Navigating a busy trade show floor can be overwhelming, but QR Codes make it effortless. By placing scannable codes on signage, business cards, and booth displays, you can guide attendees exactly where they need to go on-site. Whether you’re linking to a floor map, event schedules, or a limited-time promotion, these tools boost attendee engagement and streamline the entire event experience.
With Bitly, event organizers and exhibitors can create branded Dynamic QR Codes and short links that are trackable, customizable, and easy to update in real time. That means smarter event marketing, deeper insights, faster follow-up, and less hassle on the ground. Make every scan count—and turn traffic into connections, leads, and results with Bitly.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
Why trade show navigation is still a challenge
Even with all the tech we bring to events today, navigating a bustling trade show floor is a headache for both attendees and exhibitors. With crowded aisles, unclear signage, and ever-changing schedules, it’s easy to feel lost. When attendees can’t find key booths or miss out on featured interactive experiences, your reputation takes a hit.
Let’s look at some recurring issues and QR Code use cases.
Event maps are often clunky or hard to find
Let’s face it—printed maps are easy to lose, hard to update, and can easily become buried at the bottom of your bag as you collect swag from different booths. Venue signage doesn’t always help, especially in complex spaces with evolving layouts. That’s where QR Codes shine. Strategically placed QR Codes throughout the venue can link attendees to real-time digital maps right on their mobile devices. With a quick scan, they’ll know exactly where to go—whether it’s a keynote, breakout session, or product demo—keeping frustration low and attendee engagement high.
Attendees miss important booths or experiences
Without intuitive navigation, attendees often wander—or worse, overlook the very trade show booths they came to see. That’s a missed opportunity for event engagement, brand activations, sponsor exposure, and lead capture. QR Codes for wayfinding make it easy to highlight must-see booths, anchor vendors, or featured partners. A code on a welcome sign or lanyard insert can direct visitors to a curated list of can’t-miss experiences. It’s a simple fix that pays off in better flow, higher satisfaction, easier event management, and stronger results for exhibitors.
Vendors need better ways to stand out
Relying on foot traffic alone isn’t a winning strategy in today’s crowded expo halls. Exhibitors need fast, efficient ways to attract attention, share details, and drive interaction. QR Codes are the ultimate event marketing tool—they fit on signage, booth displays, product packaging, or even business cards. When scanned, they can launch a landing page, unlock exclusive social media content, or enable instant lead capture. Want to offer a quick demo, signup, or promo code? Just add a QR Code and let visitors self-serve the experience.
Marketers have limited visibility into attendee behavior
Traditional event tools don’t tell you much about what worked and what didn’t. Without digital touchpoints, there’s no way to track who scanned what, when, or where. That’s where Bitly QR Codes and links come in. With built-in analytics, you can see exactly how attendees interacted with a booth, which content was most engaging, and where traffic flowed. These valuable insights help refine your event strategy, prove ROI, and make every trade show smarter than the last.
How to use QR Codes to simplify trade show navigation
Whether you’re an event organizer guiding attendee flow or an exhibitor looking to boost booth traffic, QR Codes unlock instant access to everything from schedules to swag. Here’s how to use them to simplify navigation, drive engagement, and capture valuable insights while elevating the event experience.
Place QR Codes on entry signage, lanyards, and programs
The moment attendees arrive, they’re looking for direction. By placing QR Codes on entrance signage, lanyards, or printed programs, you give them instant access to digital schedules, floor plans, and curated booth paths. No more fumbling with paper maps or asking for directions. With just one scan on their mobile devices, attendees can start exploring confidently, and organizers can guide traffic exactly where they want it.
Use booth-specific QR Codes for guided exploration
Exhibitors can supercharge engagement with their own unique QR Codes that link to branded Bitly Pages. These mobile-optimized landing pages can showcase product highlights, feature demo signups, or include CTAs for giveaways and lead capture. We track every scan, so vendors who use different codes for different pitches get real-time insights into which content resonates most with trade show attendees. It’s a smarter, more interactive way to turn foot traffic into meaningful connections.
Enable self-service with dynamic content
Trade shows are fast-paced, and so are any changes, especially after the show begins. Session times shift, announcements go live, and vendors launch surprise promos. With Dynamic QR Codes, you can keep everything up to date without reprinting anything. Just update the destination URL or Bitly Page, and the same QR Code delivers fresh, relevant content in real time. That means smoother navigation, fewer questions, and a better attendee experience from start to finish.
How you can track attendee interactions with Bitly Analytics
QR Codes don’t just streamline navigation—they open the door to powerful insights. With Bitly Analytics, event organizers and exhibitors get a clear, real-time view into how attendees interact with signage, booths, and content throughout the venue. Here’s how Bitly turns every QR Code into a goldmine of actionable attendee engagement data:
See which QR Codes get the most scans
Want to know which booth drew the biggest crowd or which piece of signage caught the most attention? Bitly shows you exactly that. You can track every unique QR Code on our analytics dashboard, which reveals your top performers in real time. Whether it’s your welcome signage, business card handouts, or a product demo corner, you’ll quickly see which areas of the trade show map earned the most engagement.
Track by day, location, and device
Bitly Analytics goes beyond basic metrics. You’ll see what day people scanned and what type of device they used. That means you can optimize future trade show layouts, schedule key promotions on days when traffic peaks, and tailor digital experiences to mobile preferences. It’s a smarter way to refine event marketing and enhance the overall attendee experience. We even track scans by city, so you can tell where your post-convention follow-up materials get the most traction.
Use tags or campaigns to compare results
For deeper insights, group your campaign links in Bitly by applying tags to organize by zone, vendor, or content type. This setup lets you compare performance across different sections of your event to develop insights like which exhibitor’s QR Code generated the most lead capture, or which CTA saw the most clicks. Whether you’re running multiple trade shows or fine-tuning a multi-day expo, Bitly gives you the tools to track, compare, and improve with every scan.
Steps to create mobile-friendly wayfinding with Bitly Pages
Creating the seamless navigation experience attendees want from your next trade show doesn’t have to involve apps, complicated builds, or IT overhead. With Bitly Pages, you can create a mobile-friendly, branded landing page that guides attendees through every part of your event, using just QR Codes and short links.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you launch a wayfinding solution that’s clear, helpful, and trackable from start to finish:
Step 1: Identify the key information attendees need on the go
Think like your attendees—what are they constantly looking for? A venue map, session times, featured exhibitors, and product demo schedules are all must-haves. Keep the list short and high-impact to support real-time decision-making.
Example: A venue map that highlights featured booths and a schedule of key sessions and product demo times that updates daily.
Step 2: Create a Bitly Page with a clear layout and hierarchy
Your landing page should be visually intuitive. Use bold headlines and clear button groupings to help attendees quickly find what they need. Bitly Pages makes it simple to create landing pages without a web developer, with a variety of templates or the option to start from scratch for complete creative control.
Example: Start with a headline like “Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Retail Expo,” then add buttons for “View Map,” “Today’s Schedule,” and “Top Booths to Visit.”
Step 3: Add relevant short links to deeper content
Each button or section on your Bitly Page can lead to more detailed information using short links created with the Bitly URL shortener. This keeps your content clean, clickable, and branded.
Example: A button linking to a short Bitly URL for a downloadable PDF brochure or session registration form on Google Forms.
Step 4: Generate a QR Code that links to the Bitly Page URL
Once your Page is ready, turn it into a scannable experience. Our QR Code Generator makes it easy to create codes with custom colors, logos, and framing text that points directly to your page.
Example: Print and place your QR Code on entry signage, directional banners, or handouts at check-in.
Step 5: Monitor scans and engagement in Bitly Analytics
After launch, use Bitly Analytics to track which parts of your page are getting the most attention. See how many people scan your QR Code, what short links they interact with, and what days they’re engaging.
Example: You can track top-performing links like “Today’s Schedule” and optimize placement or messaging in real time.
Tips to help attendees get more from your trade show
The best trade shows don’t just deliver foot traffic—they create memorable, value-packed experiences. And with a little planning, QR Codes, short links, and Bitly Pages can turn any booth or exhibit into a must-visit destination. Whether you’re an event organizer or vendor, check out our events and conferences inspiration gallery, and remember these practical tips to drive attendee engagement, boost lead capture, and make your event unforgettable:
Use QR Codes to promote time-sensitive offers
Use QR Codes to promote time-sensitive offers, as urgency drives action and makes them perfect for giveaways or flash deals. For example, you can add a QR Code to signage that says “Scan to enter the 3 PM booth raffle!” to give visitors an instant link to the entry form or details. This approach serves as a smart way to boost traffic and energy during key moments at your event.
Encourage exploration with a QR Code scavenger hunt
Take your trade show games to the next level by gamifying the floor plan to keep attendees moving and interacting. For example, you can place QR Codes at key booths or activations where each scan reveals a new clue or entry into a prize drawing. This setup drives booth visits, increases time spent searching key areas, and adds a playful layer to your event marketing.
Provide self-service access to demos and resources
Don’t make attendees wait—let them explore content at their own pace. For example, you can place QR Codes on booth displays or handouts that link to a Bitly Page with demo videos, product specs, or one-pagers. This approach keeps your space uncluttered while delivering rich, interactive content to mobile devices.
Give attendees an easy way to stay in touch post-show
People lose paper business cards, but they never misplace digital contacts. For example, you can create a digital business card that links to your phone number, LinkedIn, or Calendly and drop the QR Code on your signage or lanyard insert. It’s a professional, polished way to keep the conversation going long after the show ends.
Use QR Codes and Bitly to make navigation seamless
Better navigation isn’t just about helping people find their way—it’s about unlocking deeper engagement at every turn. With Bitly, you can guide attendees to maps, schedules, booths, demos, and more from their mobile devices. You’re not just improving the flow of foot traffic—you’re turning each scan into a chance to share valuable content, spark conversation, and drive measurable outcomes.
From showcasing product highlights to promoting time-sensitive offers, Bitly gives you the tools to deliver standout experiences. Real-time analytics means you’ll know exactly what’s working and where. And because Bitly requires zero dev time, your marketing squad can launch, update, and track everything—fast.
When you simplify the attendee journey, you amplify your results. Sign up today and see how easy it is for Bitly to make your next event unforgettable.
