Certainly one of the most talked about technologies in 2011, QR codes or 2D barcodes, are popping up everywhere...from billboards to beer...but how do you use them effectively in your tourism marketing efforts? What is the difference between a QR Code and a Microsoft Tag? How do I track scans or clicks? Should I give away a reward? Presented by Senior Tourism Consultant Troy Thompson, this QR Reference Guide will cover the basics, show you what not to do and share best practices from tourism marketers who have implemented a QR code.

1. QR Code Reference Guide

2. How a QR code works.

3. QR Codes can: Link to a URL, display a message, dial a phone number or send a text message.

4. QR Code Statistics

5. QR code scans have increased by 4,000% in the last year.

6. Women account for 64% of QR code scans.

7. 25% of QR scans are from the 35-44 age group.

8. 68% of QR scans come from an iPhone / iOS device.

9. 87% of users associate QR codes with coupons or discounts. Source: Infographics - The Rise of QR Codes

10. Common uses for QR codes.

11. Rich content, contests, coupons and product advice / information.

12. Always mobile-friendly, content first, provide guidance and consider your audience.

13. Tips: Content first, then strategy, URL length is important and test! More Info: 8 Tips for a Great QR Code Campaign

14. QR codes: Long URL vs. Short URL

15. Tips: Content first, then strategy, URL length is important and test! More Info: 8 Tips for a Great QR Code Campaign

16. QR vs. Microsoft Tags

17. QR code examples and case studies. More Info: 4 Ideal Tourism Uses for QR Codes

18. Before starting a QR code campaign, ask yourself: Why, Who, What and How?

19. Presented by Troy Thompson, Principal, Travel 2.0 Consulting Group