How to Use QR Codes to Boost Event Attendance

Events are expensive to run and even more expensive when attendees don’t show up. QR codes — especially dynamic ones — give you a powerful, measurable bridge between offline promotion and online conversion.

Here’s how to use them effectively at every stage of your event.

Before the event: Registration and hype

1. QR codes on print materials

Put a dynamic QR code on every flyer, poster, and mailer that links to your event registration page. When you sell out of early bird tickets, just update the destination URL to a “join the waitlist” page — without reprinting anything.

Tip: Use a short, branded URL for the destination so your QR code also reinforces your brand in scan notifications.

2. Social sharing cards

Generate a unique QR code for each social media graphic you post. When someone shares your post, you can track which platform is driving the most registrations.

During the event: Engagement and content

3. Live polling and Q&A

Replace paper feedback forms with a QR code at each seat that links to a live polling tool. Ask attendees to rate each session in real time. You’ll get 10× the responses compared to paper.

4. Resource distribution

Instead of printing handouts that end up in the bin, display a QR code on screen that links to all the slides, resources, and links from the presentation. Update it between sessions without changing the code.

Session slides → /resources/session-1
Workshop materials → /resources/workshop
After party details → /resources/after-party

All from the same QR code. Just update the destination.

5. Sponsor activations

Let sponsors run their own activations with trackable QR codes at their booths. You can see exactly how many scans each booth generated, which gives sponsors concrete ROI data — and gives you leverage for next year’s sponsorship conversations.

After the event: Follow-up and retargeting

QR codes in post-event emails

Embed a QR code in your post-event email that links attendees to a feedback survey or early-access offer for your next event. Scan tracking tells you exactly who engaged with it.

Measuring success

With Qiro, every scan generates a data point:

• When — time of scan down to the minute
• Where — country, region, and city
• What device — mobile OS and browser

After your event, export the analytics and see which materials drove the most engagement. Your next event will be better because of it.

Ready to set up QR codes for your next event? Get started with Qiro for free — no credit card required.