Event lead retrieval alternative

The lead-retrieval alternative that doesn't wait for the organizer's CSV

At CES, the National Hardware Show, and most big expos, “lead retrieval” means the official scanner: a rented gun that reads the organizer's barcode and dumps a registration file — usually after the show. LeadPix is the other job. It reads what's printed on the badge or business card, enriches the company, and opens a follow-up draft in your inbox while you still remember the conversation.

Free plan · No credit card required · Works on any phone

LeadPixLead retrieval / official scanner
What it readsPrinted badge or business card + enrichmentOrganizer barcode / registration record
When you get the contactOn the spot, in the appCSV emailed after the show (typical)
Works at any showYes — no organizer integrationOnly that show's badge system
Business cardsYes — same scanNo — barcode only
HardwareThe phone in your pocketRented gun, $300–$900/device/show
Follow-upMailto draft you send (“Drafted / Opened mail”)Separate tool, days later
Pricing$29/mo or $199/yr (free: 25 scans)Per device, per event
CRMHubSpot native; CSV for othersCSV from the organizer

Barcode vs print is a different capture

The official gun is a key to the organizer's database. That's useful when the email lives only in registration. LeadPix is useful when the badge is a piece of paper, the visitor hands you a card, or the show doesn't rent guns at all.

The file arriving Thursday is the problem

Most official systems email a CSV after the floor closes. 80% of trade-show leads are never followed up — Event Marketing Institute, CEIR industry reports, same sourcing as our homepage. A same-night draft in your own inbox is the opposite workflow.

One tool across the calendar

CES, NHS, a regional dealer show, a Tuesday open house — they don't share a badge vendor. LeadPix isn't tied to an organizer, so the same login works everywhere your booth goes.

The bottom line

If you exhibit at shows that rent official scanners — and at shows that don't — LeadPix is the capture layer you own: $29/mo or $199/yr, 14-day trial, free plan to start. Keep the official gun when you need the registration record; don't rent it when you just need the name on the badge.

Try LeadPix freeOwn it for $199/yr — about $17/mo billed annually (save 40%+). Or $29/mo. 14-day free trial.

Frequently asked questions

What is event lead retrieval?

It's the industry name for the organizer's badge-scan system. You rent a gun (or app license) that reads the barcode printed for that show. After the event, the organizer emails a spreadsheet of who you scanned. That's the official path at CES, NHS, and most union halls.

Is LeadPix a replacement for the official scanner?

For the job most 2–200 person booths actually need — capture the person in front of you, enrich them, follow up the same night — yes. It does not read the organizer barcode or pull a registration-only email. If a show requires the official scan for some other reason, that's a separate purchase.

Will it work if the badge has no barcode I can use?

Yes. LeadPix never needs the organizer barcode. It reads the printed name, company, title, city — and business cards, which official guns ignore.

Does LeadPix send the follow-up for me?

No. One tap opens a personalized draft in your mail app (mailto). You hit send. The lead is marked Drafted / Opened mail — LeadPix does not deliver the message.

What does it cost vs the official gun?

Official retrieval is typically $300–$900 per device, per show. LeadPix is $0 for 25 scans/month, Pro $29/mo or $199/yr, Team $99/mo or $699/yr, with a 14-day trial on paid plans.