For a visitor, a ticket is one of the most important things before an event. Without it, they cannot get into a concert, festival, theater, cinema, conference, sports match, or corporate event. Nowadays, they often receive it as a PDF via email or have to print it out.

In practice, however, managing tickets can be unnecessarily complicated. PDFs are hard to find in emails, paper tickets are forgotten at home, and if the program changes, visitors need to be informed via email, SMS, or another channel. PassMachine digital tickets move the entire process to a mobile phone. Visitors can save them to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, and you can manage them online.

At first glance, it works similarly to a regular ticket. It includes the event name, date, time, venue, ticket type, QR code, barcode, or ID. The difference is that it's not printed on paper or hidden as an email attachment. Visitors save it directly to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.

A digital ticket can be designed to match the event's branding. It can include a logo, colors, event name, or visuals. This makes it feel like a natural part of the event rather than just a technical document.

A major advantage is the ability for instant updates. If the time, location, program, or organizational information changes, there's no need to send out a new ticket. The details are edited in the administration panel, and the card updates immediately.

Digital tickets are suitable for concerts, festivals, sports matches, theater performances, cinemas, conferences, workshops, corporate events, or community events. Both small organizers and large promoters dealing with thousands of visitors can use them.

Each visitor receives a link or QR code to download the ticket. They then save it to their phone's wallet.

Once saved, they can open it anytime. They don't need to search for an email, open a website, or be connected to the internet. The ticket is accessible even when the signal is poor at the entrance or the network is overloaded.

At the entrance, the visitor shows the QR code or barcode. This is scanned by the event's reader, and the system verifies the ticket's validity. If the ticket is valid, the visitor can proceed.

The ticket can expire after the event. If the organizer allows it, it can transform into an information card after the event concludes. This card can then provide practical links, photos from the event, information about the next edition, or an invitation to a follow-up event.

Tickets can be generated manually, in bulk, or automatically. For smaller events, you can start simply through the administration panel. For larger events, tickets can be uploaded using a CSV file. If you have your own sales system, registration form, or ticketing platform, you can connect ticket creation via API.

Each ticket will have a unique page with a link and QR code for download. The link can be sent via email, SMS, user account, or registration form.

The visitor opens and saves the ticket. From then on, it's ready for use.

Ticket management is then done in the administration panel. You can see active tickets, their status, whether they've been saved to a wallet, and other details. If something changes, there's no need to deal with reprinting or sending new email attachments. Just edit the information online.

A digital ticket is more than just a PDF converted for mobile. It primarily offers these advantages:

Digital tickets can also function as a simple communication channel. Organizers can send short messages to visitors in the form of push notifications directly to their phones.

An example message could be:

Entry to the venue opens at 5:30 PM. Please use gate B.

Or:

The program will start 15 minutes later. Thank you for your understanding.

Segmentation is also useful. A VIP ticket holder might receive a different message than a visitor with a general admission ticket, or someone with access to a specific workshop or part of the program. This allows for more precise and practical communication.

Digital tickets can also utilize location-based notifications. These can be triggered when a visitor is near a specific location. The system can work with distances up to 1000 meters for tickets.

For example, a visitor arriving at the venue might receive a notification about which way to go to the correct entrance. Or, as they approach the event location, their card might display information about the program start.

This is not a replacement for a full event app. It's more of a simple way to deliver important, concise information to visitors at the right time.

After the event concludes, the ticket can transform into an information card. The used ticket can thus become a communication channel that no longer serves for check-in but can carry additional content.

It might contain, for example, a link to a photo gallery, an aftermovie, a satisfaction survey, information about the next event, a membership program, or a special offer for attendees.

This is particularly useful for recurring events. A festival, conference, or sports event can continue to engage customers after it ends and increase retention.

Digital tickets are just one type of card that can be created through PassMachine.

Similarly, companies and organizations can utilize other cards in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. For example, digital business cards, membership cards, loyalty cards, stamp cards, or transit tickets.

Each type of card has a different use. However, the principle is similar: getting an important card directly into a mobile phone, where a person always has it with them.

Digital tickets help organizers simplify ticket distribution, visitor check-in, and event-related communication.

Visitors have them saved on their mobile phones and can open them anytime, even without an internet connection. At the entrance, they present a QR code or barcode.

Organizers can generate tickets manually, via CSV, or automatically through an API. Information on the ticket can be edited digitally, push notifications can be sent to visitors, and thanks to location-based notifications, they can be alerted, for example, upon arrival at the venue.

After expiration, the ticket can either expire or, with permission, transform into an information card. This card can then serve as a simple communication channel for photos, future events, surveys, or special offers.

Interested in digital tickets for your event? Contact us, and we'll show you how they can work for your event.