As we enter in the new year and the introduction of the coronavirus vaccine is accelerating, we all hope that in 2021 the festivals and live events will return. We already know that event attendees are hoping to return to their party venues. This is backed up by strong event sales that are already happening for 2021. But what can we expect when we finally get back the live events?
The importance of advanced technology
There is not much doubt that advanced technology is of major importance. Organizers want to avoid unnecessary contact between staff and competitors. Firstly, event attendees should expect things like scanning contactless tickets. This includes tiered entry times to facilitate the flow of people – and a completely cashless experience while on site. Preloaded payment wristbands or contactless cards will likely to be used for any purchases at the event. Ticket details will be stored carefully to track contacts.
Capacity and on-site hygiene is certainly an area where event attendees can expect some change. Of course, this depends on government restrictions. However, organizers are likely to change their settings to allow the best possible distance between event visitors. Therefore placing hand disinfection stations throughout the venue and encouraging event visitors to wear masks will be necessary.
New payment options: the phone as a POS terminal
Three leading Hungarian fintech companies, Cellum, Cardnet and Festipay are working with MasterCard on an exciting project that could be as revolutionary within the payment market as smartphones in mobile telephony.
During these unusual times, the widespread acceptance of contactless payment options is particularly important and is becoming actively encouraged. Bank coins and notes passing through many hands can easily become an innocent yet uncontrolled carrier of viruses and bacteria. Pin entry pads such as those found on ATMs or POS terminals can also inadvertently retain bacteria and viruses, again providing a potential transmission source.
Cellum in conjunction with MasterCard and Festipay will soon launch a ground-breaking payment service in Hungary, allowing a smartphone to become a POS terminal. This enables a myriad of low-cost payment possibilities, and again only requires a smartphone with 4G connectivity.
The detailed testing of the new smartphone-based POS terminal is designed to exceed current fraud detection requirements. In Hungary and other countries, there could be many users and small businesses whose card transaction volume is too low to be accepted by banks. Additionally, leasing a traditional POS terminal could be too expensive. The forthcoming smartphone POS terminal will provide a low-cost method for small business to accept card-based payments, and therefore increase sales even during these turbulent times.
Proponents of digital payments say it is irrelevant how we pay, be it with instant transfer, card, mobile, e-wallet, or some trendy app. Everything, that is not cash has its benefits. However, during the pandemic contactless payments are the most relevant in this new era of payment options.
Testing for COVID-19
But what about testing? There is a good chance that the events will require some evidence that a recent COVID-19 test was negative or that you have been vaccinated. Companies are working on introducing COVID-19 test kits and to find the best way to integrate these test results into the ticketing system if needed.
Last but not least, the most important thing to consider is the party-goers own responsibility as event attendees. No one should travel or attend any events if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and once entering the event, they should follow all rules of hygiene and social distancing to avoid infection. 
In conclusion, people will need to make sure they respect these rules, and it will also be the responsibility of the staff and other event attendees to follow all regulations.