Badge Flashers Chat Log
Monday, April 16th, 2012
Did you miss last week’s #engage365 Twitter chat? Here’s a transcript to catch up with. Read on as we explore QR codes and other important badge innovations. Many thanks to @ASegar, @AttendInteract, @justinlocke, @LindaChreno, @ReedStockman, and @Tom_NSI for their insights!
Join us Friday, April 20 at 1 p.m. for an all new #engage365 Twitter chat!
Chris Aylott (@ChrisAylott): Welcome to our “Badge Flashers” #engage365 chat! We’re talking about how technology changes the humble event badge.
"Gold Hat" expresses his love of badges in Treasure of the Sierra Madre
I’ll be your host for the hour, and I’ve gone all week without making a “steenking badge” joke. Welcome chatters and lurkers!
Justin Locke: (@justinlocke): I wanted be the one to make the steenking bodges joke. phooey.
Badge of Modernity
Chris: It used to be that events could get by with a “Hello! I’m ___” sticker. Is that still true today?
Attendee Interactive (@AttendInteract): Attendees expect more interaction.
Chris: Funny that you would say that… How so? And with whom?
Attendee Interactive: We have used QR codes on badges so information can be exchanged more easily via vendor & attendee.
Reed Stockman (@ReedStockman): And attendee to attendee.
Linda Chreno (@LindaChreno): Many attendees add their twitter handle to their namebadges; events should include their hashtag for comments.
Tom McClintock (@Tom_NSI): Sorry, coming in a little late but excited for the chat!
Adrian Segar (@ASegar): I notice you’re discussing badges. I wrote a pretty comprehensive post on this topic. Good comments!
Reed: QR code can be challenging if wifi is not easily accessed. I think that is why some vendors prefer bar codes.
Linda: QR codes are better — suggest what reader to use.
Chris: I’m not sure I follow. Is that because people know the format for QR?
Linda: Some QR code readers import directly into smartphone contacts; CardMunch scans business card. For smartphones, a lot of different QR code readers – some are better for importing info into contact list
Tom: Test results from a few QR Code readers favored RedLaser.
You Do Not Know the Power of the QR Side
Reed: Anyone have stats on how often QR codes from badges are scanned?…
Adrian: I have never seen significant use of QR codes on badges at events. Perhaps I’m going to the wrong conferences!
Tom: I haven’t seen QR codes on badges either (must be coming!), but Reader data is for any QR Code.
Adrian: I’ve seen QR codes on badges but never seen anyone scan them. Skeptical on likelihood of rising penetration of QR badge tech.
Tom: I’m not skeptical about QR codes on badges. The tech is increasing, and it’s more important than ever to link conferences to online.
Attendee Interactive: We have seen good usage at medical conference, especially between doctors.
Adrian: Good to know!
Tom: Great! Any stats or anecdotes on DR QR code usage?
Attendee Interactive: We saw an increase in one conference by 27% this year. Also included QR codes on ePosters downloaded over 1,000.
The Most Important Question of All
Chris: We’re low on time, but I do have one question that’s bothered me for years. Something critical to badge technology…
Has anyone invented a lanyard that doesn’t always turn my badges the wrong way?
Tom: Some lanyards have clips near where the badge hangs that prevent high “turnover” rates.,
Adrian: I’ve found that larger badges (which I prefer) are less likely to flip. Another plus for large badges: often, at small/short events, there’s room to print a schedule on the back; much appreciated!
Attendee Interactive: Love the schedule on the back!
Tom: Yes, printing conference schedule on badge is cool — liked that in your article!
Chris: Our hour is up: thanks everyone for a great discussion! Join us next week, same Badge Time, same #engage365 channel!
Attendee Interactive: Thanks for a great chat! Looking forward to next week!
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