In the dynamic realm of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), their utility has experienced an explosive evolution. NFT development transcends the boundaries of digital art, avatars, and in-game assets. Amid this transformation, a pragmatic innovation emerged at ETHDenver in 2019 — the Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP).
POAPs, represented as NFTs, serve as evidence of an individual’s presence at a particular event. It harnesses blockchain technology to tackle the challenge of identifying individuals, shifting the focus from transactions or value. In this article, we give you more insight into this protocol.
What is Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP)
A POAP, which stands for Proof of Attendance Protocol, is a type of non-fungible token (NFT) designed to provide verifiable proof that an individual attended a specific event. It functions as a digital badge or certificate on a blockchain and a participant can own it as a token for their attendance.
POAPs are generated through the execution of smart contracts, resulting in the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the Ethereum blockchain. These NFTs adhere to the ERC-721 standard, specifically designed to mark and memorialize event participation.
POAPs are often distributed to event attendees as a reward for their participation. They serve as a way to commemorate and authenticate one’s presence at events, whether they are physical gatherings or virtual conferences. The use of blockchain technology ensures the immutability and transparency of attendance records, preventing tampering or forgery.
This concept has gained traction as a way to create a digital record of real-world interactions and experiences, bridging the gap between physical events and the digital realm.
The term “POAP” not only characterizes the protocol itself but also extends to the collectible badges it generates. Originating in 2019 during the ETHDenver Convention, the inaugural POAP emerged as a mechanism to honor hackers partaking in a hackathon. The evolution continued with the migration of POAP to the Ethereum xDai sidechain.
How Does POAP Work
The working of POAP (Proof of Attendance Protocol) involves a systematic process that utilizes blockchain technology to verify and commemorate an individual’s presence at a specific event. Here’s how POAP works:
Event Creation and Smart Contract Deployment
The process begins with an event organizer creating an event through the official POAP smart contract. This smart contract is essentially a set of predefined rules and conditions that govern the creation, distribution, and management of POAP tokens for the event.
Participant Registration
Participants of the event typically need to register their attendance in some way. It could involve checking in physically at a venue, interacting with a digital platform, or performing a specific action designated by the event organizer.
Attendance Verification
Once participants complete the registration process, the smart contract validates their attendance based on the predefined criteria set by the event organizer. This validation ensures that only genuine attendees receive POAP tokens.
Token Minting
After attendance is verified, the smart contract mints (creates) a unique POAP token for each participant who met the criteria. Each POAP token is associated with the event’s metadata, such as the event name, date, and possibly an image or badge design.
Token Distribution
The minted POAP tokens are then distributed to participants’ wallets. This distribution could occur immediately after attendance verification or at a later time, depending on the event organizer’s preferences.
Blockchain Recording
The POAP tokens are recorded on the blockchain, which ensures their immutability and transparency. This recording prevents tampering, fraud, or duplication of attendance records.
Wallet Ownership
Once participants receive the POAP tokens in their digital wallets, they officially possess verifiable proof of their attendance at the event. These tokens can be displayed, shared, or used as collectibles.
Interoperability and Display
Many participants showcase their collection of POAP tokens on social media profiles, digital galleries, or other platforms. This interoperability enhances the value and recognition associated with these tokens.
Future Benefits
Depending on the event and the associated community, holding specific POAP tokens might provide participants with access to future benefits, discounts, or opportunities.
Benefits of PAOP
Here are the benefits of Proof of Attendance Protocols:
- Reward System: POAPs serve as a reward system, encouraging participation and loyalty within specific communities
- Decentralized Identity: Collecting POAP badges helps establish decentralized identities that can be displayed and verified
- Gamification: The collectible nature of POAPs gamifies engagement, encouraging individuals to attend more events and participate actively
- Financial Benefits: Holders can gain financial perks by receiving airdropped tokens or rewards linked to their POAP collection
- Exclusivity: Owning specific POAPs can confer a sense of exclusivity and recognition within certain communities
Use Cases of POAP
Here is how businesses can use POAP NFTs:
- Event Attendance Verification: POAP NFTs serve as proof of attendance at various events
- Security Clearance: Used as security clearance for private groups or exclusive areas
- Participation in Governance: Invitations for protocol voting, in-person meetups, or joining private discussions
- Access to Exclusive Events: Access private events like contributing to digital art or attending community meetings
Companies Using the POAP
The Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) has been adopted by a multitude of well-known brands and organizations. It serves as a powerful tool for orchestrating events and nurturing engagement within dedicated communities. The following brands harnessed the potential of POAPs:
Estée Lauder
During Metaverse Fashion Week (March 23-27, 2022), Estée Lauder showcased an exclusive NFT wearable, “Advanced Night Repair.” They gifted 10,000 NFTs, granting avatars a unique luminous aura. Participants also received a Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) badge by virtually entering the “Little Brown Bottle,” enhancing the immersive experience.
Lottie London
Lottie London hosted the first-ever Metaverse prom party on Decentraland, aligning with prom season and engaging their Gen Z audience. Through the POAP, attendees fully immersed themselves in the celebration. The POAP seamlessly guided users to Lottie London’s Walmart shopping site.
Adidas
Adidas introduced CONFIRMED, an app dedicated to exclusive content and product releases, in 2021. The brand innovatively adopted POAP to acknowledge and honor its devoted users of the CONFIRMED app. Unlike traditional event-focused implementations, Adidas’ utilization of POAP recognizes the commitment of its community members, celebrating their loyalty and engagement.
Conclusion
POAP NFTs offer exciting opportunities for event organizers and attendees alike. As the use of POAPs continues to expand, event planners can enhance engagement and community building, while attendees can capture memorable moments.
Reach out to our seasoned blockchain developers to explore POAP use cases and other strategies for boosting customer loyalty and community growth.
