Space Safari

In the Ardennes region of Belgium, far from the city lights and standard connectivity, Space Safari hosted 6,500 festival goers for a three-day, 24/24 hour experience. This event, set across a vast, mountainous landscape, presented unique challenges for a fully cashless system. At Weezevent, we like to embrace these challenges. Ensuring smooth operations in such conditions requires foresight and robust solutions.

Maintaining connectivity in remote areas

Space Safari set out to make cashless the standard, giving guests the freedom to enjoy the festival without worrying about handling cash or tokens. In a remote area where traditional 4G networks were unavailable, the organisers relied on Starlink satellites (engineered by SpaceX) to power the cashless system. Three Starlink satellites ensured reliable connectivity, day-in, day-out.

Three days of non-stop service

With the festival running non-stop, Weezevent’s team was on-site around the clock, monitoring 270 devices across various access and transaction points. Regular checks ensured optimal connectivity and battery status, preventing downtime at bars and vendors. This commitment was more than technical support; it was a promise to the organisers that we were prepared for any situation.

We also trained staff thoroughly to handle any connectivity issues, ensuring that the cashless system operated seamlessly throughout the festival. Our goal was to instil confidence in both organisers and attendees, allowing them to focus on enjoying the event.

Keeping transactions flowing: unaffected by connectivity

A critical test of our system occurred when an unavoidable Starlink update interrupted connectivity for nearly two hours. This could have derailed the cashless experience, but our system is designed to withstand internet outages. Each transaction continued smoothly, backed by our offline functionality.

During the Starlink update, our team activated pre-configured backup devices capable of connecting through 4G, ensuring that top-up stations could process payments without interruption. Coordinating closely with the connectivity partner, we demonstrated a strong working relationship with both the organisers and other suppliers. This collaboration ensured that the manned top-up stations, where attendees added money to their cashless wallets, continued to operate smoothly using the backup devices, maintaining uninterrupted service.

By the time connectivity was restored, all transactions had integrated seamlessly into our system. Attendees were unsuspicious and could continue enjoying the festival without concerns about the technology behind their experience.

A smooth experience for attendees

For festival goers, Space Safari’s cashless system allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the event. Without the need to manage physical cash or tokens, attendees could focus entirely on enjoying the performances, music and atmosphere. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive; participants appreciated the convenience and peace of mind that the cashless setup provided. 

This experience underscores our commitment to reliability. Our proactive approach and robust backup plans ensure that events run smoothly, regardless of connectivity challenges. We understand the importance of having a dependable tech partner, especially in challenging environments.