Perth Royal Show deploys Megatix for digital safety and security solution

With its custom made, digital, ticketing and event management solution, Western Australian startup, Megatix is helping the Perth Royal Show return this year in a COVIDSafe way.

Visitors to the 2021 Royal Show will be the first in Australia to benefit from digital safety and security features unlike anything ever seen at agricultural and large-scale events across the country.

With COVID safety the main priority for the Royal Agricultural Society of WA, tickets, contact tracing, crowd control, and even the safe return of lost children, will be digitally managed by technology specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the Royal Show.

Royal Agriculture Society of WA Chief Executive, Peter Cooper commented “being able to put on a Royal Show while so much of our fellow Australians are under lockdown is a privilege that comes with a deep sense of responsibility. Our number one priority is to ensure the safety and security of the many West Australians who plan to visit from September 25th through to October 2nd.

“The technology provided by Megatix was able to solve many of our challenges, some of which we have never had to consider before. The fact that this kind of innovation was right here in WA and designed by local entrepreneurs was an added bonus.”

Roshan Odhavji, one of the founding partners of Megatix advises “the difference between Megatix and some of the more traditional ticketing companies is that our technology has the flexibility to be client driven. The Perth Royal Show is a perfect example of how customers come to us with a variety of unique demands and we develop the technology specifically matched to their needs. In addition, they get to fully own their customers, marketing, selling, and communicating directly through their own channels with our technology supporting in the background.”

Digital Ticketing and Safe WA Contact Tracing
This will be the first year that everyone entering the show, including visitors, staff and exhibitors, will be provided with a digital ticket with a unique barcode that stores contact details according to Safe WA regulations. This feature will ensure visitors are not held up at entrances as it removes the need to scan in separately using the Safe WA QR code.

Crowd Control
While WA is currently enjoying restriction free living at this time, the WA Department of Health has taken a cautious approach and provided certain rules to the Show, which is expecting up to 60,000 visitors a day. To ensure safe crowd control and adequate distancing, Megatix will implement a system of digital cameras set up at all entrances, exits and major zones around the show. The cameras have an inbuilt A.I. system that will detect everyone who enters and exits to ensure safe capacity limits are maintained.  This synchronises in real-time back to the Megatix dashboard and is cross referenced with ticketing data to give a complete overview of the patronage at the event and allow event organisers to maintain the safety of all patrons.

Child Safety
Child safety is always an issue that requires significant planning and resources. In previous years, parents have been able to fill in their contact details on stickers which are then attached to the child, however these were prone to falling off, leaving Show staff struggling to locate parents and carers of lost children. This year, parents can obtain a wrist band for their children with a barcode that syncs to the parent’s ticket, meaning they can be quickly and easily located should they become separated from their child.

Royal Show Mobile App
For the first time, combining cutting edge technology with the rich history of the Royal Show, Megatix has developed a mobile app to enhance the experience of patrons visiting the show this year. Eliminating the need for printed show guides, visitors will be able to download the Royal Show app which will contain a fully digitised version of the show guide with interactive maps, exhibits, show information and special offers. The ever-popular Showbag listing will also be featured in the app, as well as a digital wallet to store e-tickets. Customers will also be able to enter their preferences on what they would like to see at the show and receive customised notifications when their favourite activity is about to start, ensuring all children get to the community stage in time for Bluey!