From the start, we decided to embed a MECARD in the QR code. A MECARD is an electronic business card format that allows storing data in a more compact way and takes up less space in the code than the VCARD format.

We decided to repurpose the MECARD standard by inserting our unique external identifier field "UID".

The goal of adding this data is to allow the QR code to be scanned with a networking app without being connected to the Internet. This simplifies the user experience, while not compromising the security of their data, since it was not possible for one’s code to be scanned without their knowledge.

However, since iOS 11, it has been possible to read MECARDs in the iPhone camera, and more and more exhibitors have started to read badge codes directly on their phones, without using the leads service, depriving you of valuable data for your trade show.

That is why we introduced several enhanced security options in Eventmaker.

It is possible to choose not to put certain information in the MECARD of the QR code. To configure this, go to the Event tab and access Advanced Options. You can add any field from the database, and in particular calculated fields that allow you to add only the information of your choice.

To go further and encrypt the QR code data, you must enable the encryption option. This option allows the QR code to contain a certain amount of information while being encrypted. You can activate it during an event; the Checkin and Leads applications will still be able to continue scanning all your codes. However, you will need to reconfigure your apps if you enable encryption after they have been configured.

For your partners to have access to QR code encryption, we provide this technical documentation.