway Ticketing Systems, visit www.gatewayticketing.com or call +1 (610) 987-4000.

Raiser's Edge is a registered trademark of Blackbaud, Inc. Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. is in no way affiliated with this product or company.

###