Attendees see the end result of an event. But behind the scenes, significant work must take place to ensure that the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. With events more popular than ever, venue managers are under increased pressure to provide a seamless experience for attendees.
While it’s the content of the event that attendees remember, it’s often technology that makes the event possible in the first place. One of those technologies, access control cards, plays a vital, often overlooked role at various touchpoints of the attendee’s experience. In this post, we’re taking a closer look at access control cards and the role they play in event management, ticketing, and crowd control.
Access Control Cards in Event Management
Events can attract large quantities of people, and effective site management is essential. This is true for all types of events, but it’s especially important for events that involve special guests, such as music concerts.
Access control cards ensure that only authorised personnel can access parts of the venue closed off to the general public. For instance, cards may be issued to performers and their guests, who can then use the cards to access the backstage area or VIP section. Once the event is over, the access control cards can simply be returned and used again. If one of the cards is not returned, then the access control reader can simply be rewritten with new information, ensuring total security.
Ultimately, access control cards provide an efficient way to keep people in certain zones and out of others.
Real-Time Data
Access control cards can be used to gain real-time insights into the number of attendees and where they’ve accessed. This can help event management teams to make strategic decisions that respond to immediate circumstances. For instance, they may deploy more employees in areas that have the most amount of attendees.
Access Control Cards In Ticketing
Access control cards are typically issued to attendees on arrival, especially for multiple-day events. For instance, conventions and trade shows often provide attendees with an access control card when they check in. This offers a range of benefits both to the attendees and the event hosts.
Guest Convenience
Access control cards make it easy for attendees to enter and leave events without having to carry a paper ticket. Once checked in, they’ll be assigned a control card that can easily be scanned at access/entry points. The technology helps access personnel to work more efficiently, too. Without having to check individual tickets, workers can simply scan the control card. If it presents a green proceed light, then they’ll know that the entry request is valid.
Data Collection
Using access control cards as the modern equivalent of a paper ticket offers long-term benefits to event organisers, too. Control cards can be programmed to collect large amounts of data that can be used by organisers to make decisions for future events. For instance, they may analyse demographics, which parts of the facility attendees spend the most time in, and other information that can drive strategic decisions.
Reducing Waste
Access control cards are rewritable. At the end of the event, they can simply be returned, wiped, and then reused for future events. This helps to make access control cards a sustainable alternative to paper tickets, which can produce large volumes of waste, especially for large events. Similarly, if an attendee decides to extend their stay, the control card can easily be adjusted without having to print any additional paper.
Access Control Cards in Crowd Control
Large events can be fun, but they can also be dangerous. Event organisers have a responsibility to ensure that their attendees are kept safe at the event, and access control cards play a vital role in ensuring that’s the case. Let’s take a look at just two ways they do that.
Smooth Entry
Access control cards facilitate easy entry into the venue. They can simply be scanned by access security — if the light turns green, then the ticket is valid, and they can proceed. This prevents crowding at access points. Additionally, the scalable nature of the technology means devices can easily be added to additional access points for larger events.
Attendee Numbers
Access control cards provide an instant, accurate insight into attendee numbers, allowing for efficient crowd control. If numbers are high, then security teams can wait until they allow additional attendees to enter, ensuring that crowded areas are prevented.
As we’ve seen, access control cards play a vital role in events, benefitting organisers and attendees in equal measure.
