It doesn't matter what type of business you're running or even the industry in which you're operating, conferences, trade shows, exhibitions, and other types of in-person events are likely some of your biggest (and most successful) marketing and outreach activities each year. Until, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic swept its way across the globe, making in-person events all but impossible for nearly two years.
According to one recent study, there has been a 2x increase in the number of hybrid and in-person events in the three month period of May - July, 2022 versus February - April, 2022. While things are definitely looking up, this doesn't mean we should just forget the lessons we’ve learned, particularly when it comes to technology.
Case in point: QR codes. Short for "quick response code," a QR code is a special type of 2D barcode that is used to offer people effortless access to online information through smartphones, tablets, and other types of mobile devices. They also happen to be one of the most powerful engagement tools available for your next in-person event for a wide range of reasons, all of which are worth exploring.
1. Using QR Codes for Registration and Tickets
One running theme throughout the various reasons you should use QR codes for your next in-person event is that they create more convenient experiences for your target audience. You want to make it as easy as possible for your event attendees to attend and engage in your event, and a good place to start is by learning how to generate event tickets with QR codes.
Rather than asking your attendees to navigate a complicated registration and ticketing process that includes multiple forms and manual credit card information input, users can instead register and purchase tickets in a matter of seconds by simply scanning a QR code. And with the right platform for your hybrid or virtual event, you can even allow your attendees to pay using options such as Apple Pay or Samsung Pay.
Not only does a QR code make it easy for people who were planning to attend your event to register, the ease of registration may also sway those who were “on the fence” about attendance in the right direction.
2. Using QR Codes for Communication Prior to the Event
During the COVID pandemic, one of the benefits of holding events exclusively in a virtual venue was the ease with which you could communicate with attendees. Because everyone was using the same technology, getting important pre-event and in-event messages to attendees was straightforward. Now, thanks to QR codes, you have the chance to communicate as seamlessly in the in-person event world, too.
With a QR code, you don't necessarily have to push a message out to everyone all at once via email, although the option is certainly still available to you. Instead, you can create a single landing page and link it to a QR code. You can then drive traffic to the landing page through any number of means - text message alerts and in-event signage, for example. When attendees scan the code, they'll see the latest event updates and can plan their agendas accordingly.
3. Using QR Codes to Enable Contactless Check-Ins
Just because the number and frequency of in-person events is increasing doesn't necessarily mean everyone is completely comfortable in congested environments. There are still those who prefer to take precautions such as masks, hand sanitizer, and “elbow bump” greetings, which presents another use case for QR codes at your next in-person event: contactless check-ins.
Most of us are familiar with the long lines at event check-in desks, usually caused by paperwork the attendee must complete before gaining entrance to the event venue. With a QR code, however, your attendees don't have to touch anything at all - they don't even have to wait in line. Just scan the QR code by the check-in area with a phone, confirm the information, and the attendee can begin to enjoy your event - in a fraction of the time it used to take. (By the way, this is also great for creating more sustainable events, as it requires far less paper than traditional check-in processes.)
4. Using QR Codes for Product Information
At events such as trade shows, vendors usually demonstrate their current and upcoming products and services to attendees. For years, these demonstrations have also been accompanied by reams of documentation - data sheets, technical specification outlines, etc.
Thanks to QR codes, however, this collateral is unnecessary. If a vendor is exhibiting at an in-person event and demonstrating three different products, the vendor can create three unique QR codes. When attendees scan the codes, they can see product details, visit a dedicated FAQ page, and more. QR codes make it easier (and less expensive) for vendors to attend the in-person event, and attendees don't have to carry huge stacks of paper with them throughout the event. It's a win-win for everyone involved.
5. Using QR Codes for Contests and Prize Giveaways
People love event swag - they always have; they always will. And one of the ways vendors attract attention to their booth is to offer swag, raffles, giveaways, and other types of prizes.
In the past, attendees would have to visit a booth and either complete an entry form or give the booth staff a business card to participate in a contest or giveaway. It wasn't necessarily difficult, but it wasn’t efficient either.
Thanks to QR codes, however, the information exchange at a vendor booth is exponentially easier. Attendees can just use their smartphone to scan the QR code, verify the information on their screen, and submit their entry for a contest. And not only that, but the vendor instantly captures an incredible amount of information, such as the attendee’s name, email address, phone number, title, company, and more.
Because this information is collected digitally via virtual event products, it's also far easier (and faster) to initiate post-event marketing campaigns. There’s no need to wait on any manual list imports or data entry, vendors can connect with leads while their brand is still top of mind.
6. Using QR Codes for Surveys after the Event
Speaking of data collection, another one of the major benefits of event QR codes is the ease with which you can conduct surveys during - and especially after - an event has taken place.
Do you want to know which presentations resonated and, more importantly, which ones didn't? Do you want to receive attendee feedback so that you can address any common issues? Do you want to gauge future interest and see how many people are planning on attending next year?
You can discover all this information and more by providing your attendees with a QR code that links to a survey. Added bonus: people are far more likely to complete your survey because it’s convenient to access. They can simply scan the code and complete the survey on their phone in seconds.
Embrace the Versatility of QR Codes
People want to engage with the businesses and brands they love, and they're increasingly turning to modern technology in order to do it. By bridging the digital world and the physical one through technologies like event QR codes, you can create a better customer experience in any event format, including hybrid events and in-person gatherings.
At 6Connex, we're proud of the reputation we've earned over the years as one of the leading providers of not only in-person but also hybrid and virtual event solutions for global enterprises. More than anything, we value the opportunity to help you transform major event ideas into tangible, real-world results - all while exceeding your expectations.
If you'd like to learn more about the various ways you can use event QR codes at your next in-person event or about our event technology platform and its event tech integrations, don't delay. Contact 6Connex today or request a virtual event platform demo.
