19 mrt 2026
Which payment solution suits your event? Take the quiz!
At events, there are multiple ways for visitors to pay for their purchases. The three most commonly used cashless payment methods are: closed loop, open loop, and hybrid systems. The most suitable option varies per event and depends on factors such as the type of event, its duration, and the visitor profile.​
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In this quiz, five different event scenarios are presented. Read each situation carefully and determine which payment method fits best: closed loop, open loop, or hybrid. After each question, the correct answer is provided, along with a short explanation.
Merel van Loozenoord
Logistics Manager
But first: what do these payment methods actually mean?
In a closed loop system, visitors pay using a payment method specifically issued for the event, such as a personal wristband or a cash card with credit that can be topped up before or during the event. This system operates within a closed ecosystem and can be linked to additional functionalities, such as access control or VIP zones.
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In an open loop system, visitors use their own payment methods, such as a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet. This means there is no need to create an account or preload credit.
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A hybrid system combines both options, allowing visitors to choose whether to pay with a wristband or cash card, or with their own payment method.
Situation 1: Student Introduction Week
At the start of the academic year, a four-day introduction period is organized for new students. During the day, activities such as workshops, sports tournaments, and city tours take place. In the evenings, large-scale parties are held at various locations.
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Students are required to register in advance and sign up for activities, allowing organizers to control access. Additionally, organizers want insight into visitor flows per location and spending on food and drinks. Communication about the program and any updates is handled through an app.
What fits best for the introduction week?
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Closed loop
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Open loop
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Hybrid
Closed loop
Show me the answer
Why?
Since the same group of visitors attends for multiple days, a closed loop environment is the most suitable choice. Because the payment method is linked to an individual, it can easily be integrated with registration, ticketing, and access control. This allows the organization to accurately track which students have access to specific activities and where crowds are forming.
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Additionally, integration with other systems creates a more efficient process: payments, access, and program information can all be managed within one system. For students, this means they can pay, access locations, and follow activities within a single environment, without needing to manage multiple tickets or think about payment methods. For the organization, this provides valuable insights into visitor flows and spending, enabling better monitoring and optimization of the event.
Situation 2: Weekend Food Truck Festival
A food truck festival takes place in a city park over the weekend. Entry is free, and visitors can come and go throughout the day. Many stay for a few hours to try different dishes. In addition to regular visitors, there are sponsor guests with a VIP arrangement. They receive a prepaid credit to spend on food and drinks.
What fits best for the food festival?
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Closed loop
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Open loop
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Hybrid
Hybrid payment
Show me the answer
Why?
Most visitors will prefer to pay easily using their own payment method, such as a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet, making open loop an obvious choice. However, for sponsor guests, a closed system with a prepaid cash card is more practical. Therefore, combining both systems in a hybrid setup is the best solution.
Situation 3: Multi-day Music Festival
A three-day music festival takes place on a large outdoor site with multiple stages, food courts, merchandise stands, and a campsite. Visitors purchase tickets in advance and often stay the entire weekend. Many festivalgoers want to quickly grab drinks between performances, which can lead to long queues at bars.
​The organization wants to minimize waiting times and gain insights into sales per bar and per product. There are also VIP zones and backstage areas with restricted access.
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What fits best for the festival?
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Closed loop
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Open loop
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Hybrid
Closed loop payment
Show me the an
Why?
At a multi-day festival with many transactions in a short time, a closed loop system is usually the best solution. Visitors pay using a personal wristband that can be topped up in advance or on-site. This speeds up transactions compared to using personal bank cards.
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The same wristband can also be linked to access rights for VIP zones, backstage areas, or the campsite. For the organization, this provides valuable insights into spending, peak moments, and visitor flows, allowing for better stock management and event control.
Situation 4: Saturday Morning Market
Every Saturday morning, the village square turns into a market filled with stalls selling fresh local products such as bread, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and cheese. Visitors typically stop by briefly to do their weekly shopping. The market is open until noon, which can lead to peak crowds.
What fits best for the market?
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Closed loop
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Open loop
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Hybrid
Open loop pay
Show me the answer
Why
Visitors want to pay quickly and easily using their own payment method, such as a debit card or phone. Since they are only present briefly and do not need to preload credit, transactions can be processed quickly and queues remain shorter.
Situation 5: Student Association Anniversary (Lustrum)
A student association celebrates its 100th anniversary with a two-week lustrum. During this period, various activities take place, such as themed parties and sports tournaments. Members are expected to attend throughout the period. On certain days, external visitors—such as family, alumni, and guests—are also welcome, but only on specific days.
What fits best for the lustrum?
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Closed loop
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Open loop
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Hybrid
Hybrid payment
Show me the answer
Why?
A large trade show takes place over two days in a convention center. Visitors walk past various stands, speak with representatives, and gather information about products and services. Exhibitors want to easily capture contact details of interested visitors. Visitors also purchase food and drinks at multiple locations and prefer to keep their hands free while walking around.
Situation 6: Two-day Trade Show
A large trade show takes place over two days in a convention center. Visitors walk past various stands, speak with representatives, and gather information about products and services. Exhibitors want to easily capture contact details of interested visitors. Visitors also purchase food and drinks at multiple locations and prefer to keep their hands free while walking around.
What fits best for the trade show?
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Closed loop
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Open loop
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Hybride
Closed loop payment
Show me the answer
Why?
With a closed loop system, exhibitors and visitors can register in advance, making information exchange very efficient. Visitors can also sign up for talks or one-on-one meetings via an app, with the app and pass serving as access credentials. The same personalized pass can be used to pay for food and drinks, making the process more efficient for visitors, exhibitors, and organizers.
Conclusion
The best choice for an event always depends on factors such as duration, visitor type, and integration with other systems. That’s why it’s important to determine per event which payment solution—closed loop, open loop, or hybrid—fits best.
