Pike says that the use of closed-loop RFID systems for cashless payments at events is becoming increasingly scarce : “ Since Covid the use of cash versus cards at events has flipped in terms of percentages , it used to average around 20 % cards and that is now at least 80 %. In the past , the only obstacle to people using cards at outdoor events was infrastructure but hardwired internet services have become pretty well standard .”
IVS has partnered with EPOS ( electronic point of sale ) company Bleep , and Pike is now working with Imagination , and Consult Hyperion founder Dave Birch , to develop a whitelabel cashless payment system that will be integrated into event apps .
The Bipass app is currently being piloted at events prior to being launched early next year . Pike says it will not only benefit eventgoers by enabling the swift purchase of products , while providing access to targeted promotions and discounts via sponsors , but will enable event owners to gain a better understanding of who
QR codes are becoming ubiquitous
is at their event . He expects it to result in increased value for sponsors and therefore increased revenue for event operators .
Says Pike , “ It will enable apps to be a one-stop-shop functionality wise , and as long as GDPR is respected it will enable a more robust relationship with users . This year , there has been a sea change towards looking at technology in a much more positive way and the fact everyone now has a smartphone means we have a direct communication channel with everyone who walks through the door . That has heralded a big change .”
While greenfield events are embracing evolving cashless payment solutions , bricks and mortar venues are taking it one step further ; eradicating tills entirely and , in the process , enhancing revenues and the customer experience .
In-seat ordering at venues via the use of apps has been around for some time , led by companies such as Realife Tech , but among the new technologies designed to streamline the customer journey at venues is Levy ’ s Tap + Go system . In a European first , the technology was launched in August at Leicester City ’ s King Power Stadium ( cap . 32,312 ).
The result of a partnership with
“ There has been a sea change towards looking at technology in a much more positive way .”
– Paul Pike autonomous retail specialists AiFi , the system enables event attendees to use their bank cards to tap in when they enter a retail unit where they select the desired items before heading off to their seats without the requirement to queue and pay at a till . Cameras are used to monitor the purchases , with the customers ’ accounts then being charged .
Levy UK & Ireland commercial director Rak Kalidas says , “ Combining a range of convenience and safetyenhancing techniques , frictionless systems have the ability to operate in a range of environments , including general concourse and hospitality areas – we believe that this will be a game-changer by making operations far more efficient , easier and exciting for everyone .”
He says the King Power Stadium launch has already proved a success , and Levi UK + I is now preparing to roll Tap + Go out at other venues in the coming months .
“ We ’ ve seen it make a significant impact on the speed of service ,” he says . “ As a result , we ’ ve seen a steady increase in both usage and average spend per transaction . It ’ s been fantastic to see the fans take to the technology and use it time and again . It also enables enhanced data collection , allowing Levy UK + I to optimise the product mix based on consumer spending habits .”
On the face of it With many people using facial verification technology on their smartphones on a daily basis , it was inevitable it would not be long before the tech began making an impact in the events industry . In April this year international venue management giant ASM Global began using the technology at Pechanga Arena in San Diego . Powered by software company PopID , part of Cali Group , the technology enables fans to verify payments and authenticate tickets with facial recognition at terminals throughout the venue . The technology is currently
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