San Diego, March 1, 2016 – InstantEncore Inc. has appointed Chris Montgomery as Chief Executive Officer. Montgomery begins his role immediately and will be based in San Diego.
Montgomery brings a wealth of experience across the mobile, digital media and the performing arts sectors. He is keenly aware of the changing dynamics of the mobile and live entertainment experiences and will be responsible for accelerating growth, harnessing innovation and re-defining what the performing arts experience means in the future.
“Chris comes to us with a wealth of experience in both the arts and technology worlds - a truly great fit for InstantEncore. We couldn't be happier to have him on our team, and it bodes well for our future”, said Evan Schumacher, CTO of InstantEncore. “Chris also has strong vision and leadership abilities that will help us further develop our mobile solutions platform and innovate across the performing arts sector.”
Prior to joining InstantEncore, Montgomery held leadership positions across a number of music and technology related companies. As EVP, Commercial Development for the Royal Conservatory he lead the expansion of the famed music curriculum across North America. As Head of North America and Global VP of Marketing for EMI Classics, he managed the legendary catalogue of EMI Classics recordings and worked with countless recording artists, ensembles and venues around the world. He began his music industry career at BMG Entertainment in Toronto.
Montgomery has also held a number of key international digital media positions. At Diamond Multimedia, he was on the team that launched the first portable mp3 player (Rio) and spinout, RioPort.com. He launched the first on-demand subscription service at MP3.com, and following the acqusition of MP3.com by Vivendi Universal, was appointed SVP, Digital Media based in Paris. He progressed though the organization to CEO, MP3.com Europe. He has also consulted in the areas of digital media and strategy to companies ranging from Target, British Telecom, and Sony. As a recognized expert in the areas of music and digital media, Montgomery has published case studies and has spoken at leading industry conferences.
Montgomery earned an M.B.A from the University of Edinburgh, a B.A. in Education from the University of Toronto and a B.A. in Music from the University of Western Ontario. Montgomery is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh Business School and sits on their International Advisory Board.
About InstantEncore Inc.
InstantEncore is the leading provider of mobile solutions to performing arts organizations around the globe. Our partners use the InstantEncore platform to power their mobile apps, enhance live experiences and create deeper relationships with their audiences. InstantEncore partners include Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Curtis Institute of Music and Dallas Summer Musicals. With Tessitura™ Network, Inc., our partners include the New York Philharmonic, The Shaw Festival and Santa Fe Opera.
For more information, contact:
David Dombrosky, Chief Marketing Officer
david@instantencore.com
Showing posts with label performing arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label performing arts. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
The Repertoire Section: Getting Creative with Work Titles
At the heart of any event listing are a few key pieces of information: when is it, where is it, and what is it?
To answer this last question, each event entered in the InstantEncore control panel features a Repertoire section - a list of musical works to be performed during the event. These works are then tagged with even more information, such as the composer of the music and any artists or ensembles who are performing on it, letting the audience know exactly what is in store for them.
In fact, we encourage you to leave this blank unless you are adding the name of the person who composed the music. Authors, choreographers, and others - though important - should be set in the Miscellaneous field if you wish to tag them.
You can then set the Title to whatever you want! Lets take a look at a few examples.
Major ballets, such as Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker or Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet, will be listed as normal music works.
Shorter, non-programmatic dance pieces can be added with "Dance Name (Choreographer)" in the Title field while leaving the Composer field blank. This shifts the focus away from the music and towards the choreographer.
Dancers can be added as Artists. For their instrument, a "Dancer" option is available.
This Saturday matinee concert featuring a mix of music and visual performing arts is best described as a "Free Event."
The Elmhurst Symphony's Art of Conducting event is part of their "ESO Lecture Series."
To answer this last question, each event entered in the InstantEncore control panel features a Repertoire section - a list of musical works to be performed during the event. These works are then tagged with even more information, such as the composer of the music and any artists or ensembles who are performing on it, letting the audience know exactly what is in store for them.
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| Click this image to see the complete Event listing. |
But wait! What if my event doesn't have classical music or any music at all?
Due to the wide variety of types of events, there is some flexibility in the system. Here are some tips and examples for using the Repertoire area if you're not presenting classical music.The Biggest Secret
When adding a new Work Title to the system, you can actually leave the Composer field blank even though it is listed as "Required Info."In fact, we encourage you to leave this blank unless you are adding the name of the person who composed the music. Authors, choreographers, and others - though important - should be set in the Miscellaneous field if you wish to tag them.
You can then set the Title to whatever you want! Lets take a look at a few examples.
Dance
Dance and ballet can have strong ties to classical music, but the focus is often more on the dancers and choreographers than the people who perform the music.Major ballets, such as Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker or Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet, will be listed as normal music works.
Shorter, non-programmatic dance pieces can be added with "Dance Name (Choreographer)" in the Title field while leaving the Composer field blank. This shifts the focus away from the music and towards the choreographer.
Dancers can be added as Artists. For their instrument, a "Dancer" option is available.
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| Click this image to see the complete Event listing. |
Theatre
Theatrical works are even more straightforward. Again, leave the Composer field blank. Enter the name of the production in the Title field, and tag any additional relevant information. |
| Click this image to see the complete Event listing. |
Popular Music
Oftentimes, popular solo artists or bands will not have a predefined program. For these, you can use the "Program TBA" feature as provided, or if you want to be more specific, you can add something more descriptive such as "Program to be announced from stage" in the example below. |
| Click this image to see the complete Event listing. |
Getting Creative
Sometimes your event just doesn't fit any predefined category. Set a work title that briefly describes the event. This can be anything you want, but short, informative descriptions are the best. Keep in mind that if it is generic enough, you will be able to use it again for similar events in the future!This Saturday matinee concert featuring a mix of music and visual performing arts is best described as a "Free Event."
 |
| Click this image to see the complete Event listing. |
The Elmhurst Symphony's Art of Conducting event is part of their "ESO Lecture Series."
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| Click this image to see the complete Event listing. |
If you have questions on how to use the Repertoire area to best represent your event, contact support@instantencore.com.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Enhance Your App's Events with Things To Know
Every day, new audiences attend performing arts events. And many of them open their programs only to find program notes written for patrons with a much deeper understanding of the art form, the work, its context, etc.
If you knew that a new patron was attending your event, what would you tell them to guide them toward a positive experience?
This is the thought that prompted us to develop Things To Know - a new feature in the At The Event module for the mobile suite.
Step 1: Once you've created an At The Event instance, you will be greeted with a checklist showing you what features are available to you. Click on "Things to know" to get started adding your first item.
Step 2: The next screen will eventually show you a list of all Things to Know added for the ATE, but to get started, click on "Create your first Thing to Know."
Step 3: Here is where you add the important details. Be sure to include....
Once you have everything filled out, click "Add" and your first Thing to Know is done! You will be able to repeat steps 2 and 3 using the "Add Thing to Know" link until you have added everything you wish to include.
You can manage your existing Things to Know by clicking the Name and making any needed edits. Re-ordering them can be done using a simple drag-and-drop method. To remove one completely, just click on the trashcan icon to the right.
If you knew that a new patron was attending your event, what would you tell them to guide them toward a positive experience?
This is the thought that prompted us to develop Things To Know - a new feature in the At The Event module for the mobile suite.
What Is It?
Things to Know is a list of short, interesting, and useful facts related to the event. These can range from trivia about the programming or people involved with the production to parking information to social media campaigns. Perhaps you want to let patrons know about near by food options or pre-concert activities? Things to Know can be used for anything that improves your audience's experience.How Are Arts Organizations Using It?
How Does It Work?
- A Name to help you identify it later (this will not be shown to the public)
- A relevant image
- 500px wide by 250px tall is recommended
- Do not number the images, InstantEncore will do that for you
- The text information (HTML is allowed in case you wish to link out to more details)
Once you have everything filled out, click "Add" and your first Thing to Know is done! You will be able to repeat steps 2 and 3 using the "Add Thing to Know" link until you have added everything you wish to include.
You can manage your existing Things to Know by clicking the Name and making any needed edits. Re-ordering them can be done using a simple drag-and-drop method. To remove one completely, just click on the trashcan icon to the right.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Smart App Download URL: How to Connect Your Mobile Users Directly to the Correct App for Their Devices
Now that you've started using the new At-The-Event feature in your mobile apps, you will want to make sure that your audience has the Apple or Android app downloaded to their mobile device.
Including the Redirect Script on your standard website takes mobile users to the mobile website, which will display a banner link to the proper app store. Word of mouth also helps build app awareness, but nothing beats providing your patrons with direct links to the Apple App Store and Google Play pages for their specific devices.
To help you with this, we've created a Smart App Download URL (SmartURL) that will automatically detect the type of mobile device accessing it and redirect the user to the link on the appropriate app store for their device. If the link is visited from a desktop or laptop computer, it will display a page with links to both app stores.
Since At The Event is specifically available to your Apple and Android app subscribers, the Smart App Download URL guides users directly to those apps and bypasses the mobile website, which is not compatible with At The Event.
Next, you will need to include your Partner ID - a unique 7 digit number linked to your account which lets the URL know to connect to your specific apps.
Lastly, you will need to provide a Qualifier. This can be anything, but for basic uses we suggest using the "Menu App Name" from the Mobile >> Basic Settings page in your Control Panel:
These elements are then combined into a single URL that looks like:
For example:
Be sure to visit the URL in your web browser and make sure it is valid before publishing it anywhere!
In addition to an easy-to-use shortened URL, this service provides some "Details"; basic analytics to help you keep track of exposure including the number of "clicks" and what Platform (iPhone, Linux - which includes Android, etc) visited the link. These analytics are important to have as they will not be recorded by your regular mobile app's Google Analytics.
You can save this image to your computer and then use it in your printed materials such as signage, flyers, and programs. You could even go so far as to create different SmartURLs for different printed methods to get a fine-grained view of what methods work best:
QR Codes are the ideal use for SmartURLs as you are guaranteed that your audience member is already using their mobile device and will be able to bring up the correct app with immediate access to your At-The-Event content.
Tip: When adding a QR code to a postcard, program or other printed item, it is best to include a bit of text telling the mobile user exactly where that QR code will take them. For example, "Scan this code with your smartphone to download our mobile app and access exclusive content for tonight's show."
Including the Redirect Script on your standard website takes mobile users to the mobile website, which will display a banner link to the proper app store. Word of mouth also helps build app awareness, but nothing beats providing your patrons with direct links to the Apple App Store and Google Play pages for their specific devices.
To help you with this, we've created a Smart App Download URL (SmartURL) that will automatically detect the type of mobile device accessing it and redirect the user to the link on the appropriate app store for their device. If the link is visited from a desktop or laptop computer, it will display a page with links to both app stores.
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| How the Smart App Download URL appears on a desktop computer. |
Since At The Event is specifically available to your Apple and Android app subscribers, the Smart App Download URL guides users directly to those apps and bypasses the mobile website, which is not compatible with At The Event.
Building the URL
The first step is to build the SmartURL. This is comprised of three parts starting with the base URL. To begin, copy and paste this text:
http://services.instantencore.com/Util/Share/DownloadApp/
Next, you will need to include your Partner ID - a unique 7 digit number linked to your account which lets the URL know to connect to your specific apps.
- Find this by logging in to your Control Panel
- Click your Partner Name in the upper right corner to visit your Partner Page on InstantEncore
- Copy the number at the end of the URL:
Lastly, you will need to provide a Qualifier. This can be anything, but for basic uses we suggest using the "Menu App Name" from the Mobile >> Basic Settings page in your Control Panel:
These elements are then combined into a single URL that looks like:
http://services.instantencore.com/Util/Share/DownloadApp/PartnerID/QualifierFor example:
http://services.instantencore.com/Util/Share/DownloadApp/5109242/bcsd2goBe sure to visit the URL in your web browser and make sure it is valid before publishing it anywhere!
Advanced Techniques
As we mentioned, this link can be used in a variety of different mediums. If you want to keep track of how much the link is used in different ways, you can use anything you like as a qualifier such as:http://services.instantencore.com/Util/Share/DownloadApp/5109242/qrcode
http://services.instantencore.com/Util/Share/DownloadApp/5109242/twitter
http://services.instantencore.com/Util/Share/DownloadApp/5109242/facebook
http://services.instantencore.com/Util/Share/DownloadApp/5109242/email
Short URL
Now these URLs are very useful, but they are not practical for social media. To make them more manageable, we recommend Google's URL shortening service: Goo.gl
In addition to an easy-to-use shortened URL, this service provides some "Details"; basic analytics to help you keep track of exposure including the number of "clicks" and what Platform (iPhone, Linux - which includes Android, etc) visited the link. These analytics are important to have as they will not be recorded by your regular mobile app's Google Analytics.
QR Codes
Also available in the "Details" area of the Goo.gl short URL is a QR Code image.
You can save this image to your computer and then use it in your printed materials such as signage, flyers, and programs. You could even go so far as to create different SmartURLs for different printed methods to get a fine-grained view of what methods work best:
http://services.instantencore.com/Util/Share/DownloadApp/5109242/qrBanner
http://services.instantencore.com/Util/Share/DownloadApp/5109242/qrPostcard
http://services.instantencore.com/Util/Share/DownloadApp/5109242/qrProgramQR Codes are the ideal use for SmartURLs as you are guaranteed that your audience member is already using their mobile device and will be able to bring up the correct app with immediate access to your At-The-Event content.
Tip: When adding a QR code to a postcard, program or other printed item, it is best to include a bit of text telling the mobile user exactly where that QR code will take them. For example, "Scan this code with your smartphone to download our mobile app and access exclusive content for tonight's show."
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Take Your App to the Next Level with "At The Event"
InstantEncore is excited to introduce the next stage in performing arts mobile engagement with "At The Event" - a new feature set for our mobile suite designed to deepen audience engagement and foster community among your patrons before, during, and after the show.
(Why not Facebook? Because most Facebook users have their privacy settings limited to friends and family. In order for an app to pull in hashtag content, it must be publicly posted. We did not want Facebook users to become frustrated by submitting a post that did not appear in the social feed due to privacy settings.)
Over the upcoming weeks, we will be releasing a series of posts on this blog to highlight tips and best practices for making the most of this exciting new tool for audience engagement. In the meantime, here are some resources to help you dive deeper into exploring what you could do with At The Event in your mobile app.
How does it work?
When “At The Event” is activated for an event, a full-image landing page becomes the home screen for your Apple and Android apps on the day of the show. You control the start and end times during the day for this landing page to appear within the app. When your patrons tap on the landing page, they are taken to special content related to the event.INFO
The Info screen enables you to engage your patrons more deeply with content specific to the event and the artists involved. Standard features include: location-based check-in, things to know, program notes, featured artist bios, and sponsor information. You also have the ability to create custom content just for that performance, connect to multimedia content already in your app, and link out to external URLs.SOCIAL
The Social screen highlights the social media hashtag for your event, aggregates posts with that hashtag from Twitter and Instagram, and allows your patrons to respond with their own posts. If a mobile user does not have an account on Twitter or Instagram, they can use the in-app posting form to engage in the conversation.OFFERS
The Offers screen helps you to capitalize on your audience’s attendance by promoting upcoming events, season subscriptions, concession specials, merchandise, offers from external partners, and more.
At The Event Resources
Over the upcoming weeks, we will be releasing a series of posts on this blog to highlight tips and best practices for making the most of this exciting new tool for audience engagement. In the meantime, here are some resources to help you dive deeper into exploring what you could do with At The Event in your mobile app.- At The Event Detailed Walkthrough (slidedeck) - This resource provides detailed specs on the various content areas within the At The Event feature set.
- Becoming Familiar with At The Event (video) - This video provides a visual overview of At The Event within the control panel for the InstantEncore mobile suite.
- Adding At The Event Content to a Performance (video) - This video demonstrates how to create At The Event content for an event.
- Editing At The Event Content for a Performance (video) - This video shows you how to edit pre-existing At The Event content for an event.
- Smart App Download URL (blog) - This blog explains how to connect your mobile users directly to the correct app for their devices.
- Engaging At the Event: Audience Expectations for Live Performance in the Mobile Age (PDF) - This paper charts the rise of the mobile audience and their shifting expectations for live performances. It also reveals the results for our At The Event pilot program featuring eight performing arts organizations. The paper concludes with five steps for arts organizations to meet audience expectations head on.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Make Your App Unique with Custom Tabs
Among the many features of InstantEncore's mobile service, the most malleable is the ability to create custom content areas (or "tabs") in your mobile app. Custom tabs allow you to share a wide range of content and information with your mobile patrons. For example:
Here, you can set the name of your new tab by entering the text into the Label field. The italicized "i" is the default icon associated with new tabs. You may change this by selecting "Change Image."
You may select one of the icons from our library, or you may upload your own custom icon. Generally speaking, we encourage you to upload white icons with transparent backgrounds - use .PNG image files. Icons should be uploaded at 72px X 72px.
Next, you need to decide if you will create the HTML content for the custom tab or if you will link to an existing web page.
Using the HTML Editor to Create Content for Your Tab
To create the content for your tab, select "Write HTML for the page," and click on "Create." This will open a page with an HTML editor for creating and changing content.
Using an Existing URL to Create Your Custom Tab
Apple prohibits any app hosted in the iTunes App Store from processing donations and memberships within the app - which includes opening a browser within the app. So, there is a slightly different process for including these tabs in your app:
How to Create Custom Tabs for Your App
To create a custom tab in your mobile app, you will need to log into your InstantEncore account and go to Mobile >> Tabs. Scroll past the list of current tabs, and you will find the "Add a Custom Tab" area.Here, you can set the name of your new tab by entering the text into the Label field. The italicized "i" is the default icon associated with new tabs. You may change this by selecting "Change Image."
You may select one of the icons from our library, or you may upload your own custom icon. Generally speaking, we encourage you to upload white icons with transparent backgrounds - use .PNG image files. Icons should be uploaded at 72px X 72px.
Next, you need to decide if you will create the HTML content for the custom tab or if you will link to an existing web page.
Using the HTML Editor to Create Content for Your Tab
To create the content for your tab, select "Write HTML for the page," and click on "Create." This will open a page with an HTML editor for creating and changing content.
The HTML editor has a look and features similar to word processing software or another web content management system. You can format the text, add bullets or numeric lists, create indentions, add hyperlinks, insert images, create tables, and more.
At the bottom of the editor, you will see two tabs for viewing - Design and HTML. The Design view shows the content as it will appear in the app, while the HTML view shows the programming code for the content. You may use either view when creating and editing content for your custom tab.
TIP: If you insert an image into a custom tab, you may wish to set the image's size in proportion to the size of the screen on which the tab is viewed. Using a relational size will allow the image to adjust its size depending on if it is viewed on a smartphone, tablet, or mini-tablet. To set the image size, go to the HTML view. Find <img src="http://www.website.com/image">, and add style="width: __%" before the > closure.
One of the many things you can do with the HTML view is to add <form> and <iframe> elements, as well as other advanced HTML elements. If you do use advanced elements, you will need to toggle the "Use Advanced HTML mode for this tab" checkbox at the bottom of the screen.
Custom tabs in Advanced mode will open in a browser within the app instead of being directly embedded in the app. Basic HTML custom tabs will have the app's name and highlight color at the top, along with a "Back" button. Advanced HTML custom tabs will open in a browser with the app's custom background image. Mobile users simply tap on the "Close" button at the bottom of the Advanced tab to return to the app.
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| Basic and Advance HTML tabs from Austin Symphony Orchestra. Click image for larger view |
To create a custom tab linking to an external URL, select "Display an existing web page," enter the page's address, and click "Create." When your app's users tap the tab icon or label text in the menu, a browser will launch featuring the existing web page. To return to the app, they simply tap on "Done" in the bottom toolbar.
TIP: If possible, link to a mobile-responsive or mobile-specific URL so that your app's users continue to have an experience that has been optimized for their mobile devices.
The Special Case for Donations and Membership Tabs
- Add a tab using the "Write HTML for the page" option.
- Enter your message to prospective donors or members.
- Add text or an image linked to an external URL where your mobile users can make their donations or sign-up for membership.
- Go into the HTML view.
- Find <a href="http://www.website.com/page">, and add target="_system" before the > closure.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Mobile Engagement Consultations at APAP 2013
Many performing arts presenters and touring artists do not believe that they have the resources to engage mobile audiences. Not true. You can engage with patrons on mobile devices even if you have NO budget and little time.
During the 2013 APAP Conference, InstantEncore's CMO David Dombrosky will be on hand to provide guidance on developing a mobile engagement strategy to match your goals and budget. One-on-one consultations may be scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 12 from 9am-5pm and Sunday, Jan. 13 from 9am-5pm. Email David at david@instantencore.com to schedule a consultation.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
InstantEncore's Mobile Class of 2012
Congratulations and thank you to all of the artists and arts organizations who launched apps with InstantEncore's mobile suite in 2012! Below is a slideshow spotlighting our Mobile Class of 2012 from individual musicians, ensembles, orchestras, theatres, opera companies, ballet companies, ticket offices, and more.
Thank you again to all of our partners for making 2012 such a great year! We wish everyone a happy new year and look forward to working with you in 2013.
InstantEncore's Mobile Class of 2012 from InstantEncore. Maximize for best viewing.
Thank you again to all of our partners for making 2012 such a great year! We wish everyone a happy new year and look forward to working with you in 2013.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
What Could Your Performing Arts Organization Do With a Mobile App?
Expand the video to full screen for optimal viewing.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Announcing Two Streamlined Services for Engaging Web and Mobile Audiences
Artists know that their relationship with the audience is not limited to the performance on the stage. Today’s audiences want to learn more about the artists both before the performance and after the event.
Over the years, InstantEncore has developed a powerful system for artists and arts organizations to manage their online content and share it with their fans. From news and event listings to streaming music and video, thousands of artists and organizations have used our system to give their audiences fantastic content. Now, InstantEncore announces two streamlined services to help performing artists and organizations to connect and engage more fully with their fans.
To learn more about these services, take a tour of their powerful features, and view a showcase of our partners, visit www.instantencore.com.
In the upcoming weeks and months, we'll be sharing best practices for web and mobile strategy, spotlighting examples from the performing arts, as well as providing tips and suggestions keeping your audiences engaged. If you have particular areas you'd like us to explore, send us your questions.
Over the years, InstantEncore has developed a powerful system for artists and arts organizations to manage their online content and share it with their fans. From news and event listings to streaming music and video, thousands of artists and organizations have used our system to give their audiences fantastic content. Now, InstantEncore announces two streamlined services to help performing artists and organizations to connect and engage more fully with their fans.
- InstantEncore FREE - a fast, easy and affordable tool allowing performing artists and ensembles to build their own professional websites without hiring a webmaster or knowing how to code. With IE FREE, artists can also connect their content with their social media accounts.
- InstantEncore PRO - a multi-platform package allowing artists and arts organizations to engage mobile audiences with their own mobile website, iPhone app, AND Android app. Additionally, artists and organizations using IE PRO gain access to our API, which allows them to pull content directly into their external websites.
To learn more about these services, take a tour of their powerful features, and view a showcase of our partners, visit www.instantencore.com.
In the upcoming weeks and months, we'll be sharing best practices for web and mobile strategy, spotlighting examples from the performing arts, as well as providing tips and suggestions keeping your audiences engaged. If you have particular areas you'd like us to explore, send us your questions.
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