Movement Between Moments: What National Walking Day Means for Ticketing Professionals

April 1 is National Walking Day. It’s not a date that appears on an event calendar between on-sales, settlements, patron calls, event logistics, software development or consulting. But the idea behind it — finding small ways to move more throughout the day — naturally connects with how some people in ticketing already work. It is also a useful reminder for anyone who could benefit from building more movement into their workday. Some days in ticketing involve hours of focused screen time. Others include walking a venue before doors open, checking access points or moving between departments. Many roles, especially on the vendor and consulting side of the industry, can involve long stretches at a desk followed by travel days or client visits that look completely different. That mix is part of the rhythm of ticketing work. According to Dr. Eduardo Sanchez , Chief Medical Officer for Prevention at the American Heart Association, those small changes between sitting and moving matter more than we might think. “Regular exercise is incredibly important for heart and brain health, but it does not give us a free pass to sit for long stretches of time without moving,” Dr. Sanchez told INTIX Access . “Research shows that long periods of sitting are linked to higher risks for heart disease and stroke, even among people who meet physical activity guidelines.” The encouraging news is that movement does not have to be complicated to make a difference. National Walking Day also marks the start of Move More Month. It is, says Dr. Sanchez, an invitation to think about how movement fits into everyday routines throughout April. “Walking can look different for everyone, and that flexibility is what makes it such a powerful, sustainable habit. But you can also move more through gardening [or] by dancing slow or not so slow to the music you love. The key this month is to move more.” For people working in ticketing, that physical activity is already built into the day at times. Miki McKay , Box Office Manager at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, sees the contrast clearly. “An average workday is mostly sitting, but an event workday has a lot more walking and moving around,” she says. Like many people in venue-based roles, McKay has found that taking short walks during the day helps her create space to reset. On days when she builds in intentional movement, she says those breaks help her “think better and refocus.” Even on days with a lot of desk work, movement still finds its way into her routine. “I do frequently walk to work, so even on my desk-heavy days, I still normally have some decent movement in there.  I also work on the opposite side of the building as the rest of the company, so I like to use short breaks and walks to get up and away from my desk and to go interact with my coworkers.” One of the most reassuring messages from the American Heart Association is that any movement while working makes a difference. Dr. Sanchez explains, “For people whose jobs require a lot of screen time, it helps to think about movement as part of the workday, not something that only happens before or after work. Every break from sitting counts.” That guidance is especially relevant across the ticketing ecosystem, where many professionals work for software providers, service partners and consulting organizations supporting clients across time zones. In those environments, stepping away from the desk often requires intention rather than a change in activity at a venue. Steve Jacobson understands that balance well. After 38 years as the founder and CEO of JCA, he transitioned on April 1 into a new role as founder and Chief Relationship Officer , remaining actively engaged in JCA’s work and in the broader nonprofit community. The succession reflects years of deliberate, thoughtful planning following Jacobson’s nearly four decades of leadership. Like many consultants in ticketing and live events, his days often involve a mix of meetings, deadlines and travel. For Jacobsen, movement is part of staying steady through it all. A longtime runner, he also values the role that walking plays in supporting both physical health and a mental reset during the workday. “There’s been a lot written about the value of a 10-minute walk at lunch,” he says. “That’s something I try to encourage.” He also builds short breaks into his own routine whenever possible. “I’ll walk outside for a few minutes, stretch my legs and then come back. It helps reset things.” And the difference is noticeable. “I think I’m much more agreeable [after taking a break for a walk],” he adds. “I tend to get a little cranky if I’m just sitting and going from deadline to deadline without taking much of a break. I think the mental aspect of it is really important to reset.” Sometimes the choice to move is simply choosing to walk when the opportunity presents itself. After attending a matinee performance of Ragtime [produced by] Lincoln Center Theater with his wife, Jacobson chose to walk more than a mile back to his office. “I could have taken the subway, but I thought I should walk. It was a nice day.” There is no single perfect schedule for stepping away from the desk during the day. But even brief movement supports both physical and mental health. “Ideally, we want to try to avoid sitting for long, uninterrupted stretches,” says Dr. Sanchez. “Standing up, moving, or walking for a few minutes every hour or so can make a meaningful difference over the course of a day.” Movement does not have to mean a formal workout, either. “Walking meetings, short movement breaks or even gentle seated movement can support heart health, reduce stress and improve focus,” Dr. Sanchez explains. “If walking is not accessible, other forms of safe movement can still help. The goal is progress, not perfection. Consistently finding small ways to move more throughout the day can add up to meaningful benefits over time.” Dr. Sanchez adds, “It's not about hitting a certain number or doing it the ‘right’ way. It is about finding moments to move in ways that feel possible for your life, whether that is a walk with a coworker, time outside with family, walking the dog or a few extra minutes between meetings.” For ticketing professionals whose work naturally shifts between sitting and moving — between spreadsheets and lobbies, meetings and venues, planning days and performance nights, Zoom meetings and travel — many of those opportunities are already part of the job. National Walking Day is simply a reminder to notice them. And to create them at every opportunity. You May Also Like Teddy’s Top 10 In-Game Traditions of Major League Baseball Teams Anchors That Help Ticketing Professionals Stay Steady Want news like this delivered to your inbox weekly? 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