
ETHDenver is an annual event that brings together developers, builders, and other members of the Ethereum community to collaborate and build decentralized applications and features talks, workshops, and hackathons. (And it’s a ***huge*** event — this year’s ETHDenver attracted over 30,000 attendees from around the world.) 

The Unlock team was everywhere at ETHDenver 2023! Here are some of the highlights…

## Presentations and panels

### **Spruce did:day**

As part of the lightning talk series at Spruce’s Digital ID Day (did:day) event, Unlock’s Founder and CEO Julien Genestoux discussed the importance of memberships in Web3 as well as the capabilities that are enabled when those memberships are no longer “perpetual,” but instead are infused with a time component in the form of expiration dates.

![spruce-julien-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/spruce-julien-lg-min.png)

See [Julien’s presentation slides here](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JtySLhc-nXURbiDvOfhpEM2GJ6O6hH58iO_NcvZVVdU/edit#slide=id.p).

### ETHDenver Presentation: Creator Control — How Web3 is Leveling the Playing Field for Creators

In this talk, Unlock’s Head of Marketing Christopher Carfi discussed how NFTs are enabling creators to have true ownership of their communities. As technology gives creators the power to bring their communities with them in and outside of platforms, Chris explored how Web3 changes the power dynamic between platforms and creators.

![carfi-preso-1-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/carfi-preso-1-lg-min.png)

![carfi-preso-2-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/carfi-preso-2-lg-min.png)

See [Chris’s presentation slides here](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gbFN78a3dIn8v5iTcNNfh9Vq_D3tRKxCNBBTElYdwI8/edit#slide=id.p).

### **Sparx and Websh3 Panel: “Unlocking the Benefits of Blockchain in the Real World”**

Hosted by Sparx and Websh3, sponsored by Unlock, and hosted at the Salesforce Tower, the “Unlocking the Benefits of Blockchain in the Real World” panel got into specifics and tangible use cases of blockchains. 

![sparx-panel-setup-lg-min.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/sparx-panel-setup-lg-min.jpeg)

![sparx-panel-1-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/sparx-panel-1-lg-min.png)

![sparx-panel-2-lg-min.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/sparx-panel-2-lg-min.jpeg)

![salesforce1-lg-min.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/salesforce1-lg-min.jpeg)

## Unlock x Coinvise “Creator Cocktails” Happy Hour

On Wednesday night at ETHDenver, the Unlock team co-hosted over 150 registrants with our friends from Coinvise at the Rock Bottom Brewery to kick back and have some snacks, libations, and great conversations. 

The Locksmith community is absolute 🔥.

![unlock-party-group-lg-min.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/unlock-party-group-lg-min.jpeg)

![unlock-party-room-0-lg-min.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/unlock-party-room-0-lg-min.jpeg)

![unlock-party-room-2-lg-min.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/unlock-party-room-2-lg-min.jpeg)

![unlock-party-room-lg-min.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/unlock-party-room-lg-min.jpeg)

![unlock-party-filmstrip-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/unlock-party-filmstrip-min.png)

## Events and Ticketing

Speaking of events, events all across ETHDenver used Unlock Protocol for ticketing in 2023, including Metacartel, Websh3 x Techstars, Blu3DAO, Spruce’s DID:Day, Arbitrum, The Graph, JUMP, Proof of Vibes, and many, many others…

### **Websh3 x Sparx**

![sparx-banner-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/sparx-banner-lg-min.png)

### **SpruceID**

![spruce-julien-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/spruce-julien-lg-min%201.png)

![spruce-panel-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/spruce-panel-lg-min.png)

### **Techstars x BLU3DAO x Supermoon at the Denver Clock Tower**

![techstars-ticket-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/techstars-ticket-lg-min.png)

![clock-stairs-lg-min.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/clock-stairs-lg-min.jpeg)

![clock-face-lg-min.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/clock-face-lg-min.jpeg)

![clock-view-lg-min.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/clock-view-lg-min.jpeg)

(The Denver Clock Tower and its views are pretty amazing.)

### **Metacartel**

![meta-cartel-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/meta-cartel-lg-min.png)

### **JUMP Coffee Meetup**

![jump-min.jpg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/jump-min.jpg)

Photo: Zenboy420

### **Arbitrum** at the Shake Shack

![shake-shack-collage-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/shake-shack-collage-lg-min.png)

![arbitrum 1.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/arbitrum_1.jpeg)

![arbitrum 2.jpeg](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/arbitrum_2.jpeg)

(Arbitrum hosted hundreds of attendees at the Shake Shack on Saturday afternoon. It was delicious.)

### **Proof of Vibes**

![proof-of-vibes-lg-min.png](/images/blog/ethdenver2023/proof-of-vibes-lg-min.png)

So there you have it. ETHDenver 2023 was absolutely off the hook. Thanks to everyone we had a chance to connect with across Denver this week!


ETHDenver brings together developers, builders, and other members of the Ethereum community to collaborate and build decentralized applications and features talks, workshops, and hackathons. Here are some of the highlights…

ETHDenver 2023 — The Year Unlock Protocol was Everywhere

ETHDenver is an annual event that brings together developers, builders, and other members of the Ethereum community to collaborate and build decentralized applications and features talks, workshops, and hackathons. (And it’s a huge event — this year’s ETHDenver attracted over 30,000 attendees from around the world.)
The Unlock team was everywhere at ETHDenver 2023! Here are some of the highlights…
<h2>Presentations and panels</h2>
<h3>Spruce did:day</h3>
As part of the lightning talk series at Spruce’s Digital ID Day (did:day) event, Unlock’s Founder and CEO Julien Genestoux discussed the importance of memberships in Web3 as well as the capabilities that are enabled when those memberships are no longer “perpetual,” but instead are infused with a time component in the form of expiration dates.
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/spruce-julien-lg-min.png" alt="spruce-julien-lg-min.png">
See <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JtySLhc-nXURbiDvOfhpEM2GJ6O6hH58iO_NcvZVVdU/edit#slide=id.p">Julien’s presentation slides here</a>.
<h3>ETHDenver Presentation: Creator Control — How Web3 is Leveling the Playing Field for Creators</h3>
In this talk, Unlock’s Head of Marketing Christopher Carfi discussed how NFTs are enabling creators to have true ownership of their communities. As technology gives creators the power to bring their communities with them in and outside of platforms, Chris explored how Web3 changes the power dynamic between platforms and creators.
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/carfi-preso-1-lg-min.png" alt="carfi-preso-1-lg-min.png">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/carfi-preso-2-lg-min.png" alt="carfi-preso-2-lg-min.png">
See <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gbFN78a3dIn8v5iTcNNfh9Vq_D3tRKxCNBBTElYdwI8/edit#slide=id.p">Chris’s presentation slides here</a>.
<h3>Sparx and Websh3 Panel: “Unlocking the Benefits of Blockchain in the Real World”</h3>
Hosted by Sparx and Websh3, sponsored by Unlock, and hosted at the Salesforce Tower, the “Unlocking the Benefits of Blockchain in the Real World” panel got into specifics and tangible use cases of blockchains.
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/sparx-panel-setup-lg-min.jpeg" alt="sparx-panel-setup-lg-min.jpeg">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/sparx-panel-1-lg-min.png" alt="sparx-panel-1-lg-min.png">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/sparx-panel-2-lg-min.jpeg" alt="sparx-panel-2-lg-min.jpeg">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/salesforce1-lg-min.jpeg" alt="salesforce1-lg-min.jpeg">
<h2>Unlock x Coinvise “Creator Cocktails” Happy Hour</h2>
On Wednesday night at ETHDenver, the Unlock team co-hosted over 150 registrants with our friends from Coinvise at the Rock Bottom Brewery to kick back and have some snacks, libations, and great conversations.
The Locksmith community is absolute 🔥.
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/unlock-party-group-lg-min.jpeg" alt="unlock-party-group-lg-min.jpeg">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/unlock-party-room-0-lg-min.jpeg" alt="unlock-party-room-0-lg-min.jpeg">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/unlock-party-room-2-lg-min.jpeg" alt="unlock-party-room-2-lg-min.jpeg">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/unlock-party-room-lg-min.jpeg" alt="unlock-party-room-lg-min.jpeg">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/unlock-party-filmstrip-min.png" alt="unlock-party-filmstrip-min.png">
<h2>Events and Ticketing</h2>
Speaking of events, events all across ETHDenver used Unlock Protocol for ticketing in 2023, including Metacartel, Websh3 x Techstars, Blu3DAO, Spruce’s DID:Day, Arbitrum, The Graph, JUMP, Proof of Vibes, and many, many others…
<h3>Websh3 x Sparx</h3>
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/sparx-banner-lg-min.png" alt="sparx-banner-lg-min.png">
<h3>SpruceID</h3>
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/spruce-julien-lg-min%201.png" alt="spruce-julien-lg-min.png">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/spruce-panel-lg-min.png" alt="spruce-panel-lg-min.png">
<h3>Techstars x BLU3DAO x Supermoon at the Denver Clock Tower</h3>
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/techstars-ticket-lg-min.png" alt="techstars-ticket-lg-min.png">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/clock-stairs-lg-min.jpeg" alt="clock-stairs-lg-min.jpeg">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/clock-face-lg-min.jpeg" alt="clock-face-lg-min.jpeg">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/clock-view-lg-min.jpeg" alt="clock-view-lg-min.jpeg">
(The Denver Clock Tower and its views are pretty amazing.)
<h3>Metacartel</h3>
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/meta-cartel-lg-min.png" alt="meta-cartel-lg-min.png">
<h3>JUMP Coffee Meetup</h3>
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/jump-min.jpg" alt="jump-min.jpg">
Photo: Zenboy420
<h3>Arbitrum at the Shake Shack</h3>
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/shake-shack-collage-lg-min.png" alt="shake-shack-collage-lg-min.png">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/arbitrum_1.jpeg" alt="arbitrum 1.jpeg">
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/arbitrum_2.jpeg" alt="arbitrum 2.jpeg">
(Arbitrum hosted hundreds of attendees at the Shake Shack on Saturday afternoon. It was delicious.)
<h3>Proof of Vibes</h3>
<img src="/images/blog/ethdenver2023/proof-of-vibes-lg-min.png" alt="proof-of-vibes-lg-min.png">
So there you have it. ETHDenver 2023 was absolutely off the hook. Thanks to everyone we had a chance to connect with across Denver this week!


![Metadata Editor](/images/blog/support-for-uploading-images/image_upload.png)

We're excited to announce support for uploading images in the metadata editor. This will make it easier for you to build rich NFT collections by uploading images in advance before minting. If you want to learn more about how to use the metadata editor, check out our earlier [post](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/key-metadata-configurator).

For those who still want to host their image collection using services like Pinata, you can provide the image URL in the metadata editor.


You can now upload images for for your NFT collection in advance before minting.

You can now upload images for your NFT collection in advance before minting.

Uploading NFT images

<img src="/images/blog/support-for-uploading-images/image_upload.png" alt="Metadata Editor">
We're excited to announce support for uploading images in the metadata editor. This will make it easier for you to build rich NFT collections by uploading images in advance before minting. If you want to learn more about how to use the metadata editor, check out our earlier <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/key-metadata-configurator">post</a>.
For those who still want to host their image collection using services like Pinata, you can provide the image URL in the metadata editor.


A few days ago, we introduced [Events By Unlock](/blog/events-launch), the easiest way to create tickets as NFTs and host an events details page for web3 events!

Today, we’re introducing a new feature: the ability to download a Google or Apple pass on your device with our partner [EthPass](https://www.ethpass.xyz/)!

You can easily add the pass to your phone’s wallet through the Unlock Keychain by clicking on any of your NFTs, as long as they have been deployed on one of the supported networks.

![Google Pass NFT](/images/blog/apple-pass-google-pass/google-pass-keychain.png)

Alternatively, you can also add the pass right after you have minted your NFT ticket, on the final confirmation screen!

![Apple Pass NFT](/images/blog/apple-pass-google-pass/apple-pass-checkout.png)

Attendees can then easily show the pass from their mobile wallet to the organizers on site in order to access the venue!


Using EthPass you can now easily download passes for any membership NFT acquired through Unlock!

Apple and Google Wallet Passes with EthPass and Unlock Protocol

A few days ago, we introduced <a href="/blog/events-launch">Events By Unlock</a>, the easiest way to create tickets as NFTs and host an events details page for web3 events!
Today, we’re introducing a new feature: the ability to download a Google or Apple pass on your device with our partner <a href="https://www.ethpass.xyz/">EthPass</a>!
You can easily add the pass to your phone’s wallet through the Unlock Keychain by clicking on any of your NFTs, as long as they have been deployed on one of the supported networks.
<img src="/images/blog/apple-pass-google-pass/google-pass-keychain.png" alt="Google Pass NFT">
Alternatively, you can also add the pass right after you have minted your NFT ticket, on the final confirmation screen!
<img src="/images/blog/apple-pass-google-pass/apple-pass-checkout.png" alt="Apple Pass NFT">
Attendees can then easily show the pass from their mobile wallet to the organizers on site in order to access the venue!


![treasure hunt](/images/blog/treasure-hunt-share.png)

Are you ready to join our brave hero, Spork, on their mission to collect all the prizes at ETHDenver? Spork needs your help to accomplish their quest, and your reward will be a plethora of treasures waiting at each of the five stops on the Treasure Hunt! 

You'll help Spork traverse through the five different locations, each of which has its own unique challenge to overcome before being able to collect the prizes. This is no easy feat, but the rewards are worth it!

Along the way, Spork will meet new frens that will join them on their journey. These frens will provide guidance and support, sharing their knowledge and expertise so that Spork can complete the quests and claim their rewards. Are you up for the challenge? Ready to embark on this epic adventure? Join Spork today and become part of the ETHDenver Treasure Hunt!

**How to play**

- To start the Treasure Hunt, head to [https://ethdenver.unlock-protocol.com](https://ethdenver.unlock-protocol.com) and connect your wallet
- You’ll help Spork move through five quests
- At each quest, you’ll need a different secret password
- You’ll be able to find the passwords from various Discord servers or physical locations
- Once you have the password for that quest on the Treasure Hunt, you’ll use it to claim a free NFT on Polygon (there are five NFTs in all)
- After collecting all five NFTs, you’ll receive a prize at ETHDenver

Please don’t delay — Spork is counting on you! 

[Start the Treasure Hunt](https://ethdenver.unlock-protocol.com)


Are you ready to join our brave hero, Spork, on their mission to collect all the prizes at ETHDenver?

Join Spork's ETHDenver Treasure Hunt with Unlock!

<img src="/images/blog/treasure-hunt-share.png" alt="treasure hunt">
Are you ready to join our brave hero, Spork, on their mission to collect all the prizes at ETHDenver? Spork needs your help to accomplish their quest, and your reward will be a plethora of treasures waiting at each of the five stops on the Treasure Hunt!
You'll help Spork traverse through the five different locations, each of which has its own unique challenge to overcome before being able to collect the prizes. This is no easy feat, but the rewards are worth it!
Along the way, Spork will meet new frens that will join them on their journey. These frens will provide guidance and support, sharing their knowledge and expertise so that Spork can complete the quests and claim their rewards. Are you up for the challenge? Ready to embark on this epic adventure? Join Spork today and become part of the ETHDenver Treasure Hunt!
How to play
<ul>
<li>To start the Treasure Hunt, head to <a href="https://ethdenver.unlock-protocol.com">https://ethdenver.unlock-protocol.com</a> and connect your wallet</li>
<li>You’ll help Spork move through five quests</li>
<li>At each quest, you’ll need a different secret password</li>
<li>You’ll be able to find the passwords from various Discord servers or physical locations</li>
<li>Once you have the password for that quest on the Treasure Hunt, you’ll use it to claim a free NFT on Polygon (there are five NFTs in all)</li>
<li>After collecting all five NFTs, you’ll receive a prize at ETHDenver</li>
</ul>
Please don’t delay — Spork is counting on you!
<a href="https://ethdenver.unlock-protocol.com">Start the Treasure Hunt</a>


Events and projects around the world have created their ticketing and membership infrastructure using Unlock Protocol. 

Now, for events that want to get up and running rapidly, the Unlock Labs team has created a quickstart tool: **Events by Unlock**.

Events by Unlock is a free and easy way to create tickets and share an event details page for 10-10000+ person events. Setting up an event takes less than a minute, and it works for both free and paid events.

![events-share.png](/images/blog/events-by-unlock/events-share.png)

Using Unlock Protocol, event organizers have always been able to [create tickets for their events](https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/how-to-sell-nft-tickets-for-an-event/). After setting up ticketing, however, the next step is having a place where attendees can get their tickets! This new tool can help.

Events by Unlock was built by the Unlock Labs team using Unlock Protocol, and lets you set up your event on-chain in minutes. Fill in a few fields and deploy a smart contract for your event tickets with no code.

![event-configure.png](/images/blog/events-by-unlock/event-configure.png)

Then, once your contract is deployed, you can share your event landing page with the world!

![event-landing.png](/images/blog/events-by-unlock/event-landing.png)

You can check out **Events by Unlock** at [https://events.unlock-protocol.com](https://events.unlock-protocol.com)


Events by Unlock is a free and easy way to create tickets and share an event details page for 10-10000+ person events. Setting up an event takes less than a minute, and it works for both free and paid events.

Unlock Protocol Cordially Invites You to Events by Unlock

Events and projects around the world have created their ticketing and membership infrastructure using Unlock Protocol.
Now, for events that want to get up and running rapidly, the Unlock Labs team has created a quickstart tool: Events by Unlock.
Events by Unlock is a free and easy way to create tickets and share an event details page for 10-10000+ person events. Setting up an event takes less than a minute, and it works for both free and paid events.
<img src="/images/blog/events-by-unlock/events-share.png" alt="events-share.png">
Using Unlock Protocol, event organizers have always been able to <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/guides/how-to-sell-nft-tickets-for-an-event/">create tickets for their events</a>. After setting up ticketing, however, the next step is having a place where attendees can get their tickets! This new tool can help.
Events by Unlock was built by the Unlock Labs team using Unlock Protocol, and lets you set up your event on-chain in minutes. Fill in a few fields and deploy a smart contract for your event tickets with no code.
<img src="/images/blog/events-by-unlock/event-configure.png" alt="event-configure.png">
Then, once your contract is deployed, you can share your event landing page with the world!
<img src="/images/blog/events-by-unlock/event-landing.png" alt="event-landing.png">
You can check out Events by Unlock at <a href="https://events.unlock-protocol.com">https://events.unlock-protocol.com</a>


You can now generate, view, and print receipts for every transaction that uses Unlock Protocol! We’ve had a large number of requests for this feature, which helps ease account and reporting, especially for cases where an individual is purchasing a ticket, membership, or subscription as part of their business duties and needs to file an expense report.

Both sellers (aka “suppliers”) and purchasers (”buyers”) can edit their details to get all their details onto their receipts. Here are the details.

## For Suppliers

Suppliers can find the section to update their details inside the `Payments` section on the settings page of the Unlock Dashboard.

The editable details are the following:

- Supplier Name
- VAT
- Address details
- Service performed

![Receipt details](/images/blog/transaction-receipts/receipt-section.png)

Only the supplier (Lock Manager) can update these details. Otherwise, the form will be disabled. These details will be part of the receipts for any purchase made on the same

## For Purchaser

Purchasers can access the receipt details from the `Keychain` page. A new `Show receipts` option is on the actions list, which redirects to the receipt details page.

![For purchaser](/images/blog/transaction-receipts/for-purchaser.png)

## Receipts detail page

Only the buyer or the seller can see the receipt details page. Others will see an error.

![Not allowed](/images/blog/transaction-receipts/add-purchaser-details.png)

This page will show all the details about the receipts. When the purchaser views page, they can click the `Add details` button to include additional information about the purchase.

![Receipt details overview](/images/blog/transaction-receipts/receipt-details-1.png)

**Add purchaser details**

The purchaser can update the following details:

- Full name
- Business name
- Address, City, State, Zip, Country
- Service performed

![Add receipt details](/images/blog/transaction-receipts/add-purchaser-details.png)

That's all there is! The receipts with all the details are ready to print! Just click on `Print PDF` to get your receipt will all the details!

![Receipt details overview](/images/blog/transaction-receipts/receipt-details-2.png)

We are committed to continuing to add easier and friendlier ways to deploy and manage every single part of your membership. If you have any suggestions, please tell us in Discord!

**What if I find an issue or bug?**

Please open an issue on Github or tell us in Discord and we'll fix it ASAP.


View and print receipts to ease record-keeping and accounting.

Unlock Unveils NFT Transaction Receipts

You can now generate, view, and print receipts for every transaction that uses Unlock Protocol! We’ve had a large number of requests for this feature, which helps ease account and reporting, especially for cases where an individual is purchasing a ticket, membership, or subscription as part of their business duties and needs to file an expense report.
Both sellers (aka “suppliers”) and purchasers (”buyers”) can edit their details to get all their details onto their receipts. Here are the details.
<h2>For Suppliers</h2>
Suppliers can find the section to update their details inside the <code>Payments</code> section on the settings page of the Unlock Dashboard.
The editable details are the following:
<ul>
<li>Supplier Name</li>
<li>VAT</li>
<li>Address details</li>
<li>Service performed</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/blog/transaction-receipts/receipt-section.png" alt="Receipt details">
Only the supplier (Lock Manager) can update these details. Otherwise, the form will be disabled. These details will be part of the receipts for any purchase made on the same
<h2>For Purchaser</h2>
Purchasers can access the receipt details from the <code>Keychain</code> page. A new <code>Show receipts</code> option is on the actions list, which redirects to the receipt details page.
<img src="/images/blog/transaction-receipts/for-purchaser.png" alt="For purchaser">
<h2>Receipts detail page</h2>
Only the buyer or the seller can see the receipt details page. Others will see an error.
<img src="/images/blog/transaction-receipts/add-purchaser-details.png" alt="Not allowed">
This page will show all the details about the receipts. When the purchaser views page, they can click the <code>Add details</code> button to include additional information about the purchase.
<img src="/images/blog/transaction-receipts/receipt-details-1.png" alt="Receipt details overview">
Add purchaser details
The purchaser can update the following details:
<ul>
<li>Full name</li>
<li>Business name</li>
<li>Address, City, State, Zip, Country</li>
<li>Service performed</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/blog/transaction-receipts/add-purchaser-details.png" alt="Add receipt details">
That's all there is! The receipts with all the details are ready to print! Just click on <code>Print PDF</code> to get your receipt will all the details!
<img src="/images/blog/transaction-receipts/receipt-details-2.png" alt="Receipt details overview">
We are committed to continuing to add easier and friendlier ways to deploy and manage every single part of your membership. If you have any suggestions, please tell us in Discord!
What if I find an issue or bug?
Please open an issue on Github or tell us in Discord and we'll fix it ASAP.


It's true! Unlock Protocol had over **200,000** membership NFTs claimed during December from our Advent calendar activation. 

The key bits:

🚀 Over 200k NFTs claimed

🔶 Over 12k wallets

💜 Deployed on Polygon

🎲 Gamified experience

🚫 Gas-free mint ⛽️

Check out the details...more experiences like this coming soon...

![Advent infographic](/images/blog/advent-infographic/advent-infographic-v2a.png)

[PNG](/images/blog/advent-infographic/advent-infographic-v2a.png) [PDF](https://19942922.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/19942922/Advent%20Infographic%20v2.pdf)


The details on why over 200,000 membership NFTs were claimed during December from Unlock's Advent calendar activation.

200,000 NFTs Claimed in Unlock Protocol's Holiday Campaign

It's true! Unlock Protocol had over 200,000 membership NFTs claimed during December from our Advent calendar activation.
The key bits:
🚀 Over 200k NFTs claimed
🔶 Over 12k wallets
💜 Deployed on Polygon
🎲 Gamified experience
🚫 Gas-free mint ⛽️
Check out the details...more experiences like this coming soon...
<img src="/images/blog/advent-infographic/advent-infographic-v2a.png" alt="Advent infographic">
<a href="/images/blog/advent-infographic/advent-infographic-v2a.png">PNG</a> <a href="https://19942922.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/19942922/Advent%20Infographic%20v2.pdf">PDF</a>


We're excited to announce support for email recipients on airdrops and checkout! With this new feature, you no longer need a wallet address to airdrop or buy NFTs for someone else. Instead, you can _just use their email address_ to airdrop or send them an NFT. (If they want, they can transfer the NFT to their own wallet later while still being able to verify their ownership of the NFT using the QR code attached to email.)

To use email address as the recipient, you need to turn on "no wallet address?" option.
![Airdrops](/images/blog/email-recipient/airdrop.gif)

With this new feature, we aim to make the process of sending airdrops and buying NFTs more accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience or knowledge of cryptocurrency.

![Checkout](/images/blog/email-recipient/checkout.png)

### How does it work?

We are excited to introduce our new `KeyManager` contract, a game-changing contract that powers our email recipient approach in airdrops and checkout.

When a users enters a recipient’s email, we create a unique wallet address without a private key from it and drop the NFT to it while setting the manager of NFT to the KeyManager contract address. This gives the `KeyManager` contract rights to transfer the NFT on request.

A signed proof, in the form of a QR code, is generated and sent to the recipient's email. Recipients can verify their ownership of the NFT at events using this QR code, without transferring the NFT to their own wallet. Additionally, they can also transfer the NFT to their own wallet at any time by following the instructions and link to the transfer page in the email.

Recipients need to go to the transfer page and request a transfer code to their email. After entering the transfer code, they can transfer the NFT to their wallet. Transferring the NFT also transfers any associated data to the new owner.

![Transfer Page](/images/blog/email-recipient/transfer.png)

This new feature not only makes it easier for individuals who may not have been able to participate in airdrops before due to a lack of a wallet or technical know-how, but it also makes it easier for crypto-native users to quickly onboard their friends and family by buying a NFT to them.

At Unlock Protocol, we believe that this feature will greatly enhance the reach and accessibility of airdrops and we look forward to seeing the impact it has on the industry.


We're excited to announce support for email recipients on airdrops and checkout

Unlock Launches Support For Email Recipients on Airdrops and Checkout

Wallet-less airdrops!

We're excited to announce support for email recipients on airdrops and checkout! With this new feature, you no longer need a wallet address to airdrop or buy NFTs for someone else. Instead, you can just use their email address to airdrop or send them an NFT. (If they want, they can transfer the NFT to their own wallet later while still being able to verify their ownership of the NFT using the QR code attached to email.)
To use email address as the recipient, you need to turn on "no wallet address?" option.
<img src="/images/blog/email-recipient/airdrop.gif" alt="Airdrops">
With this new feature, we aim to make the process of sending airdrops and buying NFTs more accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience or knowledge of cryptocurrency.
<img src="/images/blog/email-recipient/checkout.png" alt="Checkout">
<h3>How does it work?</h3>
We are excited to introduce our new <code>KeyManager</code> contract, a game-changing contract that powers our email recipient approach in airdrops and checkout.
When a users enters a recipient’s email, we create a unique wallet address without a private key from it and drop the NFT to it while setting the manager of NFT to the KeyManager contract address. This gives the <code>KeyManager</code> contract rights to transfer the NFT on request.
A signed proof, in the form of a QR code, is generated and sent to the recipient's email. Recipients can verify their ownership of the NFT at events using this QR code, without transferring the NFT to their own wallet. Additionally, they can also transfer the NFT to their own wallet at any time by following the instructions and link to the transfer page in the email.
Recipients need to go to the transfer page and request a transfer code to their email. After entering the transfer code, they can transfer the NFT to their wallet. Transferring the NFT also transfers any associated data to the new owner.
<img src="/images/blog/email-recipient/transfer.png" alt="Transfer Page">
This new feature not only makes it easier for individuals who may not have been able to participate in airdrops before due to a lack of a wallet or technical know-how, but it also makes it easier for crypto-native users to quickly onboard their friends and family by buying a NFT to them.
At Unlock Protocol, we believe that this feature will greatly enhance the reach and accessibility of airdrops and we look forward to seeing the impact it has on the industry.


🐰 Happy Year of the Rabbit! You can now [open your Hongbao](https://red-packet.unlock-protocol.com/)!

Last week, we [launched a really fun experiment](https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/redpacket-rabbit) inspired by the traditional Chinese gift-giving practice to show appreciation or gratitude.

Today, I want to tell you more about how we built it! The code is [full open-source](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/red-packet-2023) and ready for you to inspect if you want to build similar experiments!

## Front-end

For the front-end, we used Next.js, which, as you probably know is a React-based application framework. We also use Tailwind for the CSS, as well as few common libraries. This is all written in Typescript.

We also used some custom hooks:

- [`useAuth`](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/red-packet-2023/blob/main/hooks/useAuth.tsx) which connects to Unlock's [Sign-In with Ethereum](https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/sign-in-with-ethereum/) endpoint. We used it to identify the users.
- [`useLock`](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/red-packet-2023/blob/main/hooks/useLock.tsx) which queries the RPC endpoint to check if an address owns a valid NFT from the Hongbao contract. We used it to check if a given user already owns an NFT.
- [`useMetadata`](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/red-packet-2023/blob/main/hooks/useMetadata.tsx) which queries the RPC endpoint to retrive the `tokenURI` of a given token. Since the metadata is in fact generated on-chain (more below), this yields it in the form of base64 encoded JSON.

Finally, we also added an API function. When thinking about this experiment, we wanted people to be able to send red packets to _anyone_, even if that person did not previously use the Polygon chain, so that means we needed a mechanism to "claim" the potential prizes in a gasless way because these recipients would otherwise need MATIC tokens to pay for the gas to claim from the red pockets.

```javascript
export default async function handler(
  req: NextApiRequest,
  res: NextApiResponse
) {
  if (!process.env.PRIVATE_KEY) {
    return res.status(500).json('Missing private key')
  }
  const provider = new ethers.providers.JsonRpcProvider(
    'https://rpc.unlock-protocol.com/137'
  )
  const signer = new ethers.Wallet(process.env.PRIVATE_KEY).connect(provider)
  const gasPrice: any = await provider.getGasPrice()
  const hook = new ethers.Contract(
    '0xc328ae7fc36f975be120aaa99f2d96c3e732e5b6', // Address of the RedPacket contract
    ABI, // ABI for the RedPacket contract
    signer
  )
  const { tokenId } = JSON.parse(req.body)
  const tx = await hook.claimPrize(tokenId, { gasPrice }) // call to claim the reward
  res.status(200).json({ hash: tx.hash })
}
```

We'll come back to it, but the function to withdraw can actually be called by anyone as it just sends the money in the envelope to its owner, so we just added a basic API call which can [call the claim function](https://github.com/unlock-protocol/red-packet-2023/blob/main/pages/api/claim.tsx) with a token id. We cover the gas for these calls.

## Smart Contracts

This part is really where the use of the Unlock Protocol shines. First of all, the NFT contract is obviously our `PublicLock`. You can inspect it [using a block explorer](https://polygonscan.com/address/0x01703c979220de3e7662ab90a696843225d31383). We set the price of its NFT to be 1 MATIC. However, we use another contract that we called `RedPacket.sol`. This contract [has also been verified](https://polygonscan.com/address/0xc328ae7fc36f975be120aaa99f2d96c3e732e5b6) and is used as hooks for 2 different functions inside of the PublicLock contract: `onKeyPurchaseHook` and `onTokenUriHook`. The first one is called when new NFTs are being purchased, and the latter when someone tries to retrieve the metadata for a given token.

The `RedPacket.sol` was initialized with a timestamp for the "reveal time", which was set to be midnight on January 22nd in Beijing, China. The purchase hook will prevent any new token from being minted _after_ the reveal.

Additionaly, on every purchase, the hook computes a "random" number. We know that pure randomless is really hard to compute on-chain. Here, we are computing a hash of the block's timestamp, token id and owner combined. This is sufficiently unguessable and hard to manipulate by miners. This random number is stored in the hook (to be used later), as well as used to "shuffle" an array of token by index, by inserting the newly minted token at a random location (this is a variation of the [Fisher-Yates shuffle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisher%E2%80%93Yates_shuffle)).

```javascript
function onKeyPurchase(
  uint256 tokenId, /* tokenId */
  address from, /* from */
  address, /* recipient */
  address, /* referrer */
  bytes calldata, /* data */
  uint256, /* minKeyPrice */
  uint256 /* pricePaid */
) external {
  if (block.timestamp > revealTime) {
    revert TOO_LATE();
  }
  if (msg.sender != lock) {
    revert NOT_AUTHORIZED();
  }
  // We compute an offset for the final tally
  offset = uint256(keccak256(abi.encodePacked(block.timestamp + tokenId, from))) % 8888888; // Sets the offset!
  // We "randomize" an array that can help us compute winners!
  uint randomIndex = offset % tokenId; // Selects a random index
  if(ranks[randomIndex] > 0) {
    // If we already have a value, swap it
    ranks[tokenId - 1] = ranks[randomIndex]; // Push existing to last
    ranks[randomIndex] = tokenId;
  } else {
    ranks[randomIndex] = tokenId;
  }
}
```

The `tokenURI` function renders the metadata as a base64-encoded JSON string. This means that the NFT metadata is dynamic and generated by the smart contract. Before the reveal time, the metadata points to the `teaser.svg` file, [stored on IPFS](ipfs://QmZ36mis8daTmXWeBcTjfHCSSeQMyWcJH8mNvyB6i8KAXb/teaser.svg).

After reveal, the contract will first determine if a given token has a prize! To do this, we offset the randomized array based on the random number stored on every transaction and get the rank for the given token. This allows the contract to randomize the winning packets in a non-sequential order in a consistent way _after_ the reveal! The metadata then points to the right svg file (also stored on IPFS), and includes information about whether indeed the given token has a prize.

Finally the `RedPacket.sol` contract also includes a `claimPrize` function which can be called once for each token and that withdraws the corresponding amount from the lock for any token!

## Conclusion

Unlock is a protocol for memberships that leverages NFTs. It is also an incredibly versatile NFT contract that lets anyone build fun and unique experiences that would not be possible to build _without_ blockchains in a trustless way! In December, the Unlock Labs team released an Avent Calendar, last week we shipped a Hongbao application... and we will do a lot more of these activations over the next few months! Please stay tuned!


Let's explore how the Unlock Labs team built a fun experiment by leveraging some of the core characteristics of the PublicLock NFT contract!

Using the public lock contract for fun and profit!

How-to do NFT Red Packets

🐰 Happy Year of the Rabbit! You can now <a href="https://red-packet.unlock-protocol.com/">open your Hongbao</a>!
Last week, we <a href="https://unlock-protocol.com/blog/redpacket-rabbit">launched a really fun experiment</a> inspired by the traditional Chinese gift-giving practice to show appreciation or gratitude.
Today, I want to tell you more about how we built it! The code is <a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/red-packet-2023">full open-source</a> and ready for you to inspect if you want to build similar experiments!
<h2>Front-end</h2>
For the front-end, we used Next.js, which, as you probably know is a React-based application framework. We also use Tailwind for the CSS, as well as few common libraries. This is all written in Typescript.
We also used some custom hooks:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/red-packet-2023/blob/main/hooks/useAuth.tsx"><code>useAuth</code></a> which connects to Unlock's <a href="https://docs.unlock-protocol.com/tools/sign-in-with-ethereum/">Sign-In with Ethereum</a> endpoint. We used it to identify the users.</li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/red-packet-2023/blob/main/hooks/useLock.tsx"><code>useLock</code></a> which queries the RPC endpoint to check if an address owns a valid NFT from the Hongbao contract. We used it to check if a given user already owns an NFT.</li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/red-packet-2023/blob/main/hooks/useMetadata.tsx"><code>useMetadata</code></a> which queries the RPC endpoint to retrive the <code>tokenURI</code> of a given token. Since the metadata is in fact generated on-chain (more below), this yields it in the form of base64 encoded JSON.</li>
</ul>
Finally, we also added an API function. When thinking about this experiment, we wanted people to be able to send red packets to anyone, even if that person did not previously use the Polygon chain, so that means we needed a mechanism to "claim" the potential prizes in a gasless way because these recipients would otherwise need MATIC tokens to pay for the gas to claim from the red pockets.
<pre><code class="language-javascript">export default async function handler(
 req: NextApiRequest,
 res: NextApiResponse
) {
 if (!process.env.PRIVATE_KEY) {
 return res.status(500).json('Missing private key')
 }
 const provider = new ethers.providers.JsonRpcProvider(
 'https://rpc.unlock-protocol.com/137'
 )
 const signer = new ethers.Wallet(process.env.PRIVATE_KEY).connect(provider)
 const gasPrice: any = await provider.getGasPrice()
 const hook = new ethers.Contract(
 '0xc328ae7fc36f975be120aaa99f2d96c3e732e5b6', // Address of the RedPacket contract
 ABI, // ABI for the RedPacket contract
 signer
 )
 const { tokenId } = JSON.parse(req.body)
 const tx = await hook.claimPrize(tokenId, { gasPrice }) // call to claim the reward
 res.status(200).json({ hash: tx.hash })
}
</code></pre>
We'll come back to it, but the function to withdraw can actually be called by anyone as it just sends the money in the envelope to its owner, so we just added a basic API call which can <a href="https://github.com/unlock-protocol/red-packet-2023/blob/main/pages/api/claim.tsx">call the claim function</a> with a token id. We cover the gas for these calls.
<h2>Smart Contracts</h2>
This part is really where the use of the Unlock Protocol shines. First of all, the NFT contract is obviously our <code>PublicLock</code>. You can inspect it <a href="https://polygonscan.com/address/0x01703c979220de3e7662ab90a696843225d31383">using a block explorer</a>. We set the price of its NFT to be 1 MATIC. However, we use another contract that we called <code>RedPacket.sol</code>. This contract <a href="https://polygonscan.com/address/0xc328ae7fc36f975be120aaa99f2d96c3e732e5b6">has also been verified</a> and is used as hooks for 2 different functions inside of the PublicLock contract: <code>onKeyPurchaseHook</code> and <code>onTokenUriHook</code>. The first one is called when new NFTs are being purchased, and the latter when someone tries to retrieve the metadata for a given token.
The <code>RedPacket.sol</code> was initialized with a timestamp for the "reveal time", which was set to be midnight on January 22nd in Beijing, China. The purchase hook will prevent any new token from being minted after the reveal.
Additionaly, on every purchase, the hook computes a "random" number. We know that pure randomless is really hard to compute on-chain. Here, we are computing a hash of the block's timestamp, token id and owner combined. This is sufficiently unguessable and hard to manipulate by miners. This random number is stored in the hook (to be used later), as well as used to "shuffle" an array of token by index, by inserting the newly minted token at a random location (this is a variation of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisher%E2%80%93Yates_shuffle">Fisher-Yates shuffle</a>).
<pre><code class="language-javascript">function onKeyPurchase(
 uint256 tokenId, /* tokenId */
 address from, /* from */
 address, /* recipient */
 address, /* referrer */
 bytes calldata, /* data */
 uint256, /* minKeyPrice */
 uint256 /* pricePaid */
) external {
 if (block.timestamp > revealTime) {
 revert TOO_LATE();
 }
 if (msg.sender != lock) {
 revert NOT_AUTHORIZED();
 }
 // We compute an offset for the final tally
 offset = uint256(keccak256(abi.encodePacked(block.timestamp + tokenId, from))) % 8888888; // Sets the offset!
 // We "randomize" an array that can help us compute winners!
 uint randomIndex = offset % tokenId; // Selects a random index
 if(ranks[randomIndex] > 0) {
 // If we already have a value, swap it
 ranks[tokenId - 1] = ranks[randomIndex]; // Push existing to last
 ranks[randomIndex] = tokenId;
 } else {
 ranks[randomIndex] = tokenId;
 }
}
</code></pre>
The <code>tokenURI</code> function renders the metadata as a base64-encoded JSON string. This means that the NFT metadata is dynamic and generated by the smart contract. Before the reveal time, the metadata points to the <code>teaser.svg</code> file, <a href="ipfs://QmZ36mis8daTmXWeBcTjfHCSSeQMyWcJH8mNvyB6i8KAXb/teaser.svg">stored on IPFS</a>.
After reveal, the contract will first determine if a given token has a prize! To do this, we offset the randomized array based on the random number stored on every transaction and get the rank for the given token. This allows the contract to randomize the winning packets in a non-sequential order in a consistent way after the reveal! The metadata then points to the right svg file (also stored on IPFS), and includes information about whether indeed the given token has a prize.
Finally the <code>RedPacket.sol</code> contract also includes a <code>claimPrize</code> function which can be called once for each token and that withdraws the corresponding amount from the lock for any token!
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Unlock is a protocol for memberships that leverages NFTs. It is also an incredibly versatile NFT contract that lets anyone build fun and unique experiences that would not be possible to build without blockchains in a trustless way! In December, the Unlock Labs team released an Avent Calendar, last week we shipped a Hongbao application... and we will do a lot more of these activations over the next few months! Please stay tuned!


![red packet](/images/blog/redpacket-rabbit/redpacket-rabbit.png)

The exchanging of [hongbao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_envelope) (also referred to as “red packet” or “red envelope”) is a traditional Chinese gift-giving practice that dates back centuries and is typically associated with holidays such as Chinese New Year and other special occasions. It is also [commonly used in business and professional settings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WeChat_red_envelope) to show appreciation or gratitude.

Hongbao is an important part of Chinese culture and is seen as a way to show respect and appreciation for another person. It is seen as a gesture of goodwill and generosity. It is also seen as a way to strengthen relationships and foster social harmony.

The monetary value of hongbao is typically small, and it is seen as a gesture, rather than an exchange of money. It is often accompanied by a written message or wish.

Our designer [Chiali](https://chialitsai.com/about/) brought up the idea of seeing if we’d be able to bring the gratitude of hongbao to web3, and the rest of the Unlock Protocol team leapt at her idea. 

Chiali’s design and results are delightful.

![red packet rarities](/images/blog/redpacket-rabbit/redpacket-all-rarities.png)

In addition to Chiali’s fantastic art, which stands on its own, some of the packets may have a little something special inside them as well to help cheer in the Year of the Rabbit. 🧧

We will open a mint window on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, and you can mint and send a gift of hongbao to someone you appreciate.

The five hongbao designs with differing rarity traits will be revealed to holders on Sunday, January 22, 2023 (Lunar New Year).

Mint price to send a gift of hongbao is 1 MATIC (right around a dollar at today’s rates) and takes place on the Polygon Network. While you can mint multiple times to send to multiple recipients, there is a maximum of one hongbao gift per wallet. 

**If you would like to gift a web3-powered red packet to someone this year, please visit: [https://red-packet.unlock-protocol.com](https://red-packet.unlock-protocol.com).**

*As always, if you have any questions, please let us know in the [Discord](https://discord.unlock-protocol.com).*


The exchanging of hongbao, also referred to as “red packet” or “red envelope,” is a traditional Chinese gift-giving practice to show appreciation or gratitude.

The Story Behind the Red Envelope

<img src="/images/blog/redpacket-rabbit/redpacket-rabbit.png" alt="red packet">
The exchanging of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_envelope">hongbao</a> (also referred to as “red packet” or “red envelope”) is a traditional Chinese gift-giving practice that dates back centuries and is typically associated with holidays such as Chinese New Year and other special occasions. It is also <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WeChat_red_envelope">commonly used in business and professional settings</a> to show appreciation or gratitude.
Hongbao is an important part of Chinese culture and is seen as a way to show respect and appreciation for another person. It is seen as a gesture of goodwill and generosity. It is also seen as a way to strengthen relationships and foster social harmony.
The monetary value of hongbao is typically small, and it is seen as a gesture, rather than an exchange of money. It is often accompanied by a written message or wish.
Our designer <a href="https://chialitsai.com/about/">Chiali</a> brought up the idea of seeing if we’d be able to bring the gratitude of hongbao to web3, and the rest of the Unlock Protocol team leapt at her idea.
Chiali’s design and results are delightful.
<img src="/images/blog/redpacket-rabbit/redpacket-all-rarities.png" alt="red packet rarities">
In addition to Chiali’s fantastic art, which stands on its own, some of the packets may have a little something special inside them as well to help cheer in the Year of the Rabbit. 🧧
We will open a mint window on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, and you can mint and send a gift of hongbao to someone you appreciate.
The five hongbao designs with differing rarity traits will be revealed to holders on Sunday, January 22, 2023 (Lunar New Year).
Mint price to send a gift of hongbao is 1 MATIC (right around a dollar at today’s rates) and takes place on the Polygon Network. While you can mint multiple times to send to multiple recipients, there is a maximum of one hongbao gift per wallet.
If you would like to gift a web3-powered red packet to someone this year, please visit: <a href="https://red-packet.unlock-protocol.com">https://red-packet.unlock-protocol.com</a>.
As always, if you have any questions, please let us know in the <a href="https://discord.unlock-protocol.com">Discord</a>.