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Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) Explained: How Blockchain Badges Work

published : Feb, 25 2025

Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) Explained: How Blockchain Badges Work

POAP Gas Fee Calculator

Calculate the cost difference between minting POAPs on xDAI versus Ethereum mainnet. POAPs are minted on the xDAI sidechain for minimal gas fees, while Ethereum mainnet fees can be significantly higher.

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Why xDAI? POAPs are minted on the xDAI sidechain for minimal gas fees (typically $0.01 per POAP), making them accessible for large events with thousands of attendees.

Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) is a blockchain‑based system that issues digital badges as non‑fungible tokens to prove that someone attended a specific event. Since its debut at ETHDenver 2019, POAP has become the go‑to way for organizers to turn a moment into a verifiable, collectible token.

Why POAP matters in the NFT world

Traditional NFTs often chase price, but POAP flips the script. Its purpose is purely attestation-not speculation. That focus gives holders a personal “passport” of experiences, while giving event teams a tamper‑proof roll‑call.

How POAP works under the hood

Every POAP starts as an ERC‑721 token on Ethereum. To keep gas cheap, the token is later bridged to the xDAI sidechain managed by MakerDAO. Each token contains:

  • A unique serial number.
  • A timestamp of the event.
  • An image that reflects the event’s branding.
  • Metadata linking back to the event’s details.
Because the data lives on a public ledger, anyone can verify ownership without needing the original issuer’s server.

Step‑by‑step: Creating and minting a POAP

  1. Sign up on the official POAP platform.
  2. Fill in event information: name, date, location, and a high‑resolution image.
  3. Generate a QR code or a claim link that attendees will use.
  4. When an attendee scans the code, the backend mints an Non‑fungible Token (NFT) on xDAI and sends it to their wallet.
  5. The holder can view the badge in the POAP app, add it to their digital scrapbook, or keep it as a proof of participation.

This workflow is designed for both tech‑savvy organizers and casual community managers. No smart‑contract coding is required unless you want custom logic.

Real‑world use cases

Beyond crypto meetups, dozens of brands have adopted POAP:

  • SushiSwap handed out POAPs for liquidity‑mining contests, later unlocking exclusive swap fee discounts.
  • Decentraland awards badges for attending virtual art openings, which double as entry tickets for future events.
  • Traditional events like the U.S. Open have experimented with POAPs to give fans a digital souvenir that can be verified years later.
  • Companies such as TIME Magazine use POAPs for webinar attendance, turning a simple login into a collectible token.

These examples show how POAP bridges the gap between DeFi‑centric communities and mainstream audiences.

Flat illustration of Ethereum and xDAI sidechain linked by a bridge, showing POAP token creation.

Benefits over physical memorabilia

Physical tickets can be lost, faded, or forged. POAPs offer three concrete advantages:

  • Durability: Once minted, the token lives forever on the blockchain.
  • Verifiability: Anyone can check the ledger to confirm a badge’s authenticity.
  • Interoperability: Badges can be displayed in wallets, linked to Discord roles, or used as keys to unlock future perks.

Because the protocol is open‑source, developers can build new experiences that read a holder’s POAP collection automatically.

Limitations and common pitfalls

POAPs are not designed as high‑value collectibles. Trading them for profit goes against the original intent and can dilute the community‑building purpose. Additionally, users need a wallet that supports xDAI; newcomers sometimes stumble over the “bridge” step. Finally, the visual design of each badge is only as good as the event organizer’s graphics, so low‑effort images can make a badge feel cheap.

Future outlook: From badge to credential

Many projects already treat POAPs as a resume entry. Imagine a future where your POAP collection proves you’ve spoken at a conference, contributed to an open‑source repo, or completed a blockchain certification. The protocol roadmap mentions:

  • Integrating with on‑chain reputation systems.
  • Allowing issuers to attach exclusive access rights (e.g., early‑beta launches).
  • Supporting layered metadata for academic credentials.
If these features roll out, POAP could become a cornerstone of decentralized identity.

Digital scrapbook showing collected POAP badges unlocking future perks.

Quick checklist for organizers

  • Define clear event details and a memorable badge image.
  • Test the claim link or QR code on multiple devices.
  • Inform attendees they need an xDAI‑compatible wallet (Metamask works out‑of‑the‑box).
  • Plan any post‑event perks tied to badge ownership.
  • Archive the badge metadata for future reference.

Comparison: POAP vs regular NFT vs physical ticket

Key differences between POAPs, generic NFTs, and physical tickets
Feature POAP Generic NFT Physical Ticket
Primary purpose Proof of attendance Ownership of digital asset Entry permission
Cost to mint Low (xDAI gas) Varies, often high Printing & logistics
Resale market Discouraged Active marketplace Not applicable
Verification Blockchain ledger Blockchain ledger Holograms, barcodes
Community perks Unlocks roles, airdrops Depends on project Usually none

Wrap‑up

In a world where digital experiences keep expanding, Proof of Attendance Protocol gives you a simple, verifiable way to turn moments into lasting tokens. Whether you’re a community manager, a brand looking for new fan engagement, or an individual collector, POAP offers a durable, blockchain‑backed souvenir that can evolve into a credential for the future.

Can I claim a POAP without a crypto wallet?

You need a wallet that supports the xDAI network, such as MetaMask. The POAP platform will guide you through adding the network if you don’t have it already.

Are POAPs tradable on secondary markets?

Technically they can be transferred, but the community discourages trading because it undermines the badge’s purpose as personal proof of attendance.

What gases fees do I pay when minting a POAP?

Minting occurs on the xDAI sidechain, where fees are typically a few cents, far cheaper than Ethereum mainnet.

Can businesses use POAPs for loyalty programs?

Yes. Companies can issue POAPs for repeat purchases or event check‑ins, then grant exclusive discounts to badge holders.

How many POAPs can an event issue?

There’s no hard cap; some large conferences have minted tens of thousands of badges in a single day.

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Comments (11)

Matt Zara

POAPs are honestly one of the few crypto things that actually feel meaningful. I’ve got badges from DevCon, a local book club meetup, and even a Zoom workshop on composting. It’s wild how something so simple turns moments into digital heirlooms. No one’s selling these on OpenSea, and that’s the point.

My grandma even got one for attending her first crypto Q&A. She doesn’t know what a wallet is, but she’s got a little badge that says ‘I was there’ - and that’s enough.

Jean Manel

Stop romanticizing this. It’s just a glorified QR code that costs $0.03 to mint and gets thrown into a wallet like spam. Most people who collect these don’t even remember what event they got them for. And don’t get me started on the ‘community building’ nonsense - it’s just a vanity project for influencers who want to look like they’re ‘in the space’.

William P. Barrett

There’s something quietly profound about POAPs. They don’t ask you to invest, speculate, or prove your wealth - they just ask you to show up.

Human beings have always marked moments: cave paintings, wedding rings, handwritten letters. POAPs are just the next iteration - a digital equivalent of a pilgrim’s shell or a soldier’s dog tag. It’s not about value. It’s about presence.

And maybe that’s why it resonates. In a world obsessed with growth and ROI, POAPs say: ‘You were here. That matters.’

Cory Munoz

I love how low-key this is. No hype, no rug pulls, just a little badge that says you showed up. I’ve got one from a friend’s birthday party in Austin - yeah, really.

It’s nice when tech feels human instead of transactional. Also, the xDAI gas thing is genius. No one gets scared off by $200 fees just to prove they attended a Discord AMA.

Keep it simple, folks. 😊

Jasmine Neo

This is why America’s crypto scene is so pathetic. You’re celebrating a $0.02 digital sticker like it’s the second coming. Meanwhile, real economies are collapsing and you’re out here collecting ‘proof’ you went to a ‘web3 brunch.’

And don’t tell me ‘it’s not for speculation’ - everyone’s already flipping them. You think the U.S. Open is doing this for the ‘community’? They’re mining data. And you’re just the product.

Pathetic. And yes, I’m still mad I didn’t get one from the Ethereum summit. But I’m not gonna lie about it.

Ron Murphy

Interesting how POAPs sidestep the usual NFT drama. No blue checks, no ape avatars - just clean, verifiable attendance records.

What’s underrated is how this enables offline-to-onchain identity. Think of it like a decentralized LinkedIn badge. I’ve seen communities use them to auto-grant Discord roles, or unlock exclusive AMA access. It’s low-friction credentialing.

And honestly? The xDAI bridge is the unsung hero here. Gas fees on mainnet would’ve killed this before it started.

Prateek Kumar Mondal

POAPs are real. I got one from a coding workshop in Bangalore. No one paid for it. No one sold it. I just kept it. It means something. Simple. No noise.

Nick Cooney

Oh wow, so now we’re giving out digital merit badges for showing up to a Zoom call? How noble. I’m sure the 14-year-old with 37 POAPs from ‘Crypto Yoga’ feels very accomplished.

And yes, I know the protocol says ‘don’t trade’ - but you’re telling me nobody’s listing them on Blur? Please. The moment something is on-chain, it becomes a speculative asset. The ‘ethics’ are a nice story for PR.

Also, typo: ‘Non-fungible Token (NFT)’ - you said it twice in one sentence. I’m not mad. Just… observing.

Clarice Coelho Marlière Arruda

i just got my first poap yesterday from a local coffee shop’s blockchain meetup?? i didn’t even know what it was until my friend showed me. now i’m obsessed. like… i have a badge for drinking cold brew with people who talk about smart contracts. that’s kinda beautiful??

also i accidentally sent mine to my friend’s wallet and now we’re arguing about who owns it. oops.

Brian Collett

POAPs are the only crypto thing I’ve ever actually used. I’ve got one from the Ethereum Foundation’s open house last year - it unlocked a free NFT from a dev I admire. Now I’ve got a whole folder of them in my wallet. I check them like a digital scrapbook.

And yeah, I’ve got the one from the U.S. Open. I showed it to my dad. He didn’t get it. But he smiled. That’s enough.

Allison Andrews

The real power of POAP isn’t in the badge - it’s in the metadata. When you start linking them to verifiable actions - speaking at a conference, submitting a PR, attending a workshop - you’re not just collecting souvenirs.

You’re building a decentralized transcript. Imagine applying for a job and your POAP collection proves you’ve contributed to 12 open-source projects and attended 5 blockchain ethics panels. That’s not hype. That’s a new kind of resume.

And if that’s the future, we should be building tools to curate, not just collect.

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Aaron ngetich

Aaron ngetich

I'm a blockchain analyst and cryptocurrency educator based in Perth. I research DeFi protocols and layer-1 ecosystems and write practical pieces on coins, exchanges, and airdrops. I also advise Web3 startups and enjoy translating complex tokenomics into clear insights.

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