Before I joined AAC as an Account Manager, I worked within membership and events, specifically at turf clubs. Starting off in reception, I gained exposure to the event industry and the daily machinations of a raceday, which is a very complicated operation. One of the biggest challenges was having to identify every single patron on course and determine what areas they could access on the day. With potentially thousands of patrons involved, this was never an easy process. For example, at most of the larger turf clubs there can be 10+ function rooms and 4-6 restaurants. It is important that we are able to determine which guests are allowed where, as each guest has purchased a different type of package. Keep reading to learn how turf clubs moving towards wristbands is changing how they manage their patrons.
Initial attempts to control this situation involved, tokens, tickets and even confirmation letters, but the hassle involved in checking these at every gate/entrance became tiresome. In addition, letters and tickets can be copied and redistributed very easily, resulting in unauthorised access and over crowding in certain function areas.
A more secure solution was definitely required. Given the similarities in the event structure at a race day compared to a music festival (different access permissions, under age patrons etc), it became logical to replicate the identification systems used at the festivals themselves.
And that is where the idea for wristbands was first presented!
Wristbands for access control
Wristbands were first issued to guests on presentation of their ticket or confirmation letter. Different coloured wristbands were used for each venue/section so the staff could easily identify these. If guests were not wearing a wristband or claimed to have “lost” theirs, they would be refused entry. Simple as that.
It was found that wristband products were the only thing that worked as it removed any chance of them being re-used or transferred to another person.
Wristbands to manage bar tabs
Wristbands were also issued to guests who wanted to start a bar tab. The guest who provided a credit card and a drivers license was handed an exact amount of wristbands to issue to their group of friends. If you weren’t wearing a wristband, you couldn’t get a drink on the tab.
Wristbands to control underage drinking
Preventing alcohol service to underage patrons is vital at events. Rather than constantly checking ID when orders were placed at the bar, the solution implemented involved issuing completely separate 18+ wristbands upon presentation of ID at the gate. This allows the patrons and bar staff to operate quickly and efficiently without ID-checking delays.
My experience with events and turf clubs has really assisted me at AAC; having an understanding of all the issues present means I can provide logical and cost efficient solutions for turf clubs customers.
With the 2014/2015 Racing Season quickly approaching, AAC is contacting all our turf club customers to discuss how we can help get their turf clubs moving towards wristbands. AAC would love to help you with your race day event, so please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 1300 797 478.
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