Alternative Uses for Wristbands
Wristbands are typically not the focal point of your event or activity, but they do make a difference in the way that you manage crowds, promote organizations, and engage guests. We often categorize wristbands in one of three ways: wristbands for security, wristbands for engagement, and wristbands for expression. Of course, there is some overlap between the three categories. In fact, in rare circumstances, a wristband can fall under all three categories. To understand the alternative ways wristbands are often used, we must first understand the three categories.
Types of Wristbands
Wristbands for Security
Broadly speaking, security wristbands include any type of band that grants you access to an event, venue, or facility. These include Tyvek, cloth, plastic, and vinyl wristbands. These wristbands vary heavily in terms of durability, and therefore their appropriate applications. Security wristbands offer a simpler ticketing strategy by allowing security teams to easily discern guests and staff and spot intruders.
Wristbands for Engagement
Combining wristbands with technology is a rather fresh concept. However, as your guests become more and more connected to technology, the more important it is for you to bridge the gap between your guests and your brand using technology. There are three technologies commonly-used in engagement wristbands: QR codes and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).
QR Code Wristbands
Everybody’s smart phone has a camera which can be used to scan QR codes. That said, what easier way is there to encourage your guests to engage with your website, redeem an offer, or register their information than to put a QR code on their wrist? In a matter of seconds, you can lead your guests to a web page where they can take a desired action. Easy peasy!
RFID Wristbands
RFID wristbands offer your guests an easy way to engage with vendors, make payments, and enter your venue quickly. Made using the same technology you use when you “tap to pay” at the grocery store, RFID wristbands enhance the guest experience with elevated convenience. One popular application for RFID wristbands is music festivals and other large, multiday events. The benefits of this technology include:
- Reduced fraud
- Increased engagement
- Cashless payments
- Shorter lines
Wristbands for Expression
The last wristband category includes those that are worn as an expression of self, to show support for a cause or organization, or to promote a brand. The most popular of these is silicone wristbands, often referred to as rubber bracelets. With an enormous selection of different colors, designs, and inscription styles, silicone wristbands offer unmatched versatility that can be used by any cause or institution. In other words, you can promote your message in your own way. This is what makes silicone wristbands such an amazing fundraising tool!
Different Applications for Wristbands
While wristbands are primarily tools that simplify security, increase engagement, and bring awareness to a cause or organization, there are a few alternative applications for these products. These alternative applications typically fall under the first category, wristbands for security.
Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary clinics and animal hospitals often use wristbands to identify the animals they treat and make accessible important information. This information includes breed, vaccination status, and other treatment details. These bands are often fastened into temporary collars to prevent them from being chewed on or torn.
Airports
A friend of mine once almost had his bag stolen from the carousel after a long flight. It wasn’t that the other person was acting maliciously, he had a very similar-looking bag and thought he had grabbed his own. Perhaps the easiest way to prevent mistakes like this from happening is to add a unique identifier to your bag. Wristbands are used to differentiate your bag from everyone else’s.
Medical Equipment
Of course, the healthcare industry has been using wristbands as a tool to identify patients and communicate to nurses and physicians important medical information. However, wristbands are also used to notify staff of important equipment information. Wristbands notify technicians of whether or not the machine has been disinfected, if maintenance is due, and whether or not the machine is in service.
Greenhouses
Just like in medical settings, wristbands can also be used to communicate information about the plants being grown. Furthermore, they can also be used to support the plants by tying them to stakes or trellises. This provides support as they continue to grow.
We Are Your Wristband Experts
Whether you are planning an enormous event, trying to add security to your venue, or anything in between, we are here to help. We have experts ready to help you find the right product for your exact needs. In fact, we offer an enormous selection of different band types so that we can accommodate your every need. Simply send us a message or start a live chat with a representative today!