QR Codes for Events: Everything You Need to Know
Every business needs conferences, in-person events, exhibitions, or tradeshows as part of its outreach efforts today. However, even a 5-minute check-in counter delay decreases client satisfaction by 50%.
Event QR codes can speed up check-in and provide attendees with a hassle-free experience, eliminating delays. Participants get quick access to event details, easy calendar integration, expedited entry, and much more — all with a single tap.
Using QR codes as part of your event planning is a win-win for every party involved.
Explore how to create a QR code for an event, why it’s important, and the best ways to do it.
What is an event QR code?
Event QR codes are two-dimensional codes with event-specific information that smartphones or devices can read and facilitate event marketing. Whether it’s a business card, brochure, poster, or advertisement, attendees can simply scan the code to access the linked online content.
You can use event QR codes to provide event schedules, receive feedback, and enhance event activities. When scanned, an event QR code provides:
- Event details: Date, time, venue, and description
- Ticketing options: Direct links to purchase or reserve spots
- Digital calendar integration: One-tap event addition to personal calendars
- Organizer information: Contact details and background
How to create a QR code for your next event?
Take a look at the main steps to create a QR code for your event:
- Open a QR code generator
Sign in to Mobiqode’s QR code generator on your device through any browser.
2. Choose a data type
Mobiqode gives you multiple QR code options to choose from
- Link QR codes: Ideal for directing attendees to your event website or registration page. Copy and paste your event’s URL in the space under the website tab
- Text QR codes: Use this to include event details like date, time, and venue directly in the code. Enter your event details in the provided field
- Social media QR codes: Connect attendees to event-related social media profiles. Click the social media tab to paste your event’s profile URL
*You can choose any one that suits your event needs
3. Customize your QR code
You can customize your QR codes by modifying colors, adding your event logo, choosing different patterns, or including frames to align with your event’s branding.
4. Download and start sharing your QR code
Download your QR code in your preferred format (JPG, PNG, or SVG) and incorporate it into your event materials. Share your event QR code with your target audience – on brochures, prints, social media, or mail.
Note: Before finalizing, scan the QR code with your smartphone to ensure it leads to the intended content.
Where to place QR codes at events?
Your event QR codes can be placed in the following areas:
| Event stage | QR code placement | Purpose |
| Pre-event marketing | – Printed materials- Social media posts- Physical billboards- Email campaigns- Booths and displays | – Drive registrations- Provide event details- Link to ticket sales |
| On-site information | – Participant badges- Menus and maps- Schedules and brochures- Presentation slides | – Offer easy access to event information- Improve attendee experience- Provide real-time updates |
| Event check-in | – Attendee tickets- VIP passes and badges- Confirmation emails- Registration desks | – Ease entry process- Verify attendee information- Track attendance |
QR codes for events: Best use cases
Here’s a compilation of the best use cases of event QR codes.
QR codes for event registration
Event QR codes help user slash their time in half for registration and ticket purchases. Attendees can register and buy tickets in seconds by scanning a QR code for event registration. There is no more hassle of lengthy registration and ticketing procedures, filling out numerous forms, and manually entering credit card information.
QR codes for giveaways at events
QR codes for events make vendor booth information exchange much easier. You can attract customers by providing swag, contests, giveaways, and other goodies. To enter a contest or giveaway, attendees simply scan the QR code on their smartphone, verify the information, and submit.
This could also act as a lead magnet approach, where you can connect to your prospect with the available information for outreach.
QR codes for ticket booking
Ticket booking for plays, concerts, sports, trade exhibits, and other community events can have QR codes to simplify registration and check-in. This would also increase transparency by letting staff and patrons know whether a ticket is genuine versus fake.
QR codes for social meetups
Using vCard QR codes at networking events is an excellent method to make new connections with individuals. vCard QR codes offer more crucial information than a standard business card. You can design interactive networking cards with clickable icons for social media handles, portfolios, and contact details.
QR codes to receive event feedback
You can place QR codes all over your venue; guests navigate to a survey form when they scan it. Ask your attendees for feedback to learn about their overall event experience, what can be improved, and what they liked most.
The tables and the entrance door are perfect places to display your QR code. This increases survey response rates and helps you make informed decisions with valuable feedback.
QR codes for event marketing
Add a QR code to your brochures and ads. Potential buyers can find all your information with a brief scan, including product demos, portfolios, and price details, and even book a consultation.
You can also place QR codes across the marketing venue to improve the viewing experience. Prospects looking to buy your product might scan for more detailed information on the product specifications that interest them.
Benefits of using QR codes for events
Take a look at why you need event QR codes for your upcoming personal and business events.
Fix mistakes anytime, anywhere: Mistakes and typos are common. Choosing dynamic QR codes allows you to edit information (website URL, text, images, contact info, etc.) even after the QR code has been generated. Once your campaign has been created, printed, and launched, you can always go back and add new information as needed.
Share event photos: Events are no fun without shared memories. Use your QR code to give attendees a link to upload images throughout the event. Also, you can set up a live slideshow during the event and let visitors download high-res photographs to remember the day. Alternatively, you can set up photo booths where people can download pictures using your QR code.
Streamline check-ins: Eliminate manual tasks and paperwork linked with check-ins with QR codes. You can use QR codes to provide event information to guests, such as session schedules, speaker bios, and topics addressed, mainly to direct them to your sessions.
Track event attendance: QR codes automatically track event attendance and visitor information. You can simply monitor who scans your code, collect their email addresses by requesting them to sign up for your mailing list, and then use email to boost conversions and personalization.
Get a sustainable alternative: The QR code is an eco-friendly replacement for paper tickets since there is no paper, energy, or physical waste. It’s a well-suited, greener option that professionals look for. Also, customers scan them from their phones, making it a viable touch-free option.
Boost your engagement: QR codes can be used with creative engagements like linking to interactive event agendas, offering exclusive content access, or encouraging social media engagement with pre-filled posts and hashtags. This makes it easy for attendees to stay engaged, share experiences, and enjoy unique content, boosting overall event participation and enjoyment.
What are some best practices for using an event QR code?
QR codes are highly beneficial. However, poorly executed QR code strategies can lead to confusion and missed opportunities. Here are some key practices to ensure your QR codes improve your event experience.
Offer flawless readability
QR code readability directly impacts scan success rates. So you should:
- Generate high-resolution QR codes for clarity, especially for large-scale events
- Keep designs simple and avoid intricate patterns that may interfere with scanning
- Test QR codes with various devices and apps to ensure universal compatibility
- Perform regular error checks to confirm all codes link to the correct destinations
Place event QR codes strategically
The right event QR code placement increases its chances of usage. Consider:
- Place QR codes prominently on event tickets, name badges, and signage
- Include QR codes in confirmation emails and promotional materials
- Provide clear, concise instructions near each QR code to guide usage
- Consider using dynamic QR codes for flexibility in updating linked content
Prioritize data security
Data breaches lead to an average loss of $3.86 million and severely damage reputation. To implement secure event QR codes:
- Use encryption (e.g., TLS, SSL) for all data transmitted via QR codes
- Display clear privacy notices at registration points and on your event website
- Create and communicate accessible data protection policies
- Use QR code generators that are GDPR compliant
Optimize for mobile experience
Mobile-optimized event QR code destinations can increase engagement rates compared to non-optimized versions. So,
- Ensure all QR code destinations are fully mobile-optimized
- Test load times and usability across various mobile devices
- Use QR codes to facilitate easy social media follows and shares
Design for impact and functionality
Balance visual appeal with functionality to maximize QR code effectiveness.
Follow these actionable practices:
- Use contrasting colors between the QR code and its background
- Ensure QR codes are sized appropriately for their intended scanning distance
- Incorporate brand elements subtly without compromising scan reliability
- Add a clear call-to-action (CTA) near each QR code to encourage interaction
Use Mobiqode’s QR code generator to optimize your event marketing
Including QR codes for registration is the most convenient approach to planning and executing any event, be it an awards ceremony or a meet-up. Mobiqode’s QR code generator offers high-resolution, customizable codes that maintain clarity even at large scales with built-in security features.
Explore how our instant QR code generator simplifies your event marketing with our 14-day free trial.
