QR on the phone or a printed badge? Wristband or lanyard? The right accreditation depends on the type of event, the audience and the budget. In short: virtual accreditation (QR) wins on speed and cost; physical adds visual identification, zone control and brand value. Most events combine the two.
At SOMOS DER we design and run accreditation for events of 300 to more than 90,000 people. Here’s the guide to choosing well.
Virtual accreditation: the QR code
The attendee completes a pre-registration and receives a unique, non-transferable QR code by email or WhatsApp. On event day they show it from their phone and walk in.
When it makes sense: mass events, concerts, trade fairs and anything that prioritizes speed and low cost. There’s nothing to print and nothing to hand over.
The QR isn’t just an entry permit: it can integrate the venue map, the agenda or line-up and food vouchers. A single digital piece that organizes the entire experience.
Physical accreditation: badge, wristband or lanyard
When visual identification matters — because you need to see at a glance who’s who — physical accreditation comes into play. There are three main formats:
- Custom badge: with photo, name, title, company and access zones. The standard for corporate events, congresses and press.
- Tyvek wristband: water-resistant and hard to remove without tearing it. Ideal for festivals and multi-day events with re-entry. Plain or customized.
- Lanyard: the cord with the badge hanging from it. Simple or with a custom design. Comfortable for networking, because the name is always in view.
They all carry an integrated QR and a design approved in advance with the client.
Access zones: the detail that prevents problems
A good accreditation doesn’t just say “can enter,” it says where they can enter. Each badge is configured with its sectors:
- All Access — no restrictions
- Backstage — behind the scenes
- VIP — premium sectors
- Press — coverage areas
- Staff — operations
The system checks at every door whether that person has permission for that zone. So control doesn’t depend on staff “remembering” who’s allowed through: the system says so.
Physical + virtual: the most common setup
In practice, many events use both. For example: virtual QR for the general public (fast and cheap) and a physical badge with a lanyard for press, VIP and staff (identification and zones). It’s not an “either/or” decision, it’s about designing the right mix for each event.
And if the event calls for it: Face ID
For corporate or high-profile events, accreditation can add facial recognition: the attendee uploads their photo during pre-registration and enters in 2 seconds, without showing anything. We explain it in our piece on facial recognition for events.
Choosing the format is half the battle. The other half is running it well at the door: printing, distributing, validating and solving problems live. That’s what we take care of. Take a look at our access control and accreditation service.