POAP NFTs: What they are and how they work

• POAPs are a type of non-fungible token (NFT) that allows holders to verifiably prove their attendance at digital or in-person events. 
• POAPs can unlock special access, discounts, or other benefits for holders, creating an incentive for participation and engagement.
• POAPs foster a sense of belonging and connection among attendees, serving as digital badges of shared experiences.
• POAPs could evolve to represent skill mastery, social impact, or even unique experiences, extending their utility beyond event attendance.

Proof-of-Attendance Protocol (POAP) involves a type of NFT that allows people to verifiably prove their attendance at digital or in-person events.

Event organizers may decide to give POAPs to their guests in commemoration of the occasion. For POAP holders, these tokens allow people to publicly display what events they’ve attended over time — something that may prove useful when applying for jobs or networking with others.

POAPs rely on blockchain technology, a transparent, secure, immutable and digital ledger. It's often used to track transactions, but its potential applications extend far beyond finance.

NFTs, for instance, use blockchain technology to prove ownership over unique items, which could be anything from digital art to collectibles. Their uniqueness also makes them ideal for representing things like event attendance.

POAPs are blockchain-based digital tokens that leverage both technologies to provide a tamper-proof record for anyone who attends specific events. 

When event organizers decide to implement a POAP system for their event, they must first create a smart contract using an NFT-specific token standard. This contract will define the properties and functionalities of the POAP NFTs (like their artwork, or the amount of POAPs to be distributed).

Organizers then set the minting requirements and how attendees can receive the code to claim their POAP. This could be via email, a QR code at the event, or even airdropped directly to their crypto wallet. Attendees could also receive physical tokens or badges that can be redeemed for their corresponding NFTs.

However it is minted and claimed, the POAP typically lives in a crypto wallet, which acts as a secure storage for the blockchain asset. The wallet is how attendees interact with the POAP system to verify that that person attended the event.

Often, these NFTs feature custom artwork or animations related to the event, making them unique and potentially collectible pieces of digital memorabilia.

POAPs offer a range of uses that go beyond simply proving someone attended an event. 

Verifiable proof of participation

POAPs offer a secure and tamper-proof way to verify attendance at events like conferences, workshops, and concerts. This is a significant improvement over traditional, manual record-keeping methods, which are prone to errors and potential manipulation.

This verifiable proof can also be valuable in academic settings, where students need reliable ways to document their achievements and qualifications, and for professionals seeking to enhance their credibility in job interviews. 

POAP example: ETHDenver, a major Ethereum conference, issued POAPs to help attendees showcase their involvement in the event on resumes or online profiles.

Collectible digital memorabilia

POAPs often feature unique artwork or animations that are related to the special event, offering potential collectible value. 

Imagine owning a POAP from the first major metaverse concert or a groundbreaking crypto conference – POAPS provide a piece of history recorded on the blockchain. Like a ticket stub from Woodstock or the Olympics, POAPs associated with important events could become prized collectibles.

POAP example: Kraken and Decentraland organized a 5-day metaverse festival with artists like Deadmau5, Paris Hilton, and the Wombats. Attendees were airdropped POAPs during the festival with artwork based on the event they attended.

Exclusive access and perks

POAPs can also unlock exclusive perks and benefits for holders. 

For example, businesses can leverage POAPs to reward their customers and foster brand loyalty. By offering unique experiences or early access to products tied to POAP ownership, companies can create a sense of exclusivity and incentivize continued engagement. These perks can range from discounts and special events to one-of-a-kind opportunities not available to the general public. 

POAP example: Axie Infinity, a popular blockchain game, uses POAPs to reward players for participating in tournaments or reaching certain milestones, creating an additional layer of incentivization and community engagement.

Building and engaging communities

POAPs can also serve digital symbols of community membership and shared experiences. When individuals display their POAPs, they signal their involvement in specific events or groups. 

This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages connections between like-minded people who participate in the same events or belong to the same communities.

POAP example: Friends with Benefits DAO uses POAPs as a way for members to showcase their participation in exclusive events and discussions, fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the community.

For crypto enthusiasts interested in collecting and owning their own POAP NFT, the process is relatively simple.

1. Find an event: POAP NFTs are typically associated with specific experiences, whether they are physical conferences, virtual workshops, digital events or even online gaming tournaments. Those looking to receive a POAP will need to keep an eye out for events that offer them as a digital record of attendance.
2. Obtain the claim code: Once an event has been identified that offers POAPs, attendees will need to obtain the claim code. Event organizers usually share this code through their official communication channels, including social media accounts, event websites or email newsletters.
3. Set up a crypto wallet: To receive and store the POAP, event participants will need to set up a crypto wallet that supports the blockchain or type of POAP tokens that the event is offering. Popular wallet options include MetaMask, Trust Wallet and Kraken Wallet. 
4. Connect a crypto wallet: After setting up a crypto wallet, attendees will need to connect it to the platform or website where they can claim the POAP. 
5. Claim the POAP: After connecting their wallets, people can enter the claim code provided by the event organizers. The platform will verify each person’s attendance and issue the POAP NFT directly to their crypto wallet address.

While the trajectory of POAPs remains uncertain, it's possible that POAPs could be used in the future for:

• Proof of Skill: POAPs may evolve to represent not just attendance but also the mastery of specific skills. Anyone could earn a POAP for completing a coding bootcamp or mastering a complex musical piece, creating a verifiable digital portfolio of a person’s abilities.
• Social Impact Passports: POAPs could be used to track and reward engagement with social causes. By participating in volunteer work, donating to charities, or advocating for certain issues, individuals could earn POAPs that collectively represent their positive impact on the world.
• Augmented Reality (AR) Integration: POAPs could merge with AR technology, allowing anyone to scan a physical object or location associated with a POAP. This would enable an additional layer of digital storytelling and interaction to the real world.
• Tokenized Experiences: POAPs could represent unique experiences, like attendance at virtual reality concerts, viewing limited-edition digital artwork, or even participating in a personalized meditation session.

These are just a few of the potential directions POAPs could take, though none are known for certain. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, we may see POAPs become a tool for documenting, rewarding, and possibly monetizing a wider range of experiences and achievements.

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