Canadian Bluesfest adopts RFID

Canada’s largest blues festival, the RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest, will be adopting RFID cashless payment and access control technology.

During the 4-15 July event, more than a quarter-of-a-million music fans will be able to use their RFID wristband to pay for food, drink and other goods around the site, while the chip securely stores their entrance tickets.

Ticket holders will benefit from quick access into the event and shorter lines at food, beverage and merchandise outlets. The technology also prevents any counterfeit ticketing and will provide organisers with a next-generation platform for initiatives with sponsor partners and artists.

The technology is being provided by Montreal-based solutions provider Intellitix which, in 2011, activated one-million RFID wristbands. The company has participated in other events and festivals including Coachella in the US.

“Working with Intellitix on this initiative is a natural fit,” said RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest executive director Mark Monahan. “They’re industry leaders and have already established an excellent track record with some much-respected music events across the continent.”

Serge Grimaux, head of Intellitix, said, “Just as Bluesfest is renowned for its progressive line-up, greening policies and the admirable charitable work it undertakes, adopting our technology shows it innovating again, at yet another level. We’re extremely happy that such a world-renowned festival has chosen to work with the market leader for RFID solutions at festival and live events.”