When it comes to sponsor activations, the days of banners and logos alone are behind us. Today’s most effective sponsorships are baked directly into the fan experience — seamlessly integrated into the way fans buy, redeem, and engage. And one of the most powerful tools to make that happen? QR code promotions tied directly to your point of sale.
Why QR Codes Are a Game-Changer for Sponsorships
Fans are used to scanning — for tickets, menus, merch, and more. That built-in behavior makes QR code promos the perfect bridge between sponsors and consumers. But where many events miss the mark is in how they execute these activations.
Traditional sponsor discounts often live in the margins — hard to track, disconnected from the actual transaction, and offering little in the way of data or measurable ROI. But when those promotions are delivered via QR codes and redeemed directly through your POS, the value equation changes dramatically:
- You keep the revenue. The fan gets a discount, but the sale still flows through your system.
- The sponsor gets the data. Every redemption is tracked, attributed, and reported back, giving sponsors clear visibility into engagement.
- The fan gets a reason to spend more. Discounts tied to purchases drive bigger baskets and higher total spend — which means more revenue for you.
How It Works With atVenu
With atVenu, QR code redemptions are built right into the checkout process. Here’s how simple it is:
- The sponsor distributes the promo. This could be via email, on-site signage, social media, or even a co-branded push notification before the show.
- The fan scans and redeems. At checkout, the fan enters or scans the QR code right on the atVenu screen — no separate apps or portals required.
- You process the transaction. The discount is automatically applied, and you still capture the full sale (minus the sponsored discount).
- The sponsor gets measurable ROI. Every redemption is tied back to the campaign, so sponsors know exactly how many fans engaged — and how much they spent.
Real-World Examples That Work
Some of the most successful events are already using QR code activations to drive sponsor results and fan spending. Here are a few playbook-worthy ideas:
- 🥤 Branded beverage discounts: A beverage partner offers $2 off the first drink with a scanned QR — redeemed right at the bar, tracked in real time.
- 👕 Merch bundle promos: A sponsor offers 15% off any T-shirt + hat bundle, encouraging fans to buy more merch in a single transaction.
- 🍔 Food perks for early entry: Fans who enter the gates before 3 PM get a QR code card handed to them that they can use for a one-time use free merch item when they buy over $X, a free fountain drink, $10 off concessions, etc. Customize it to your interests and courtesy of the sponsor
- 🎁 VIP upgrades: A luxury brand gives suite guests a QR code for concierge merch delivery with a complimentary gift included — all fulfilled through the same POS flow.
Why Sponsors Love It — and Why You Should Too
Sponsors are increasingly demanding more than logo placement — they want measurable engagement and clear ROI. QR code redemptions deliver exactly that, with hard data on redemptions, spend, and fan behavior. And because it’s built directly into the POS, there’s no added work for your team and no extra friction for the fan.
It’s a win for sponsors, a win for fans, and most importantly, a win for your bottom line.
Ready to make your sponsorship activations work harder?
With atVenu, QR code redemptions are just one of the ways you can turn sponsor involvement into real revenue — and measurable results. Click to schedule a free demo and learn more.
Cheers!
The atVenu Team
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