# Proof of Attendance Protocol By [Ruslan](https://paragraph.com/@usuf777) ยท 2023-03-17 --- **What is Proof of Attendance Protocol?** **P.O.A.P.** is the platform and infrastructure that enables the creation and storage of memories by POAP issuers and POAP collectors. This is a set of smart contracts which, for practical reasons, is currently governed by POAP Inc. POAPs, the _collectibles_, are NFTs minted under the Proof of Attendance Protocol smart contract. Each POAP is a digital record held by collectors as digital _proof_ that they attended, or participated in, a physical, virtual, or spiritual event; the POAP can double as a token qualifying its collector for potential future utility. **Why is POAP used in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry?** POAPs are a gift from issuers to collectors that acknowledge the non-material (and, yet, invaluable) contributions that members of a community contribute to the collective health of the social organism in the form of time, energy, attention, participation, goodwill, talent, and other forms of prosocial activity. **For what purposes can POAP be used?** **Collectible -** Such as an attendee to a wedding receiving _a_ POAP to commemorate the event, which has significant emotional value to the holder. **Recognition -** Such as an academic institution issuing _a_ POAP to graduates of a school program. **Reward -** Such as a musician who rewards the attendees of a live performance with a POAP that can later be used to provide access to exclusive content or merch. I am the owner of a POAP from several crypto projects and for me this is a definite confirmation of my activity. It is important for me to understand that my actions as a member of the community are noticeable to the project and the project appreciates my contribution. **What is new in the direction of POAP?** POAP Paint Parties! This is an opportunity to touch the creation and distribution of POAP. **POAP.art** is a POAP marketplace - an experiment at the intersection of art and tech. Go to \*[app.poap.art](https://app.poap.art) \*and become a part of an exciting community! --- *Originally published on [Ruslan](https://paragraph.com/@usuf777/proof-of-attendance-protocol)*