The rise of QR code, the nifty quick-response codes, is matching the popularity of barcodes. In our smartphone-driven world, these small, black-and-white pixelated boxes increasingly find their way into magazines, brochures, restaurant menus, and events.
Traditional event tickets typically provide essential details like the event date, venue, partners, and a unique serial number for the ticket holder. However, they are static and lack interactivity.
Enter QR codes, the ultimate ticketing tool, enabling the storage and easy access of information through a simple scan. By incorporating QR codes into events, brands and attendees can enjoy an effortless, imaginative, and interactive experience.
Moreover, brands can enhance customer engagement by customizing QR codes with their branding and logo.
Digital QR codes rely on two key components of technology:
- The device’s camera doubles as a scanner for reading QR codes.
- An app can extract usable information from the captured image by deciphering the code.
For event organizers, QR codes offer many practical applications, from promotional campaigns and ticketing to event signage. In this round-up, we share some insightful tips on crafting your QR codes for your events.
What Is An Event QR Code?
An event QR Code is a specially designed QR Code that simplifies event marketing and planning. It serves as a versatile tool for both print and online platforms, making it convenient to share event information with attendees.
By utilizing event QR Codes, you can incorporate various features and functionalities to enhance the event experience. For instance, you can include location details within the QR Code to ensure attendees can easily access the event’s venue information.
Additionally, event QR Codes enable you to display comprehensive event details, such as the schedule, speakers, and any additional information you want to share.Event QR Codes can facilitate RSVPs to the event.
Attendees can scan the QR Code and access a registration page or form to submit their RSVP. With a simple scan, attendees can automatically create an event reminder or save the event date in their preferred calendar application.
Benefits of Using QR Code For Events
Incorporating QR Codes on event tickets brings numerous advantages for event organizers and attendees. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Faster Check-in Process
QR Codes on tickets streamline the check-in process, significantly reducing waiting times. With a quick scan, attendees can be checked in promptly, enhancing the efficiency of the entry process.
QR Codes can also grant access to VIP-only areas, contributing to improved security by serving as unique and scannable security tokens.
2. Easy Seat Location
QR Codes on event tickets can lead attendees to a URL providing directions to their designated seats. This eliminates confusion and helps attendees find their seats without difficulty.
A QR Code-enabled map can even include points of interest where event coordinators are stationed, guiding attendees to their respective places.
3. Real-time Attendee Tracking
QR Codes on tickets enable event organizers to track attendees’ real-time locations through their websites.
This feature allows organizers to monitor attendee information such as check-in status, payment status, ticket purchase, chatbot queries, and attendee lists per date and time. It enhances event management capabilities and facilitates efficient coordination.
4. Eco-friendly Approach
Utilizing QR Codes on tickets promotes eco-friendly ticketing systems. By opting for mobile-to-mobile QR Code scanning, events can significantly reduce paper and plastic usage, minimizing their environmental impact.
5. Efficient Event Organization
QR Codes on tickets contribute to efficient event organization by providing easy access to event information.
They simplify tasks such as event listing, venue details, rescheduling in case of any changes, registration tracking, statistical analysis for capacity allocation, and more. This streamlines event management and enhances overall efficiency.
6. Cost-effectiveness
Generating QR Codes for event tickets is a cost-effective solution. Free QR Code generators like Beaconstac offer high-quality QR Codes without additional charges. QR Codes do not require specialized software or incur additional printing costs.
Most smartphones are equipped with built-in QR Code scanners through their native camera apps, allowing attendees to scan QR Codes effortlessly.
7. Convenience For Attendees
QR Codes for event tickets can be easily distributed by creating a QR Code for a PDF file, which can be emailed to attendees. This eliminates the need for physical tickets and allows attendees to conveniently print and present their QR Code tickets at the event.
How To Create A QR Code For Events?
Generating QR Codes for event purposes is a straightforward process. Here are three methods to create QR Codes for events:
1. Utilize a URL Shortener
Use a URL shortening service to create a shortened link for the event’s URL. Copy and paste the shortened URL into a QR Code generator’s website or app. Generate the QR Code, which will provide a scannable code that redirects users to the event’s URL.
You can print and incorporate the QR Code into event materials for attendees to scan and access the event information.
2. Leverage Event Ticketing Software
If using event ticketing or registration software, the platform automatically generates QR Codes for check-ins. When attendees register for the event, the software will generate a unique QR Code for each attendee.
Event organizers can utilize an event management app or software to scan and check-in attendees using the QR Codes. Additionally, consider leveraging an event networking app to enhance event registration or facilitate networking interactions for a more immersive attendee experience.
3. Create a Location QR Code
Search for the event venue on Google or any mapping service. Copy the URL of the venue’s location or directions. Paste the URL into a QR Code generator, such as Beaconstac’s QR Code generator.
Generate the QR Code, which will provide a scannable code that directs attendees to the venue’s location or directions on a mapping service. You can display the QR Code at the event or include it in event materials to assist attendees in finding their way to the venue effortlessly.
Where To Use QR Codes For Events?
QR codes can be utilized in various ways throughout the event lifecycle. Here are some practical applications of QR codes for events:
1. Printed Collateral
Incorporate QR codes into your printed materials, such as brochures, flyers, and posters. Attendees can scan the code to access up-to-date event information, including schedules, speaker details, and vendor lists.
2. Large-format Advertising
Include QR codes in your billboard, train, or bus advertisements to give viewers quick access to additional event information. Intrigued by the advertisement, people can scan the code and be directed to your event website or registration page.
3. Faster Check-In
Use QR codes on paper or electronic tickets to streamline the check-in process. Each participant’s ticket can have a unique code, allowing for efficient tracking of arrivals and minimizing the risk of ticket fraud. Event staff can easily scan codes to validate tickets and grant entry.
4. Participant Badges
Print QR codes on participant badges, enabling attendees to exchange contact information effortlessly. By scanning each other’s QR codes with their smartphones, attendees can quickly share their details, making networking easier and reducing the need for traditional business cards.
5. Interactive Exhibits or Booths
Incorporate QR codes into interactive exhibits or booth displays. Attendees can scan the codes to access additional content, such as product demos, exclusive offers, or digital brochures, enhancing their engagement with your brand or organization.
6. Event Surveys and Feedback
After the event, use QR codes to gather participant feedback through online surveys. Place QR codes strategically on feedback forms or signage, allowing attendees to conveniently provide their thoughts and opinions.
Remember to ensure that the codes are prominently displayed, easily scannable, and accompanied by clear instructions for scanning to maximize their effectiveness during the event.
Tips For Using Qr Codes For Events
Here are some valuable tips to consider when using QR codes for events:
1. Test the QR Code
Before deploying your QR codes, always test them to ensure they scan correctly and lead users to the intended destination. Verify that the linked content is relevant and valuable to the user.
2. Optimize for Mobile
Since QR codes are typically scanned using smartphones, ensure that the webpage or content the QR code directs to is mobile-optimized. This guarantees a seamless and user-friendly experience for attendees.
3. Provide an Alternative URL
Include a visible alternative URL alongside the QR code for those who don’t have a QR code reader or encounter any issues scanning the code. This ensures that all attendees can access the event information.
4. Keep the Linked Content Updated
If the QR code is placed on permanent objects like posters, t-shirts, or banners, ensure that the linked content remains relevant.
Update the webpage to promote future events or showcase photos and memories from the event. If maintaining the same URL is impossible, consider redirecting the link to relevant content.
5. Track and Analyze Usage
Use QR code tracking and analytics tools to monitor the usage and effectiveness of your QR codes. This data can provide valuable insights into attendee engagement, scanning behavior, and overall event performance.
6. Promote QR Code Usage
Educate attendees about the benefits and usage of QR codes. Clearly explain how to scan the codes and the value they provide, whether it’s accessing event details, special offers, or interactive content.
Display instructions near the QR codes to ensure smooth user adoption.By following these tips, you can maximize the impact and effectiveness of QR codes for your events, providing attendees with a seamless and engaging experience.
QR Code For Events: Best Use-cases
QR codes have become increasingly popular in event management due to their versatility and convenience. Here are some of the best use cases for QR codes in events:
1. London Olympics
The use of QR codes during the 2012 London Olympics allowed attendees to access event information, navigate venues, and engage with social media. The QR codes were placed on signage, e-tickets, and physical publications, providing real-time data on attendee engagement and facilitating merchandise purchases.
2. US Open 2019
The US Open introduced the Fan Access Pass, which utilized QR codes to enhance the fan experience. Fans registered for the pass through the US Open App or website and received a QR code. By scanning the QR code at various attractions and booths, fans could unlock badges and win prizes, creating an interactive and engaging experience.
3. Samsung Experience
During a Latin pop star Matt Hunter concert, QR code bracelets were distributed to fans. Scanning the QR code directed fans to exclusive content on Hunter’s social media pages, allowing them to access videos, images, and other related content.
The QR codes were linked to a secure social networking platform, providing fans with a personalized and shareable experience.
These use cases highlight how QR codes can enhance event experiences, provide valuable information, and facilitate engagement with attendees. Event organizers can create interactive and memorable experiences for participants by leveraging QR codes.
Conclusion
When organizing events like galas or meet-ups, incorporating QR codes on event tickets is a highly reliable method that ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience. With the prevalence of smartphones, scanning QR codes for event entry has become effortless and takes just seconds.
QR codes for event ticketing offer a user-friendly solution that simplifies the check-in process and helps manage event traffic effectively. By implementing QR codes, event organizers can streamline ticket validation, curbing long queues and congestion at entry points, resulting in a more efficient flow of attendees.