Proof Of Attendance Protocol (POAP): The Passport for Verified Participation

Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) is on its path to revolutionizing the traditional attendance system. Let’s explore its true potential and use cases.

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

For example, MetaMask, one of the leading crypto wallets, celebrated a 24-hour party at Decentraland by offering POAPs to their users. Moreover, this party took place in September 2021 to commemorate the 10 million active users milestone.

Are you new to POAP, or do you want to know in-depth details about POAPs? If the answer is yes, keep reading this article to know more.

First, let’s get to the basics of POAP. Stay tuned!

What Is Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP)?

A POAP or Proof of Attendance Protocol provides a digital memento to prove that you have attended an event. Moreover, the event that you attended can be physical or virtual.

This protocol uses blockchain technology to prove your attendance for a particular event. In addition, you’ll receive such mementos as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in your crypto wallet.

POAP debuted at the ETH Denver Convention in 2019. In this event, the organizers used POAP to reward the participating hackers.

The initial POAPs were minted and distributed using the Ethereum mainnet. However, in 2020, it was migrated to xDai, the sidechain of Ethereum, with much lower transaction costs and higher speed.

How to Set Up a POAP for Your Event?

To set up a POAP, you need to follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Create a Graphic File

First, you need to create a graphic file for the POAP artwork. You can submit the file in PNG or GIF formats.

The file size should be less than 4 MB. Also, note that you can’t edit this image after creating the POAP.

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

Now, you will be redirected to a new page. Here, you have to fill out a detailed form.

The other major information that you need to provide include:

• About the event in a few words
• Explanation of the POAP in a detailed manner.
• Start, end, and expiry date of your POAP event.

Step 4: Provide Your Email Address

Enter your email address to receive the POAP drop. Also, save your edit code for future use. Next, after rechecking every detail, click “Save.”

You’ll receive a pop-up message that mentions “Drop Submitted!” for review.

There is also a “Complete Form” option if you want to add more information about your POAP.

Step 5: Check your Email Inbox

Finally, you’ll receive an email with the subject line “New POAP Drop created.”

Note: You can also make changes to your events. To do so, you just need the POAP edit code.

How to Claim Your POAP?

To claim and manage your POAP, you need to install their mobile app. This app is available on Google Play and App Store.

Once you install the app, you can claim your POAP by entering your email address. Otherwise, if you have an Ethereum wallet address, you can also add that to claim your POAP.

After entering your email or wallet address, click “Set as main account.” As a result, you’ll be taken to your POAP collections.

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

Then you need to choose one of these options:

• Scan NFC: Activate your NFC and scan for your collectibles.
• Secret word: Enter the secret word of your POAP.
• Scan QR: Scan the QR code that represents your POAP.
• Enter code: Enter a six-digit code allocated for your POAP.

Finally, click “Mint.” That’s it! You’ve successfully claimed your favorite POAP.

How Does POAP Work?

POAPs are created using ERC-721, the token standard used to develop NFTs. Moreover, an NFT must fulfill some conditions to get classified as a POAP. It includes:

• An Image to represent a specific event.
• Availability of metadata associated with the event date. This data can range from one specific date to a year.
• The NFT must be minted through a dedicated POAP smart contract.

In addition, there are three participants in the POAP event:

#1. Event Creators

They create an event, either virtual or in-person, with the potential to attract people. Moreover, they can set the check-in requirements for the attendees.

The creators can also decide whether to charge an event fee or not. In addition, they also decide upon the prize or reward distribution system.

#2. Event Attendees

For an event to be successful, the support of attendees is important. With the increase in demand for POAPs, attendees have the privilege to choose the events that reward them well.

Attendees can also attend multiple free events to receive digital rewards in the form of POAPs. Moreover, they can also quickly receive the rewards directly to their crypto wallet.

#3. Event Promoters

In this social media world, marketing plays a crucial role in the success of an event. As a result, event promoters market the event to attract maximum users from the crypto space.

For example, promoters collaborate with gaming influencers if the event is related to metaverse gaming. As a result, the event reaches a large number of target audiences.

POAP is not limited to any big events, and there are no special rules regarding the event. Therefore, all you need is approval from the POAP review team.

You need to have an Ethereum wallet to mint your POAP. Moreover, you can only use a single wallet to mint one POAP for your event.

It’s up to the organizers to plan the distribution of their POAPs. If you’re an organizer, you can create custom QR codes and distribute them among the event attendees. Also, you can send a download link via email.

What are the Use Cases of POAPs?

#1. Attendance Verification

The primary use case of POAP is that it allows you to digitally verify your attendance at a particular event. Moreover, you don’t need to fill your wallet with physical tickets to numerous events.

POAP acts as a sign to recognize among your community members. As a result, a large number of POAPs indicate that you’re an active participant in community-organized events.

#3. Marketing Purpose

The brand or company that issues POAPs tends to catch the attention of the crypto community. Moreover, you can stay ahead of your competitors by introducing POAPs to your events. 

#4. Digital Collectibles

As POAP is a form of NFT, it acts as a digital collectible that can be stored in a wallet. In addition, these collectibles will always provide a nostalgic feeling about attending their favorite show.

#5. Voting Right

Community plays a crucial role in crypto-based projects and their activities. As a result, holders of multiple POAPs can vote and become decision-makers for upcoming events.

Advantages of POAP

The major advantages of POAP consists of:

#1. More Privacy

POAP allows users to collect their digital collectibles without giving their personal details. For this reason, you don’t need to provide details like your name, mobile number, age, or address to receive your collectible.

#2. Ownership Rights

Once you mint your POAP, you’ll be the proud owner of your digital badge. As a result, your ownership details get stored on the blockchain.

Suppose you attended an Olympics event and received a POAP badge. In this case, you can always prove your presence by verifying the ownership of your badge.

#3. Easy to Access and Manage

You don’t need multiple apps or physical folders to store your POAPs. You only need the POAP App to access, mint, and manage your digital collectibles.

#4. Convenient for Event Organizers

The concept of POAP allows organizers to create and conduct events without much physical effort. As a result, they can save a lot of time, work, and money required for paper sign-in sheets, certificates, and application forms.

#5. More Secured

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

#6. No Mint Fees

POAP Inc. doesn’t charge any fees to mint your POAP collectible. Therefore, you can mint unlimited POAPs using their mobile app for free.

#7. Global Accessibility

You can participate in any international shows or concerts and receive your POAPs. Also, this feature will help you attend your favorite event without geographical constraints.

Popular Examples of POAPs

#1. Adidas

Adidas, the world’s second-largest sportswear manufacturer, launched its POAP towards the end of 2021. Moreover, this launch was a part of their entry into the metaverse.

These unique POAP tokens were rewarded to selected users of the Adidas CONFIRMED app. In addition, this initiative empowers holders to participate in future releases and events.

#2. Gitcoin

Gitcoin is a popular decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) that helps to develop open-source projects. Moreover, Ethereum’s founder, Vitalik Buterin, is a big supporter of Gitcoin.

Gitocoin introduced POAP Quest in 2023 to the event attendees for their participation. Finally, five winners received the grand prize, which included merchandise worth $150. 

#3. Lottie London

Lottie London hosted their first-ever metaverse party for two weeks. Moreover, this party was held on Decentraland to engage with the brand’s Gen Z audience.

Altogether, 2,000 attendees received POAPs for their exclusive attendance at the virtual event. This reward was claimable through the Walmart shopping page of Lottie London.

Wrapping It Up

The future of POAP is bright and will be widely used to verify the attendance of future meetings, shows, or concerts. Moreover, you can keep your POAPs as a reminder of your favorite event.

In short, POAP has the potential to transform the traditional attendance system. Finally, attend an exciting event, mint your free POAP, and enjoy the ownership of your digital collectible.

Next up, the best Crypto portfolio trackers to simplify your investing journey.