How To Effectively Use QR Codes For Your Conference

or FestivalMarvin McTaw

http://sched.orgmarvin@sched.org

Quick Response (“QR”) codes are a type of barcode

Originated in the auto industry

The information encoded can be made up of any kind of data◦ Website◦ Phone Number◦ SMS Text Message◦ Text

Requires QR Code reader◦ Free and paid apps available

What Is A QR Code?

Ex: QR Code for http://sched.org

QR codes are being increasingly used at events for a number of things

Typically used to ◦ Provide information about the event◦ Registration information ◦ Sessions in rooms◦ Additional information in program guides

QR Codes Are Being Used At Events

Most people do not have smart phones◦ 60% of mobile phone users have feature phones,

only 40% have smart phones Increased complexity can mean reduced

adoption◦ QR Codes require a QR code reader app◦ Most people don’t download QR code readers

Scanning QR codes can be weird/uncomfortable

Some Considerations

Include a URL◦ It’s usually easier and faster to type in a short

URL like a bit.ly link Provide value, not just a link

◦ Special/secret sessions, information transfer, discounts/coupons

Place in a convenient location◦ Test placement in size in programs and

throughout the venue

Best Practices For QR Codes

QR Codes will likely continue to grow in popularity◦ This will be aided by the growth in smart phones

One day, we hope smart phone operating systems will build QR Code readers into the standard camera software◦ This will make reading QR codes easier

The Future

Why QR Codes Are Just Plain Dumb◦ http://bit.ly/w1rDsV

Using QR Codes To Enhance Your Events◦ http://bit.ly/sHg68n

How To Use QR Codes In Event Marketing◦ http://on.mash.to/rKDkEZ

QR Code Event Case Studies◦ http://bit.ly/vloiKe

Putting QR Codes To Good Use At Events◦ http://bit.ly/uciiDX

Additional Resources

Marvin McTawmarvin@sched.org

http://sched.orghttp://news.sched.org

http://twitter.com/mmctaw