Mobile wallet event passes are digital event tickets that attendees can save directly into Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Once added, the pass lives inside the native wallet app on their phone. It is always visible, instantly accessible, and ready to scan at the door.

Unlike paper tickets or app-based check-ins, wallet passes appear on the lock screen at the right time or place. They support QR codes and barcodes, update in real time, and send event reminders without requiring another download.

No paper. No extra apps. No friction.

With Badge, you can launch fully branded event passes in under 30 minutes. This means faster entry, clearer communication, and stronger engagement before, during, and after your event.

In this guide, you will learn how to:

• Streamline event check-in and operations with wallet-based passes that replace paper tickets and one-off apps

• Increase attendee engagement through push notifications, interactive content, and post-event campaigns

• Reduce event costs and resource strain by automating check-in, eliminating printing, and centralizing reporting

• Meet modern attendee expectations with real-time updates, personalization, and gamified experiences

• Get started with Badge’s no-code tools and APIs to launch Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes in under 30 minutes

Let’s explore why wallet-based passes are becoming the go-to event marketing technology for teams that need to do more with less.

Why Event Marketing Technology Matters in 2025

Event teams today face a familiar challenge: costs are rising, resources are limited, and demand for in-person experiences continues to grow. The data highlights the pressure points.

• Rising costs: Industry forecasts show the average daily cost per attendee reached $162 in 2024, a 4.5% increase from 2023. In 2025, that figure is projected to climb again to $169, up another 4.3%. This reflects the industry’s recovery and appetite for larger events, but it also squeezes budgets.

• Staffing challenges: The Amex GBT 2025 Global Meetings & Events Forecast reports optimism about growth, but also notes that staffing shortages and cost management remain the biggest hurdles for planners.

• Technology fatigue: AppsFlyer’s 2025 Uninstall Benchmarks reveal that 46.1% of Android apps are deleted within 30 days. Forcing attendees to download a one-time event app rarely pays off, as engagement drops quickly.

These trends point to the same conclusion: event marketers are being asked to deliver more while working with less. Rising expectations meet tighter budgets and leaner teams, which makes efficiency more important than ever.

The problem is that many workflows have not evolved. Paper tickets, spreadsheets, and one-off event apps create friction where organizers need speed. They slow down check-ins, increase admin work, and make it harder to maintain attendee engagement.

This is where event marketing technology becomes essential. Mobile wallet event passes provide a faster, simpler, and more scalable alternative. They allow quick entry, deliver real-time updates to the lock screen, and act as practical event check-in solutions without requiring another app. For teams navigating cost pressures and limited staff, mobile wallet passes are a smarter way to meet growing demands.

Maximize Event Marketing Impact With Mobile Wallet Passes

Event marketing in 2025 means doing more with less, as costs rise and teams stay lean. Mobile wallet event passes help close that gap by streamlining check-ins, reducing admin work, and delivering lock-screen engagement through Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. The result is faster operations, stronger attendee connections, and more impact from the same budget.

1. Streamline Event Check-In and Operations With Mobile Wallet Passes

Operational efficiency is the backbone of a successful event, and it becomes even more important when budgets are tight and teams are small. Wallet-enabled passes replace paper tickets, one-off apps, and manual updates with a single, dynamic credential that lives on the attendee’s phone. The result is less friction for organizers and a smoother experience for guests.

Here’s how they simplify event operations:

• One-tap access: Attendees can save their pass to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and open it instantly from the lock screen. No need to search through emails or install extra apps.

• Faster check-ins: Passes include QR codes or NFC options that can be scanned in seconds, reducing lines and minimizing errors at the entrance.

• Real-time updates: Schedule changes, speaker announcements, or venue adjustments sync directly to the pass. Attendees always see the most current information without follow-up emails.

• Dynamic distribution: Passes are editable, which means updates automatically reach everyone. This eliminates the need for reprints or mass email reminders.

For event teams, the mobile wallet benefits are even greater:

• Simplicity: Badge provides a no-code builder that makes it easy for marketers to design and distribute passes, while developers can use APIs for custom workflows.

• Scale and security: Passes are encrypted, signed, and built to distribute securely to audiences of any size.

• Extended engagement: Beyond check-in, you can use the same pass to send notifications, trigger geofenced updates, or follow up after the event.

2. Increase Attendee Engagement With Mobile Wallet Marketing Tools

Keeping attendees engaged should not mean adding more tasks to your team. With Apple Wallet event passes and Google Wallet event passes, Badge turns every ticket into a dynamic marketing channel that drives participation before, during, and after the event.

Here’s how it works:

• Push notifications that get noticed: Passes created with Badge can send reminders directly to attendees’ lock screens. That means alerts for breakout sessions, sponsor activations, or keynote speakers land instantly where people are already looking.

• Post-event campaigns that build loyalty: After the event, the pass stays in attendees’ wallets. You can use it to deliver thank-you notes, feedback surveys, VIP invites, or special offers without managing extra email campaigns or follow-up logistics.

• Interactive content that extends the experience: Passes can include links, maps, sponsor highlights, or session materials. Because they are dynamic, you can keep content fresh and relevant, turning each pass into a mini-experience in the attendee’s pocket.

"The better you engage event attendees with relative mediums, the quicker they're going to get and understand your message.”

— Jason Senn, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Badge

3. Reduce Event Costs and Maximize Resources With Mobile Wallet Solutions

Smarter event marketing technology is no longer optional in 2025. By using mobile wallet event passes such as Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, organizers can cut costs, optimize staffing, and improve ROI tracking while still delivering an excellent attendee experience.

Automated check-in reduces staffing needs:

• Self-serve entry: Mobile wallet passes with QR codes or kiosk-style scanners simplify check-in and keep lines moving.

• Staffing efficiency: One check-in kiosk can replace the work of two to three staff members during peak times, allowing teams to focus on higher-value tasks.

• Better experience: Automated workflows reduce bottlenecks, minimize errors, and create a smoother arrival for attendees.

Eliminate printing and badge costs:

• No paper waste: Moving from physical tickets, event badges, and printed schedules to digital event tickets stored in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet eliminates printing, shipping, and material costs.

• Instant distribution: Secure delivery through links or QR codes gets passes into attendees’ phones immediately.

• Dynamic updates: Any change in schedule or content syncs automatically, removing the need to reprint or resend information.

Centralized data for ROI tracking:

• Real-time insights: Digital check-in systems feed live data into dashboards, showing registration vs attendance, session popularity, and peak traffic times.

• Stronger reporting: Fast and accurate ROI tracking helps justify spend and improves planning for future events.

• Seamless integration: When connected to CRM or marketing automation tools, mobile wallet passes reduce administrative time by automating communications, surveys, and follow-ups.

4. Meet Modern Attendee Expectations With Interactive Event Technology

Modern attendees want more than access. They expect real-time updates, personalized experiences, and interactive features that make events memorable. Wallet-based passes deliver these elements directly to the lock screen, positioning them as an event engagement technology that enhances both the attendee journey and the organizer’s toolkit.

How to Launch Mobile Wallet Event Passes With Badge

Whether you need an out-of-the-box solution or a fully embedded integration, Badge functions as a complete event marketing technology platform. You can launch Apple Wallet event passes and Google Wallet event passes quickly and reliably, with distribution patterns attendees already understand.

There are two fast ways to launch mobile wallet event passes with Badge. Marketers can use the no-code setup to go live in minutes, while developers and platforms can choose the API or SDK integration for deeper control.

No-Code Mobile Wallet Event Pass Setup for Marketers

The no-code route is designed for event marketers who want to launch quickly without relying on engineering support.

1. Sign in to your Badge Workspace: Select an event pass template and customize it with your logo, brand colors, and attendee fields such as name, ticket type, or seat.

2. Enable a scannable code: Add a QR code or supported barcode for fast entry at the door.

3. Distribute with one click: Publish “Add to Apple Wallet” and “Add to Google Wallet” buttons on your event website or in confirmation emails. Both Apple and Google confirm passes can be added directly from web or email.

4. Go live: Attendees save passes to their phones and present them at check-in for scanning.

You avoid app builds and use distribution channels you already manage. It is the fastest way to turn an event marketing plan into a live mobile wallet pass.

API and SDK Integration for Mobile Wallet Event Technology

For teams that need full flexibility or want to embed wallet flows inside an event technology platform, Badge provides developer-friendly options.

• Badge API: Programmatically issue and update passes with attendee fields, barcodes, and real-time updates.

• Badge SDK: Embed a UI to create, manage, and track passes directly inside your own product.

Launch Mobile Wallet Event Passes in Under 30 Minutes With Badge

Total time: Under 30 minutes to launch mobile wallet event passes with Badge.

No special hardware or additional apps are required. And, QR code ticketing works with scanners you already use.

The Smarter Event Marketing Technology: Doing More With Less, Powered by Badge

Budgets are tighter. Teams are leaner. Attendee expectations are higher.

Mobile wallet event passes solve the gap. They cut check-in time, eliminate printing costs, deliver real-time updates, and keep audiences engaged through Apple Wallet event passes and Google Wallet event passes. For organizers, they also serve as one of the most effective event check-in solutions available today.

With Badge, you can launch branded event passes in minutes or integrate them into your platform at scale.

👉 Ready to make your events smarter and more efficient? Talk to us.

Badge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are mobile wallet event passes?

Mobile wallet event passes are digital event tickets that attendees can save to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on their phones. Once added, the pass lives in the native wallet app, making it always visible, instantly accessible, and scannable at check-in. Passes support QR codes, barcodes, and real-time updates, so event organizers can deliver reminders and schedule changes directly to the lock screen.

How do Apple Wallet and Google Wallet event passes improve event check-in?

Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes eliminate the need for printed tickets or event apps. Attendees simply show their digital pass at the door, where it can be scanned in seconds using QR code event ticketing or NFC. This reduces wait times, minimizes manual errors, and helps event teams run smoother check-ins with fewer staff.

Can mobile wallet passes replace printed tickets and event badges?

Yes. Wallet-based passes can replace paper tickets, printed badges, and physical schedules. Organizers save on printing, shipping, and materials, while attendees benefit from a pass that stays updated automatically. Any change in session details, speakers, or venue information syncs instantly, eliminating reprints and email follow-ups.

How do mobile wallet event passes increase attendee engagement?

Mobile wallet passes act as communication channels, not just tickets. Organizers can send push notifications to the lock screen to remind attendees about breakout sessions, sponsor activations, or keynotes. Passes can also include interactive features such as maps, links, gamification tools, or post-event surveys. This keeps audiences connected before, during, and after the event without requiring another app.

How do mobile wallet passes help reduce event costs?

By moving from physical tickets and badges to digital event tickets, organizers save significantly on printing, shipping, and staffing. Automated check-in systems powered by wallet passes reduce the number of staff needed at entrances. Real-time reporting also helps event teams track ROI more efficiently, cutting down on manual processes and spreadsheets.

How can I launch mobile wallet event passes with Badge?

With Badge, there are two ways to launch:

• No-code setup: Marketers can design and distribute branded passes in minutes using templates, QR codes, and “Add to Wallet” buttons.

• API and SDK integration: Developers can embed wallet functionality into existing event technology platforms with full control over fields, barcodes, and updates.

Either path allows you to launch Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes in under 30 minutes, without requiring new apps or special hardware.