POAP – A Guide to Proof of Attendance Protocol
We used to think the only place to keep the best life moments was inside our head. That was before the arrival of POAP, or proof of attendance protocol.
Using smart contracts, a POAP is minted as an NFT, signifying your presence at an event, meeting or convention, on the Ethereum blockchain.
POAPs are rising in popularity in the Web3 and NFT community, especially in the metaverse side of town. Major brands, including the likes of Adidas, have dabbled in early incorporation of POAPs into their sales campaigns.
Keep reading to learn more about POAPs and how they might change the way we attend future events.
Proof of Attendance Protocol – How Does It Work?
When you go to a meeting or an event, other attendees are often your witnesses. However, if it’s a large scale gathering, like a concert, it would be difficult for anyone to verify you were there. One thing people usually do is keep a memento, such as the ticket stub or a signed t-shirt.
A POAP hosted event will provide its attendees with NFTs, often via QR codes, which contain specific details about your presence. These can include the date of the event, time of your arrival and even the order of your ticket purchase, i.e. lucky 10th buyer.
You can consider these as the digital version of your ticket stubs or signed t-shirts, except with a more lasting effect. You may lose the ticket or get your shirt stolen, but your POAPs are immutable and always on display.
POAPs also work with virtual events. Online hosts can use them to keep track of who’s coming to their events or who gets special rewards for attending. Private meetings or webinars can use POAPs as both entry key and proof of attendance.
Utility of POAPs
The most significant element of POAPs is audience engagement. It allows the hosts to show their effort and connect with guests.
Another thing is exclusivity. Having a one of a kind badge to show you’ve been there makes the whole experience feel much more personal.
On the financial side of things, POAPs can grant users some lucrative perks. Depending on the event you’re attending, you may pick up some special rewards, such as huge discounts, digital properties, or first dibs on future crypto airdrops.
Some events will reward you for simply showing up while others may have you hold on to your POAP badge until further notice. Either way, it’s a free NFT you can add to your collection.
Since POAPs are NFTs, you can trade them on the marketplace, such as OpenSeas. This is where things get a bit murky because buying proof of attendance strips away its authenticity. Take this into consideration if you plan to host an event using POAPs, especially if they could earn rewards.
Using the POAP Platform
To create an event using POAP, first, download the POAP app. You can sign in using your crypto wallet address or the email associated with that address.
After that, head over to the web registry of POAP. Either access it directly from poap.xyz or the FAQs section of the mobile app.
Once here, you can start filling out the form for your event. Enter a brief description and specify the start date.
Once posted, you can check if the event is registered by typing in the name. An identifying code will be sent to you via email. You’ll use this code to mint POAPs for your guests.
As you can see, our event is now live. Users who are interested in attending may sign up and connect their crypto wallet directly through the event link.
The page is customizable and users like to go wild with it, such as this one.
Once the event is created, you can head back to the mobile app and begin minting POAPs. Make sure to work out clear incentives for your guests.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of POAPs is certainly going to change how we attend events and virtual gatherings. Having immortalized proof that you’ve been invited to a high profile event is definitely a welcome improvement. No longer are the days you tried so hard to convince your friends you went backstage at a Kiss concert.
However, POAPs may also have brought a new level of expectation. If widely adopted, users would become more picky with where they want to go. They may require more incentives for their time. Event hosts would need to get a lot more creative if they want to see more heads.
At the end of the day, the only thing better than a memorable life moment is a memorable life moment that earns.