Make Your Offline Event Interactions Digital With Event QR Codes

What is an event QR Code?

An event QR Code links users to a webpage with event details and lets them take action in diverse situations throughout the event lifecycle. For attendees, the event QR Code improves the experience by enabling faster check-ins, providing access to digital resources, and connecting them to relevant information as needed.

For organizers, these QR Codes improve event management and attendee engagement by integrating important tools such as registration forms, event schedules, speaker bios, venue maps, feedback forms, and first-party data collection.

Benefits of using QR Codes for events

Perfect check-ins

Checking in shouldn’t take forever. Traditional methods such as manual lists, badge pick-ups, or printed tickets can slow things down, especially when there’s a crowd.

QR Codes offer a smooth alternative. Attendees simply show their unique code (on their phone or a printout) and get scanned in seconds. This simple switch can reduce wait times significantly, giving guests a better first impression and helping events start on time.

For example, a wedding QR Code can help guests scan at the entrance to quickly check in and see their seating arrangements, making the arrival experience smooth and stress-free. It also frees staff to focus on support and logistics instead of managing lines.

Read more about QR Codes for event check-ins.

Increase engagement

QR Codes aren’t just for event entry. They’re also great tools for interaction.

Scanning different codes around the event can lead attendees to session schedules, maps, speaker bios, surveys, or even live Q&As. They stay informed without asking for directions or searching through paper materials.

At music festivals, QR Codes can help attendees quickly find setlists, artist information, venue maps, or merch details, reducing confusion and helping them make the most of the event without missing a beat.

The best part? It gives people more control over their experience. With just one scan, they can find what they need when needed.

Improve event management

QR Codes benefit attendees and give organizers a serious advantage with real-time data collection. 

They can track who showed up, which sessions were popular, or even identify quiet areas that need more energy. All this happens automatically as attendees scan codes around the venue.

Do you need to change a room or update a speaker time at the last minute? Just adjust the information linked to the code. Everyone stays up to date without printing new signs or making loud announcements.

Cut costs and go eco-friendly

Printing signs, badges, and booklets add up fast, and most of it ends up in the trash.

Digital QR Code systems reduce or even eliminate those costs. You don’t need to print schedules or reprint tickets if someone loses them; they can just pull it up on their phone again. It's efficient and eco-friendly.

A paperless event isn’t just cheaper; it’s more sustainable.

Encourage social media sharing

Make it effortless for guests to capture and share the moment. A well-placed QR Code for events—by the photo booth, near the stage, or at an eye-catching installation—can link to custom filters, event hashtags, or social pages. 

One quick scan, and guests can snap pictures, tag fellow attendees, and post in seconds.

Ensure safety and accessibility

Clarity is crucial in busy venues. QR Codes for events can quietly offer instant access to emergency contacts, first aid points, lost and found, or evacuation routes right from a phone screen.

This is handy at big events such as sports games or concerts, where finding help quickly (without weaving through crowds or searching for signs) can matter.  

How to use QR Codes in events

• Event Promotion: QR Codes on flyers, posters, and digital ads make it simpler for potential attendees to find event details or registration pages instantly. A quick scan removes the hassle of typing long URLs, increasing sign-up chances.

• E-invites: Digital invitations with embedded QR Codes simplify RSVPs, provide direct links to event locations, and allow attendees to save the event to their calendars effortlessly. This minor feature can lead to a major boost in engagement.
• Registration: On-site registration flows smoothly with QR Codes linked to online forms. Attendees scan, fill in details, and register quickly—no paperwork, no long lines. It’s efficient for both organizers and guests.
• Material Sharing: Instead of printing hundreds of pages, QR Codes link to presentation slides, event schedules, and handouts. Attendees can download what they need directly to their phones, keeping things organized and eco-friendly.
• Feedback Collection: Post-event surveys are more accessible when linked through QR Codes. A simple scan can encourage attendees to share their feedback, helping organizers gather insights without extra effort.
• Networking: Digital business cards with QR Codes make exchanging contacts smooth. Whether it’s LinkedIn profiles, portfolios, or personal websites, a quick scan helps build connections effortlessly.
• Interactive Maps: QR Codes that link to interactive maps make navigating large venues less stressful. Attendees can find booths, restrooms, or emergency exits without asking around.
• Real-Time Stats and Player Info: At sports events, QR Codes are linked to live stats, player profiles, and game updates. Fans stay engaged with real-time information, enhancing their overall experience.
• Food & Beverage Orders: In-seat ordering through QR Codes reduces the hassle of waiting in lines at food stalls. Attendees can browse menus, place orders, and get food delivered right to their seats.

Top event types that benefit from QR Codes (use cases and examples)

Honestly, there is no bar for the events that can benefit from QR Codes. Here we discuss some of them:

1. Corporate events and conferences

Streamline processes, enhance strategic touchpoints, boost engagement and impact at corporate events:

⚙️Use cases:

1. Contactless check-in: QR Codes can enable fast, contactless check-ins. Attendees can receive a QR Code for event registration at the venue entrance, which they can scan to reduce the waiting time.
2. Digital business cards: At networking events, attendees can share digital business cards with QR Codes that link to their LinkedIn profile, website, or personalized landing page.
3. Event schedules and maps: QR Codes on physical signage or badges can link to digital schedules, session locations, or venue maps for navigation.

💡Example: 

Web Summit uses QR Codes on badges for contactless networking, allowing attendees to connect by scanning each other’s QR Codes. QR Codes can link to dynamic event schedules and venue maps, which managers can update in real-time as sessions change.

2. Music festivals and concerts

Offer faster check-ins, increase engagement, and collect a goldmine of first-party data from music events: 

⚙️Use cases:

• Digital ticketing: Instead of paper tickets, festival-goers can scan QR Codes on their phones to enter, with codes featuring a rotating design to prevent ticket fraud
• VIP and special access: Use QR Code tickets for tiered access levels, allowing VIPs to scan codes for exclusive areas or perks
• Interactive merch: QR Codes on festival merchandise can link to exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes footage or digital downloads, to improve loyalty

💡Example: 

Bacardi launched a novel music distribution program with streetwear brand Nahmias and Grammy Award-winning producer Boi-1da. The partnership launched an outfit line featuring QR Codes, which led fashion lovers to albums of less famous artists. The goal was to raise awareness of underrepresented artists.

As an incentive to the wearers, they will continue to receive loyalty points each time someone scans the QR Code, which attendees can redeem for live music concert tickets.

3. Art exhibitions and museums

Enhance attendee experiences with easy-to-find event resources and offer more touchpoints throughout the event lifecycle:

⚙️Use cases:

• Augmented reality (AR) integration: QR Codes on exhibits can link to curated AR experiences, adding an interactive, immersive layer for viewers.
• Audio guides: Attendees can scan QR Codes for audio explanations or background stories about specific exhibits, enhancing their understanding of the art at museums.
• Virtual exhibits: Museums and galleries can use QR Codes to expand the accessibility of exhibits by linking to digital resources, allowing differently-abled visitors to continue exploring from home.

💡Example:

The British Museum recently used QR Codes to trigger an AR app, transforming ten renowned horse paintings into whimsical My Little Pony portraits.

In this AR experience, iconic works such as George Stubbs’ Whistlejacket and Jean-Louis André Théodore’s A Horse Frightened by Lightning are reimagined to feature characters from the beloved animated film. This interactive trail is tailored for families, creating an engaging and enchanting experience that appeals to an international audience.

4. Sports events

Enhance event experiences with contactless check-ins, digital business cards, interactive maps, and engaging content:

⚙️Use cases:

• Real-time stats and player information: QR Codes around the stadium can link to real-time player statistics, match highlights, and game updates.
• Interactive fan zones: Stadiums can use QR Codes for fan engagement activities, such as polls, games, or merchandise discounts.
• Food and beverage orders: QR Codes on seats or concession areas can let fans order food and drinks directly from their phones without leaving their seats.

💡Example:

The Olympic Committee deployed a QR Code-based pass system for a smooth flow of residents and tourists in and out of the dedicated zones within the French capital for the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

People who wish to find any of the two zones—red and gray—had to register online to obtain a QR Code called the “Game Pass” or “Pass Jeux” that must be presented at entry points for Olympics 2024. 

5. Trade shows and expos

Boost attendee experience and the value they take away from trade shows and expos: 

⚙️Use cases:

• Product demos and information: Exhibitors can place QR Codes on products to provide technical specs, videos, or digital brochures, reducing the need for printed materials.
• Lead generation: Attendees can scan QR Codes on exhibitor booths to submit their contact details, enabling exhibitors to capture leads instantly.
• Event polls and feedback: QR Codes can link to surveys that let attendees rate presentations, providing organizers with feedback to improve future events.

💡Example:

At CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2024, brands such as Targus used QR Codes to capture leads, share product information through AR, and offer booth check-ins.

6. Weddings and private events

Streamline private event logistics, from guest check-in and menu selection to interactive experiences and personalized thank-you messages:

⚙️Use cases:

• Invitations and RSVPs: QR Codes on wedding invitations can link to RSVP forms so guests can respond digitally.
• Photo sharing: QR Codes can point guests to a shared online album to upload and view event photos in real-time.
• Interactive seating charts: QR Codes can direct guests to a digital seating arrangement or event schedule for easy navigation.

💡Example:

Many modern wedding invitations now include a QR Code for RSVPs. QR Codes are often displayed on tables to link guests to photo albums or wedding highlights during the reception.

7. Fashion shows and pop-ups

Deliver interactive experience where it matters, from any touchpoint:

⚙️Use cases:

• Virtual try-on: QR Codes at fashion shows can link to virtual try-on applications, allowing viewers to see how pieces might look on them.
• Behind-the-scenes content: QR Codes can link to behind-the-scenes footage, designer interviews, and brand stories during ramp walks.
• E-commerce integration: At pop-up events, QR Codes can let attendees directly purchase items they see on the runway or in-store.

💡Example:

During Milan Fashion Week 2023, digital QR Codes were used for tickets and press accreditation passes.

8. Educational and academic events

Share resources more efficiently in academic settings:

⚙️Use cases:

• Workshop materials and presentation access: QR Codes can link attendees to workshop materials, slides, or post-event resources.
• Networking connections: At academic conferences, QR Codes on name tags can link to profiles or research papers, fostering networking and collaboration.
• Event recordings: QR Codes on event brochures can provide access to recorded sessions, letting attendees revisit content or catch up on missed sessions.

💡Example:

TEDx events use QR Codes to enhance resource sharing and networking. They use QR Codes for presenter recruitment, access to presentation materials, and distribution of video recordings. Attendees can also use QR Codes to connect, creating a well-rounded experience for participants.

How to create a QR Code for your event

Creating a QR Code for any event with a QR Code management platform like Uniqode is easy. You can use the dashboard to track scans and optimize your content:

Step 1: Go to Uniqode’s QR Code generator

Step 2: Choose the QR Code type depending on the event

Choose from the QR Code type that suits your usage closely. For example, you can try location QR Code, website QR Code, landing page, and Facebook QR Code.

Note: If you have a URL, select the website type and paste the URL. 

Select the landing page option if you do not have a webpage or need a mobile-optimized landing page to link multiple URLs.

For this example, we’ll create a landing page.

Step 3: Fill in the details of the event

Step 4: Customize the event QR Code

You can customize the look and feel of the QR Code by tweaking the eyes, template, and background color. You can also add a logo in the middle and a CTA frame around the QR Code.

Step 5: Test and download the event QR Code 

After customizing the QR Codes, you can download them in different formats. 

Best practices for creating event QR Codes

Here’s a hygiene checklist for creating an event QR Code:

1. Think mobile: Ensure pages are mobile-friendly with responsive design and fast load times.
2. Integrate with ticketing systems: Link QR Codes to registration systems and update them as needed.
3. Instant access to event details: Use QR Codes to access schedules, maps, and announcements quickly.
4. Strategize placement: Place QR Codes at key locations to improve navigation and access to content.
5. Offer exclusive content: Provide exclusive discounts, early access, or behind-the-scenes content via QR Codes.
6. Promote networking: Link QR Codes to networking platforms or attendee profiles for easy connection.
7. Encourage real-time engagement: Use QR Codes for live polls, surveys, or Q&A during the event.
8. Track attendee interaction: Monitor engagement and session interest with dynamic QR Codes.
9. Strategic placement for performance: Position QR Codes in high-traffic areas to maximize engagement.

How to measure ROI from events using QR Code tracking

QR Codes offer a powerful way to measure your event success. By strategically placing QR Codes throughout your event, you can track various metrics to measure your return on investment (ROI). You can create a QR Code code for an event​ to track the following activities:

Attendance and demographics

• Assign a unique QR Code to each attendee for check-in
• Include optional fields in the QR Code scan to collect attendee information (age, industry, etc.)
• Analyze scan data to determine peak attendance periods

Booth performance

• Place a QR Code at each booth to track visitor interest
• You can assess each representative’s performance and offer targeted training by tracking the number of scans and interactions

Promotion effectiveness

• Create QR Codes for event registration​ and add them to promotional materials and campaigns at your offline event 
• By monitoring scan counts and interactions, you can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of each promotion

Content consumption

• Link QR Codes to downloadable resources (e.g., whitepapers, case studies)
• Track which content is most accessed. Use this data to tailor future offerings

Lead generation

• Include lead capture forms linked to QR Codes so attendees can provide contact information
• Nurture leads post-event by following up with attendees who engage the most and providing them with additional resources or offers related to their interests

Want to dive deeper into QR Code tracking? Check out our comprehensive guide on QR Code tracking for a detailed breakdown of strategies.

Should I keep the QR Code active after the event?

Yes, you should keep the QR Code active after the event for continued engagement and marketing. With dynamic QR Codes, you can update content even after printing, giving you flexibility. 

If you’ve used QR Codes on merchandise, they can link attendees back to event content, such as recordings or announcements. You can also drive post-event marketing by linking to surveys, follow-up materials, or social media, keeping the connection alive. Plus, dynamic QR Codes let you retarget attendees with personalized follow-ups, exclusive offers, or early bird tickets for future events.

Create your first customizable QR Code for your event using Uniqode’s free QR Code generator. Explore our QR Code marketing solution for more use cases, or schedule a demo to seek guidance from our QR Code marketing expert.