Badge Scanning Request

Owned by Christopher Kipgen (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Sept 19, 2024 by Patrick Burns
6 min read

Submitting your request

Some events allow you to scan an attendee's name badge to retrieve contact data. The system sends data through an API call. In order for Lead Liaison to access the API, you will need to purchase a developer's kit. Once you have the developer's kit, navigate to https://www.captello.com/developer-kit-support-request/ and fill out the form.

If your developer kit includes attachments (such as a PDF), please upload them to a file sharing service and include the link to the files on the form. Common services include:

  • Google Drive

  • Microsoft OneDrive

  • Dropbox

In order to guarantee a great experience, we ask that you submit developer kits at least 14 days prior to the event start date. We realize this won't always be possible, so if necessary please submit as early as possible. If you submit too close to the start of the event (the Friday evening before the start of the show on a Sunday, for example), there may be some delay before you can start scanning. 

To learn more about the overall process for setting up a show with badge scanning, see our guide here. 

What happens next?

Lead Liaison will confirm your event is ready via email. The email comes from event-team@leadliaison.com. If you have not heard back within 2 business days from the start of your event, please contact Lead Liaison Support at support@leadliaison.com.

In some cases, there may be additional actions you'll need to take. For example, some providers only send a sample kit and don't send production information until just before the show. In that case, you would need to send us the updated API info as soon as you have it. If this is the case for your event, our team will let you know. 

How do I find the developer kit?

Most providers include an option for the developer kit on the same form as their proprietary scanner. They may list the kit in a number of ways. Common phrases for a developer's kit are:

  • Developer Kit

  • SDK (Software Developer's Kit)

  • Third-Party Scanning

  • API Kit

  • API Access

If you're unsure which option is correct, feel free to ask your implementation manager. 

Reaching out to the organizer for information about your DevKit

Some events will provide test environment information (badges and API credentials) before real event information (Production information)

To set up the integration for the event, our event team needs the production information.

We recommend using the following template when reaching out to your event organizer to get your API Kit’s information.

Title: [Event name] Developer's API Kit Inquiry

Hello,

I hope you are doing well!

Could you please give us the following information about the Devkit?

  • API Documentation

  • Production API credentials: such as API Keys, Secrets and any other keys/IDs required for authentication on your production environment.

  • Production sample badge
    Please note: We need production environment information, not test environment information.

  • API limitations such as number of scans per minute.

Thanks!

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I cannot find a developer kit, what next?

In some cases, the show provider may not include the developer's kit on the order form. If this happens, send a message to the lead retrieval provider. You are welcome to use the following template:

Hello, We are attending EVENT NAME on EVENT DATE in EVENT CITY. We use our own lead capture solution at events, Captello. We would like to use our app to scan name badges at the event. Would you please send instructions so we can purchase a developer's kit to integrate with your API? We are happy to include our app provider on this email if you have further questions. Thank you.

If the provider requests more information, feel free to copy support@leadliaison.com. Please Reply-All when copying us; do not Forward.

If you are having a hard time finding the provider, you can email the event's management. It is unlikely they will have the kit, but they can direct you to the lead retrieval provider. 

What if the provider isn't on your integrations list?

We can connect with any provider as long as they offer an API kit. While we do have a list of existing providers here, do not hesitate to send us a kit with a new provider. 

The provider says they aren't offering a developer kit; what can we do?

If the provider doesn't offer a kit, it could be for several reasons. You may run into this when:

  • The provider only provides post-show data merge

  • The provider cannot integrate with 3rd-party scanners

  • The show management is not allowing the provider to use 3rd-party scanners

In our experience, there are a few things you can do when you run into these situations.

The provider only provides post-show data merge

No worries! Lead Liaison supports post-show data merge as well. If a provider says they don't support real-time badge scanning, ask if this is an option instead. 

The only difference between post-show merges and real-time scanning is turnaround time. In both cases, you will use Captello to scan your leads and fill out follow up questions. With post-show merge, you will get your list of submissions 1-2 days following the end of the event. 

Post-show data merge may also be offered as an alternative to real-time scanning. If you don't need leads instantly entered into your data, it can be a cheaper alternative. This tutorial covers our post-show data merge process. 

The provider cannot integrate with 3rd-party scanners

If the provider does not have an API other providers can integrate with, then Lead Liaison has other options. We can scan business cards using transcription, or even import submissions from the event's proprietary scanner into our app. You should also contact event management and let them know that this is a feature you would like to see at future events. Feel free to use this email template:

Hello, We understand your lead retrieval provider does not have an API for 3rd-party scanners to connect to. We prefer to work with our provider, Lead Liaison, because they allow us to have a consistent, customized experience across all shows. Most events allow us to integrate their app, and we would love to do so at EVENT NAME.  This is a common option at other events, so it is surprising to not see here. Lead capture providers are becoming very common, so it makes sense to allow for integration. When planning for the next EVENT NAME, please consider choosing a provider that will allow us to do this. Thank you for your consideration.

The show management is not allowing the provider to use 3rd-party scanners

While uncommon, some shows may ban their lead retrieval provider from connecting to 3rd-party scanners, even if the provider has an API. The provider will not be able to help you, but show management may be able to. In some cases, they are willing to make exceptions for certain exhibitors. If they will not make an exception, we still have other alternatives. 

We can scan business cards using transcription, or even import submissions from the show's proprietary scanner into our app. Contact your implementation manager for more ideas.

Finally, let show management know that you prefer to use your own app, and that this is something you want to see for future events. Feel free to use this email template:

Hello, We understand that you will not allow 3rd-party apps to scan name badges at EVENT NAME on EVENT DATE. We prefer to work with our provider, Lead Liaison, because they allow us to have a consistent, customized experience across all shows. Most events allow us to integrate their app, and we would love to do so at EVENT NAME.  Please let management know that this is something we want to see in the future. Lead capture providers are becoming more common, so it makes sense to allow integration. It doesn't make sense to deny a feature that LEAD RETRIEVAL PROVIDER commonly does at other events. Thank you for your consideration.

Understanding Developer Kit Dynamics (Diagram)

Below is a comprehensive guide on the lead capture workflow utilizing Captello's software. This guide provides a detailed overview of the process from the initial request for a developer kit for badge scanning to the final steps of capturing and processing lead data. It covers all necessary interactions between exhibitors, organizers, and registration providers, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup. Whether a developer kit is available or not, this workflow outlines the steps and contingencies to guarantee seamless lead capture at your events. Follow the diagram to understand the key stages, responsibilities, and actions required to optimize your lead capture process using Captello’s advanced solutions.

Understanding Developer Kit Dynamics (Diagram)

  

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