Whenever you attend a special event like a concert, art show or even a business conference, you might want a token to remember it by. And if you’re a musician, event organizer, or simply work in entertainment, you’ll understand even more the importance of creating unique experiences for your audience.
This is where a POAP NFT comes in. For the uninitiated, POAP stands for “Proof of Attendance Protocol,” while NFTs are non-fungible tokens. When combined, a POAP NFT is essentially a digital proof or memento of your attendance at the event.
One simple way to leverage this technology is QR codes, which allow the scanner to instantly redeem their token, or more broadly, collect their digital collectible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of POAPs, why they’re important, and how to pair a POAP with a Flowcode QR code.
What is POAP?
As previously mentioned, POAPs are virtual souvenirs that commemorate a special memory or experience on the blockchain network. They’ve become so popular that event organizers are even handing out free POAP NFTs as a form of memorabilia.In the world of blockchain, POAP NFTs were originally introduced during ETHDenver 2019, the largest Web3 #BUIDLathon in the world.
You can mint a POAP through NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain through ERC-721 tokens that record the attendance of an event. To qualify as a POAP, your NFT should originate from POAP’s official smart contract, have an image or a GIF, and include the specific date and time metadata of the event.
POAP NFTs can be minted on the xDai blockchain, which is a free EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) sidechain. At certain events, you can scan a QR code to access the POAP NFT and open it directly on the marketplace.
How does POAP work?
The proof of attendance protocol consists of a set of smart contracts. Once an event organizer creates a POAP, they can create QR codes that attendees can scan in order to download the POAP. Alternatively, the organizer can also send download links via email.
How can you use POAP NFTs?
POAP NFTs can easily be used to prove attendance at any event. Whether it’s crypto-related or not, or real or virtual, here are some popular examples for POAP NFTs:
1. Crypto Events
Crypto events generally have a POAP NFT for attendees, which operate as badges that can be stored in your wallet as a souvenir of the event. They can also be used in crypto communities to reward or incentivize active participants.
2. Gaming Events
Blockchain gaming events use POAP NFTs to reward players with badges, items, and powers for achieving milestones in the game. Typically, players receive special rewards after clearing a level, playing for a certain number of hours, or participating in a big gaming event.
3. Non-Crypto Events
POAP NFTs can also be issued as mementos for personal events, concerts, conferences, and even weddings. POAP NFTs can even be used as a creative way to package and share your resume with prospective employers.
Why do you need POAP?
The primary reason for holding a POAP is to record life experiences on the secure blockchain network. For instance, your POAP NFT from a major blockchain event might be worth a large amount of money in the future.
Many crypto communities have started rewarding people for owning POAP NFTs. But if you’re interested in starting a POAP collection, your primary goal should not be money. POAP NFTs are generally only profitable from a major event. Otherwise, the main goal of POAP NFTs is to serve as a digital memento of important events.
You can look at your collected POAPs by looking at the official POAP SCAN page on your web browser. Alternatively, you can also connect to an Ethereum wallet or put in your email or wallet address. POAP also has its own mobile app for Android and iOS users.
How do you claim a POAP?
The simplest way to access a POAP is using a QR code provided by the event organizer. The POAP NFT can then be stored in an Ethereum wallet or by using your email address. In order to mint your POAP NFTs, you can link your Ethereum wallet to your email address.
To claim your own POAP, follow the steps below:
- Download the POAP mobile app.
- Log into the app. This may require your ENS name, ETH address, or email address.
- Store your POAPs in this account.
- To log out, go to the Settings option and choose “Forget account.” If you log out of your POAP account, your collected NFTs will still be safely stored.
How to pair POAP with Flowcode
When it comes to linking QR technology with NFTs and tokens, Flowcode is a great platform to get started. Its simple pairing with POAP has enabled offline experiences to seamlessly merge with the blockchain world. More recently, Flowcode partnered with an artist at Red Rocks to distribute exclusive NFTs.
And with POAP and Flowcode technology, you can claim NFTs without any blockchain knowledge. Simply scan the Flowcode and own the NFT without paying gas fees. All you need is an Ethereum wallet or an email address.
Want to seamlessly connect your POAP NFTs to the real world?
Overall, NFTs have proved their worth for financial, creative, and business use. And when it comes to memorable events, POAP NFTs give the collector a chance to own their memories digitally. For upcoming artists and musicians, POAP NFTs are a great way to incentivize individuals to attend their events. Coupled with advanced QR technology like Flowcode, POAP NFTs are an increasingly practical yet cutting edge way to bring the earthverse to the metaverse.
Want more basic info on NFTs and QR codes? Check out this article on why NFTs and QR codes work so well together.
