Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP): A passport for verified participation

Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) is about to revolutionize traditional attendance systems. Let’s explore its true potential and use cases.

The acceptance of NFTs has increased the demand for digital collectibles in the crypto space. POAP is also a type of digital badge that allows you to confirm your attendance.

For example, MetaMask, one of the leading cryptocurrency wallets, celebrated a 24-hour party in Decentraland by offering POAP to its users. Additionally, this party was held in September 2021 to commemorate the 10 million active user milestone.

Are you new to POAP or want to learn more about POAP? If the answer is yes, keep reading this article to learn more.

First, let’s understand the basics of POAP. stay tuned!

What is Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP)?

POAP or Proof of Attendance Protocol provides a digital keepsake that proves you attended an event. Additionally, the event you attend can be physical or virtual.

This protocol uses blockchain technology to prove attendance at specific events. Additionally, you will receive swag such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in your crypto wallet.

POAP debuted at the 2019 ETH Denver conference. For this event, organizers used POAP to reward participating hackers.

The first POAP was created and distributed using the Ethereum mainnet. However, in 2020, it was migrated to xDai, an Ethereum sidechain, which has significantly lower transaction costs and increased speed.

How do I configure POAP for events?

To configure POAP, you need to follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Create the graphics file

First, you need to create a graphics file for your POAP artwork. Files can be sent in PNG or GIF format.

File size must be less than 4 MB. Also note that this image cannot be edited after the POAP is created.

Step 2: Visit the POAP website

Next, you need to visit the POAP website or click here.

Then click Create new POAP.

Step 3: Fill out the form

You will be redirected to a new page. Here you will need to fill out a detailed form.

Other key information you will need to provide include:

• About the event in a nutshell
• Detailed explanation of POAP.
• Start date, end date, and expiration date for POAP events.

Step 4: Enter your email address

Please enter your email address to receive POAP drops. Also, save the edit code for future use. Then, after double-checking all the details, click Save.

A pop-up message will appear that says “Drop Submitted!” For review purposes.

There is also a ‘fill out form’ option if you would like to add more information about POAP.

Step 5: Check your email inbox

Finally, you will receive an email with the subject line “New POAP drop created.”

Note : You can also modify the event. To do this, you need POAP editing code.

How do I claim POAP?

To claim and manage POAP, you must install the mobile app. This app is available on Google Play and App Store .

Once you have installed the app, you can request POAP by entering your email address. Otherwise, if you have an Ethereum wallet address, you can also add it and request POAP.

Once you have entered your email or wallet address, click “Set as main account”. As a result, you will be taken to the POAP collection.

If you don’t find anything in your collection, you can mint a new one. To do this, click on the “Mint” option in the bottom right corner of the app.

Then you need to choose one of the following options:

• Scan NFC: Activate NFC to scan your collectibles.
• Secret word: Enter the POAP secret word.
• Scan QR: Scan the QR code representing POAP.
• Enter Code: Enter the 6-digit code assigned to your POAP.

Finally, click “Mint”. that’s it! You’ve got your favorite POAP.

How does POAP work?

POAP is created using ERC-721, the token standard used for NFT development. In addition, several conditions must be met for an NFT to be classified as a POAP. This includes:

• An image that represents a specific event.
• Availability of metadata associated with event date. This data ranges from a specific date to the year.
• NFTs must be minted through a dedicated POAP smart contract.

Additionally, there are three participants in the POAP event.

#1. event creator

They create events, virtual or in-person, that have the potential to attract people. Additionally, you can set check-in requirements for attendees.

Creators can also decide whether to charge an event fee. It will also determine the distribution system for prizes and rewards.

#2. event participants

Participant support is critical to the success of your event. With the increasing demand for POAP, participants have the privilege of choosing which events will earn them rewards.

Participants can also participate in multiple free events and receive digital benefits in the form of POAP. What’s more, you can also receive rewards instantly, directly into your crypto wallet.

#3. event promoter

In this world of social media, marketing plays a key role in the success of your event. As a result, event promoters promote their events to attract maximum users from the cryptocurrency industry.

For example, if the event is related to Metaverse games, promoters will work with gaming influencers. As a result, your event will reach a large audience.

POAP is not limited to large events and there are no special rules regarding events. Therefore, all that is required is approval from the POAP review team.

You need an Ethereum wallet to mint POAP. Additionally, only one wallet can be used to create one POAP for an event.

It is up to the organizer to plan the POAP distribution. If you’re an organizer, you can create custom QR codes and distribute them to event attendees. You can also email the download link.

What are some use cases for POAP?

#1. Attendance confirmation

A primary use case for POAP is to enable digital confirmation of attendance at a particular event. Plus, you don’t have to stuff your wallet with physical tickets to numerous events.

#2. Community rating

POAP serves as a beacon for recognition among community members. As a result, a high number of POAPs indicates that you are actively participating in community-sponsored events.

#3. marketing purpose

Brands and companies that issue POAP tend to attract the attention of the cryptocurrency community. Additionally, bringing POAP to your events can help you stay ahead of your competitors.

#4. digital goods

POAP is a type of NFT, so it functions as a digital collectible that can be stored in your wallet. Plus, these collectibles will always give you that nostalgic feeling of attending your favorite shows.

#5. right to vote

The community plays an important role in crypto-based projects and their activities. As a result, multiple POAP owners can vote and become decision makers for future events.

Advantages of POAP

The main benefits of POAP are:

#1. More privacy

POAP allows users to collect digital collections without providing personal information. Therefore, you do not need to provide details such as your name, mobile number, age, or address to receive the collection.

#2. ownership

When you mint a POAP, you become the proud owner of a digital badge. As a result, ownership details are stored on the blockchain.

Let’s say you attended an Olympic event and received a POAP badge. In this case, you can always prove your existence by verifying your badge ownership.

#3. Easy to access and manage

You don’t need multiple apps or physical folders to store POAP. All you need is the POAP app to access, mint, and manage your digital collection.

#4. Convenient for event organizers

The POAP concept allows organizers to create and run events without much physical effort. The result is significant savings in time, effort, and money required for paper sign-in sheets, certificates, and applications.

#5. safer

POAP is stored securely using blockchain technology. Therefore, no one can edit, tamper with, or delete your attendance data. Furthermore, it is impossible to create a fake copy of POAP.

#6. No minting fee

POAP Inc. does not charge fees for minting POAP collections. Therefore, you can mint unlimited POAP for free using the mobile app.

#7. global accessibility

You can attend international shows and concerts and receive POAP. This feature also helps you attend your favorite events without geographical constraints.

POAP common examples

#1. adidas

Adidas, the world’s second largest sportswear manufacturer, launched POAP towards the end of 2021 . Additionally, this launch was part of its entry into the Metaverse.

These unique POAP tokens were awarded to selected users of the Adidas CONFIRMED app. Additionally, this initiative allows holders to participate in future releases and events.

#2. gitcoin

Gitcoin is a popular decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) that supports the development of open source projects. Additionally, Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin is a big supporter of Gitcoin.

Gitocoin introduced POAP Quest to event attendees in 2023 to encourage participation. In the end, five winners won the grand prize, which included $150 worth of merchandise.

#3. lottie london

Lottie London hosted the first-ever Metaverse Party over two weeks. Additionally, the party was held at Decentraland to engage with the brand’s Gen Z audience.

A total of 2,000 attendees received a POAP for exclusive participation in the virtual event. I was able to claim this offer through Lottie London’s Walmart shopping page.

summary

The future of POAP is bright and will be widely used to confirm attendance at future conferences, shows, and concerts. Plus, you can save POAP as a memento of your favorite events.

In short, POAP has the potential to transform traditional time and attendance systems. Finally, join exciting events, mint free POAP, and enjoy ownership of your digital collection.

Next up, the best crypto portfolio trackers to simplify your investment journey.