There are so many tasks, duties, and responsibilities that need to be done when we plan an event. Especially when it comes to event check-in because it has always been one of the trickiest parts of event management. Earlier, event check-in was only about those long lines for the tickets, frustrated attendees waiting in line to get into the event, and the irritation and frustrated mood of organizers. But with time, solutions like face recognition check-in and QR code badges have found a place among other cutting-edge technologies.
In this blog post, we are going to talk about two contactless event check-in solutions that can make an impact if implemented nicely. Also, we’ll clear the doubts by justifying the best between QR Badges vs face recognition for check-in!
What’s Face Recognition Event Check-in (Entry With Face)?
Check-in via facial recognition is a novelty in event technology. Instead of relying on physical items like badges, tickets, or IDs, this system uses the most natural identifier we all have, our faces! And that’s why it’s becoming the new standard for quick and easy entry to events.
With face recognition event check-in, all attendees need to do is look at a camera to check in. This means no more screwing up with manual tickets or standing in long lines. Additionally, it’s a contactless event check-in solution, which makes it great for touchless check-ins
But that’s not all! When you combine facial recognition with event data analytics, you can gather valuable insights about attendees, such as their demographics and behaviors. This information can help improve future events and make them even better for everyone involved.
How Does Face Recognition Check-In Work?
The process is simple and completely contactless. Plus, it’s fast and reliable, which is why face recognition check-in is becoming a top choice for large conferences, trade shows, corporate events, etc.
1. Photo Submission
Attendees register for the event and upload a high-quality photo of their face via an online platform or mobile app. This photo is securely stored in a database for future identification.
2. Data Processing
Afterward, the face recognition check-in system inspects the uploaded photo of the attendee. Meanwhile, it focuses on capturing unique facial features like the distance between the eyes, nose, and mouth. These features are converted into a digital template, known as a “facial fingerprint,” and stored for comparison.
3. Arrival at the Event
Upon arrival, attendees approach a check-in station equipped with a camera. The camera captures a live image of their face in real time.
4. Face Matching
When attendees show their faces for entry, the face recognition check-in solution compares the live image with the already stored facial photograph in the database. If the system detects a match, the identity is verified.
5. Easy Seamless Check-In
Once attendee verification is complete, the attendee is allowed to access the event. In fact, there’s no need for any tickets or QR badges. This process is fast, contactless, and enhances both security and efficiency.
While face recognition check-in provides a quick and secure way to enter, QR code badge scanning is another popular contactless event check-in option. Let’s now explore how QR code event badges work and why they’re also widely used at events.
QR Code Event Badges For Seamless Event Check-In
QR badge scanning might seem less exciting than face recognition event check-in. However, the popularity of this technology has also expanded beyond the simple black-and-white squares of the past.
In recent years, a lot of event professionals have come to trust QR badge scanning. It’s because QR code technology is a fast and easy way to check in at events, plus it doesn’t require any physical contact and saves money too.
Moreover, scanning QR codes is also very easy, as participants receive a QR code. This QR code can be printed on a badge or sent digitally to the participants on their cell phones. When participants arrive at the event venue, they simply scan their code at the QR code check-in station, and they are in!
Moreover, the QR code event badges include all the necessary information. It includes attendee registration details, such as name and contact details.
Discover 13 Key Benefits of QR Codes for Event Success!
Different Types of QR Code Solutions
There are several ways QR codes can be used for event check-ins, including:
1. Physical Printed Badges
- Pre-printed and mailed via email
- Printed on-demand at the time of check-in
- Incorporated into lanyards or multi-day credentials
2. Digital Mobile Tickets
- Delivered via email
- Accessible through mobile event apps
- Stored in digital wallet applications
3. QR Wristbands
- Durable for multi-day events
- Provides visual identification
- Resistant to damage and wear
Face Recognition Event Check-in Vs QR Badges: Comparative Analysis
Here we have a detailed comparison between the face recognition event check-in solution and QR badges. If you’re still confused and can’t decide which one to choose, then here’s a table for you!
Face Recognition vs QR Badges
| Feature | Face Recognition Event Check-In | QR Badges |
| Ease of Use | Attendees just look at a camera to check in | Attendees scan a QR code on their badge or phone |
| Speed | Fast check-in once face is recognized | A quick check-in with a simple QR code scan |
| Contactless | Fully contactless | Contactless (if using digital QR codes or wristbands) |
| Security | High security (unique facial features, no physical item needed) | Moderate security (depends on QR code access) |
| Integration with Technology | Can integrate with event analytics and data insights | Easily integrates with event management systems |
| Customization | Customizable for VIP or special access | Customizable for different event types and badges |
| Setup Complexity | More complex (requires cameras, software, and setup) | Simple setup (just QR code generation and scanners) |
| Health & Safety | Reduces physical contact, keeping things sanitary | Minimizes touch if using digital codes or wristbands |
| Cost | Higher cost (requires specialized hardware and software) | Lower cost (requires QR code generation and scanners) |
| Data Collection | Provides real-time data insights on attendees | Limited data (usually just check-in time and attendee number) |
Benefits of Facial Recognition Event Check-In
Here are the advantages of using face recognition event check-in:
Implement for Quick and Smooth Event Check-in
The first benefit of having a facial recognition system is that it simplifies the entire check-in method by removing the need for manual identity verification. It allows attendees to scan their faces in a self-check-in kiosk and gain access to the event within seconds. It’s a completely touchless check-in method, and therefore, it saves time and money for the printing of event badges or the distribution time of tickets among attendees. Also, if someone wants to keep proper track of their attendees at the event, then this system does that automatically.
Experience Improved Security & Access Control
The face recognition event check-in system works best in terms of offering event professionals a new level of security and perfect access management of the overall event. It allows organizers to manage each and every event access point with complete precision and proper safety. The system further monitors all the authorized individuals and only grants access to them while creating a secure environment for everyone. Besides identity verification, it also assists in streamlining entry for VIPs and putting them first in priority to enter into designated areas without any delay.
Get All The Valuable Attendee Data-Driven Insights
Having facial recognition technology at your event can provide you with valuable insights about attendees. Plus, you can make data-driven decisions based on those insights. Not only will these analytics help event professionals in evaluating and optimizing current and future events, but in fact they also help in knowing how attendees interact with different event elements. Here’s how it helps:
- You can easily track attendee flow. Identify high-traffic areas in the event and further take decisions on the layout or placement of event booths.
- It’s easier to keep a check on overall attendance and interaction patterns in the event. You will know about the speaker engagement levels and popular sessions attended by attendees.
Perks of Implementing QR Code Badges For Event Check-In
Let’s know about the benefits of using QR code scanning at event check-in:
- Quick and Easy Check-In: Attendees simply scan their QR code. Either they scan from a badge or their phone. It’s fast, and they can get to the event without any hassle.
- Touch-Free: QR codes help keep things contactless, which is a huge bonus for health and safety, especially with large crowds in events like trade shows, expos, etc.
- Integration with Other Technologies: One of the best benefits of QR badge scanning is that they can be easily integrated with other event technologies. Such as mobile apps, event management platforms, confirmation emails, attendee badges and attendee engagement tools.
- Affordable: QR code badges are always easy on the event budget you’ve planned. You don’t need expensive equipment or complex systems and this makes them a great choice for any event.
- Customizable Shapes and Sizes: QR code event badges can be made in all sorts of shapes and sizes, making them perfect for event organizers who want to add a personal touch or fit the theme of their event.
- Flexible: You can use QR codes on badges, wristbands, or even just on phones, which makes it really easy to fit the needs of any event.
- Easy to Manage: QR codes are super simple to generate and track. Event organizers can easily manage check-ins and keep track of attendance without any complicated systems.
Know about the future of QR code event management!
When to Use Both Technologies?
Sometimes, using both Face recognition and QR code event badges for event check-in is the best choice. By combining these two contactless event technologies, event organizers can take advantage of their strengths. Here are five ways to use both together:
| Scenario | Facial Recognition | QR Code Badges |
| Different Experiences for Different Attendees | Great for VIP or premium ticket holders. They can simply look at a camera to get in, giving them a smooth, fast, and special experience. | QR badges are ideal for general attendees who can easily scan their QR code for quick entry. |
| Tailored Access for Different Roles | Best for staff, speakers, and exhibitors who need access to many areas. They’ll be quickly recognized and let in wherever they need to go. | Perfect for one-time access or limited entry, like guests with special tickets. |
| Using Technology for Different Areas | Perfect for busy areas, like the main entrance, where lots of people need to check in quickly. | Works well for smaller areas, like breakout rooms or specific event spaces. |
| Better Security in Important Areas | Use it at main entrances or for restricted areas that need extra security. | Ideal for less sensitive areas where you still need a simple check-in process. |
| Fast Check-In at Large Events | If you’re hosting large-scale events such as trade shows and conferences, then implementing FR is perfect. Because, at such events, there are lots of attendees. It allows for quick, high-volume check-ins. | QR code scanning works great for smaller events or areas where people don’t need to check in as quickly. |
Conclusion: Which is Better for Events?
As we have come to the end of this blog and discovered that both event check-in technologies, face recognition and QR code badge scanning, come with their own advantages. Plus, the right choice always depends on your event’s needs. Make sure you know what you need from your event, then plan the event technologies you want to implement. Research the type of event you want to host, attendee numbers, your budget, goals, etc.
If you’re someone who wants speed, contactless entry, plus high security, then you might choose facial recognition event check-in. There’s no doubt that it’s best and suitable for large events with VIP attendees and areas that need tight security.
Whereas, if you want to prioritize a budget-friendly option that is easy to manage and can be customized according to your needs. Then, opt for the QR code badge scanning method, as it’s ideal for general attendees or events that require a simple check-in process.
Sometimes, it’s better to use both technologies in order to deliver a successful event. Therefore, it’s advisable to combine both and make the whole event efficient for everyone.
So, at last, it all depends on your event and both the event check-in options are best. Choose and then connect with a solution provider who assists with both kinds of methods, like Dreamcast, to help you with further processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Face Recognition Event Check-In?
Face recognition event check-in uses attendees’ facial features for quick, contactless entry. Simply by looking at a camera, attendees are verified and granted access without needing physical tickets or badges.
2. How Do QR Code Badges Work for Event Check-In?
QR code badges allow attendees to scan a code on a badge or phone at a check-in station for instant access. It’s fast, contactless, and easy to manage.
3. Which is more secure: Face Recognition or QR Code Badges?
Face recognition offers higher security because it uses unique facial features for identification, while QR codes can be less secure, depending on access controls and potential for duplication.
4. Can I use both Face Recognition and QR Code Badges at my event?
Yes, using both technologies together can enhance event check-in. Face recognition is perfect for VIPs and large entrances, while QR code badges work well for general attendees and smaller areas.
5. Which check-in method is more cost-effective?
QR code badges are more affordable as they require minimal setup and no specialized hardware, while face recognition check-in involves higher costs due to cameras and software.
