RFID is associated with large events such as top music festivals. However, this wireless technology has spread to smaller events including weddings, awards ceremonies, and live performances.
RFID guarantees improved planning and an enhanced customer experience. This convenience increases customer recommendations and secures better turnout for future events.
If you’re wondering whether incorporating RFID for your events is worthwhile, this article is for you. We have analyzed the top 12 benefits of using RFID for events and highlighted the various RFID options available for different events.
Top 12 Benefits of Using RFID for Events
RFID is a wireless communication system that uses radio waves to exchange information. You must have an RFID tag and an RFID reader to incorporate the technology in your events.
Interestingly, the RFID system is relatively affordable and will save you a lot of hassle. Here are the top advantages of using RFID technology for your events:
1. Speeds Up Entry of Attendees
Managing a queue at the entrance is the biggest nightmare for event organizers. Checking and printing tickets take a lot of time and can result in admission delays. If you have found yourself in ugly admission situations, it is time you considered integrating RFID technology.
This approach will automate the entry process, making it swift and efficient. All attendees will be required to have an RFID ticket (comes in the forms of RFID wristbands, RFID bracelets, and RFID key fobs among others). Each ticket has an RFID chip containing all the details about the attendee.
Every attendee will wave their RFID tickets in front of an RFID reader. Immediately after the reader detects the RFID tag, the following events will happen:
- The tag will be activated to release data to the reader through radio waves
- The reader will compare the details with the ones on an existing database
- If the details match, it will return a green signal meaning the attendee has been identified positively. They will then be allowed access.
- If the details do not match, the reader returns a red signal meaning that there is an identification problem. In this case, the ticket holder will not be allowed in and must resolve the problem with the event organizer.
Interestingly, the entire process takes less than 5 seconds! A reader can scan more than 20 tickets in a minute, thus allowing admission of more than 1200 people every hour for a single scanner.
2. Improved Customer Satisfaction
Using RFID tags for events is not only stylish but also convenient. Attendees have an accelerated admission experience, which saves their time.
Additionally, most RFID tags are designed as wristbands or bracelets. This eliminates the hassle of digging deep into purses and wallets to search for tickets. All that will be required is for the attendees to wave their wristband across the RFID reader machine – an exercise that takes less than a second!
Even better, most of the RFID tickets are wearable, which reduces the chances of loss. As such, event organizers will be saved from the difficulties that come with reprinting lost tickets.
3. Helps in Marketing Events for Better Return on Investment (ROI)
One of the biggest fears for small event organizers is whether they will realize ROI. If you are in such a quagmire, then you should integrate RFID for events.
When you use an RFID-assisted cashless payment system, you will collect useful data about all participants. You can then use this data to get insights that will help boost the success of your future events.
For example:
You can access information on the average number of transactions per visitor, the highest-rated performer, and the time taken at each scanning station, among others. Analyzing this data ensures that you make informed decisions in the future.
4. Offers Real-Time Insights
When you use RFID technology, you will get real-time data about the attendees. As such, you will easily monitor their behavior and make adjustments to improve their experiences.
For example, you can track inventory in a store to restock fast-moving products. This way, you will be able to optimize your operations by ensuring that you offer that which is in high demand.
Additionally, real-time data is essential in helping you rectify problems early enough. You will be able to identify every problem that arises before it wreaks havoc.
5. Eliminates Human Error
Human operations are not only tedious but also prone to error. There is a significant chance of making mistakes that could be costly in the long run. If you ask any event organizer, they will tell you that most of their losses originate from inconveniences caused by omission or commission.
If you need to streamline your operations and enhance accuracy, you should use RFID wristbands for events. This technology automates all the processes thus eliminating any chance of error. When you apply it optimally, you can be sure that your attendees will enjoy a flawless event!
6. Improves Interactions with Attendees
Event attendees can share their experiences with their friends through social media. The use of RFID wristbands enables event organizers to set up RFID photo booths. This additional feature enables participants to take photos and share them through various social media platforms. Consequently, attendees will have more fulfilling experiences.
Additionally, the event organizers will have data that they can use to develop products that are friendlier to their target clients. They can engage them online to get their experiences, which helps in personalizing the event.
7. Cashless Payments Reduces Chances of Losses
When using RFID systems, individuals can make contactless payments by linking their bank details to their cards. This form of payment reduces the instances where event organizers will need to handle cash. Consequently, it reduces the chances of theft and enhances transparency.
Additionally, cashless payments are convenient. It guarantees fast service delivery and eliminates crowding in service stations. This leaves the attendees and the organizers with enough time to concentrate on the event.
8. Prevents Scalping and Ticket Fraud
Attendees sneaking into your event will strain your budget and may lead to massive losses. This happens through the copying of tickets and passback during the admission process.
If you want to avoid these occurrences, you should apply RFID technology. The technology uses RFID tags and RFID readers to ensure that each ticket is only used once by an authorized ticket holder.
Additionally, the RFID tags cannot be copied. As such, you will get more sales through ticket sales. This will enhance security in your event since all the attendees will be authenticated at the entrance.
9. Offers Marketing Chances With Social Media
Marketing an event is very expensive for starters. In most cases, they rely on word of mouth, which can be inefficient thus resulting in a low return on investment.
However, RFID technology for events can allow small event organizers to market their events through social media platforms. This way, they will reach many targeted people and improve their profitability.
Using the technology, you will be able to create a buzz on social media as people share the event with their friends. To achieve this, you should enable your target attendees to connect their RFID wristbands to their social media account.
You can then set up photo booths and social media stations where participants can share live pictures of their fun-filled moments in distinctly clear images. With the current social media buzz, you can be sure that the high engagements on social media will market your event significantly.
10. Strengthen Connections with Event Sponsors
RFID technology for events helps sponsors to connect with attendees in interactive ways. It offers categorized data that sponsors use to engage their attendees. The sponsors use this data to organize competitions and raffles as a way of appreciating their supporters.
Additionally, they can use this information to create polls that help in understanding the attendees’ needs in the future. As such, it is easy for the sponsors to rate the success of past events and plan for better outcomes in future events.
11. Helps in Extending VIP Experience
Sometimes it can be hectic to set aside VIP sections in an event. While reserving tables can work, it requires close monitoring to ensure that no one occupies their spaces. With RFID technology, you can assign specific locations to specific individuals.
Additionally, your service providers will have an RFID reader, thus enabling them to bring services closer to the attendees. This way, they will experience a more elevated experience, which guarantees better customer satisfaction.
12. Simplifies Ticketing Process
The ticketing process can be hectic. It is particularly time-consuming when you have to print the tickets on-site. In such scenarios, you will experience delays which may lead people to give up on the event.
However, using RFID tags simplify the ticketing process as attendees can buy them before the due date. Even better, event organizers can improve the customers’ experiences by shipping the RFID tags to their physical addresses! This eliminates the hassles associated with purchasing tickets.
