Should we incorporate QR Codes into our Trade Show Display?
Posted by Valerie Hurst on Thu, Feb 09, 2012
Are QR codes worth it when you're setting up your promo, graphics, and exhibit materials for trade shows? ABSOLUTELY. 
Instantly. Even better, their phone will store the information they scan off of your QR code. And everyone knows that getting your information off of paper and into peoples' handhelds is the most you can hope for from a business card or brochure these days. Having your information at even a few peoples' fingertips makes QR codes worth it. QR codes are a good idea at trade shows for two reasons (beyond the cool-factor, of course):
1) QR codes can convey any information you like With the ability to encode thousands of alpha-numeric characters, you can display just about anything you like through QR codes. Want to share a particular page of your website, specifically targeted toward your trade show market? Done. Care to display some fantastic press your company just received through a leading trade magazine? Easy. Maybe you'd like to reward attendees with a coupon that entices them to buy, or that lists your seasonal products at a trade show special discount. All of these ideas and more can be accomplished with just a few clicks of a mouse online. Which brings us to our next reason:
2) QR codes are quick, easy... and free!
There are dozens of free QR code generators online. My favorite one is qrstuff.com - they give you not only the ability to generate free QR codes, but they provide you lots of great ideas for how to integrate them into your trade show display and promotional materials. You can send people to a website (or a mobile website), a YouTube video, or any of your social media platforms. You can send them an email, a text message, or a telephone number. Have them locate you on Google Maps, or send them a coupon via a plain text message! The possibilities are limitless.
Because QR codes are traditionally black and white - and square - they're extremely cheap to include in your print materials. But if you'd like to add some flair and color-match your branding, just make sure your QR codes are high-contrast so every smart phones will have the ability to easily read them.
How have you used QR codes at a trade show? Did you achieve the traffic you expected?
