Nothing says summer like a festival – music, food, or otherwise. For a long time, never-ending lineups and overcrowded event spaces were considered an unavoidable part of the ‘festival experience’. With the rise of RFID wristband technology, that’s quickly changing.
RFID wristbands enhance the festival experience. Easy to set up and convenient to wear, they allow registered event attendees to move in and out of venues at the tap of a wrist. In some cases, they can even be used as a form of cashless payment. Gone are the days of long lineups to get in, misplaced ticket stubs, and having to find a way to keep track of your wallet while you dance.
Headed to a festival using RFID wristbands? Here’s everything you need to know:
What is an RFID wristband?
RFID (Radio-frequency identification) technology is a tiny chip that holds a unique chip identifier (UID). This chip can be placed inside a wearable, like a wristband, which is called an RFID wristband. RFID wristbands can be used as an attendee’s event ticket, VIP pass, payment method during an event, and much more. Important: The RFID chip does not hold any personal information.
How do they work?
After you purchase your festival ticket, you’ll either receive your RFID wristband in the mail, or retrieve it from the event’s Box Office. You’ll need to register your RFID wristband before entering the event. This helps if your wristband gets lost or stolen. Registering your wristband is easy to do online before you head to the festival.
On the day of the event, secure your wristband on your wrist. Simply tap your wristband on the scanner as you move through each access point to enter or exit the festival grounds. Continue to wear your wristband until the event is over and you’ve left for the final time. Make sure you don’t try to take it off before the event ends – when an RFID wristband is removed, it’s no longer valid, and you won’t be able to get back into a venue if you exit.
Are they safe?
Yes! RFID wristbands are not only safe for the wearer, but they enhance event security for everyone. RFIDs help event security to ensure that only those individuals who have purchased legitimate tickets can access an event. This prevents venues from becoming dangerously overcrowded.
RFID wristbands also don’t pose a risk to the security of your personal information. The only information the wristband stores is your UID (unique identifier) number. When scanned, your UID number connects to a secure database where your registration information is stored. In the case of Skulls and Roses – this information will consist of only your name, email address, and the state you’re travelling from. Your RFID wristband only gets scanned at secured and marked access points, and doesn’t communicate your location once you’ve entered or exited the venue.
Festivals can get messy – will my RFID wristband outlast the fun?
RFID wristbands are designed to be durable. They’re water-resistant, and can withstand reasonable impact. Like all things though, they have their limits. Try to avoid submerging your wristband in water for an extended period of time, and don’t attempt to forcibly remove it from your wrist before the event ends. You won’t be able to reattach an RFID wristband once it’s been broken off, and you may be asked to exit the event. If your RFID wristband becomes damaged during the event, you can visit the Box Office with your Valid Photo ID to see if you qualify for a replacement. Depending on the event and the circumstances, you may need to pay a fee to have it replaced.
Using your RFID wristband for cashless payments? If it goes missing, you can log into your online account to freeze it and safeguard your funds until you can make it to the Box Office to secure a replacement.
How do RFID wristbands make festivals better?
When festivals are secure and easy to access, you can enjoy the music, food and fun without worrying about your security, or your stuff. With RFID wristbands, it's easy to get in and out of the event with minimal fuss. Event organizers can also use the data collected by RFID wristbands to make future events better. Knowing what access points and times of day are the most popular for people moving in and out of a space can help organizers improve those high-traffic areas. RFID wristbands are simple and secure. No more long lines or hassle with tickets. Welcome to the future of festival season!
