Best Ways to Incorporate QR Codes into Your Events

In the last three years, you’ve probably seen or scanned a QR code at least once. QR codes are unique scannable squares that can lead to a web URL, a contact card, or even payment information for mobile transactions.

Before the pandemic, QR codes were described as “a frustrating symbol of over-engineering.” They were poorly used, seen as tacky gimmicks, and appealed mostly to tech folk.

Once it became necessary to rethink our social interactions, the QR code saw a new life. The appeal became obvious: They’re touch-free and easy to scan. QR codes became the default method for restaurant menus and mobile ordering.

It seems the US is catching up to what other countries already knew about the QR code. It’s been popular for payments in Asia for a decade. In China, in particular, more than 90 percent of mobile payments are made using QR codes.

Now with the mainstream adaptation of QR codes, lean into the convenience of QR codes and use them to your advantage for your next event.

Using QR codes for events

Event QR codes have excellent marketing and event potential. They can display event information, add a location, allow RSVPs, and even add the event to a calendar. Here are the five best ways to incorporate the ubiquitous QR code in your next event.

For tickets

Using a QR code for tickets is an obvious and simple win. You want to make it as easy as possible for your folks to attend and engage in your event. Rather than asking your attendees to navigate a registration and ticketing process with multiple forms and manual credit card input, users can instead register and buy tickets in a matter of seconds with a QR code.

Not only does a QR code make it easy for people who were planning to attend, but the ease of registration may also sway those who were “on the fence” in the right direction.

Plus, with your own ticket scanner on your phone (using Event Tickets Plus), you’ll feel like a real professional. You’ll bypass the need to lean on a third-party solution like Ticketmaster or Eventbrite to handle ticket scanning. 

For live “CTAs”

A “call to action” is the main language of marketing on the internet. This means, then, that a QR code is a “real-life” call to action to learn more about your product or brand.

Thanks to QR codes, holding onto marketing materials such as pamphlets or info sheets is unnecessary. When attendees scan codes, they can see product details, visit a dedicated FAQ page, or even receive a coupon.

This can be useful during product demos at events, where attendees can learn more while they’re interested and engaged. Instead of passing out a business card or flier and hoping interested attendees follow up after the event, you can compel them to act on the spot.

Send attendees more info

If there’s a schedule or lineup at your event, you can share this information with a QR code. Consider adding a QR code to a banner to have the itinerary sent to an attendee’s phone. (The same goes for menus, schedules of events, speaker bios, and more.)

With a QR code, you won’t have to push this information out via email if you don’t want to. Instead, you can create a single landing page and link it to the QR code. This drives traffic to your website, on top of sharing useful information.

Submitting information and raffle entries

In addition to quick check-ins, QR codes keep attendees engaged inside the event by adding a swag incentive. Gone are the days of writing out raffle tickets. Attendees can scan a QR code that leads to a form where they enter info for follow-up and submit their entry for a contest.

It’s not only a swag chance for the attendee, but you’ve instantly captured an incredible amount of data. This makes it easier and faster to initiate post-event marketing campaigns. You can connect with leads while your brand is still top of mind.

Hybrid events

Though the frequency of in-person events is increasing, it doesn’t mean everyone wants to be in a congested environment. Hybrid events are still very much a thing, and you should embrace the optionality they offer. Make hybrid events more engaging by using a QR code to connect a live and virtual audience.

For example, a QR code in a live setting can link to a Zoom or Google Meet room so that virtual attendees can get the feel of the in-person event. Virtual attendees will feel included all with a simple QR opt-in.

Use QR Codes With Event Tickets Plus

Our Event Tickets Plus app is the easiest and fastest way to use a QR code live at your event to check in attendees. Simply install and connect to your site using an API key and start scanning.

Learn more about the features of Event Tickets Plus and master your own marketing with unique and creative QR codes in your next event.