At a recent dinner presentation we took the opportunity, as a sponsor, to provide the event with all the printed material: invitations, sponsors’ lists on tables, table numbers, seating plans and a nifty idea with the placecards…
A QR (Quick Response) code was placed on the inside of the table placecard, and during the event the guests were invited to scan the card and see if they were a winner. Not only was the QR code personalised, but the winners were random!
Being the first of it’s sort, we didn’t quite know how it would go.
A few things that we learned:
- Putting the word ‘winner’ in the promotion elicited a pretty good vibe – everyone was eager to check their code.
- Placing an assortment of items in the ‘winning’ bags – with each bag having a different selection of give-aways and promotions, people were comparing the contents.
- Having the winning bags big and bright made an impact all of their own…
- Because it was so personalised, we noticed people actually popping the placecards in their pocket to take home!
- We learned that the QR code, as emergent technology is only recognised by a select demographic, with only a handful of people with smart phones having the application installed to read them.
As the simplest form of the functionality of the QR code, this exercise proved wonderfully successful.
What can a QR code be used for?
- Linking to a website
- RSVP or responding to an event
- Linking to a video
- Making it easy for people to “Like” your Facebook page
- Measuring/recording response rates (including who responds)
- Providing personalised information on a product
- Providing personalised and individualised responses directly on your invitee’s phone
- Linking to a competition/promotion
- If it can be accessed on the internet or recorded, we can probably QR code it!
With a little imagination, a little innovation and a smart phone – you too can have a fun interlude in an event or presentation…