The event industry is undergoing a major transformation in the way entry flows are managed and how visitor experiences are delivered. As smartphones have become an integral part of everyday life, their role is now expanding into that of a true digital passport for festivals, concerts, and sporting events. Driven by the mass adoption of digital wallets, this evolution is redefining the standards of audience reception and event security.
The global events market clearly illustrates this shift. According to an Allied Market Research report, the industry is expected to more than double in size between 2022 and 2032, growing from USD 994 billion to over USD 2,194 billion.[1] This rapid growth is pushing event organizers to strengthen their infrastructure to ensure smooth and secure crowd flows without compromising the visitor experience.
The Smartphone as a key: the rise of digital wallets in events
Mass adoption of wallets by the public
The numbers speak for themselves. Digital wallets are no longer a niche technology but a mainstream usage. In 2024, the number of mobile wallet users worldwide was estimated at over 5.2 billion, a figure expected to reach 6.4 billion by 2026.[2]
This structural trend is particularly visible in Europe. Valued at USD 132.5 billion in 2023, the European mobile wallet market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.7% between 2024 and 2030.[3]
While younger generations, the “digital natives”, were early adopters, wallet usage has now become widespread. The simplicity of having a ticket stored on the same device used for communication and payment appeals to all audiences. For organizers, ignoring this trend means missing a fundamental expectation of their attendees.
The end of queues with instant NFC validation
The key advantage of wallets lies in their integration of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology—the same technology used for contactless payments. No more searching inboxes, installing extra apps, or dealing with QR codes that fail under bright sunlight or cracked screens.
With an NFC ticket stored in a wallet, visitors simply bring their smartphone or smartwatch close to the validation terminal. The ticket is displayed automatically, and validation is almost instantaneous.
Industry tests show that NFC validation takes an average of 3 to 5 seconds, compared to 9 to 12 seconds for QR code scanning.[4] At a large-scale event welcoming 100,000 attendees, this time saving can translate into a potential queue reduction of up to 40%, delivering unmatched fluidity at entry points.
The technical challenges behind simplicity
Behind this apparent ease of use lies a complex technical infrastructure. To ensure a universal and secure user experience, validation terminals must be compatible with the two main mobile ecosystems:
- Apple VAS (Value Added Services):
A protocol developed by Apple for validating NFC-based digital passes (tickets, loyalty cards). Separate from Apple Pay, it requires a rigorous certification process for reading terminals. - Google Smart Tap:
The equivalent solution for Android users, enabling smooth interaction between smartphones and terminals.
The need to obtain these certifications explains the limited number of compatible devices on the market and represents a major challenge for organizers looking to adopt this technology.
Concrete benefits for event organizers
Improved real-time crowd flow management
Connected validation terminals give organizers unprecedented visibility. They can monitor entry volumes in real time, identify peak traffic by zone or time slot, and adapt their welcome and security setup accordingly. This monitoring capability significantly improves operational management and overall event safety.
Optimized staffing and operational efficiency
The speed of NFC validation enables more efficient use of on-site teams. A single staff member equipped with a mobile terminal can process a large volume of entries, where multiple agents were previously required for manual checks or paper ticket validation. Staff can be redeployed to higher-value tasks such as guidance, assistance, or managing exceptional situations.
Access security and fraud prevention
Ticket fraud remains a major issue for organizers. QR code tickets and PDF e-tickets are notoriously vulnerable to screenshots and “passback” (sharing a ticket after entry).
NFC-based digital tickets, secured by advanced encryption protocols such as Apple VAS and Google Smart Tap, are stored in a secure enclave on the device. They are dynamic and cannot be copied or forged via screenshots. For organizers, this ensures full control over access, a drastic reduction in fraud attempts, and more reliable ticketing revenues.
The Famoco solution: certified terminals with integrated payments
Meeting Apple and Google’s technical requirements while ensuring device robustness and data security is a complex challenge. This is where Famoco delivers a turnkey solution.
Apple VAS & Google Smart Tap–certified terminals
Famoco is one of the few players offering a range of professional mobile terminals fully certified for both Apple VAS and Google Smart Tap. Devices such as the Famoco Tap&Go (ideal for mobile access control) or the FX325 VAS (a rugged Android terminal for advanced use cases) are designed to meet the intensive conditions of the event industry—battery life, durability, and connectivity.
These terminals ensure seamless compatibility with all attendee smartphones, delivering a smooth and secure validation experience straight out of the box.
DaaS (Device as a Service) model
To simplify the deployment of mobile solutions for events, Famoco offers a Device as a Service (DaaS) model: a monthly subscription providing access to certified terminals and all associated services (MDM, connectivity, replacements, accessories, updates, and support), with no upfront investment or long-term commitment.
Organizers and service providers can equip their teams only for the duration of their event, without tying up capital in hardware purchases.
Famoco Pay (Cashless Payments)
The natural evolution of the event experience is the integration of cashless payments. The same Famoco terminals used for ticket validation can also serve as payment devices.
With Famoco Pay, organizers can deploy a fully cashless payment solution across the entire venue. Visitors can top up an account linked to their ticket and pay for food, beverages, or merchandise with a simple “tap” of their NFC wristband or smartphone. This all-in-one approach simplifies logistics, secures transactions, and increases on-site revenue by streamlining the purchasing journey.
Conclusion
The adoption of digital wallets in the event industry is not just a technological evolution—it represents a fundamental shift in how visitor experiences are designed. Supported by mature technical solutions such as Famoco-certified terminals, this transformation meets growing expectations for simplicity and security among both attendees and organizers, even at large scale.
The integration of access control and payment functions enables a more streamlined, end-to-end event experience. For organizers seeking to remain competitive and deliver a modern experience, adopting these technologies is no longer optional—it is essential.
In this context, choosing certified and proven solutions is critical. Apple VAS and Google Smart Tap–certified terminals, such as those offered by Famoco, represent a strategic investment for event industry players looking to stay at the forefront of this digital revolution.
Looking to modernize access management for your events? Famoco experts support you in deploying Apple VAS and Google Smart Tap–certified access control solutions. Contact us to learn more about our next-generation terminals.
FAQ
What is the Apple VAS protocol?
Apple VAS (Value Added Services) is a technology developed by Apple that allows third-party NFC terminals to scan passes or tickets stored in Apple Wallet. It is distinct from Apple Pay and requires specific certification.
What are the advantages of NFC wallets over QR codes?
NFC wallets enable validation that is 2 to 3 times faster, work without connectivity, and do not require opening an app. Most importantly, they are tamper-proof (unlike QR code screenshots), virtually eliminating fraud.
How can access be secured with digital wallets?
Security relies on encrypted protocols (Apple VAS, Google Smart Tap) that uniquely bind the ticket to the device. Using certified terminals is essential to ensure this level of protection.
What is the difference between Apple VAS and Apple Pay?
Apple VAS is dedicated to validating passes (tickets, loyalty cards), while Apple Pay is designed for payment transactions. They are two distinct protocols.
Sources
[1] Allied Market Research, Events Industry Market Report, 2023
[2] Juniper Research, Mobile Wallets: Market Forecasts, 2024
[3] Market Data Forecast, Europe Mobile Wallet Market Research Report, 2024
[4] Industry benchmarks on access technologies (estimates based on average performance tests)
