AS GF Strategies enters the August to October festival season, more events are moving to a cashless RFID wristband that is used for both admission and for loading cash value onto the wristband either when the ticket is bought or when you arrive at the event. REcent events that have used this system include Rock N Rio Las Vegas, Coachella and the EDC Festival in Las Vegas.
The results are proving to be a success on two fronts... the cash shortages are being eliminated of minimized and the information that can be captured in real time at the main office for the event are very valuable. A festival promoter can get information on the sales at any stand and also determine which areas are really getting lots of traffic and why others are not.
There are some models where the wristbands are used in areas for wine beer and spirits only, and the wristbands are also used to verify access to VIP areas.
Events that are using some type of system going forward will include Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Outside Lands and Tomorrowland.
There are a few models out there for the fees that are charged to the event by the provider of the system. WE expect that some stadium and arena venues will be looking at this technology soon, and it can be used as a replacement for the current bar coded season ticket card. Preloading of value is a major feature.