How to Run a QR Code Scavenger Hunt at Your Event

A QR code scavenger hunt is an engagement format where participants follow clues to find QR codes hidden around a venue. Each QR scan reveals the next clue or adds a stamp to their card. The format works particularly well for brand activations, museum events, and team-building days.

Step 1: Design your clue trail

Plan the order in which participants will move through the venue. Clues can be sequential - each scan reveals the next clue - or open - participants can find QRs in any order.

Step 2: Hide unique QR codes

Each location gets a unique QR code. Avoid placing QRs in obvious spots if puzzle-solving is part of the experience. Make sure each QR is at a comfortable scanning height and not under glare.

Step 3: Configure completion rules

Decide how many QR scans are required to complete the hunt. For shorter formats, all of them. For larger venues, set a meaningful subset.

Step 4: Brief participants with a welcome QR

Place the welcome QR at registration or the venue entrance. Treat it as the front door to the hunt - participants scan it first, see the rules, and get their starting clue.

Step 5: Run a live leaderboard

Project a leaderboard on a screen so participants can see how they compare. This adds urgency and engagement.

Step 6: Prize redemption

Set up a redemption desk with staff who can verify completion and hand out prizes. Brief staff on how to mark cards as redeemed.

Common pitfalls

Avoid placing too many QRs in one area, leaving QRs at heights that are hard to scan, or running the hunt in zones with poor mobile signal.