You’ve most likely heard about RFID (radio frequency identification) at events. These wireless technologies have become a must-have at top music festivals, with attendees wearing RFID wristbands like coveted badges year-round.

But wait, because RFID wristbands have applications far beyond the music world.

In addition to streamlining event entry and collecting valuable attendee data, these nifty wristbands can bring a host of benefits to events of all types. Attendees can even connect their emails, social media profiles, and wallets to their RFID wristbands!

At Eventbrite, we’ve seen countless event planners harness the power of technology, and we’re convinced you can’t live without it.

So, in this article, we’re uncovering the magic behind RFID wristbands, how they work, and 12 clever ways they can elevate your event—from planning and logistics to attendee excitement.

So, what are RFID wristbands? And how do they work?

An RFID wristband is a wearable device that has a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip built into it. The chip in each wristband contains unique identification data that can be read by an RFID scanner.

For example, event attendees can scan an RFID wristband to enter the event, and if the event is zoned, to different areas or stages.

There are several types of RFID tags that provide different levels of data:

Active (powered). Active RFID wristbands have their own power source (usually a battery) and can actively transmit signals. This means you can use these wristbands to see where your guests are in real time.

Passive (unpowered). Unlike active wristbands, passive RFID wristbands rely on the RFID reader for power. They also have a shorter read range, but are cheaper to use. Because they are simple to use and inexpensive, they are often used for things like access control, ticketing, and inventory management.

Semi-passive (battery-assisted). Semi-passive wristbands are similar to passive tags, but they have a built-in battery to help extend the communication range. So if you just need a wristband with basic functionality but are at a larger event area, a semi-passive wristband is a good choice.

Why You Should Use RFID Wristbands at Your Next Event？
Now, you might be wondering about the nitty-gritty details—and that’s exactly what we’re going to dive into. Stay tuned for 12 compelling reasons why RFID wristbands should be the go-to for your next event.

Quickly Guide Attendees
With RFID, attendees can enter simply by waving their wristband or badge in front of a sensor. No more digging for tickets or struggling to scan wet or wrinkled barcodes. The technology can seamlessly handle re-entry for multi-day events or easy access to multiple areas within an event, such as VIP areas.

Take a music festival, for example. When they switched to RFID, they were scanning more than 20 people per minute at each entrance. That’s an astounding 1,200 people per hour per scanner!

RFID wristbands also relieve security teams from having to operate scanning equipment. RFID equipment simply lights up a green light (“go”) or a red light (“stop”) when scanning. This reduces human error in ticket scanning, allowing security personnel to focus on their job – keeping people safe.

To learn more about how event technology can improve event success, check out How Fitter & Faster Made a Splash with Their Event Technology. As Fitter & Faster scaled, their technology became a barrier to their mission, so they decided to embrace new technology to future-proof themselves and keep their momentum going.

Go cashless

Forget long lines at ATMs or fans repeatedly fishing out their wallets. With RFID tags, your guests can pay for food, drinks, or merchandise with a simple tap of their wrist.

In fact, this consumer study found that 15% of respondents leave their physical wallets at home because they’re so used to using digital payment methods. The bottom line is you need to have a cashless option at your events or you risk attendees being unable to buy anything.

So how does it work?
It’s pretty simple. Attendees add their payment information to their RFID tags before the event and use the tags for contactless payment, making it easier than ever to buy.

The New York City’s Bacon and Beer Classic by Cannonball Productions uses cashless payments thus improving their guests’ experience and helping them make more money.

RFID and cashless payments make it easier for guests to purchase food and drink quickly. As a result, attendees are more likely to buy. And because it’s so quick and seamless, they have a better overall experience.

And when guests don’t have to carry drink tickets or cash in their pockets, they don’t have to worry about loss or theft. Instead, they can focus on enjoying your event.