Introducing SMS Messaging for Passport Events and Challenges

At Proxi, we’re always looking for ways to help you engage your community more effectively. Until now, our messaging tools focused on email. That worked well, but email inboxes can get crowded. Sometimes the fastest way to connect with people is right in their pocket.

That’s why we’re excited to launch SMS messaging for Passport Events and Challenges.

With SMS, you can now text your participants automatically when they take an action, or send broadcast updates to keep them engaged from start to finish. This feature makes it easier than ever to motivate participants, remind them of deadlines, and celebrate their progress.

What Is SMS Messaging in Proxi?

SMS messaging adds a new communication channel for Passport organizers. In addition to email, you can now send text messages directly to participants right from your Proxi dashboard.

Key highlights:

• Trigger-based automation: Messages can send automatically when someone registers, checks in, or earns an award.
• Group blasts: Send immediate or scheduled texts to all participants at once.
• Reliable delivery: All messages are powered by our Twilio integration.

It’s simple, fast, and designed to keep your participants engaged throughout the entire event.

Why Add SMS to Your Passport Event Toolkit?

SMS is about more than convenience — it’s about results. Here’s why it matters for Passport organizers:

• Higher Open Rates: Texts are read almost instantly, with average open rates around 98%.
• Instant Reminders: Perfect for nudging participants to check in at more locations.
• Personal Touch: Texts feel conversational and direct, helping participants feel connected.
• Maximized Participation: Combining email and SMS ensures you’re reaching everyone, no matter their communication preference.

Example: A downtown district running a Fall Passport Challenge can send an SMS:
“🍂 Don’t forget to check in at Joe’s Coffee this weekend to earn your Autumn Treat badge!”

That kind of quick reminder helps boost participation right when it matters most.

What You Can Do with SMS in Passport Events

SMS in Proxi isn’t just about sending texts — it’s about delivering the right message at the right moment. You now have two powerful ways to communicate with participants:

1. Trigger-Based Messages

These are automatic texts sent when a participant takes an action in your Passport Event.

• Upon Registration:
  “Welcome to the Downtown Passport Challenge! 🎉 Click here to see your first check-in spot: [link]”
• After a Check-In:
  “Nice work! You just checked in at Joe’s Coffee. Only 2 more stops until you unlock your reward!”
• When Earning an Award:
  “🏅 Congratulations! You’ve earned the Explorer Badge. Keep going to see what’s next!”

These messages keep participants motivated and engaged throughout the event — without you lifting a finger.

2. Messaging Blasts

Sometimes you need to reach everyone at once. With SMS, you can send immediate or scheduled blasts to all your participants.

• Kickoff Reminder:
  “The Fall Passport Challenge starts today! 🍂 Check in at any location this weekend to get started.”
• Mid-Event Motivation:
  “Halfway there! Don’t forget to explore new stops this week — prizes are waiting.”
• Wrap-Up Message:
  “Thanks for joining our Passport Challenge! 🙌 We loved seeing your check-ins around town. Stay tuned for future events!”

Blasts are perfect for rallying your participants, making announcements, and ensuring nobody misses key moments.

Best Practices for SMS in Passport Events

To get the most out of SMS, keep these quick tips in mind:

• Keep it short: Texts should be concise and to the point.
• Respect timing: Send messages during normal hours when participants are most active.
• Don’t over-send: A couple of texts per week is usually plenty to keep participants engaged without overwhelming them.

Where SMS Shines in Passport Challenges

SMS is especially powerful during key moments in your Passport Event:

• Registration: Send a welcome text with key details.
• Mid-event: Remind participants to visit more locations before time runs out.
• Award notifications: Celebrate when someone reaches a milestone or wins a prize.
• Final push: Send a last-day reminder to encourage final check-ins.

These touchpoints help maximize participation and keep your event top-of-mind.

Real-Time Engagement at Your Fingertips

Our mission at Proxi is to help you create events that are engaging, effective, and fun. With the launch of SMS messaging for Passport Events and Challenges, you now have another powerful tool to connect with participants — instantly and directly.

Ready to give it a try? SMS is available now in your Proxi dashboard.

👉 Schedule a demo with our team to see SMS in action and learn how it can supercharge your next Passport Challenge.

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