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Badge scanning at trade shows: how to optimize contact collection?

Rédacteur Elsa
Elsa Ducrotverdun
Responsable Marketing
15/4/2025
Illustration from the blog post about business cards

In the world of B2B events, The professional badge is much more than just an access tool.

It is a strategic lever for collect contacts, enrich its database of Leads and streamline theorganizing of a living room.

Thanks to the scanning And to scanning applications, the visitor management has become faster, smoother... and much more efficient.

But in concrete terms, how does a Badge scan ?

What tools do you need to know to instantly capture participant data? And what are the benefits for exhibitors?

Here's everything you need to know.

How do I scan a professional badge?

The Badge scan is generally based on a QR code Or a barcode integrated into Physical badge or numerical of the visitor.

This code allows access to a contact sheet directly linked to the database of the salon or the exhibitor.

The key steps:

  • At theWelcome, the participant receives a badge (paper or mobile) containing a unique code.
  • During the visit, an exhibitor can scan this code via a Mobile app Or a dedicated player.
  • Data is automatically added to a contact list, sometimes with the ability to take notes, add a photo, or categorize the lead.

It is not necessary no internet connection for some applications: synchronization can be done later.

This makes it easier to data collection even if there is a network problem.

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What tools to scan badges?

Many tools exist for professionals who want manage scans during an event.

Here are a few examples:

  • Scan applications : like snapADDY VisitReport, which allows you to scan a Professional badge, enrich a contact sheet and send it directly to your CRM.
  • Event platforms : some include a badge scanner feature in their mobile application.
  • Physical drives : portable devices dedicated to scanning QR codes or bar codes.

👉 Cardynale, for example, integrates a Scan directly into your application mobile.

During a trade show, simply point your smartphone at the QR code Or the digital badge of a participant for capture its information in one Click.

The contact is instantly recorded in the dedicated space, with the possibility ofadd notes, of shelve The lead or of send it to your CRM.

A simple, fluid solution designed for professionals who want Optimize their time while keeping a personalized relationship With each visitor.

Some systems also allow you to connect the scan to a CRM platform, for a tracking automated post-event.

We can thus send a Mail the next day, with a digital business card, a project sheet Or a Request an appointment.

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How do I collect contacts during a trade show?

La collecting is no longer limited to paper business cards.

The Badge scan offers a method unsophisticated, fast and secure to collect the contact details of a visitor interested.

Best practices:

  • Forming the team to recognize the badge types (color, category, function...).
  • Use a Form personalized for each scan, in order to note the specific needs Or the type of project.
  • Think about the installation of a quiet space to promoteswapping.
  • Add a score Or a Tag to facilitate the tracking.

At the end of the show, you get a contact file structured, ready to be used for your actions of communication Or of prospecting.

notre scan de badge est là

What types of badges exist?

There are various badge formats, each corresponding to a level ofbouts or to a profile of participating.

The most common ones:

  • Physical badge with barcode : printed at the entrance, often scanned with a reader or an application.
  • Digital badge : received by Mail thereafter online registration, then featured on smartphone or tablet.
  • RFID/NFC badge : used in events at high level for security or for a user experience fluid.

Each badge type may be linked to a category (exhibitor, visitor, press, partner...), facilitating theorganizing from the living room.

see cardynale nfc cards

What are the advantages of scanning a badge?

The Badge scan is much more than just a tool for access control. It improves theexperiment visitor side as well as exhibitor side.

Its main advantages:

  • Fast collection and reliable data, without manual entry.
  • Time saver For theteam commercial.
  • Real-time tracking Of scanned contacts.
  • Direct integration with the tools of CRM Or of commercial management.
  • security strengthened data through systems secured and RGPD compliant.
  • Adapted At the lounges of all waistline, with or without a network.
  • Possibility to filter, sort and segment leads according to their category, their function, or their interest.

In conclusion

La installation Of a badge scanning system is now a must for everything Trade show wishing to optimize the lead collection and streamline theorganizing of the event.

Thanks to mobile applications, of online solutions And adapted devices, it becomes possible to Scan easily each participant, to create enriched contact sheets and to ensure smooth, secure and professional follow-up.

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