5 QR Code Ideas for Tradeshow & Event Marketing

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QR codes continue to draw a lot of buzz and interest. For the three-month average period ending October 2011, 20 million US mobile phone owners used their device to scan a QR code.

(A Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional code scanned by smartphone cameras to automatically pull up text, photos, videos, music or URLs.)

But what are some new ways to use QR codes, especially as they relate to tradeshows and events? Here's my gift to you: 5 new QR code ideas you can start using right away.

1. Direct mail. Add a QR code to your direct mail pieces, with each code going to a PURL (personalized URL) featuring relevant information or tailored content for each recipient.
    
2. Email newsletter sign ups. Cross-promote your company newsletter and grow your subscriber base by having QR codes that go to an email sign up page.
    
3. Name tags. Eliminate the need to enter information with QR code name tags for each booth/event staffer that includes all of their relevant contact information.
    
4. Signage. For upcoming demos, tech talks, or conference sessions, use QR codes to link to details like upcoming times, full descriptions, speaker bios and more.
    
5. Live chat. Use a QR code that actually places a call to your company, so event attendees can speak live with product experts, tech support, or others not at the show.

However, just because it's easy easy to create a QR code, before embarking on any program don't forget to think about these important considerations:

1. Begin at square one. First and foremost, consider your objectives. Does a QR code program support those objectives, or detract from it? 
   
   And just as important, is your target audience likely to use the technology? Are they on the cutting-edge and like to try new things out, or are they more comfortable with the status quo?
    
2. Just because you build it does not mean they will use it. Is there enough value for the attendee to want to scan the QR code? Is an attendee getting exclusive information or discounts that makes it compelling for them to want to scan the QR code?
   
   And is it easy for them to scan? I've seen QR codes on billboards, and wondered how it's even possible to scan it when you're in a moving vehicle!
    
3. Ready for a close-up. While QR codes are popular, many people still aren't familiar with them, or don't have the right scanner loaded on their smartphone. Provide QR code scanning instructions, along with how to download scanner apps if needed.  
   
   It goes without saying that you should test the QR code (enlist friends and colleagues too!) to make sure it works as designed across multiple devices. Make sure all content you're displaying is mobile-optimized too. 

How else have you seen QR codes used successfully at tradeshows or events?

Image source: QReate and Track