Event wristbands have emerged as one of the most effective identification and security tools for all manner of meetings, conferences and festivals. However, despite the positive results from thousands of events worldwide, wristband manufacturers still have to respond to queries regarding ‘wristband myths’. Here are a few myths debunked.
Wristbands
1. Wristbands are just for concerts
While wristbands are an incredibly popular access control mechanism for concerts, they are useful for a number of different events and scenarios. The range in colours allows them to differentiate access areas for events such as conferences; while the durability makes them the perfect access control for waterparks and children’s play areas. Ski and beach resorts are also adopting event wristbands as a way to replace key cards or tickets, while social events such as weddings and bachelor/bachelorette parties are also finding a place for wristbands – both as identification and a take-home souvenir.
2. There’s only one type of event wristband
One of the great things about wristbands is that they are available in such a diverse range of material types, making them suited to a host of different scenarios. Silicone wristbands are perfect for sports and charity events but, because they can be removed, they’re not ideal for event access. However, Tyvek, vinyl and fabric wristbands – all of which are non-transferrable – are perfect access control mechanisms. For a weekend festival or conference, Tyvek wristbands are the preferred choice, but when it comes to longer events, then vinyl and fabric are a better option as they’re more durable. There are also adapted wristbands such as silicone with USBs which are great as corporate gifts, or tab bands for controlling free drinks and food at waterparks or family days.
Read more: Access control trends 2019
3. RFID wristbands track people
An increasingly popular event wristband is the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wristband that uses radio waves to transmit information between devices. The three types of RFID are passive, active and battery-assisted wristbands. These can be used to store your name, address, credit card numbers, date of birth, and other identifying information needed for the event. Most RFID wristbands use passive tags that operate at high frequency which means they cannot track wearers actively and are limited to very short distances. However, an RFID can track a wearer’s last known location by recording the last checkpoint they used their wristband. For events, RFID wristbands are used simply for cashless payment and access control.
4. Event wristbands can spread germs
Wristbands – even the durable vinyl and fabric ones – are not designed to be worn for more than a few days. However, for many die-hard fans, wearing wristbands for months or even years after the event has become commonplace. This is where bacteria and related illness would be a problem. For event-goers who wear the wristband for the allotted time, there is no concern. As with anything, maintaining personal hygiene has much more to do with preventing bacteria and germ contamination than anything worn on the body.
Read more: Best wristbands for music concerts
5. Wristbands don’t provide sufficient security
While silicone wristbands can be transferred, Tyvek, vinyl and fabric wristbands are non-transferrable which makes them extremely effective security mechanisms for events of all sizes. Tickets can easily be passed from person to person, and stamps can be emulated, but wristbands are a great way to prevent gate-crashing. For really high-security events, you can add barcodes or number serialisation so that no two are alike, otherwise RFID wristbands are a fantastic control option.
It’s definitely worth consulting with an experienced wristband supplier to assess what wristband type and design would suit your unique event. For superior access control that decreases waiting time at entrances and pay points, event wristbands are a great choice.
It’s important to partner with an experienced wristband supplier such as IDCBand SA. For fast, reliable and quality event wristbands in South Africa, silicone, access control and more contact IDCBand SA today. IDCBand SA is South Africa’s leading event wristband supplier based in Johannesburg and supplies wristbands and other security and promotional items for just about every event and function all over South Africa.
