Iain Bluett engaged in the business side of the music industry because of a background playing in and managing bands.
That led to the creation of the Atlanta Music Guide website which served as the catalyst for Ticket Alternative, the Atlanta-based ticketing company that has regularly ticketed events for venues including the The Loft, the Earl and Vinyl, as well as the outdoor Rolling Stones show at Georgia Tech in 2015.
The company has also ticketed thousands of events nationwide.
After nearly 20 years behind Ticket Alternative with co-founder and friend Jamie Dwyer, Bluett announced that he is “moving on” from his post as president of the company.
“We approached the small venues and said, ‘Let us market your events for you, sell tickets and add a small fee. If we sell a ticket, then great! If not, no harm, no foul.’ And it grew from there,” Bluett said.
In a message to 40-plus employees about his departure, Bluett also praised the development of Freshtix ticketing platform and its call center services.
The Ticket Alternative name is also the backdrop for one of the largest wristband suppliers in the country, moving more than 40 million annually.
Bluett called his decision to leave the company – which Dwyer will continue to steer – “bittersweet,” but noted that, “deep down a change has been calling.”
Dwyer also bought Bluett's shares in Ticket Alternative and will run Ticket Alternative with a new partner.
While he doesn’t have definitive plans beyond spending time with his family and traveling, Bluett said, “I’d like to think my next endeavor keeps me in the music industry!”
