What is RFID?
SXSW uses Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) technology to authenticate our credentials, discourage counterfeiting, and track venue capacities. An RFID chip is embedded into each SXSW badge and wristband, which can be read by scanners placed in SXSW venues or used by SXSW staff or volunteers. SXSW scans credentials at most SXSW events at the time of entry, including at SXSW panels, and reserves the right to scan your badge at any time. If a company other than SXSW asks to scan your badge, don’t hesitate to ask them the purpose of the scan.
Information Collected Using RFID
The RFID chip in each badge and wristband does not carry any Personal Information (defined below), however, the RFID chip contains a unique ID code that is correlated by SXSW with your personal information, including, without limitation, your name, company, phone number, mailing address, and email address (“Personal Information”). SXSW may use and share Personal Information collected via this RFID technology to communicate with you about SXSW events, to improve the event, in special circumstances such as financial or physical threat to you, and when required by law. For example, with your consent, we may use your Personal Information to send out an email asking for feedback from attendees of a specific panel or event. While we work with third-party technology partners, we will not share your Personal Information with outside parties for commercial purposes not related to SXSW. For more information on our commitment to your privacy, please view SXSW’s Privacy Policy.
How does SXSW not use RFID?
When SXSW scans your badge at the entrance of a SXSW event, SXSW does not share that RFID information with third-parties for their marketing purposes. No third-parties may use the RFID information collected by SXSW for authentication purposes or to register attendance. SXSW does not track RFID tags after SXSW has ended.
Maintaining RFID Effectiveness
Each RFID chip is scanned before you receive it to ensure that it is in good working order. Do not bend or puncture your badge. Because of the RFID chip, the SXSW Badge can be the only laminate worn on your lanyard. Other laminates must be worn on a separate lanyard.
Please direct any comments or questions you may have to rfid@sxsw.com.
