Gateway Ticketing Systems, a prominent player in the admission control systems sector, has announced that Tom Chiarella, its executive vice president and head of product, has been appointed as president of the Executive Board at the non-profit organization OCTO. OCTO, known for its commitment to enhancing connectivity standards within the travel experience industry, focuses on developing open-source API specifications that aim to unify a sector often plagued by fragmented systems.
The goal of OCTO is to streamline the integration of tours, activities, and attractions, providing seamless connections across various booking systems, resellers, and agencies. This initiative not only reduces development costs for participants but also enhances market reach, ultimately leading to a better experience for customers.
As a member of OCTO, Gateway Ticketing Systems utilizes the organization’s API integration with its Galaxy Connect platform. Chiarella expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, noting the impressive diversity of experience within the board of directors. He highlighted the organization’s growth over the past year, which has included an increase in membership, the publication of new capabilities, and greater adoption of the OCTO specification. Looking ahead, Chiarella plans to strengthen engagement with both existing and prospective members, introduce additional industry-leading features, and broaden the implementation of the OCTO specification.
Chiarella will lead an executive committee that includes Oskar Bruening from Peek as vice president, Caitlin Montgomery from 360 Chicago as treasurer, and Carrie Keplinger from Elevate The Experience as executive director. This leadership team is poised to guide OCTO in its mission to facilitate better integration and collaboration within the industry.
Gateway Ticketing Systems employs a workforce of over 150 professionals across the U.S., U.K., and Canada. This includes a diverse range of roles such as software developers, technical specialists, IT resources, project managers, and customer service representatives. Recently, the company showcased its innovative ticketing solutions at the IAAPA Expo Europe, demonstrating its commitment to providing advanced technology in the admission control arena.
As OCTO continues to evolve, the organization represents a crucial step toward creating a more connected and efficient landscape for the travel experience sector, benefiting both businesses and consumers alike.