QR codes have become the standard over the past few years, from restaurant viewing menus to frequent customer numbers entering supermarkets. But how do planners use them for activities?
The Skift meeting asked Addevent’s growth leader Joep Leussink to clarify the benefits of QR codes at the meeting.
SKIFT Conference: How to use QR codes in invitations?
Leussink: The QR code in the invitation allows attendees to immediately save event details, including time, location, session information and reminders, which can be saved immediately to attendees’ calendar. Participants often missed confirmation emails, forgot the details of the incident, or were flooded by last-minute arrangement conflicts.
After the event is saved, it is like a built-in reminder system. Instead of relying on attendees to check inboxes, the event is scheduled for their day, making them more likely to forget or double book.
SKIFT Conference: What is the use of QR codes in events, except for check-in?
Leussink: QR codes can drive engagement throughout the event experience – from the moment someone signs up to follow-up.
During the event, QR codes on signs and lanyards can provide access to real-time schedules and network tools. They can provide organizers with insights about the highest engagement level of the event’s conference or event area. You can use them to link participants to speaker slideshows or bonus content. Afterwards, they can be placed on exit signs, procedures and digital follow-ups to allow attendees to record, surveys, and details about future events.
SKIFT Conference: What common mistakes did event organizers make using QR codes?
Leussink: A clear call to action does not include, for example, “scan to calendar”, so attendees know what they are scanning for. Redirecting people to their homepage QR codes is just causing frustration. It should link directly to relevant, mobile-friendly pages. Of course, make sure the code works properly.
Placement is another: QR codes need to be at the eye level on the material that attendees naturally interact with each other, whether on the registry, conversational handouts, or name badges.
SKIFT Conference: How does your free “Add to Calendar” QR code work?
Leussink: Planners can create an event for Addeven that will automatically generate a free QR code for their marketing materials. The Add to Calendar button is customizable, can be integrated into the website and takes daylight savings into account time and time zones. (The limit is 100 users on the free plan.)
