Bring your big screen into a new age
A digital transformation isn’t just a way to keep up with current trends.
It can improve the audience experience and make your venue much easier to run.
This doesn’t have to mean large-scale expenses and cutting-edge technology.
Even adapting the systems you already have in place could boost your business.
UK cinema admissions remained 30% below pre-pandemic levels in 2025, making new ways to attract and engage audiences particularly important.
So, if you want to modernise your venue and enhance the audience experience, here are five tips on just how to do it.
Make booking easier
Paper tickets are increasingly becoming a thing of the past, and no one likes to show up for a relaxing evening only to stand in a queue waiting for a ticket.
Switch to online ticket booking and QR entry to make it easier for people to come to a show. This can also allow audiences to select their seats in advance for ultimate peace of mind. This removes unnecessary barriers between customers deciding to attend and actually turning up, even on busy days.
If you’re competing with larger chains, a streamlined booking process can give your audiences the same level of convenience while still offering the more personal experience of an independent venue.
Make more use of QR codes
QR codes can be utilised for more than just convenient entry. They can give people access to useful extra content that deepens engagement beyond the actual performance or screening.
Place QR codes around the venue on posters or in the corners of tickets. This enables people to easily access information like cast and production details, film trailers, accessibility information and FAQs.
No more digging around a website or queuing at a desk. Information can be provided and regularly updated without having to print every page, creating a richer and more interactive visit for the audience.
Introduce digital signage
Provide clear and up-to-date information through digital signage. Make navigating the venue simple by using screens to show directions, showtimes and room information.
Digital screens are particularly useful when plans change. Updates can be made quickly across the venue, keeping audiences informed without staff having to replace signs or repeatedly answer the same questions.
Screens can also promote upcoming shows, menus, memberships or events, making them an easy way to encourage more bookings and turn first-time visitors into familiar faces.
Create digital loyalty and membership programmes
There will be no more customer complaints about lost membership cards if you switch to digital cards and accounts instead. This could enhance people’s experience of your venue through reward points, member discounts, priority booking and early access.
With user consent, booking history could even help you show people more relevant upcoming events, helping the horror buffs get their fix and making sure the action lovers are seated promptly for the latest release.
Digital membership schemes can give audiences additional reasons to return. Recent research found that 71% of audiences would prioritise early access and priority booking when considering a cultural membership. Give people a reason to choose the same venue every time by providing benefits and communication they will actually value.
Optimise staff scheduling
These digital developments don’t just improve the audience’s experience; they can also help you improve what happens behind the curtains.
Changing showtimes, busy periods and having to match staff levels to different shows and event times can make planning complicated. Digital staff scheduling can help managers easily match staffing to demand and communicate changes to plans.
Reliable service can make a huge difference to someone’s experience at your venue. Having the right number of staff available when things get busy can mean shorter wait times, better service and an overall experience audiences will want to repeat.
Your business’s digital transformation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the areas causing the most friction for customers and staff and go from there.
Small changes to booking, information, loyalty and operations can modernise your business, bringing greater convenience and giving customers plenty of reasons to return.