As|an|avid|event-goer, I've always been passionate about collecting souvenirs and memorabilia from my favorite concerts, sports events, and other gatherings. I remember attending the Guns N' Roses concert in 1991 and holding onto my ticket stubs and flyers, cherishing the memories of those moments. Fast forward to today, and the world of event memorabilia has changed. Enter Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) tokens and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
What are POAPs?
POAPs are digital tokens that represent proof of attendance at a particular event. POAP tokens are backed by a cryptographic record, making them unique and secure. Developed during the ETHDenver 2019 Hackathon, these tokens have created a new way to collect memories and showcase your event participation.
What are NFTs?
NFTs are digital assets that represent ownership of a unique item or experience. Like POAPs, NFTs are built on blockchain technology, ensuring authenticity and uniqueness. NFTs have gained massive popularity in recent years as they offer a new way for artists, brands, and event organizers to engage with their fans and followers.
Examples of digital tokens created by ADIDAS and Topps
ADIDAS, for instance, made a digital token for loyal users of their new CONFIRMED app, stating, "This digital collectible is our way of rewarding you for following your curiosity as we explore this new age of originality together. This token proves you were here from the beginning of this journey. Keep it safe - it may come in handy."
Topps, a leading producer of trading cards, created a POAP for bidders on the Topps 1952 Mickey Mantle Card NFT Auction, saying, "This event-exclusive NFT celebrates participants in the memorable 1-of-1 Topps 1952 Mickey Mantle Card NFT Auction, which took place from March 1 -March 4, 2022. The Topps 1952 Mickey Mantle Card remains one of the world's most coveted vintage relics. Now, through Topps Timeless, it has been reimagined as a first-of-its-kind NFT digital collectible."
Now, it's time for Cisco Live Las Vegas 2022 to join the digital token revolution. From June 12-16, 2022, over 1,200 technical and business sessions will cover topics such as applications, networking, security, and cloud. The first 5,000 attendees who stop by the DevNet Zone can use their phones to "mint" the official Proof of Attendance NFT token. A second POAP will be available for the first 1,000 attendees who visit the DevNet Zone "Hello World" desk.
According to POAP Founder Patricio Worthalter, "We love helping Cisco pioneer using self-custodied digital assets to celebrate relevant milestones of its community members. Cisco professionals work very hard to achieve technical excellence. With POAPs, they can own a unique item that, with the help of blockchains, commemorates the event forever."
How to claim your POAP at Cisco Live 2022
For our technical audience, imagine the potential use cases for these digital tokens in the future. They could serve as a means to unlock exclusive content, grant access to special events, or even be used as a digital resume to showcase your participation in industry conferences and seminars.
In addition to providing a unique way to commemorate your experiences, integrating blockchain technology and NFTs can revolutionize how we interact with brands, events, and each other. The possibilities are truly endless.
Looking Ahead:The digital tokens at Cisco Live Las Vegas 2022 present a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with the event and collect a one-of-a-kind souvenir. But Cisco's commitment to innovation continues beyond Las Vegas. Plans are underway to distribute digital tokens at Cisco Live Melbourne 2022 and Cisco Live Amsterdam 2023.
As technology advances, the adoption of digital tokens will become more widespread, offering a new way for individuals to showcase their experiences and achievements. Don't miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking moment -see you at Cisco Live!
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