For nearly four decades, the Taste of Summer festival has been the heart and soul of Tasmania's culinary scene. Held on the picturesque waterfront of Nipaluna/Hobart, this event brings together the island's finest artisans, showcasing a rich tapestry of food, drink, music, and culture. With over 87,000 attendees, including many international visitors, the festival is a vibrant celebration of Tasmania's unique way of life.

Managing the Rush

Imagine the bustling energy of three bar service areas, each swarming with festival-goers eager to sample Tasmania's best brews and spirits. The sheer volume of transactions, especially during peak hours, posed a significant challenge. Organisers needed a solution to handle high transaction volumes, ensure seamless network connectivity, and streamline payment processing. The goal was clear: empower vendors to operate efficiently, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional service without being bogged down by technical hitches.

Abacus Go Steps In

Abacus Go answered the brief as a fully mobile point-of-sale (POS) system built to handle the fast-paced demands of the Taste of Summer festival. This elegant POS and Payments terminal offers ordering, payments, scanning, and printing—all in the palm of your hand. With full integration of Tyro for payment processing, vendors experienced seamless transactions and real-time sales tracking. The user-friendly interface meant that vendors quickly adapted to the new technology, supported by comprehensive training materials and hands-on assistance.

A Festival Transformed

Over eight days, Abacus Go revolutionised the point of sale at the Taste of Summer:

• 15,000 Transactions Processed Smoothly: Vendors managed sales with unprecedented efficiency, eliminating long queues and enhancing the customer experience.

• Real-Time Sales Insights: Vendors and organisers immediately saw sales patterns for the first time, aiding in better inventory management and financial planning.

• Enhanced Vendor Confidence: Vendors could focus on their craft—delivering top-notch service and products—without worrying about technology.

Looking Ahead

The success of Abacus Go at the Taste of Summer has set a new standard for event management in Tasmania. Organisers are committed to incorporating this technology in future festivals, recognising its role in simplifying operations and enhancing the overall experience for vendors and attendees. 

As Liven continues to innovate, Abacus Go stands as a testament to how technology can seamlessly integrate into cultural events, preserving the essence of the festival while propelling it into the future.

What’s Next?

In the fast-paced world of festivals and events, having a dependable, efficient, and user-friendly POS system is not just a convenience—it's a necessity. Abacus Go has proven to be that essential tool, ensuring that the Taste of Summer remains a highlight on Tasmania's event calendar for years to come.

Want to see how Abacus Go can make your next event run like clockwork? Let’s chat.