Using QR Codes to Drive Virtual Event Engagement
How using QR Codes at virtual events builds and drive attendee engagement
QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes and can be read by a camera on a smartphone. The code often directs scanners to a webpage with more information about whatever prompted the scan to begin with.
QR codes have been around since 1994, so why are they such a popular tool for virtual event engagement 2021?
QR code tech is easier
The surge in popularity is due in large part to advancements in QR technology and most mobile phone camera do not require a QR code reader — it’s native in the camera. This places a QR scanning device in the hands of the masses. With no learning curve or special equipment required, people can simply scan and be directed to a range of next steps.
This subtle change in accessibility has given birth to a much more efficient way to attain important information. It’s easier for event organizers, too, since free online QR code generators, such as QR Code Monkey allow anybody to create a QR code for a broad range of purposes.
With increased buy-in and accessibility across various industries, attendees are becoming more familiar with how QR codes work and are happy to partake in the smoother guest experience they offer.
Everybody loves QR codes
Another reason QR codes are seeing a resurgence in popularity is that they’re becoming more mainstream on a global level. Millions of Chinese consumers use QR codes daily, for everything from retail purchases to street vendor food items.
Having passed these litmus tests, companies and industries around the world are starting to embrace QR codes as well. Nike uses QR codes to allow consumers to customize shoes with a few quick clicks. Airlines such as British Airways are adopting them as part of the check-in process to create faster boarding procedures. Paypal is now using the codes for cashless transactions.
QR codes have proven themselves to be a frictionless transaction method.
Incorporating QR Codes With Virtual Events
QR codes represent a massive opportunity for virtual event organizers, offering new opportunities to bolster attendee engagement and participation.
With QR codes it is easy to create clean call-to-actions to get the audience to a certain URL, to fill in a survey/poll, or to download an app. Add the QR code to a rotating banner or directly to the background to a booth and users can easily point their mobile device to the code.
- Room signage. Use QR codes to link to surveys, websites, or other calls-to-action.
- The last slide in a presentation. You have a captive audience, so take advantage of it. This could be a good way to direct people to a website URL or to provide feedback on the session as well.
- Clues for scavenger hunts. QR codes are a great way to facilitate scavenger hunt games and present clues in a subtle way.
- Exit signs. You’ve put on a great event, and people are ready to disconnect. Posters at the exits of the event are good for prompting people to rate the event.
- Sponsors. Your sponsors can add custom QR codes to their booths. Attendees can save sponsor/vendor information for later – setting up alerts and reminders to revisit the booth, or to connect with the sponsor (or learn more) after the event. Additionally, Sponsors can have QR codes set up to send attendees to their own landing page on your mobile event app, that provides further detailed information about what they have to offer.
Whether you’re looking to build and drive engagement at your next event, or you just want to collect feedback, QR codes are a powerful virtual event add-on.