In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Miloš Milić, CEO of Wafian, to delve into how his innovative blockchain ticketing solution is setting new standards in the live events industry. From combating ticket fraud to enhancing attendee experiences, Miloš shares his insights on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to reshape and secure the world of entertainment. Join us as we explore the future of live events through the visionary lens of one of the industry’s trailblazers.

1. Miloš, could you kick things off by telling us what sparked the idea for Wafian? Why Wafian, why now? 

Wafian came to life one morning over coffee in my home studio about four years ago. I’ve spent the better part of my life juggling two passions—organizing events and developing innovative software. It was this dual experience that opened my eyes to persistent issues in the live event industry, issues that I realized could be tackled effectively through the right software innovations. 

2. What’s the main problem this blockchain ticketing solution aims to solve in the live events industry? 

First and foremost, we want to put an end to the persistent ticket fraud that has plagued both organizers and attendees for decades. But beyond that immediate fix, our bigger vision is to use advanced technologies to help event organizers target their ideal audience and cultivate relationships that transcend mere transactional interactions. We’re about creating deeper, more meaningful connections within the live event experience using our blockchain ticketing solution. 

3. Why did you choose blockchain as the backbone for your ticketing system? How does blockchain really change things for live events? 

Blockchain is a phenomenal technology that solves problems beyond human capabilities, especially in areas where trust and data validity are crucial. Firstly, it eliminates the need for intermediaries in any exchange process, streamlining transactions and reducing unnecessary costs. Secondly, it ensures that everyone owns their data, guaranteeing that this data won’t be misused. These core values are what Wafian aims to introduce to the live events industry, transforming how we manage trust, transactions, and data privacy. 

4. How does Wafian help event organizers? 

Wafian gives event organizers total control over the ticketing process, from initial sales to potential resales, enabling multiple revenue streams from a single ticket. Our blockchain ticketing solution provides laser-sharp insights into audience behavior, allowing for more efficient strategies to ensure successful events. This means organizers can not only maximize their profits but also enhance the overall event experience by understanding and responding to their audience’s preferences and needs in real-time. 

5. What unique benefits do fans and attendees get with Wafian’s approach to ticketing? 

With Wafian, fans receive more than just a ticket—they gain a personal assistant. Our system understands their preferences, desires, and needs, ensuring not only a secure and smooth event entry but also enhancing their overall experience. This tailored approach means every attendee gets a personalized journey, making each event not just fun, but uniquely suited to them. 

6. Can you explain how Wafian benefits performers and artists at these events? 

Our blockchain ticketing solution empowers performers and artists to connect directly with their fans, turning mere attendees into a true community. This platform enables artists to foster relationships that extend beyond just performance and popularity. They can monetize their work directly, avoiding costly intermediaries and hidden fees, ensuring that they get the full value of their creative output. This direct connection not only boosts their earnings but also enhances their bond with fans, creating a more loyal and engaged audience. 

7. NFTs can be tricky. How do they play into Wafian’s ecosystem? How do they enhance the value of a ticket? 

While many associate NFTs with inexplicably expensive digital art that can lose value overnight, the technology is about much more than that. 
Think of an NFT as a digital fingerprint. NFT technology allows us to unequivocally validate that we are the rightful owners of the entry rights to an event. Moreover, NFTs are incredibly hard to fake or resell outside the Wafian platform or against the rules set by the event organizers. 
With NFTs, Wafian restores complete control to organizers, allowing them to profit from both the initial sale and any resale of tickets. For attendees, it ensures that their tickets are valid, unique, and that all data they generate using Wafian remains their own property. This integration of NFTs into our system elevates the value of a ticket from a simple entry pass to a secure and tradeable asset, enhancing both security and engagement for everyone involved. 

8. How does Wafian stand up against big ticketing companies? 

Wafian isn’t just another ticket sales platform. Unlike many of our competitors, we aim to create a comprehensive ecosystem that not only brings the right audience to the right event but also does the reverse. We’re set on creating a fair environment for performers, allowing them to connect more directly with their target audience and monetize their work without the interference of middlemen. Our blockchain ticketing solution is designed to be more than just a place to buy tickets—it’s a community that connects fans, performers, and event organizers in meaningful ways, reshaping the landscape of live events. This unique approach sets us apart from large ticketing giants, making Wafian a formidable player in the industry. 

9. What’s next on the horizon for Wafian? Any upcoming features or expansions we should look out for? 

Right now, we’re deep into developing our MVP, with a strong focus on refining our ticketing system. But that’s just the beginning. Next up, Wafian plans to tackle payment systems and KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures, and we’re also set to expand the parts of our platform dedicated to performers. This means not only making ticketing smoother but also ensuring every transaction and interaction on our platform is secure and tailored to enhance the live event experience. Keep an eye out, because we’re just getting warmed up and the future holds even more innovative features that will continue to revolutionize the way events are experienced. 

10. What has been your biggest challenge and triumph as the CEO of Wafian? 

Every startup faces the challenge of just getting off the ground. Is your idea viable? How will you fund it? Who will be on your team? These are just some of the many questions and dilemmas. 
Wafian is still in its early stages, but it’s affirming that institutions like the Innovation Fund of the Republic of Serbia and the EU have recognized and supported our idea with a development grant of 120,000 euros. Furthermore, we’re in talks with several prominent sports institutions worldwide about potential partnerships. This is a significant milestone for us. 
Personally, the thing that makes me proudest is the team we’ve assembled at Wafian. It’s a group of incredible individuals who make the journey not just productive, but enjoyable. Together, we’re not just building a platform; we’re aiming to redefine the experience of live events globally. 

11. What are some challenges Wafian faces in revolutionizing the event industry? 

It’s no secret that the event industry is dominated by big players. The real challenge for us at Wafian is maintaining focus on the unique benefits we offer to our users. It’s crucial to emphasize that the event industry is in dire need of innovation and technological advancement. We are here to bring that wave of change, ensuring that our blockchain ticketing solution not only competes with the giants but also provides a fresh, more efficient, and more engaging alternative. This isn’t just about changing how things are done; it’s about improving the entire ecosystem for organizers, performers, and attendees alike. 

12. What advice would you give to someone looking to innovate in the tech or event space? 

Ask me again in a year! 😄 But to start, here’s the real deal: believe in your ideas fiercely. Find people who share your passion and belief in those ideas. Innovation isn’t just about having groundbreaking technology or a disruptive concept; it’s also about building a team that’s as committed and passionate as you are. Surround yourself with individuals who are not only believers but are also willing to challenge, push, and journey with you through the ups and downs. Remember, the right team can turn even the most ambitious visions into reality. 

13. Looking forward, how do you see your blockchain ticketing solution evolving to further benefit the live events industry?

Wafian is set to revolutionize the economy of live events by ensuring that it truly benefits those at its heart—the attendees, organizers, and performers. We’re not just tweaking the system; we’re overhauling it to ensure that the right people get to the right events. By leveraging cutting-edge technology like blockchain and NFTs, we’re making events more accessible, secure, and enjoyable. Our aim is to create a fair and transparent ecosystem where genuine fans can connect with the events and artists they love, without the interference of predatory practices. This shift is about building a community-focused environment where every stakeholder in the live event scene thrives. 

About Miloš

Miloš Milić wears multiple CEO hats: at Spawn Solutions and Wafian, where pushing the boundaries of Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 tech is just the start of the workday. He’s the go-to guy for turning bold ideas into digital reality. Whether it’s blockchain, NFTs, or the next big tech revolution, Miloš shakes up the norm and steers businesses toward a cutting-edge future. His mantra? Innovate, disrupt, and lead the charge in transforming traditional business landscapes.