Heading to Splendour In The Grass this year? Well be prepared for something pretty different when it comes to your wristband.
Heading to SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS this year? Dreading the thought of putting on another tacky wristband for 3 days? You know, the ones that get put on too tight by a volunteer, then become seriously itchy, before you end up getting them ripped off your hand in the pit for Mumford & Sons (unlikely)? Well think again...
In 2013 Splendour In The Grass is saying good-bye to wristbands of the past and hello to advanced Radio Frequency Identification (we'll use the handy acronym of, RFID, from now on) tags. In an Australian first, Splendour will partner with technology pioneers Intellitix to transform the festival experience and launch a new era of festival accreditation in this country.
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But don't get too worried, they've promised us that they won't be reading your minds or turning you all into cyborgs that will enslave the human race - although that does sound kind of cool. As standard wristbands become a thing of the past, the latest in smart technology - wireless identification microchips - will come into play. This Intellitix developed technology, provides fraud-proof, fast and secure access control systems, and a host of interactive possibilities for fans.
The SITG parents/co-producers Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco had this to say about the roll out of RFID wristbands.
“Splendour In The Grass is thrilled to be partnering with Intellitix on their first roll-out of RFID technology in the Australian festival market. The intelligent system aligns with our philosophy of always aiming to provide new and enhanced experiences for our ticket holders. The newer, smarter Splendour wristbands will have some awesome social media integration capabilities.”
You said it guys! And not only will you have the aforementioned added safety features on each wristband, you'll also be able to hook straight up to social media, should you choose to opt in.
The RFID wristband technology enables festival goers to instantly check in via Facebook, share festival experiences by updating their Facebook status and post live music updates at custom-built Live Click Stations around the festival site. That's good news for all you social butterflies out there that want to rub in the awesome fun you're having at Splendour to your friends stuck at home.
AND to extend the RFID experience, Deezer will also be delivering another Australian first for festival goers. They will be giving each registered RFID attendee the chance to relive their festival journey by delivering customised music content based around the artists they saw each day. These playlists will be delivered directly to the attendee in an email and will be determined by the stages they check-in to.
This will be the first time an Australian festival and streaming music service have developed content based around the individual experience of each attendee. So go out and rejoice Australia, because we are finally starting to catch up to the rest of the world in terms of this futuristic way of ticketing. As 3.5 million of these RFID chips have been activated at festivals like Coachella, Tommorowland and Bonnaroo.
If you like the way this all sounds, and you want to opt-in to the future of the music festival world. You need to subscribe to Deezer for free or link their existing account during their RFID Registration to receive a tailored music profile. To register for the RFID itself, head here.
Words by Tom Hutchins
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