The Importance of Access Control at Events

Attendee badges these days can serve several purposes that go way beyond simply displaying a name and title. From lead scanning to session check-in, technology like QR codes and NFC allow badges to become interactive and act as a communication tool throughout an event. But they can also help with another essential feature for planners: access control.

Access control provides a quick and easy way for event planners to restrict attendee access into certain areas and even at certain times by encoding the rights to those areas onto the badge before the show. Learn a bit about the technology behind badging and access control at events, as well as about the ways this feature can help enhance event security, logistics, and management.

The Technology Behind Access Control

While there are many options to turn badges into access control devices, near-field communication or NFC technology is perhaps the most common. It works like this: attendees can be admitted to or kept out of certain areas at an event by simply tapping their badges or wristbands onto a designated NFC hotspot or having an attendant scan their badge with an NFC device. In both cases, a corresponding screen would turn either green for access granted, or red for access denied.

Reasons to Invest in Access Control

Security & Safety

Keeping people out of certain space for security reasons is often what first comes to mind when planners think of access control. Whether it’s protecting the main staff room throughout the day or the exhibit hall after hours, access control can help prevent theft of personal belongings or expensive technology brought onsite. Not to mention, preventing outside people from walking into a room where event set up or breakdown is happening can prevent any health or safety liabilities from occurring.

Event Set Up & Timing

Especially for those planning conferences with exhibit halls or events with other exciting spaces, keeping up the illusion for attendees is a part of the magic. With access control technology, planners can give different attendee types access to the same space at different times to maintain the right flow. For example, if a show floor is open 9 am – 5 pm, accessibility for attendees can be set up during these times. However exhibitors can be given access two hours before and after to allow for set up and break down each day, preventing any early birds or stragglers from taking a peek into these processes.

Special Access for VIP Guests

Finally, it’s not just about event logistics. Access control can be set up for something a little more fun and glamorous, like VIP lounges, areas, and special events. This allows for quick and easy monitoring of specific areas and makes things like VIP areas and limited showtimes easy to implement. Not to mention, it may even make these guests feel that much more special and non-guests a little bit intrigued, sparking loyalty and investment into all your event has to offer.