You can double tap the lock button to open your wallet with all your passes. Also it automatically raises the brightness for QR passes to make it easier for readers.

You could do the same thing with shortcuts I guess but using the first class feature is nice.

Apple wallet proactively shows your event pass when it's time. Much better than trying to find the photo from your camera roll

It does, but then it's buried in your photos instead of on the home screen.