The Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP), or the Protocol of Attendance Test, was born with commemorating experiences through collecting badges in NFT format. In this post, we explain the Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) and its actual use cases.
In either case, you may want a souvenir to commemorate an event, conference, or another gathering you attended. Well, something new is filling the gap: the Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP).
Indeed, event planners and attendees can use the POAP website to host or join events. By the way, you use your location data or scan a QR code to check in when you arrive at the event. This creates a time-stamped attendance record securely recorded in a Smart Contract on the Ethereum Blockchain.
What is the Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP)?
Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) is a non-fungible token (NFT) that proves that you have attended an in-person or virtual event. These digital badges are sent to your wallet as a reward for attending such events.
Specifically, it is a protocol that creates digital or collectible badges through the use of Blockchain technology. They are minted via Smart Contract as non-fungible NFT tokens on the Ethereum Blockchain. That is, they are ERC-721 tokens created to celebrate and record attendance at an event.
Either way, POAPs were initially minted and distributed on the Ethereum mainnet. First created at the Denver Convention in 2019 to reward hackers who attended and participated in the hackathon event.
POAP offers a new way for event organizers to participate and interact with their community. Event attendees can typically earn these unique NFT badges via QR codes at the event and join additional activities on the POAP platform, such as community surveys, raffles, and the POAP leaderboard.
How can POAPs be distributed?
In any case, POAPs can be distributed in various ways, both in digital and physical formats.
Digital: Participants can connect their crypto wallet and claim their badge in the place where the event determines. Another option would be to send the POAP via email.
Physical: The most common way is to distribute the POAP through a QR code. For example, the event organizer can encourage attendees to download the POAP wallet, scan the QR and
thus get their badge.
Who has used the POAP Protocol?
Several major brands and companies have used the Proof of Attendance Protocol to plan events and engage community members.
- Decentraland is known for providing POAP within its Metaverse.
- Estée Lauder: The acclaimed beauty brand unveiled an exclusive NFT Wearable, Advanced Night Repair, at Metaverse Fashion Week held March 23-27, 2022.
- Adidas: Adidas POAP serves as a way to recognize its most devoted fans.
- Lottie London hosted the first Metaverse prom in Decentraland. Participants could fully immerse themselves in the event thanks to the Proof of Attendance Protocol which directed users to the Lottie London Walmart shopping website.
- SushiSwap sent POAP to his AMA attendees and to those who voted for his governance proposals
As more event planners experiment with POAP, its popularity will likely evolve beyond lived experience storage and attendance verification.
In the future, POAP may expand its use cases beyond proving support. For example, it can be used to recognize contributions or offer privileges to community members.
The POAP compilation could also work as a trusted Blockchain resume for people to prove their experience and educational background.
Let’s say goodbye with this phrase from Bill Gates: “The key to success in business is to detect where the world is going and get there first.”
