Between access to fully virtual events and a focus on personal development, event engagement boomed during the pandemic years. As event planners look for ways to continue that trend both for in-person and hybrid events, new technologies could be the tool they’ve been looking for.
Event NFTs are not only a way to add modern technology to your association event, but they’re already gaining popularity in the non-profit sector as a means to raise funds.
So what are they, and how do you use them? We have the answers.
How Can You Use NFTs for Events?
Non-Fungible Tokens, or NFTs as they’re better known today, are virtual assets secured by blockchain technology. They’re widely used for things like images or video clips but can also be used for items in both the “metaverse” and the real world.
So what does that mean for events?
- Ticketing: Whether you’re worried about ticket fraud or simply want to elevate the look of your event ticketing – NFTs are here to help. Transfers become more accessible because of blockchain technology, and unique designs and art can be converted into NFT-tickets as well.
- Merch: Whether it’s digital artwork specific to your event, physical swag or just some unique content you’ve designed, gifting and creating NFTs can quickly help with all aspects of your merchandising efforts.
- Experiences: Have higher tiers to your event? Looking to host unique experiences for your dedicated members? Events can create NFTs that give attendees access to these experiences while also leaving them with a special keepsake.
- Educational Credits: For association events, educational credits are a must. Not only does an NFT allow you to secure credits on the blockchain, but it also allows you to create badges and other recognition upon completion.
Most importantly, integrating NFTs into your association event is a matter of driving engagement.
Event NFTs Done Right
While the uses of event NFTs are still in their infancy, there are many events exploring the limits of this new technology.
Kings of Leon When you See Yourself Album Release
Partnering with Night After Night, Kings of Leon released their When You See Yourself album, both physically and as an NFT, the first band ever to do so. Die-hard fans were able to bid on exclusive content and “Golden Ticket Experiences,” which got them access to front row seats for life.
For many associations, their members are their biggest assets and “fans,” meaning unique launches and added experiences can be created as event NFTs, leveraging an already existing community.
Consensus 2019
Consensus is an annual event focused on “the centralized world,” which focuses on blockchain, crypto and more. In 2019, they gave attendees virtual swag bags that included NFTs that could be exchanged for physical items along with CryptoKitties.
According to Eileen Wennekers in an article for Event MB, “given that the average price of a CryptoKitty in 2019 was about $65, and in 2021 was $256, it’s evident that swag-bag NFTs can sometimes become collectibles that increase dramatically in value over time.”
Not only does this help events drive engagement with NFTs, but in many instances, those digital assets can add value for your attendees as well. Organizations can purchase NFTs as a giveaway or mint a limited number specific to their event.
digitalNow 2021
Ahead of our digitalNow conference in 2021, we released an NFT. Not only did it allow our members and attendees to understand and experiment with this new technology, but it also helped us showcase Nashville, the host city of our event.
The takeaway is that the local community can be an integral asset for events. Not only can you work with local artists and creatives, but also you can help support programs in the area – a win-win for the organization and host city.
Is It Right for Your Next Association Event?
The answer is – it depends. For starters, creating one takes work, and there is also a barrier to purchasing an NFT, which can be a roadblock for some of your members.
However, there are plenty of ways it can improve your event as well, boosting engagement, streamlining ticketing and allowing members to gain access to their education credits all while remaining completely secure on the blockchain.
Best of all, event NFTs can quickly become a tool for engagement. Whether you’re minting a limited number of tokens as an incentive to attendees or leveraging the local community, there are plenty of ways to integrate new technology for your next association event.
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