QR codes have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. We scan them to look at restaurant menus, get discounts in retail stores, and access information quickly on the go. Their versatility of QR code generator and ease of use make QR codes a great addition to your next event.
In the event planning world, QR codes open new possibilities to engage attendees, gather data, simplify logistics, and create unique experiences. Whether you’re planning a conference, festival, wedding, or gathering, integrating QR codes can take your event to the next level.
Read on to discover the creative ways to use QR codes at your next events.
Provide Logistical Info and Updates
Events require communicating many logistical details to attendees, like schedules, maps, speaker bios, and more. Rather than printing all this info, create QR codes that link to online documents. QR codes save paper, ensure attendees have up-to-date info, and enable real-time updates.
For example, an event schedule often changes up to the last minute. If you’ve printed schedules for attendees, they won’t have the latest information. By linking your schedule to a QR code, you can update the online document and attendees will see the latest schedule.
You can also place QR codes on signs around the event venue linking to maps, speaker bios, exhibitor directories, and general FAQs. This puts important info right at attendees’ fingertips by just scanning a code. As details change during the event, you can update the online info on the fly.
Share Presentation Decks and Videos
Speakers go through extensive effort in creating their presentation decks. However, these are often only briefly displayed on screen during a talk. By linking the decks to a QR code in the presentation and on any promotional materials, attendees can revisit them later for reference.
For example, include a QR code on the back of your printed event agenda linking to all presentation decks. Attendees can scan this and access any materials they want to review in more detail. This allows attendees to go back and re-read slides without having to interrupt and ask speakers.
You can do the same with videos shown during the event. Share QR codes that allow attendees to access and rewatch event videos after the fact quickly. This amplifies your content and allows it to live past the event dates.
Collect Feedback and Surveys
Understanding attendee sentiment and gathering feedback is crucial for events. However, collecting paper surveys and input can be cumbersome. Instead, create QR codes that direct attendees to online feedback forms and surveys.
Place the QR code on printed surveys, signage, or in your presentation decks. Ask attendees to scan and share their thoughts at any point during the event or specific sessions. This allows you to collect feedback in a digital format for review later.
Online surveys also allow you to customize questions and response options rather than just open-ended feedback. You can ask about specific sessions, speakers, or logistical elements to pinpoint areas of improvement for next time.
Digital surveys enable fast quantified analysis compared to paper. And since results are digital, they can feed into future event marketing materials to attract attendees based on past positive feedback.
Share Social Media Content
Social media is a powerful event marketing tool before, during, and after. Enable attendees to easily access your event social profiles and posts by placing QR codes on signs and printed materials.
For example, include codes on table tents or banners that direct people to your event’s Instagram and Facebook pages. Attendees can follow the event story in real time by scanning the codes.
You can also create QR codes for specific social posts, like the event livestream link on YouTube or Facebook. Attendees can scan and share the stream with others who couldn’t make the event in person.
Finally, create a unique event hashtag and place it on all QR code signage. Attendees can quickly access the hashtag and join the social conversation. Tracking the event hashtag allows you to monitor real-time feedback as well as compile user-generated content after the event.
Launch Gamification and Contests
Make your event interactive and fun by launching scavenger hunts, trivia games, contests, and other gamification tactics with QR codes. You can create self-guided experiences for attendees by scanning codes placed around the venue.
For example, set up a scavenger hunt where attendees scan QR codes to find clues that lead them to the next code. At the end, they’re entered into a raffle prize drawing.
You can also use QR codes for event trivia. Place signage with trivia questions around the venue. Attendees scan the codes to take the interactive quiz. Top scorers can be displayed on leaderboards and win prizes.
Getting attendees to engage rather than just passively attend actively actively makes for a more memorable event. The right gamification builds excitement, drives participation, and boosts engagement.
Offer Sponsors Valuable Data
Sponsors invest heavily in events for brand-building. Beyond logos on banners, sponsors want to engage attendees and gather data. QR codes are a sponsor’s dream by providing lead generation opportunities.
Work with sponsors to create customized QR codes for their booths or materials. When attendees scan the code, it can direct them to the sponsor’s site, discounts, contests, or any other call-to-action. In exchange, sponsors can access the lead data of who scanned their code.
Data like attendee names, companies, titles, and emails are valuable for sponsors. It allows them to quantify event ROI and target follow-up marketing. Sponsors are willing to pay more for booths and sponsorships that include this lead generation component.
QR codes provide new ways to add value to sponsorships beyond static branding. This makes sponsors happy and can increase revenue for your event. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Offer Mobile Ticketing
Ticketing and check-in are major logistical undertakings for events. Large lines cause delays and frustration for attendees. Go mobile with QR code tickets to streamline the process.
Use a ticketing provider that offers mobile delivery of QR code tickets. Attendees can scan to enter rather than fumbling for paper tickets. Verification is quick, easy, and contactless for both parties.
For multi-day events, QR code tickets can be refreshed each morning simply by updating the code linked online. No need to reissue paper tickets every day. This allows a seamless experience for returning attendees.
Streamlining entry through mobile ticketing eases stress for planners and attendees alike. And quick verification speeds up check-ins so events can start on time.
Accept Cashless Payments
Cashless and contactless payments continue to grow in popularity post-pandemic. Avoid ticket and merchandise sales bottlenecks by accepting QR code payments.
Use a payment provider that allows payment collection via QR codes. When attendees purchase tickets or merch, have them scan a QR code that launches the payment portal.
QR payments are easy and familiar for attendees used to apps like Venmo or PayPal. For planners, it eliminates managing cash and lines for credit card readers.
Cashless transactions are faster, more secure, and require less staff management. Attendees can quickly pay and enjoy your event using their mobile wallet.
Share User Manuals and Warranties
Tech-heavy events like trade shows often include gadgets or electronics giveaways. While fun swag, paper manuals and warranty info often get tossed. Instead, embed that info into the product packaging as QR codes.
For example, a booth giving away portable chargers can include a QR code on the device or inside the packaging. This links to the digital manual so attendees always have handy access to product instructions.
Likewise, for warranty registration. Attendees won’t remember to mail in warranty cards for giveaways. Have them scan a QR code that digitally registers the product warranty immediately after receiving it.
QR codes simplify providing important product documentation. And it cuts down on paper waste from discarded manuals. Keeping gadget giveaways more sustainable.
Launch Augmented Reality Experiences
Augmented and virtual reality offer amazing potential for events. But large setups with VR headsets are cumbersome. QR codes present a simpler way to launch AR experiences accessible from any smartphone.
AR overlays digital elements onto the real environment. QR codes can trigger experiences like virtual objects, prompts, filters, and animations. For example, a museum could have attendees scan codes next to artworks to overlay interesting facts or even launch an AR tour.
At outdoor events, QR codes placed around the grounds can activate fun filters and effects. Attendees scan and point their phone camera for unique photo ops.
The opportunities are endless for imaginative AR enhancements at events or specific locations. QR codes remove friction by allowing instant access from the attendee’s own mobile device.
Summing Up the Opportunities
As you can see, QR codes provide abundant options to simplify, streamline, engage, inform, collect data, and create unique experiences. Often at no or very low added cost to implement.
The key to success is creatively integrating QR codes throughout the event journey. Provide valuable utilities via QR codes like schedules, presentations, and surveys. But also use fun interactions like social media sharing, games, AR, and payments to engage attendees.
With a mobile-centric mindset, you can leverage QR codes before, during, and after the event. Use them in promotional materials and emails before the event to build excitement. At the venue, place QR codes strategically around all points to inform and enhance experiences. Then, post-event, keep engagement going by linking recap content and surveys via QR code.
Today’s attendees expect a digital-first, mobile-friendly experience when attending events. By embracing the power and simplicity of QR codes, you can deliver innovative engagement to stand out.
FAQs
How do attendees scan QR codes at events?
Attendees just open the camera app on their smartphone and point it at the QR code. The phone automatically recognizes and scans the code, launching the linked content.
Can I track analytics for my event QR codes?
Yes, when you create QR codes, you can build in tracking parameters. Analytics provide visibility into how often codes get scanned, from what location, device types, etc.
How do I create dynamic QR codes that can change?
Choose a trusted QR code provider that offers dynamic codes. These allow you to update the underlying content without changing the code image itself.
What’s the maximum scan capacity for a single QR code?
It depends on the QR provider, but dynamic codes often support thousands of scans per month. Be sure to monitor your scan analytics and optimize code placements.
How can I brand my QR codes for events?
Most QR providers allow customization with your logo, brand colors, etc., so codes match your event aesthetic. Just be sure branding doesn’t distort the code image itself.
