You might notice something new in the CSAC Annual Meeting registration brochure this year: QR codes. We’ve put one on the back cover and you can also find them on the printed registration pages. And if you aren’t sure what I’m talking about, there’s an image of one in this blog posting.

“QR” stands for “quick response.” The codes can contain all kinds of information, including Website addresses. If you have a smart phone, you just need to download an application that uses the phone’s camera to scan the code and it will either take you to a Website or give you information. It’s easy to do and provides you with a quick opportunity to access additional information.

We also plan to use QR codes at the Annual Meeting on signage to provide attendees with additional information. For example, on a sign for a policy committee meeting, you will be able to scan the QR code and receive a copy of the agenda or meeting packet on your smart phone.

The use of QR codes around the country is increasing rapidly. One study conducted earlier this summer found that 14 million mobile users in the U.S., representing 6.2 percent of the total mobile audience, scanned a QR or bar code on their mobile device. We are sure some of these people are our county members – and that’s why are trying out this new technology at our 2011 Annual Meeting, set for November 29 – December 2 in San Francisco.

If you haven’t yet tried QR codes and own a smart phone, you just might want to give it a shot.