BarcodesInc Helps Track Trade Show and Conference Attendees with RFID Tracking System

Alliance Tech combines mobile computers, fixed mount RFID readers, RFID printers to conduct event attendance, lead generation, visitor statistics, attendee networking and mobile point of sale solutions.

Executive Summary

Alliance Tech offers value-added services at trade shows and large events by providing accurate, real-time data as well as summary statistics and reports about attendees to exhibitors. Their customers know who entered their booth and how long they visited. Alerts are sent in real-time when high profile visitors are present. Sales organizations present are able to collect order information and lead reports without need to return to their offices. Additionally, visitors are provided a paperless solution that provides event information including maps, schedules, and contact information.

The Business Challenge

Alliance Tech was outfitted with discontinued mobile computers that had lower resolution, less memory, an outdated operating system, and no radio. The exhibitors and organizers at trade show events needed to maximize their investment of time and resources dedicated to each event.

With many potentially valuable clients attending these events, it can be a valuable source of lead and revenue generation across many industries. Therefore, space, time, and personnel are limited and costly.

At any event, exhibitors wish to identify as many prospective clients as possible and act quickly to collect contacts and communicate the benefits of their products or services.

As part of the perceived value of events to attendees, numerous exhibitors and key-note presentations are booked – creating intense competition for their time and attention. Collecting real-time information in a fast paced, high volume environment is difficult. Exhibitors hand-writing or typing information takes time and increases the likelihood of logging incorrect information. The cost of more personnel dedicated to events to compensate includes travel and productivity. Exhibitors need a way to have instant access to information.

Solution

Barcodes Inc developed a multi-tier approach to data collection and access. Each booth at an event is equipped with a stationary Motorola DS9808 2D barcode scanner, fixed mount Motorola XR450 RFID reader, and Motorola MC55 mobile computers. Additionally, key-note presentation areas and event entrances are fitted with Motorola XR450 RFID readers.

As attendees register for an event, Printronix SL4M RFID printers print and encode 2D barcode labels with RFID inlays with information about the attendee. Passes or lanyards provided for event access have these RFID labels applied. Subsequently, as attendees visit presentations and booths at events, the Motorola XR450 fixed mount RFID readers collect contact information as well as visit duration data with no action required. Customers who wish to be contacted can scan the 2D barcode on their passes with the Motorola DS9808 2D barcode scanner, instantly providing their name, company information, and other contact information to the exhibitor.

Appointments can be set as well as actual sales booked using the Motorola MC55 mobile computer. Attendee passes are scanned to speed data entry, and information is transmitted wirelessly either over wireless networking equipment or by using cellular internet.

Benefits

Exhibitors have immediate access to information allowing them to interact with attendees at the event or contact them once the event is over. Reports generated with the collected data increase the number and quality of leads and allow exhibitors to acquire new customers.

By tracking attendance and duration, exhibitors are able to better understand attendee interests and preferences. This allows exhibitors to further refine their exhibits and presentations.

The Future

The Barcodes Inc solution, which includes the required auto identification hardware, is being used at more events and helping to set the standard for national trade show event data collection.