In a bid to cater to new ticket brokers, the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) recently announced a decision to waive initiation fees for the next two months, according to TicketNews. 

This move comes as the organization is experiencing a rise in expenses and a plateau of growth among members over the last two years. Annual fees normally range between $975-$1,625 for companies interested in joining the group, depending on the membership level.

However, for the months of August and September, companies have the opportunity to join without paying the fee, meaning no billing for the association will occur until January 2010.

The National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) is a trade organization that represents the direct interests of the secondary ticket market. The organization prides itself on courting members that can operate in accordance with NATB’s high standards and enhance its very strong public reputation.

The process to join is challenging, with potential members filling out a long application, while garnering support from members already involved in the organization. Regardless of the fee waiver, the application process has remained unchanged.

According to TicketNews, there are currently 185 members within the NATB, with more than half paying an annual membership rate of $975.

The secondary ticket market has exploded in popularity in recent years; however, there have been an increasing number of issues (both legal and business) for brokers. This is particularly poignant as politicians and government officials have begun to take notice of this industry, with the attention leading to a dramatic increase in NATB’s annual expense budget.

The site reports that annual costs for the group now exceed $500,000 annually, much of which goes towards public relations, lobbying efforts, administrative costs and a large chunk to the group’s legal counsel. However, in direct contrast, NATB takes in just $200,000 of that money through dues, making up the difference with donations and various assessments.

Additionally, TicketNews reports that NATB pays $12,000 monthly to Venable LLP, which is a lobbying form and puts on an annual conference in Las Vegas, which usually breaks even, but at times, such as this year, loses money for the group.

The fee structure for joining NATB is determined by the size of the company, with the smaller companies of between one and three employees paying the smaller fee of $975; companies with four to six employees paying $1,300; and those with seven or more paying $1,625.

Moreover, smaller companies had to pay $500 in legal fees, with larger companies paying more, in an effort to fight the merger between Ticketmaster and Live Nation.  ”They’re obviously looking to expand membership so they can raise more cash to fight the new laws,” Steve Lichtman, an NATB member and owner of Prestige Entertainment told TicketNews. “Waiving fees will mean getting new members who will hopefully see the value in being in the NATB and then will ultimately pay fees. With Ken Solky now at the helm of the NATB how will it be possible for the new members not to recognize the value he brings to the table?”