15 Ways to Use QR Codes For Event Promotion & Attendee Engagement

QR codes have officially made a comeback, and they’re not just for restaurant menus either. As the event industry has realized the potential of technology, QR codes have become a powerful instrument for engaging attendees, promoting your event, and streamlining everything from registration to post-event feedback. With a swift scan, your audience can access real-time content, interact with speakers, or even enter competitions.

Whether you’re organizing a corporate conference, a music festival, or a nonprofit fundraiser, QR codes can transform how you communicate and connect.

Let’s explore 15 creative, practical, and engaging ways to use QR codes before, during, and after your event.

15 Ways to Use QR Codes for Event Promotion & Engagement

• Pre-Event Promotion
• On-Site Engagement
• Post-Event Engagement

From building the pre-event buzz to keeping attendees informed in real time, QR codes offer a versatile way to boost engagement at every stage of your event.

1. Pre-Event Promotion

Before your event even begins, QR codes can play a powerful role in getting the word out and driving early engagement. They can help if you’re looking to boost registrations, promote on social media, or offer exclusive previews, helping to create a bridge between your offline marketing and online content.

Event Registration & Ticketing

Simplify sign-ups by linking your QR code directly to your ticketing or registration page. Attendees won’t need to type out URLs, and you can streamline your data collection process. As a bonus, you can also use QR codes at the event for quick, contactless check-ins.

Marketing & Social Media Engagement

Boost your event’s online presence by linking QR codes to your event’s landing page, social media profiles, or campaign-specific content. Want to create a viral buzz? Add a QR code to posters or flyers that direct people to an influencer giveaway or hashtag contest.

Exclusive Pre-Event Content

Get your audience excited early by using QR codes to unlock teaser videos, sneak peeks behind the scenes, or limited-time early bird discounts. These content drops build hype while rewarding those who engage with your promotional materials.

2. On-Site Engagement

Once attendees arrive, QR codes can take your event experience to the next level. By simplifying check-ins or unlocking interactive content, they offer a convenient and contactless way to keep guests informed, involved, and excited throughout the event.

Event Check-In & Badge Scanning

Make the entry process smooth and hygienic with QR code-based check-ins. These can be scanned from a mobile ticket or printed badge to offer a quick, contactless way to manage large crowds efficiently, which is especially important in the post-pandemic world.

Interactive Event Maps & Schedules

Large event? No problem. Place QR codes around the venue that open up real-time schedules, maps, and updates. Attendees can see where sessions are happening, what’s coming up next, and where the coffee is (critical).

Speaker & Session Information

Create QR codes for each session that link to speaker bios, presentation decks, or session-specific handouts. Attendees can follow along or download materials without needing printed copies, making your event more sustainable and streamlined.

Networking & Digital Business Cards

Encourage connections with QR-coded digital business cards or LinkedIn profiles. Simply print the QR code on event badges or table signs, and networking becomes as easy as a scan. No more fumbling for business cards!

3. Post-Event Engagement

The end of your event doesn’t mean engagement has to stop. QR codes can help you stay connected with attendees by collecting feedback, sharing event highlights, and promoting future experiences, keeping the momentum going long after the last session wraps.

Collecting Feedback & Surveys

Want honest feedback? Place QR codes on exit signs, programs, or follow-up emails that lead to quick post-event surveys. Make it short and even incentivized with a raffle to boost response rates.

Sharing Event Highlights & Media

Turn your best event moments into shareable memories. Use QR codes to direct attendees to highlight reels, keynote recordings, or photo albums. This not only extends the life of your event content but also fuels future promotion.

Promoting Future Events

Already planning the next big thing? Use QR codes to give attendees early access to registration, special discounts, or sneak previews. Capitalize on the momentum while your audience is still buzzing from your last event.

How to Generate QR Codes for Free with DialMyCalls

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to create dynamic QR codes. With DialMyCalls’ free QR code generator, event planners can generate codes in seconds.

Here’s how:

1. Visit the DialMyCalls QR Code Generator.
2. Enter the destination URL (registration page, media gallery, contact form, etc.).
3. Customize the QR code style (optional).
4. Download your code and start placing it in your print and digital materials.

It is quick, free, and doesn’t require account registration, making it ideal for busy event marketers in search of a dependable solution.

Best Practices for Using QR Codes at Events

• Placement is Key
• Use Clear Calls to Action
• Test Before You Print
• Optimize for Mobile
• Add Incentives
• Track Performance

To make your QR codes as effective as possible, it’s important to think strategically about how and where you use them. A well-designed QR code campaign can boost engagement and streamline your event, but small mistakes can easily limit their impact. Here are key best practices to ensure your codes work hard for you:

Placement is Key

Where you place your QR codes can make or break your campaign. Make sure they’re positioned at eye level and in high-traffic areas like venue entrances, registration tables, restrooms, dining areas, and session doors. If attendees have to bend down, reach awkwardly, or hunt for them, they’re far less likely to scan. Bonus tip: use signage or banners to draw attention to the code.

Use Clear Calls to Action

Don’t assume people will know what the QR code does. Add short, direct instructions like “Scan to check in,” “Scan for a freebie,” or “Get the event map.” A compelling call to action increases the likelihood of a scan and clarifies what value the user will get in return.

Test Before You Print

There’s nothing worse than printing hundreds of flyers or signage only to find out your QR code doesn’t work. Test every code using multiple devices and operating systems to make sure it leads to the correct URL and loads quickly. Double-check that links are live and not broken or expired.

Optimize for Mobile

Since QR codes are scanned using mobile phones, make sure the destination—whether it’s a registration form, schedule, video, or survey—is fully optimized for mobile. Pages should load fast, be easy to read, and not require pinch-zooming or endless scrolling.

Add Incentives

Want to boost scan rates? Offer attendees a reason to engage like a discount code, entry into a giveaway, a free digital download, or access to bonus content, to increase the perceived value of the scan and create excitement.

Track Performance

Use a QR code generator that provides analytics and tracking so you can monitor how many people scanned each code, when they scanned, and where they were when they did it. This data helps you understand which parts of your event had the most engagement and can shape even better strategies for your next one.

Conclusion

QR codes have become an interactive bridge between the physical and digital sides of your event rather than a mere shortcut. They make your operations smoother, your promotions more engaging, and your attendees more informed and involved.

For boosting registration, guiding guests with real-time maps, or encouraging feedback after the final session, QR codes are a simple but powerful addition to your event strategy.

And the best part? You can start using them right now. Try the DialMyCalls free QR code generator and bring your next event to life, one scan at a time.

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