What is a POAP? And How Do You Claim Them?

Once upon a time, people used to collect concert tickets. They were a way to look back and remember an event (and also prove you were there). Some larger festivals and events, like Burning Man, still create intricate collectible badges, but otherwise for the most part, “proof of attendence” tokens essentially disappeared.

Enter, the blockchain-based POAP.

What is a POAP - Diamond Hands — *Illustration Credit: @thegirlwithnftses*

What are POAPs?

POAPs (Proof Of Attendance Protocol) are exclusive Ethereum-based NFT badges given to you for participating or attending special events. The events can be in the physical world, online, or in the metaverse. They were invented as part of the ETHDenver2019 hackathon and can think of them as long-lasting records of your life experiences. Or virtual concert tickets that have a cryptographic record.

Some in-person events have a QR code you can scan to access the POAP for that event. You can design your own for your own events too. If creating FOMO among your friends is what you’re after, these are your ticket. Er, badge. Er, you get the drift.

US frens if you aren't giving your family a @poapxyz for Thanksgiving what are you even doing? https://t.co/VdGbmcxVPu

— Mike Mongo #IAmAI (@MikeMongo) November 24, 2021

One of the most recent and exciting POAPs I’ve received was for contributing to Moonriver’s parachain crowdloan on Kusama. As a way to say thank you, Moonriver rewarded all of the contributors with a unique POAP.

What is a POAP - Happy Frensgiving — *Illustration Credit: @poapathon*

How Do I Claim My POAPs?

Curious to see if you have POAPs to claim? To check, visit the delivery section of the official POAP site and take a look to see if there are any events that you’ve attended.

If you attended an event and your ETH wallet address is on file with the organizers, click on “claim” and enter your decentralized Ethereum address (i.e. Metamask or Walletconnect). If you have a POAP to claim, it’ll be there.

How Can I See My POAPs?

Checking out (and showing off), your collection is simple. Simply connect your wallet to the site and it will bring up all images for the POAPs you have previously claimed.

Do POAPs Have Value?

POAPs don’t have monetary value like other types of NFTs that can be bought and sold between collectors. But, they do have value as an attendee as a way to share your digital memories.

They can also be a way for event hosts to send badge holders crypto airdrops, hold raffles, give voting power or access to future exclusive events, and more. All in the name of increasing their brand reach, of course.

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Ashley Wright

Ashley Wright is a serial Entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker from Toronto, Canada. She started her first business at the age of 17 years old and used that experience to create two businesses and multiple streams of income. She is the Founder of <a href=https://www.instagram.com/thewrightsuccess/"The Wright Success" brand that helps individuals with personal growth, building their brand, and growing their business. She has over 8 years of experience in Business and Direct Sales.

She is also the creator of "Study Cryptos" An online academy that educates individuals on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology. Ashley started her journey in Cryptocurrency in 2016 as a Crypto investor and fell in love with the industry and helping individuals get involved the right way. Today, Ashley coaches over hundreds of individuals all over the world on how to invest, trade and earn Cryptocurrency. She continues to lead the space as one of the top women of color Cryptocurrency educators in Canada.