Bridging the offline world with the online world creates a much longer lasting experience for
event attendees. Planning, strategy and proper execution can insure
that this happens.
One of the newest trends in mobilizing events is using 2D bar codes to
quickly access a webpage from a barcode scan, exchange contact
information or enter a contest. QR codes are the most commonly used methods of doing this, but there are many different types of 2D bar codes.
QR codes are easily generated and many free apps on mobile devices can
read them. Red laser and Qrafter are two of the most popular qr code
readers in the app stores. Once you've downloaded one of them, simply open the app, hit scan, and the camera on your
smartphone will capture a picture of the square code and direct you to
the intended website. Additionally, they can be used as part of a badge for attendees
to scan for lead retrieval, for attendees to learn more about products
from an exhibitors booth, to exchange contact info with other attendees,
enter a contest, or participate in a trade show booth crawl.
Microsoft tags and datamatrix are two other types of 2D bar codes. One of the
advantages to Microsoft tags is that they are eye catching, often displaying a
multi colored square, they are also read by a single reader, and are
claimed to have greater accuracy. Datamatrix codes are used as well and provide in depth reporting.
The Society of Vacuum Coaters recently used QR codes in their program
book and on-site signage to connect attendees with the most up to date
program guide. If a session or speaker was changed at the conference,
they were able to update the online program guide and attendees who
scanned the codes onsite would get the most up to date info. They pre-marketed it in the attendee guide, with explicit download
instructions for QR code reader red laser and the initial reports show they
were a greater success.