Event Tech

Near-field Communication Technology is Changing The Event Dynamics

Eventually Learning Team

08 September 2022

Read time 5 minutes

“The Revolution introduced me to art, and in turn, art introduced me to the Revolution!” - Albert Einstein

The COVID-19 pandemic gravely affected the event planning dynamic, as we had to forgo in-person event communication altogether. But as they say, necessity is the mother of invention – the industry was quick to pivot to revolutionary digital innovations like contactless payments, near-field communication technology, virtual event conference platforms and tools, online registrations, etc., sustaining the event industry.

The Near-field Communication technology (NFC), in particular, came to the rescue and improved event implementation and management by leaps and bounds.

Today, planning a live, online or hybrid conference, marketing event, concert, art show, adhering to the audience safety parameters, has been strengthened by robust technologies like the NFC, creating a trailblazing change in the event planning process.

So, let’s dig deep to know all about the Near-field communication technology and how it is going to play a key part in the future for the events industry!

What is Near-field Communication Technology (NFC)?

With the world going through a sea change in digitalization implementations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the near-field communication technology (NFC) has joined the bandwagon of path-breaking technologies. NFC is known for initiating contactless communication at events by enabling short-range communication between compatible devices. With NFC-enabled devices, you can easily execute contactless in-event payment systems, get networking without safety woes using NFC bands, and share event promotional posts through automated social media check-ins.
The technology allows event planners and attendees to quickly and easily transfer information between devices with a single touch - whether paying bills, exchanging business cards, downloading coupons, or sharing a research paper.

NFC Is Changing The Event Dynamics

NFC is making a smarter move, when it comes to in-event, no-touch communications. Know how:

Cashless Payments

As per the government safety & hygiene standards, post the global pandemic, opting for cashless mode of payments at events has become a usual for organizers. The attendees can make use of NFC wristbands to make digital money transfers at events. The event organizers can request audience credit card linking with these bands, and in-event shopping can be debited from the allocated attendee cash balance. Even credits can be linked with each attendee tag! For example, the planners can decide on the number of free beverages for attendees and provide them these at the swipe of an attendee NFC-enabled wristband. Using NFC makes the entire event payment process easy and stress-free!

Registrations

NFC makes event registrations convenient, and this contactless communication technology accelerates event registrations with a multiplying effect.

Just placing the attendee smartphone against an NFC reader gives them access to the event instantly, without the filling up of the umpteen traditional registration and confirmation paper forms. Event organizers are now placing NFC readers at the event entrance door, to track attendee entry and exit. These tags store valuable information like attendee’s time of entry, time of departure and can be personalized as per the attendee demographics as well. Plus, they reduce the chances of fraud as multiple entries by random unregistered attendees is halted.

Control Access

Physical hotel room keys and key cards are passe; the attendees can use their smartphones to access their rooms, when attending an event.

Even during the in-event attendance, NFC can assure that the right attendees get access to their preferred areas or locations like the VIP zone, special networking lounges, the backstage and more.

Transportation

Here’s how the attendee NFC-powered contactless transportation card has come in handy!

The attendee can simply swipe a ‘transportation’ card when going to and from the event venue, and receive an e-receipt in the inbox, upon arrival of the destinations. This has become a very convenient method to manage attendee arrivals.

Essentially, NFC enables you to use contactless readers that Public Transport Operators (PTO) have installed worldwide. This is a practical option for several industries, including the event’s scene, as attendees want to have the smoothest, hassle-free experience possible, including event transportation.

Networking

Networking at conferences, trade fairs, and corporate events with improved NFC technology - has paved way for better in-event dialogues. The attendees can connect with peers and experts alike by simply exchanging their name tags. NFC tags have an installed chip within them, that is useful in attendee identity verification and can give out crucial attendee information in seconds. Identity verification also prevents fraud and unwanted visitors at an event.

Conclusion

The Near Field Communication technology (NFC) is an effective tech tool for executing events. This technology benefits the event planners and has a relatively positive impact on the attendees. It simplifies the tasks and makes your event experience safe and hygienic. Contactless communication is the future of the events industry, as NFC is taking charge for forging better communications.

FAQ

What is the difference between QR-code and NFC?

NFC is a proximity-based wireless communication tool, that is activated by mere tapping on the item, whereas a QR-code is a readable code that has to be scanned using a Camera App to decode the information. The NFC technology is standardized worldwide, offering a broad range of applications in logistics, marketing and more.

How is NFC different from or related to radio frequency identification (RFID)?

Near-field communication (NFC) is a short-range, wireless communication technology which is mainly used for mobile devices, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification system that utilizes the internet, the data is digitally encoded and stored in a RFID tag!

EMV and NFC: what is the difference?

Both the technologies strive towards maximum security and authenticated payments, both encrypted to protect against counterfeiting. However, they are two different technologies of which NFC is associated with Apple Pay, and EMV is associated with American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Union Pay and Visa.