POAP

POAP, which stands for Proof of Attendance Protocol, is a system that creates and manages digital collectibles in the form of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to commemorate attendance at events or experiences. Launched at ETHDenver 2019, POAP allows event organizers to mint and distribute unique digital badges to attendees as proof of their participation. These NFTs are created on the xDai sidechain, enabling low-cost and environmentally friendly minting. POAP NFTs contain metadata such as event dates, website addresses, and locations, serving as digital mementos of life experiences. The protocol aims to connect humans through shared memories and recognize contributions to collective well-being. POAP has expanded beyond simple attendance tracking, with organizers using the technology for community engagement, loyalty programs, and exclusive access to content or perks. In February 2023, POAP introduced POAP Checkout, allowing creators and communities to sell POAPs to support their ideas and causes.

Key customers and partnerships

POAP has been adopted by various organizations and events within the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, including EthGlobal, Ethereum Community Conference, and Decentral Games. Art Blocks, a generative art platform, has incorporated POAPs into its community events. In the gaming sector, Rocket Pool used POAP Checkout to raise funds while celebrating a protocol milestone. Outside the crypto world, Reddit integrated POAP-like digital collectibles, which they termed "Avatars," into their platform in 2022. This move brought NFTs to over seven million Reddit users, significantly expanding POAP's reach. Major brands such as Starbucks and Amazon have also begun exploring NFT integration, potentially utilizing POAP-like technology for loyalty programs and digital collectibles.