How to Use NFC Tags on Your Exhibition Stand

NFC Tags are one of the most underused tools in trade shows, with applications that go far beyond what most exhibitors realise.

If, like myself, you thought NFC Tags were complicated, expensive, and even a little difficult to programme, you would not be alone. However, these little tags are actually quite the opposite, and they hold great potential on the show floor.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the creative uses for NFC Tags in exhibitions, such as guiding to product info, creating immersive experiences, and activations. I also share some tips for programming NFC Tags for the greatest results.

Whether you know it or not yet, you’ve probably already used an NFC Tag. If you have tapped your phone to pay for a coffee, unlocked a hotel room, or tapped to join WIFI, then you’ve enjoyed the benefits of NFC technology.

NFC stands for Near Field Communication, and it’s a short-range wireless technology that lets two devices swap data when they’re held close together.

NFC Tags, a form of NFC tech are tiny tags, often found with an adhesive back, which can be used to automate a process, or deliver information.

Let’s explore some of the most impactful uses for NFC Tags in exhibitions.

NFC Tags can be used to make digital assets and information accessible to visitors, making any surface on your stand a gateway to more information.

They’re similar to QR codes, linking visitors directly to PDFs, or landing pages. The only real difference is that while QR codes are printed to the graphics, NFC Tags are discreetly attached to, or behind the graphics. You could link to your website, a Linktree hosting all important event resources, a contact form to gather details, or even to interactive guides or detailed case studies about specific products.

NFC Tags can help you ditch the business cards in a way that is both eco-friendly and memorable. Programme an NFC-enabled wooden or plastic card, or use an official platform such as Popl or V1CE, so that staff can tap against the visitor’s phone, instantly sending them your contact info.

This is a small switch that can have a big impact. As someone who attends many trade shows, I can confidently report that you’re handed a lot of paper printouts. It’s easy for everything to collect in a tote bag, and to get lost in the paper clutter. If you have a digital card, whether in addition to paper, or standalone, you have a great chance of someone revisiting your details, especially if they integrate with a CRM, saving directly to contacts. This change can make visitors more likely to remember you and get in touch.

An effective yet often overlooked use of NFC Tags is in giveaways. Invest in a useful giveaway, such as a keychain trolley coin, bottle opener or torch, and attach the NFC tag with your contact details. Some companies make these with NFC Tags already built in. When people use the item, they will be reminded of your company and services, and can easily locate your details.

Interactive experiences open up a lot of possibilities. NFC tags could power a quiz, guiding visitors from one question to the next as they move through the stand. They could sit at a photo wall, allowing visitors to tap and instantly share their picture on social media. They could link to a game or an event day giveaway entry. With some imagination, NFC can make stands much more engaging.

NFC Tags are for the most part very inexpensive. Basic stickers can cost as little as 10p to 50p per tag, while printed versions and specialised versions can cost anywhere from 35p to £3.

It’s worth conducting some research on the specific types of NFC Tags, as there are several on the market including standard NFC stickers, on-metal tags, cards and badges, tokens and fobs and NFC wearables.

While you can invest in specialist software for the tags, it is largely unnecessary. There are a wealth of free options available, such as NFC Tools and NFC Tagwriter.

While NFC Tags have great potential, they are a very simple tool. Finding success with them is really down to how you use them.

Signpost Well with CTAs 

Use your graphics, stand visuals and text to draw attention to the interactive tags. Lines like “tap & hold” or “place phone here” can go a long way.

Track Analytics 

Add UTM tags to the URLs you link to with your tags. This tells you exactly which products or interactive elements are most popular.

Consider Event Day Limitations 

Prepare for event day limitations that could impact your activations. It’s worth checking whether WIFI is needed for your activation to work. If so, consider preparing with a backup connection. Likewise, check whether phone settings can interrupt or block your activation. Run tests with co-workers before hand, and consider packing an event day phone or tablet for any interactive games.

NFC Tags may be one of the smallest pieces of tech on your stand, but hopefully we have proven that their impact is anything but small.

If you have plans to utilise NFC Tags on your display, make sure to speak with your exhibition stand contractor. Not only will they likely have experience with the tags, but they will also be best placed to advise on where and how to include them.

We love to help exhibitors create impactful and creative displays. If you would like to speak with a member of our team, contact us on at +44 (0)1202 723 500 or email design@quadrant2design.com to get the ball rolling. Our design proposals are free and without obligation.