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Last updated: mai 29, 2025
Conventions have come a long way in recent decades, going from small exhibitions usually put on by businesses, to massive events with lines for attendance stretching around the building. Just about any field or interest has a dedicated convention now, from technology to comics, anime to toys. Chances are, if you have an interest, then there’s a convention for you!
As cons have grown in number and in size, so too has the amount of moving parts involved for all parties, including the attendees, vendors, and organizers. However, just as conventions have grown more prevalent, QR codes have also become more commonplace.
In this piece, I will go over how you can use QR codes at conventions, where to find them, how they benefit all parties, as well as my own personal experience in the field. So let’s get started!
Since QR codes are versatile and multipurpose, you can find them just about anywhere at a convention. Posters, fliers, vendor stalls, space maps, programs, even in the lounge and eating areas. In fact, you might interact with a QR code as soon as you step into the convention space.
Newer cons, such as Fan Expo, Comic Con, and the Consumer Electronics Show, use a QR code system for check-in. If you have already pre-registered for the event, you’ll likely be instructed by con staff to check in via a QR code.
As stated above, many con goers will encounter a QR code as soon as they enter the convention space. But as soon as you set foot on the con floor, you can also find them in the following locations:
And more!
You can also make use of QR codes if you’re a vendor selling your wares at a convention. Here’s an example: you may have a lot of inventory you’re looking to sell, but there's only so much you can fit into a vehicle and often less you can squeeze into your booth.
However, you can print out a QR code to your online store or catalog. That way, potential customers have the option of purchasing items from you that you could not physically bring to the event.
Vendors can also use QR codes in the following ways:
And more!
If you’re part of the organizing staff for a convention, then there’s lots of good ways you can make use of QR codes. As stated above, many cons are starting to use QR codes as part of their check-in process, whether that be printed on each ticket or on a sign outside the space.
But QR codes can also be used for the following:
And more!
You can make all sorts of new friends and contacts at conventions and want to stay in touch after the conclusion for the event. However, trading contact info can be difficult, especially if the con is particularly busy or crowded.
This is where QR codes can help. By making a QR code for one or more of your socials, you can print it out, put it on your convention bag, and have people scan it as an easy way to get in contact with you.
To get started, you should first make a QR code of the social media account you want to share. A step-by-step guide can be found here (NOTE TO EDITOR: link to the page on how to make a code for a URL link once the site goes live).
After you make your code, make sure to resize it so that it fits on a con badge. The standard size should be about 2” by 4”, though this can vary. Once resized, you should print it out and cut it to size.
Once your code is printed and cut out, you can then attach it right to your con badge. While you can just tape the paper code onto your lanyard, it’s recommended that you make your code more sturdy, either by laminating it or placing it in a card protector. Once it’s done, you’re ready to hit the floor and make some new friends!
During the writing of this piece, I went to a convention in order to conduct some research and also to have some fun. For privacy reasons, I won’t say what con it was specifically, but it was a general nerd culture event similar to Comic Con or Fan Expo.
While I was there, I saw QR codes everywhere! On posters, business cards, just about every stand in the dealers den and artist alley, signs for food, local stores, affiliated cons, and so much more! I was honestly shocked by how many QR codes I could find when I was looking for them.
I’ve been going to cons for a few years and have seen QR codes go from something that a few vendors might use to an essential tool for everyone involved, from vendors to attendees to the organizers of the very convention!
Visibility and Placement: Ensure that QR codes are prominently displayed in relevant locations.
Clear Instructions: Provide clear instructions for users on how to scan the QR code.
Track and Analyze: Use tools to track QR code scans and analyze engagement metrics.
Know your audience: Only use codes if you know that most of your target audience would be interested.
Low Quality Codes: Using low-resolution images that are hard to scan.
Inadequate Testing: Failing to test QR codes on different devices before deployment.
Poor Placement: Hiding QR codes in areas where they are unlikely to be noticed.
Lack of Promotion: Not promoting the QR code enough across different channels.
Temporary Links: Not selecting the Set this link to never expire option, thus making the code only work for a limited amount of time.
With the tools available on QRCodeveloper, as well as other code generators, you can monitor the usage of any code you create. This can include how many times a code has been scanned, where it has been scanned, on what device, using what browser, and more. With these tools, you can figure out which codes are reaching the most people and where to focus any advertising efforts.
With QRCodeveloper you can monitor:
Conventions are a great way to meet new people, form connections, find a community of like-minded individuals, sell wares, meet celebrities, and buy one-of-a-kind merch. With QR codes, you can make just about any aspect of the convention experience easier and quicker to understand.
Get started now with the free tools available from QR Code Developer and enhance your con experience!
