I decided, that’s how I’ve always viewed chess. It’s a small-scale incarnation of life itself. Each piece is equally important, and every action affects the entire board in this intricate ballet of tactics. Lately, I've been seeing parallels between the intricate strategies of chess and something entirely different: Experience NFTs.

Demystifying a New Type of Ticket

Let's be real, NFTs can sound intimidating. Blockchain, smart contracts… it’s a technobabble nightmare for the average Joe. But peel back the nonsense jargon, and what do we have? A digital key. A magical key that only you hold, unlocking something of great worth – in this case, access to incredible selfishness. Think of it like this: instead of a paper ticket, you have a unique digital token on your phone that proves you belong at the event.

These aren’t JPEGs you purchase and leave by the wayside. Experience NFTs are your VIP pass, your backstage access, your secret handshake into a community. NFTs are registered on blockchains such as Ethereum and Polygon. The cool thing here is that these smart contracts specify exactly what the benefits and attributes of each NFT are. Early entry? Special digital collectibles? A meet-and-greet with the artist? It's all coded into the NFT.

A Community Game Changer, Really?

Not the disappointment of the lost opportunity, but the wonder at what could be. Picture a world where event tickets are an experience unto themselves. Picture them evolving into digital membership cards, creating community cultivators with an undeniable sense of belonging and shared experience. That's the promise of Experience NFTs.

Think about it. This allows these NFTs to build dynamic exclusive online and offline communities around their events. hubbertsfield.jpg Picture this—your own private Discord server exclusively for NFT holders. You’ll get access to special behind-the-scenes content and the chance to interact with the artists or organizers one-on-one! Potentially even IRL NFT holder exclusive meetups throughout the duration of the event!

This is where the chess brain comes in. Just as a smartly devised chess opening determines the course of the match’s success. Likewise, Experience NFTs can help build a deeper and more interactive experience for your event. It’s very much focused on creating a sense of community as opposed to just selling tickets. This is the dynamic that can really make or break your board.

Access For All, Not Just A Few

Here's the hard truth: technology often widens existing divides. This fear that Experience NFTs will turn into just another millionaire’s club around the metaverse is justified and it should piss you off. We can't let that happen.

To ensure Experience NFTs are as game changing as they could be, it’s critical to tackle the accessibility problem from the get-go. How do we ensure that our most marginalized communities aren’t further disadvantaged in the process?

We’ve learned that it’s not enough to simply say you are going to be inclusive. Now is the time to address these issues and make sure that Experience NFTs are accessible to all, not just a select few.

  • Subsidized NFTs: Offer discounted or free NFTs to individuals and groups who might not otherwise be able to afford them.
  • Community Partnerships: Partner with local organizations to distribute NFTs and provide education about the technology.
  • Educational Resources: Create easy-to-understand guides and tutorials on how to buy, use, and manage Experience NFTs.

Here's where the "chess" strategy comes in. We need to think several moves ahead. To do this effectively, we need to identify where we might trip ourselves up. Let’s work together and proactively find solutions that ensure Experience NFTs promote community and accessibility, and become a force for good!

The “phygital” concept – combining physical and digital interaction – is where Experience NFTs truly excel. These aren’t just JPEGs or digital collectibles, the value they provide is physical, memorable and more enduring.

Phygital: The Best of Both Worlds

Imagine attending a music festival where your Experience NFT unlocks exclusive merchandise, backstage access, and a personalized digital artwork commemorating your experience. Now picture yourself at one of the most exciting professional sporting events. With your NFT you get unparalleled access including entry to a VIP lounge, the ability to meet the players, and a digital collectible signed by your favorite athlete.

This is more than a ticket, it’s a highly curated experience that continues long after the event. It’s more than that though, it’s about making memories that will last a lifetime and creating a deeper emotional relationship between consumers and the shows they cherish. It’s the absolute best kind of happiness meets mystery.

Experience NFTs are still in their infancy, the possibilities are limitless. Let’s start with the positives of virtual and hybrid events — they provide a tremendous opportunity to rethink accessibility, community-building, and more exciting and immersive experiences.

Embrace the Evolution, Strategically

The trick is to play the long game with this technology, in the same way that a chess master might. We need to be mindful of the challenges, proactive in addressing accessibility concerns, and creative in exploring the endless possibilities that Experience NFTs unlock.

This isn't about replacing traditional ticketing; it's about enhancing it. It’s about creating a future where shows are more equitable, more accessible, more interesting, more fun, more enriching—all of that—for all people. And as a chess player, a community member, and a technology enthusiast, I'm excited to see what the future holds. Now, let's make our move.

This isn't about replacing traditional ticketing; it's about enhancing it. It's about building a future where events are more inclusive, more engaging, and more rewarding for everyone. And as a chess player, a community member, and a technology enthusiast, I'm excited to see what the future holds. Now, let's make our move.