Katie Cook
Katie Cook is the Marketing Communications Specialist for Expo Logic, an event registration company that works with clients worldwide to provide innovative registration and lead retrieval services.
No Cash, No Problem: How Cashless Payments Transformed the Attendee Experience
December 13, 2017
If you are anything like me, you barely carry cash anymore. Credit and debit cards have become the main method of payment these days so cash isn’t necessary. Other advances in technology, such as PayPal and Apple Pay, have proven this to be true, too.
With cashless payments gaining momentum and technology being developed to cater to this trend, it’s time that the event industry catch-up. Attendees already have enough to remember and worry about at an event, so having a few bucks on them to purchase lunch is probably the last thing they are thinking about.
Make It Easier for Attendees
Our client, Confederatie Bouw, thought about this, too, for their recent event in Brussels. The Digital Construction event was the first tradeshow in Belgium focused on digitalization in the construction industry. With an event already geared towards technology, the idea of having cashless payments was a no-brainer.
Having cashless payments available helped make the attendee experience smooth and stress-free. Each attendee’s badge contained an RFID tag that was used to pay for food and beverage throughout the event.
This meant attendees weren’t rummaging through their bags, which were already filled with event brochures and business cards, to try and find their wallet with a line of people behind them waiting. Once an attendee added money to their badge, that was it – they were ready to go.
How It Works
To give you an idea of how simple and easy this was, let’s go through the process.
Step 1: As the attendee checked in to the event, an RFID tag was scanned and linked to their registration information. This RFID tag was placed on the inside of the badge and given to the attendee.
Step 2: The attendee then visited one of the multiple top-off stations to add money to their badge. Credit/debit cards or cash was used to add money to their badge.
Step 3: After that, the attendee was free to visit any of the food and beverage locations at the event and simply use their badge to pay for their meal.
Seriously. That’s it.
The Result
The use of the RFID tag and cashless payments was a success not just for the attendee experience but also our client. By eliminating cash payments at food and beverage stations, all cash transactions were kept to one or two locations. At a larger event such as this one, this added another layer of security by eliminating cash drawers at different locations throughout the event venue.
Using the badge for payment was easy, too. The server would take the badge, scan it and was immediately able to see the balance left on the attendee’s account and take payment for the items purchased. They could also check the balance and let the attendee know if they needed to add more money to their badge.
Using cashless payments at the Digital Construction Brussels event was a great success and technology continues to help us find more ways to make the attendee experience better.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
Add new comment