Background
We know that you may be working with multiple vendors to get exactly what you need for your event. If you are working with WHOVA and would like to have that QR code on the Expo Pass badge through our Custom QR code feature, we have created a solution in house for you.
Over time, WHOVA has blocked the capability for anyone to obtain the raw QR code data (this is what we need in Expo Pass) and now have completely removed the capability for clients to even export their badges into a PDF format.
Some clients have been grandfathered in to still having the export badge feature within WHOVA.
This change is intentional they want to keep badge printing exclusively in-house.
However, if you can still export a few badge samples (with the QR code and first name and last name), we may still be able to support badge printing through Expo Pass.
⚠️ If You CANNOT Export a Badge PDF from WHOVA
These are the only two options we can suggest:
Attendees must pull up their QR code from the WHOVA app (on their phone) at check-in to be scanned.
Client can use a label printer (outside of Expo Pass) to print WHOVA QR code labels and manually stick them onto the Expo Pass badge onsite.
✅ If You CAN Export a Badge PDF from WHOVA | What We CAN Support
If you are able to export badges (PDFs) with QR codes and attendee data, we can import those into Expo Pass and support badge printing.
This will be a one-time import—no syncing or post-upload updates.
🚫 If You CAN Export a Badge PDF from WHOVA | What We CANNOT Support
We cannot update badge files after they are submitted.
Attendees added in WHOVA after the file is sent will not have a QR code printed on their badge.
📝 Step-by-Step Process (If You Can Export a Badge PDF)
Confirm whether you can export badges with QR codes from WHOVA.
Ensure none of the fields on your badge in WHOVA are overlapping each other.
Send a few sample badges (PDF) to test for your Event Specialist - well before the event begins date. Shoot for 14+ days or more so we have ample time for review and testing.
Once testing is confirmed:
Create a WHOVA QR code field (Custom Attendee Field) and any additional fields in Expo Pass they need for their badge.
Build the print layer with those fields.
Export the full badge file and send us the PDF 2–3 business days before the event.
We CANNOT commit to do an upload less than 36 hours before the event check-in process begins. This means we can’t get a file on Friday night or over the weekend and expect it to be ready Monday morning.
We’ll import the data into Expo Pass.
🔁 Important Reminders:
This process is a one-time import only. Any attendees added to WHOVA after the file is submitted to Expo Pass will not have their QR code printed on their badge.
All other attendees will need to access their QR code in the WHOVA mobile app for scanning.