If you were paying attention to the recent Apple product release, you may have heard about Apple Pay and the Apple Watch trying to compete with the credit card industry and change the way you complete transactions. Both of these products, as well as the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, will utilize Near Field Communication Technology (NFC) which will allow you to turn your mobile device into a digital wallet, a master key for your house or car, or a device for proximity based sharing, pairing and advertising.

Sound like the future? The technology has actually been around for several years and has just been given a major boost thanks to Apple and Android smartphones.

Here are 5 ways NFC could change your onsite event experience in the next few years:

Registration

NFC, and specifically Apple Pay, will allow attendees to register for an event by using their mobile device for payment, just by placing it against an NFC reader. No need for paper forms at the registration desk to gain access to an event.

Room Access

Several hotel brands are already using NFC readers on door locks to allow more personal and secure access to their guests. By placing your phone up to the door lock, the NFC reader will unlock the door for you and replace the traditional room key. This technology can also be used to allow event managers access to their reserved Ballrooms, offices, and other restricted areas.

Digital Badges / Check Ins

Event planners will have the ability to use check-ins to track attendance of keynote presentations and workshops for analysis purposes. Check-ins can be used to accurately communicate seating to the planner in certain rooms or areas during an event, and that can be updated in real-time so attendees can easily identify the presentation or workshop that still has space available via screens in the event area or in a mobile event app.  This type of self-service information enhances the event experience significantly for the attendee, and allows event organizers to better analyze overall success and interest in topics and plan for future events.

Sponsorship

NFC readers can be placed in sponsorship kiosks to allow attendees to easily download information to their phone. Technology such as Apple’s iBeacon can also push notifications or advertisements to attendees within proximity of certain areas. This type of setup could attract additional sponsorship, and give your attendees more immediate and accurate information.  Social badges to say “I was here” could also be offered in the kiosk.

Attendee Data Tracking / Networking

Especially at corporate events, trade fairs and conferences, networking is an essential component to the on-site attendee experience. With NFC technology, the traditional business card exchange process can be handled digitally, eliminating lost or misplaced cards and the never ending stack of business that accumulate on your desk.  Digital business cards can be exchanged by tapping two smartphones at each other and allowing the individuals to connect through Linkedin, email, social media, etc. This type of data exchange could also work with NFC name tags containing contact details.

Have you used NFC technology during any of your recent events? Tell us about it on Facebook.

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