Are you aware of RFID technology for events but need to figure out how it works and what it can do for you? Read on to discover the main benefits and uses of the technology that will revolutionise your event management.
Summary
1.What is RFID technology for events?
RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) is a system that enables the storage and transfer of data by radio frequency. This technology is highly versatile and offers multiple event applications, as we’ll explore below.
The attendee’s information is stored on an RFID or NFC (Near Field Communication) chip/tag in their cashless wristband. Using RFID readers and specialised software, this data can then be read, modified, and managed usefully for attendees, the organisation, and sponsors.
2.Use of RFID wristbands at events
RFID technology can be adapted to various event types, but we’ll focus on two critical applications with significant benefits: access control and cashless payments.
The most important data stored on the RFID wristband, especially for events such as music festivals and corporate events, is the attendee’s access rights and the money on their cashless account, which they can spend on food and drinks. Each vendor has an RFID reader that can read and update the chip’s data, such as deducting and refreshing the available balance.
In addition to these uses, more advanced integrations now enable RFID wristbands to store personalised attendee data, like age group or special reductions, providing a more tailored experience.
3.Benefits of RFID technology for event management
Faster payments and access control = less time queuing
The most well-known benefit of using RFID technology at events is that it allows the event or festival to reduce queues at all key points! This ensures faster flow at both the venue entrance and bars.
From an attendee’s point of view, it’s clear that spending less time queuing is a great source of relief as it leaves more time to enjoy the event, but it’s also hugely beneficial for organisers:
- Fewer queues at access control mean that attendees can show their tickets and gain access quickly, increasing security at a critical point for any event. The sooner people can access the venue, the sooner they can start purchasing food and drinks, enjoying the activities prepared for them, communicating, etc. It’s a matter of image as much as anything else!
- Fewer queues at bars increase the potential to serve people, make staff available to take more orders, and process payments faster—all resulting in more sales.
Control over capacity and restricted areas
In addition to their use at entrances, RFID wristbands are highly effective for controlling capacity, provided entrances and exits are carefully monitored, and for managing access to restricted areas such as backstage or VIP sections. Each attendee’s access rights are encoded on the wristband, allowing RFID readers to authorise or deny entry to specific areas. This method is much quicker and more efficient than manually checking wristband colours!
A secure, reliable system
Weezevent’s system of RFID cashless payments and access control is robust thanks to triple security protection (wristbands, readers and the system itself). This guarantees peace of mind for everyone.
It also allows cash management to be concentrated at certain wristband top-up points (except at 100% online cashless events, where cash is completely eliminated – even better!), which all helps to improve the event’s security.
Boost sales and revenue
Using an RFID cashless system at your event can help boost your revenue in various ways, some more direct than others.
The most direct result is an increase in sales since reducing bar queues will allow you to sell more food and drinks. However, you’ll also be able to offer personalised promotions, building loyalty among your audience.
It’s also worth noting what RFID cashless technology can bring you through your sponsors: a new communication medium (the RFID wristband) on which you can offer to feature their brand image. The information you collect through this system can also help your sponsors better plan their brand activations.
Business Intelligence: real-time data tracking
Today, technology can generate many interesting data for your event. In particular, with RFID cashless payment and access control, you can collect and generate data that allows you to analyse activity at your event by point of sale, bartender, period, etc. Use this valuable information wisely to optimise your resources and initiate actions in a range of areas, such as organisation, communication and attendee loyalty.
A control panel where you can observe what’s happening in real-time helps make immediate decisions. Still, RFID technology will also allow you to accumulate this information and analyse it thoroughly once the event is over.
4.Benefits of RFID technology for attendees
Speed in topping up the RFID cashless wristband and purchasing items
With the RFID system, attendees will notice the difference. When entering the event, they’ll receive their RFID cashless wristband which will give them access and allow them to purchase items without needing to queue or worry about their wallet.
Depending on the event’s layout, attendees can top up their RFID cashless wristbands before and during the event, either online or at physical top-up points. If they’ve topped up before the event, they’ll be able to purchase food and drinks as soon as they enter.
Fast and secure spending controls and refund requests
Creating an online cashless account gives the attendee control over their spending, as they can check their balance and purchase history at any time.
What’s more, after the event, they can easily request a refund of the remaining balance, depending on the conditions set by the event.
Good communication is key in this sense, as it allows attendees to make the best possible use of the system. If you clearly explain that they can top up online before the event to save time, and request a refund of the remaining unspent balance, they’ll top up more money in one go and purchase items without worrying or weighing up each purchase.
Enable the digital experience that attendees are looking for
Event attendees are increasingly seeking a comprehensive, convenient and digitised experience. RFID cashless payments have already taken root and become a consumer habit, especially at festivals. Proof of this is the online top-up rate of RFID wristbands which is increasing year on year.
Improving the VIP experience
Audiences are also becoming more demanding, but they are willing to pay more to get the experience they’re looking for, which is why the VIP audience is growing every day, as we’ve seen at festivals we worked with this summer.
RFID technology and our cashless solution enable the management of these small but important groups of people who aren’t part of the rest of the audience as they’ve acquired extra rights. The information included on their RFID wristband is all that these groups need to enjoy benefits such as access to restricted areas.
5.How to implement an RFID cashless system at your event
RFID technology can help events improve their management and relationships with attendees. Despite the many benefits of this technology it’s worth remembering that the means of implementing and using a technology are as important as the technology itself, if not more so.
Our experts support you step by step and are keen to share the best practices observed in our experiences with a range of events of all types and sizes, whether in terms of cashless payment, access control or online ticketing.
