SUMMER | TECH
Block and chain
Words: James Morgan, founder,
Event Tech Lab
Who’s heard of Blockchain?
Do you know what it does?
Blockchain is a decentralised,
distributed ledger technology
that became popular through
the Bitcoin cryptocurrency
platform. A blockchain is a
growing list of records, called
blocks, which are linked using
cryptography. Each block
contains a cryptographic
hash of the previous block, a
timestamp and transaction
data, managed by cluster of
computers not owned by any
single entity. It’s the ultimate
trustworthy data source that
is resistant to changes. But
what can it do for events?
The main benefit that has
been tried and tested so far
is that blockchain eliminates
fraud. The blockchain ledger
shows where a ticket has been
sent from and too and at what
price. If multiple tickets end
up in the hands of one user
that is found to be selling
illegally, they can be ‘burnt’
and re-issued to real fans.
Live Nation – by acquiring
Upgraded a Blockchain
ticketing platform - has
invested in this approach to
ticketing security.
The UK-based Zapaygo
blockchain platform provides
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an app to pre-order and
pre-pay for services, food
and beverage or goods to
be delivered or collected at
festivals and stadiums. Using
the technology for on-site
purchases means service
efficiencies. Attendees spend
less time in a queue because
they can set up their digital
wallet on their smart devices
before the show and then
make contactless payments.
They have peace of mind
that their data is secure.
In addition, the festival
organisers know who spent
their tokens on what products
and services.
Finally, the implementation
of the GDPR means better
identity management
protocols. Because blockchain
technology also addresses
one of the biggest concerns
of festivals – identity
verification – identity data
is secure and cannot be
corrupted. Organisers can
go further on identifying
attendees. They can verify
entry numbers and know
that the reporting on who has
registered and attended are
100% accurate.
VR, re-imagined
Sam Speaight, CEO, VR Jam
What inspired you to start the
company?
I have a music industry background
and was looking for a way to use
tech to expand live performance,
and put the artist in control, and the
obvious choice was VR, but at that
time, I knew nothing about it.
What is VR Jam?
VR Jam became the first live real- becomes old hat. People can meet
time streaming product for VR and as avatars in real time and re-invent
AR, shifting from a server. Artists themselves. It transcends identity
can merge live music with a virtual and social boundaries.
environment creating a cross reality
platform where fans can meet, How will communities benefit?
meaning it’s also a social platform. We plan to bring the technology to
universities, allowing live streaming
How did you progress the idea? of lectures, allowing people in the
We gathered a community of Third World to access the best
content creators who work education. It can also be a platform
alongside artists to achieve to encourage like-minded people
their visions. We have 100% API to meet and discuss anything from
integration with YouTube. We think sustainability to music.
there’ll be an explosion in interest More on accessaa.co.uk
for immersive technology as 2D