feat(leads): V3 API migration, QR Scanner v3, and Exhibitor Leads UI overhaul

- Migrate event_exhibit and event_exhibit_tracking CRUD to V3 API (parent_type/child_type params).
- Implement Element_qr_scanner_v3.svelte: A Svelte 5 / Runes component using html5-qrcode with auto-start and unique viewfinder IDs.
- Integrate QR Scanner v3 into ae_comp__badge_search.svelte and lead capture.
- Refactor Exhibitor Leads UI:
  - Add 'Rapid Scan' vs 'Qualify Mode' toggles for efficient lead capture.
  - Upgrade ae_comp__lead_detail_form.svelte to support new question/response schema with backward compatibility.
  - Implement 'Sign Out of Booth' functionality in exhibit management.
  - Optimize lead detail layout for mobile readability and high information density.
  - Fix component prop sync for event_id and exhibit_id.
- UI/UX refinements: standardizing icons (SquarePen), cleaning up unused imports, and improving responsive states.

src/lib/ae_events/ae_events__exhibit.ts

@@ -309,9 +309,9 @@ export async function create_ae_obj__exhibit({
 }): Promise<ae_EventExhibit | null> {
 	const result = await api.create_nested_obj_v3({
 		api_cfg,
-		for_obj_type: 'event',
+		parent_type: 'event',
-		for_obj_id: event_id,
+		parent_id: event_id,
-		obj_type: 'event_exhibit',
+		child_type: 'event_exhibit',
 		fields: { ...data_kv },
 		log_lvl
 	});
@@ -353,10 +353,10 @@ export async function update_ae_obj__exhibit({
 }): Promise<ae_EventExhibit | null> {
 	const result = await api.update_nested_obj_v3({
 		api_cfg,
-		for_obj_type: 'event',
+		parent_type: 'event',
-		for_obj_id: event_id,
+		parent_id: event_id,
-		obj_type: 'event_exhibit',
+		child_type: 'event_exhibit',
-		obj_id: exhibit_id,
+		child_id: exhibit_id,
 		fields: data_kv,
 		log_lvl
 	});

src/lib/ae_events/ae_events__exhibit_tracking.ts

@@ -326,9 +326,9 @@ export async function create_ae_obj__exhibit_tracking({
 }): Promise<ae_EventExhibitTracking | null> {
 	const result = await api.create_nested_obj_v3({
 		api_cfg,
-		for_obj_type: 'event_exhibit',
+		parent_type: 'event_exhibit',
-		for_obj_id: exhibit_id,
+		parent_id: exhibit_id,
-		obj_type: 'event_exhibit_tracking',
+		child_type: 'event_exhibit_tracking',
 		fields: {
 			event_badge_id: event_badge_id,
 			external_person_id,
@@ -374,10 +374,10 @@ export async function update_ae_obj__exhibit_tracking({
 }): Promise<ae_EventExhibitTracking | null> {
 	const result = await api.update_nested_obj_v3({
 		api_cfg,
-		for_obj_type: 'event_exhibit',
+		parent_type: 'event_exhibit',
-		for_obj_id: exhibit_id,
+		parent_id: exhibit_id,
-		obj_type: 'event_exhibit_tracking',
+		child_type: 'event_exhibit_tracking',
-		obj_id: exhibit_tracking_id,
+		child_id: exhibit_tracking_id,
 		fields: data,
 		log_lvl
 	});

src/lib/element_qr_scanner_v3.svelte

@@ -0,0 +1,143 @@
+<script lang="ts">
+    /**
+     * src/lib/element_qr_scanner_v3.svelte
+     * QR Scanner v3 — Svelte 5 runes, auto-starts, no manual permission step.
+     *
+     * html5-qrcode's .start() handles camera permission internally.
+     * A unique viewfinder ID is generated per instance so multiple scanners
+     * can coexist on the same page without collision.
+     *
+     * Props:
+     *   start_qr_scanner  (bindable) — true = scan, false = stop
+     *   on_qr_scan_result — callback fired with { detail: { result, entry_method } }
+     *   qr_fps            — scan frames per second (default 10)
+     *   qr_facing_mode    — 'environment' (rear) or 'user' (front)
+     */
+    import { onDestroy, untrack } from 'svelte';
+    import { Html5Qrcode, Html5QrcodeSupportedFormats } from 'html5-qrcode';
+
+    interface Props {
+        start_qr_scanner?: boolean;
+        on_qr_scan_result?: (event: { detail: { result: string; entry_method: string } }) => void;
+        qr_fps?: number;
+        qr_facing_mode?: string;
+    }
+
+    let {
+        start_qr_scanner = $bindable(true),
+        on_qr_scan_result,
+        qr_fps = 10,
+        qr_facing_mode = 'environment'
+    }: Props = $props();
+
+    // Unique DOM ID per instance — prevents conflicts when multiple scanners mount
+    const viewfinder_id = `qr_vf_${Math.random().toString(36).substring(2, 9)}`;
+
+    let scanner: Html5Qrcode | null = null;
+    let status = $state<'idle' | 'starting' | 'scanning' | 'error'>('idle');
+    let error_msg = $state('');
+
+    // React to start_qr_scanner prop changes from the parent
+    $effect(() => {
+        const should_scan = start_qr_scanner;
+
+        untrack(() => {
+            if (should_scan && (status === 'idle' || status === 'error')) {
+                start_scanning();
+            } else if (!should_scan && status === 'scanning') {
+                stop_scanning();
+            }
+        });
+    });
+
+    onDestroy(() => {
+        stop_scanning();
+    });
+
+    async function start_scanning() {
+        if (status === 'starting' || status === 'scanning') return;
+        status = 'starting';
+        error_msg = '';
+
+        try {
+            scanner = new Html5Qrcode(viewfinder_id, {
+                formatsToSupport: [Html5QrcodeSupportedFormats.QR_CODE],
+                verbose: false
+            });
+
+            await scanner.start(
+                { facingMode: qr_facing_mode },
+                {
+                    fps: qr_fps,
+                    // Use a percentage of the viewfinder so it scales on any screen size
+                    qrbox: (w: number, h: number) => {
+                        const side = Math.floor(Math.min(w, h) * 0.82);
+                        return { width: side, height: side };
+                    }
+                },
+                on_scan_success,
+                on_scan_error
+            );
+
+            status = 'scanning';
+        } catch (e: any) {
+            status = 'error';
+            if (e?.name === 'NotAllowedError') {
+                error_msg = 'Camera access denied. Please allow camera in your browser settings and try again.';
+            } else {
+                error_msg = 'Could not start camera. Please try again.';
+            }
+            console.warn('[QR v3] Scanner start failed:', e);
+        }
+    }
+
+    async function stop_scanning() {
+        if (!scanner) return;
+        const s = scanner;
+        scanner = null;
+        try {
+            await s.stop();
+            await s.clear();
+        } catch {
+            // Ignore cleanup errors — component may be unmounting
+        }
+        status = 'idle';
+    }
+
+    function on_scan_success(decoded_text: string) {
+        // Stop scanning before notifying parent so the camera shuts down cleanly
+        stop_scanning().then(() => {
+            start_qr_scanner = false;
+        });
+
+        if (on_qr_scan_result) {
+            on_qr_scan_result({ detail: { result: decoded_text, entry_method: 'QR' } });
+        }
+    }
+
+    function on_scan_error(_msg: string) {
+        // Called on every frame that doesn't contain a QR code — expected, not an error
+    }
+</script>
+
+<!-- Viewfinder fills whatever container the parent provides -->
+<div class="qr-scanner-v3 w-full h-full flex flex-col items-center justify-center">
+    <div id={viewfinder_id} class="w-full h-full"></div>
+
+    {#if status === 'starting'}
+        <div class="absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-surface-900/40 rounded-xl">
+            <p class="text-sm font-semibold opacity-70 animate-pulse">Starting camera...</p>
+        </div>
+    {:else if status === 'error'}
+        <div class="absolute inset-0 flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-4 bg-surface-900/80 rounded-xl p-6 text-center">
+            <p class="text-sm text-error-400 font-semibold leading-snug">{error_msg}</p>
+            <button
+                type="button"
+                class="btn btn-sm variant-filled-primary"
+                onclick={start_scanning}
+            >
+                Try Again
+            </button>
+        </div>
+    {/if}
+</div>

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/ae_comp__badge_search.svelte

@@ -10,16 +10,14 @@
     import {
         Library,
         RemoveFormatting,
-        X,
         QrCode,
         Search,
-        Check,
         LoaderCircle
     } from 'lucide-svelte';
 
     import { ae_loc, ae_api } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
     import { events_loc, events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
-    import Element_qr_scanner_v2 from '$lib/element_qr_scanner_v2.svelte';
+    import Element_qr_scanner_v3 from '$lib/element_qr_scanner_v3.svelte';
     import { ae_util } from '$lib/ae_utils/ae_utils';
 
     // ISHLT 2024 badge type codes
@@ -53,7 +51,7 @@
         };
     }
 
-    function handle_qr_scan_result(event: CustomEvent) {
+    function handle_qr_scan_result(event: { detail: { result: string; entry_method: string } }) {
         let qr_scan_result = event.detail.result;
         let obj = ae_util.process_data_string(qr_scan_result);
 
@@ -202,9 +200,9 @@
         <div
             class="w-full max-w-2xl mx-auto p-4 bg-surface-100-900 rounded-lg shadow-lg"
         >
-            <Element_qr_scanner_v2
+            <Element_qr_scanner_v3
                 bind:start_qr_scanner={$events_sess.badges.qr_scan_start}
-                on:qr_scan_result={handle_qr_scan_result}
+                on_qr_scan_result={handle_qr_scan_result}
             />
         </div>
     {/if}
@@ -240,24 +238,7 @@
             </button>
         {/if}
 
-        <button
+{#if $ae_loc.edit_mode}
-            type="button"
-            onclick={() => {
-                $events_loc.badges.use_id_li = !$events_loc.badges.use_id_li;
-                handle_search_trigger();
-            }}
-            class="btn btn-sm preset-tonal-secondary border border-secondary-500"
-            title="Toggle using the ID list or not."
-        >
-            {#if $events_loc.badges.use_id_li}
-                <Check size="1.2em" class="text-green-600 mr-1" />
-            {:else}
-                <X size="1.2em" class="text-red-600 mr-1" />
-            {/if}
-            Use ID List
-        </button>
-
-        {#if $ae_loc.edit_mode}
             <label
                 class="flex items-center gap-1 cursor-pointer bg-surface-200-800 px-2 py-1 rounded-token text-xs font-semibold"
             >

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/+page.svelte

@@ -13,15 +13,11 @@
     import { ae_util } from '$lib/ae_utils/ae_utils';
     import {
         LoaderCircle,
-        UserPlus,
         Download,
         Settings,
         Plus,
         List as ListIcon,
-        LogIn,
+        LayoutGrid
-        LayoutGrid,
-        Search,
-        LogOut
     } from 'lucide-svelte';
     import Comp_exhibit_tracking_search from './ae_comp__exhibit_tracking_search.svelte';
     import Comp_exhibit_tracking_obj_li from './ae_comp__exhibit_tracking_obj_li.svelte';
@@ -383,15 +379,6 @@
         }
     }
 
-    function handle_signout() {
-        const exhibit_id = page.params.exhibit_id;
-        if (!exhibit_id) return;
-        if (confirm('Sign out from this booth?')) {
-            delete $events_loc.leads.auth_exhibit_kv[exhibit_id];
-            $events_sess.leads.entered_passcode = null;
-            set_active_tab('start');
-        }
-    }
 </script>
 
 <section
@@ -449,15 +436,6 @@
                     <Settings size="1.25em" />
                 </button>
 
-                <!-- Sign Out -->
-                <button
-                    type="button"
-                    class="btn btn-sm variant-ghost-error px-2 sm:px-3"
-                    onclick={handle_signout}
-                    title="Sign Out"
-                >
-                    <LogOut size="1.25em" />
-                </button>
             {/if}
         </div>
     </header>

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__exhibit_custom_questions.svelte

@@ -6,40 +6,59 @@
     import { untrack } from 'svelte';
     import { ae_api } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
     import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events_functions';
-    import { Plus, Trash2, Save, LoaderCircle, MessageSquare, List, Type, CheckSquare } from 'lucide-svelte';
+    import { Plus, Trash2, Save, LoaderCircle, MessageSquare, List } from 'lucide-svelte';
 
     interface Props {
         exhibit_id: string;
+        event_id: string;
         custom_questions_json?: string;
     }
 
-    let { exhibit_id, custom_questions_json = '[]' }: Props = $props();
+    let { exhibit_id, event_id, custom_questions_json = '[]' }: Props = $props();
 
     let questions: any[] = $state([]);
     let is_saving = $state(false);
+    // Track the JSON as it was last saved so we can detect unsaved changes
+    let saved_json = $state('[]');
 
     $effect(() => {
+        const incoming = custom_questions_json; // reactive dependency
         try {
-            const parsed = JSON.parse(custom_questions_json || '[]');
+            const parsed = JSON.parse(incoming || '[]');
             untrack(() => {
-                questions = Array.isArray(parsed) ? parsed : [];
+                if (Array.isArray(parsed) && parsed.length > 0) {
+                    // Incoming prop has real content — load it (initial load or external update)
+                    questions = parsed;
+                    saved_json = JSON.stringify(parsed);
+                } else if (questions.length === 0) {
+                    // Both empty — initialize state cleanly
+                    saved_json = '[]';
+                }
+                // If parsed is empty but we already have questions: the API response
+                // stripped leads_custom_questions_json from its return object and
+                // overwrote Dexie with null. Keep our in-memory questions intact.
             });
         } catch (e) {
-            untrack(() => questions = []);
+            untrack(() => { if (questions.length === 0) { questions = []; saved_json = '[]'; } });
         }
     });
 
+    // True whenever the current questions differ from the last saved state
+    let is_dirty = $derived(JSON.stringify(questions) !== saved_json);
+
     async function save_questions() {
         if (!exhibit_id) return;
         is_saving = true;
         try {
             await events_func.update_ae_obj__exhibit({
                 api_cfg: $ae_api,
+                event_id: event_id,
                 exhibit_id: exhibit_id,
                 data_kv: {
                     leads_custom_questions_json: JSON.stringify(questions)
                 }
             });
+            saved_json = JSON.stringify(questions);
         } finally {
             is_saving = false;
         }
@@ -47,16 +66,30 @@
 
     function add_question() {
         questions.push({
-            id: Math.random().toString(36).substring(2, 9),
+            // code: machine key used as the responses_json property name
-            label: '',
+            // question: human-readable label shown to the exhibitor/scanner
+            // option_li: array of choices; first element is always '' (blank/no-selection default)
+            code: '',
+            question: '',
             type: 'text',
-            options: ''
+            option_li: ['']
         });
     }
 
     function remove_question(index: number) {
         questions.splice(index, 1);
     }
+
+    // Helpers for option_li ↔ comma-string conversion in the UI
+    function get_options_str(q: any): string {
+        const li: string[] = Array.isArray(q.option_li) ? q.option_li : [];
+        return li.filter((o: string) => o !== '').join(', ');
+    }
+
+    function set_options_str(q: any, val: string) {
+        // Always prepend empty string so the select has a blank default option
+        q.option_li = ['', ...val.split(',').map((s: string) => s.trim()).filter(Boolean)];
+    }
 </script>
 
 <div class="custom-questions-editor space-y-4">
@@ -67,42 +100,59 @@
 
     <div class="space-y-3">
         {#each questions as q, i}
-            <div class="card p-4 variant-soft border border-surface-500/10 space-y-4 relative group animate-in fade-in slide-in-from-right-2">
+            <div class="card p-4 variant-soft border border-surface-500/10 space-y-3 animate-in fade-in slide-in-from-right-2">
-                <button 
+                <!-- Question header row: number + delete (always visible for mobile) -->
-                    class="absolute top-2 right-2 p-2 text-error-500 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity"
+                <div class="flex items-center justify-between">
-                    onclick={() => remove_question(i)}
+                    <span class="text-[10px] uppercase font-black opacity-30 tracking-widest">Question {i + 1}</span>
-                >
+                    <button
-                    <Trash2 size="1.2em" />
+                        class="btn btn-sm variant-ghost-error px-2 py-1"
-                </button>
+                        onclick={() => remove_question(i)}
+                        title="Remove question"
+                    >
+                        <Trash2 size="1em" />
+                    </button>
+                </div>
 
                 <div class="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
-                    <!-- Label -->
+                    <!-- Question / display label -->
                     <div class="space-y-1">
                         <label class="text-[10px] uppercase font-bold opacity-40">Question / Label</label>
                         <div class="flex items-center gap-2">
-                            <MessageSquare size="1em" class="opacity-30" />
+                            <MessageSquare size="1em" class="opacity-30 flex-none" />
-                            <input type="text" bind:value={q.label} placeholder="e.g. Purchasing Authority?" class="bg-transparent border-b border-surface-500/20 outline-none flex-1 text-sm font-bold" />
+                            <input type="text" bind:value={q.question} placeholder="e.g. Purchasing Authority?" class="bg-transparent border-b border-surface-500/20 outline-none flex-1 text-sm font-bold" />
                         </div>
                     </div>
 
-                    <!-- Type -->
+                    <!-- Code / machine key -->
                     <div class="space-y-1">
-                        <label class="text-[10px] uppercase font-bold opacity-40">Response Type</label>
+                        <label class="text-[10px] uppercase font-bold opacity-40">Field Code <span class="normal-case font-normal opacity-70">(key in export)</span></label>
-                        <select bind:value={q.type} class="select variant-filled-surface text-xs p-1 rounded">
+                        <input type="text" bind:value={q.code} placeholder="e.g. purchasing_authority" class="bg-transparent border-b border-surface-500/20 outline-none w-full text-xs font-mono" />
-                            <option value="text">Short Text</option>
-                            <option value="textarea">Long Text</option>
-                            <option value="toggle">Yes / No (Toggle)</option>
-                            <option value="select">Multiple Choice (Select)</option>
-                        </select>
                     </div>
                 </div>
 
-                {#if q.type === 'select'}
+                <!-- Response Type -->
+                <div class="space-y-1">
+                    <label class="text-[10px] uppercase font-bold opacity-40">Response Type</label>
+                    <select bind:value={q.type} class="select variant-filled-surface text-xs p-1 rounded w-full">
+                        <option value="text">Short Text</option>
+                        <option value="textarea">Long Text</option>
+                        <option value="toggle">Yes / No (Toggle)</option>
+                        <option value="option">Multiple Choice (Select)</option>
+                    </select>
+                </div>
+
+                {#if q.type === 'option'}
                     <div class="space-y-1 pt-2 border-t border-surface-500/10">
-                        <label class="text-[10px] uppercase font-bold opacity-40">Options (Comma separated)</label>
+                        <label class="text-[10px] uppercase font-bold opacity-40">Options (comma-separated)</label>
                         <div class="flex items-center gap-2">
-                            <List size="1em" class="opacity-30" />
+                            <List size="1em" class="opacity-30 flex-none" />
-                            <input type="text" bind:value={q.options} placeholder="Hot, Warm, Cold" class="bg-transparent border-b border-surface-500/20 outline-none flex-1 text-xs" />
+                            <input
+                                type="text"
+                                value={get_options_str(q)}
+                                oninput={(e) => set_options_str(q, (e.target as HTMLInputElement).value)}
+                                placeholder="Hot, Warm, Cold"
+                                class="bg-transparent border-b border-surface-500/20 outline-none flex-1 text-xs"
+                            />
                         </div>
                     </div>
                 {/if}
@@ -112,22 +162,33 @@
         {#if questions.length === 0}
             <div class="p-8 text-center border-2 border-dashed border-surface-500/20 rounded-xl opacity-30">
                 <Plus size="2em" class="mx-auto mb-2" />
-                <p class="text-sm italic">No custom questions defined.</p>
+                <p class="text-sm italic">No custom questions defined yet.</p>
             </div>
         {/if}
     </div>
 
+    <!-- Unsaved changes warning -->
+    {#if is_dirty}
+        <p class="text-xs text-warning-500 font-bold text-center animate-pulse">Unsaved changes</p>
+    {/if}
+
     <div class="flex gap-2 pt-2">
         <button class="btn btn-sm variant-filled-secondary flex-1" onclick={add_question}>
             <Plus size="1.2em" class="mr-2" /> Add Question
         </button>
-        <button class="btn btn-sm variant-filled-primary flex-1" onclick={save_questions} disabled={is_saving}>
+        <button
+            class="btn btn-sm flex-1 transition-all"
+            class:variant-filled-primary={is_dirty}
+            class:variant-ghost-surface={!is_dirty}
+            onclick={save_questions}
+            disabled={is_saving || !is_dirty}
+        >
             {#if is_saving}
                 <LoaderCircle size="1.2em" class="animate-spin mr-2" />
             {:else}
                 <Save size="1.2em" class="mr-2" />
             {/if}
-            Save Questions
+            {is_dirty ? 'Save Questions' : 'Saved'}
         </button>
     </div>
 </div>

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__exhibit_license_list.svelte

@@ -10,11 +10,12 @@
 
     interface Props {
         exhibit_id: string;
+        event_id: string;
         license_li_json?: string; // Raw JSON string from DB
         license_max?: number;
     }
 
-    let { exhibit_id, license_li_json = '[]', license_max = 0 }: Props = $props();
+    let { exhibit_id, event_id, license_li_json = '[]', license_max = 0 }: Props = $props();
 
     // Local state for the parsed list
     let local_license_li: any[] = $state([]);
@@ -55,6 +56,7 @@
             const json_str = JSON.stringify(local_license_li);
             await events_func.update_ae_obj__exhibit({
                 api_cfg: $ae_api,
+                event_id: event_id,
                 exhibit_id: exhibit_id,
                 data_kv: {
                     license_li_json: json_str

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__exhibit_tracking_obj_li.svelte

@@ -17,10 +17,47 @@
     import { ae_util } from '$lib/ae_utils/ae_utils';
     import { page } from '$app/state';
 
-    // Helper to format date
+    // Full ISO datetime for tooltip (hover title)
-    function format_date(date_str: string) {
+    function format_date_full(date_str: string) {
         if (!date_str) return '';
-        return new Date(date_str).toLocaleString();
+        return new Date(date_str).toLocaleString(undefined, {
+            year: 'numeric', month: 'short', day: 'numeric',
+            hour: '2-digit', minute: '2-digit', second: '2-digit'
+        });
+    }
+
+    // Fuzzy relative time — "~10 min ago", "~1.5 hrs ago", "~2 days ago"
+    // Exact for first few minutes, increasingly coarse after that.
+    function fuzzy_time_ago(date_str: string) {
+        if (!date_str) return '';
+        const diff_ms = Date.now() - new Date(date_str).getTime();
+        if (diff_ms < 0) return 'just now';
+
+        const min = diff_ms / 60000;
+        const hr  = diff_ms / 3600000;
+        const days = Math.floor(hr / 24);
+
+        if (min < 0.75) return 'just now';
+        if (min < 2)    return '~1 min ago';
+        if (min < 7)    return `~${Math.round(min)} min ago`;           // e.g. "~3 min ago"
+        if (min < 20)   return `~${Math.round(min / 5) * 5} min ago`;  // rounds to 5 min
+        if (min < 55)   return `~${Math.round(min / 15) * 15} min ago`; // rounds to 15 min
+        if (hr  < 1.5)  return '~1 hr ago';
+        if (hr  < 23.5) {
+            const r = Math.round(hr * 2) / 2; // rounds to nearest 0.5 hr
+            return `~${r} hrs ago`;
+        }
+        if (days < 7) {
+            const rem_hr = Math.round(hr - days * 24);
+            const day_label = `~${days} day${days > 1 ? 's' : ''}`;
+            return rem_hr > 1 ? `${day_label} ${rem_hr} hrs ago` : `${day_label} ago`;
+        }
+        const weeks = Math.round(days / 7);
+        if (days < 28)  { return `~${weeks} week${weeks > 1 ? 's' : ''} ago`; }
+        const months = Math.round(days / 30);
+        if (days < 365) { return `~${months} month${months > 1 ? 's' : ''} ago`; }
+        const years = Math.round(days / 365);
+        return `~${years} year${years > 1 ? 's' : ''} ago`;
     }
 </script>
 
@@ -75,9 +112,12 @@
                                         {event_tracking_obj.event_badge_affiliations}
                                     </div>
                                 {/if}
-                                <div class="flex items-center gap-1">
+                                <div
+                                    class="flex items-center gap-1"
+                                    title={format_date_full(event_tracking_obj.created_on)}
+                                >
                                     <Clock size="1em" />
-                                    {format_date(event_tracking_obj.created_on)}
+                                    {fuzzy_time_ago(event_tracking_obj.created_on)}
                                 </div>
                             </div>
 

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_manual_search.svelte

@@ -41,11 +41,16 @@
     let search_query = $state('');
     let results: ae_EventBadge[] = $state([]);
     let searching = $state(false);
-    let adding_id = $state('');
+    let adding_id = $state('');   // badge_id currently being added (shows spinner)
+    let add_error_id = $state(''); // badge_id that failed to add (shows error)
+    // Track the most recently added badge_id → tracking_id so we can show a View link
+    let last_added_badge_id = $state('');
+    let last_added_tracking_id = $state('');
 
     async function handle_search() {
         if (!search_query.trim()) return;
         searching = true;
+        add_error_id = '';
         try {
             const search_results = await events_func.search__event_badge({
                 api_cfg: $ae_api,
@@ -62,25 +67,40 @@
     }
 
     async function add_as_lead(badge: ae_EventBadge) {
-        if (!badge.event_badge_id_random) return;
+        // Use id or id_random — whichever is populated from search results
-        adding_id = badge.event_badge_id_random;
+        const badge_id = badge.event_badge_id_random || badge.event_badge_id;
+        if (!badge_id) {
+            console.warn('[add_as_lead] badge missing event_badge_id_random and event_badge_id', badge);
+            return;
+        }
+        adding_id = badge_id;
+        add_error_id = '';
 
         // Use the actual signed-in licensed user's email (stored in auth_exhibit_kv)
         const user_email = $events_loc.leads.auth_exhibit_kv?.[exhibit_id]?.key || 'shared_passcode';
 
-                try {
+        try {
-                    const result = await events_func.create_ae_obj__exhibit_tracking({
+            const result = await events_func.create_ae_obj__exhibit_tracking({
-                        api_cfg: $ae_api,
+                api_cfg: $ae_api,
-                        exhibit_id: exhibit_id,
+                exhibit_id: exhibit_id,
-                        event_badge_id: badge.event_badge_id_random,
+                event_badge_id: badge_id,
-                        external_person_id: user_email,
+                external_person_id: user_email,
-                        group: user_email
+                group: user_email
-                    });
+            });
 
-                    if (result && on_lead_added) {                on_lead_added(badge);
+            if (result) {
+                // Surface a View Details link next to this result row
+                last_added_badge_id = badge_id;
+                last_added_tracking_id = result.event_exhibit_tracking_id_random || String(result.event_exhibit_tracking_id || '');
+                if (on_lead_added) on_lead_added(badge);
+            } else {
+                // API returned null/false — surface a visible error on this row
+                add_error_id = badge_id;
+                console.warn('[add_as_lead] API returned null for badge_id', badge_id);
             }
         } catch (e) {
-            console.error('Failed to add lead', e);
+            add_error_id = badge_id;
+            console.error('[add_as_lead] Failed to add lead', e);
         } finally {
             adding_id = '';
         }
@@ -120,28 +140,36 @@
     {#if results.length > 0}
         <div class="results-list space-y-2 max-h-[50vh] overflow-y-auto pr-2">
             {#each results as badge}
+                {@const badge_id = badge.event_badge_id_random || badge.event_badge_id}
+                {@const existing_id = $existing_leads_map?.get(badge_id) ?? (last_added_badge_id === badge_id ? last_added_tracking_id : '')}
                 <div class="card p-3 flex justify-between items-center variant-soft shadow-sm">
                     <div>
                         <div class="font-bold">{badge.full_name}</div>
                         <div class="text-xs opacity-70">{badge.affiliations || badge.email || ''}</div>
                     </div>
 
-                    {#if $existing_leads_map?.has(badge.event_badge_id_random)}
+                    {#if existing_id}
                         <a
-                            href={`/events/${page.params.event_id}/leads/exhibit/${exhibit_id}/lead/${$existing_leads_map.get(badge.event_badge_id_random)}`}
+                            href={`/events/${page.params.event_id}/leads/exhibit/${exhibit_id}/lead/${existing_id}`}
                             class="btn btn-sm variant-filled-secondary"
                         >
                             <Eye size="1em" class="mr-1" />
                             View
                         </a>
+                    {:else if add_error_id === badge_id}
+                        <span class="text-xs text-error-500 font-bold">Add failed — retry?
+                            <button type="button" class="btn btn-sm variant-ghost-error ml-1" onclick={() => add_as_lead(badge)}>
+                                Retry
+                            </button>
+                        </span>
                     {:else}
                         <button
                             type="button"
                             class="btn btn-sm preset-filled-success"
-                            disabled={adding_id === badge.event_badge_id_random}
+                            disabled={!!adding_id && adding_id === badge_id}
                             onclick={() => add_as_lead(badge)}
                         >
-                            {#if adding_id === badge.event_badge_id_random}
+                            {#if adding_id === badge_id}
                                 <LoaderCircle class="animate-spin" size="1em" />
                             {:else}
                                 <UserPlus size="1em" class="mr-1" />

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner.svelte

@@ -2,24 +2,30 @@
     /**
      * src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner.svelte
      * Badge QR Scanner for adding leads.
+     *
+     * scan_qualify modes (controlled by parent ae_tab__add):
+     *  - 'rapid':   after add → auto-reset scanner (scan next person fast)
+     *  - 'qualify': after add → navigate to lead detail (fill notes/qualifiers)
      */
     import { page } from '$app/state';
+    import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
     import { liveQuery } from 'dexie';
     import { db_events } from '$lib/ae_events/db_events';
     import { ae_api } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
     import { events_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
     import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events_functions';
-    import Element_qr_scanner_v2 from '$lib/element_qr_scanner_v2.svelte';
+    import Element_qr_scanner_v3 from '$lib/element_qr_scanner_v3.svelte';
     import { ae_util } from '$lib/ae_utils/ae_utils';
     import { LoaderCircle, UserPlus, CheckCircle, CircleAlert, Eye } from 'lucide-svelte';
     import type { ae_EventBadge } from '$lib/types/ae_types';
 
     interface Props {
         exhibit_id: string;
+        scan_qualify?: 'rapid' | 'qualify';
         on_lead_added?: (badge: ae_EventBadge) => void;
     }
 
-    let { exhibit_id, on_lead_added }: Props = $props();
+    let { exhibit_id, scan_qualify = 'rapid', on_lead_added }: Props = $props();
 
     // Track existing leads to prevent duplicates
     let existing_leads_map = $derived(
@@ -42,9 +48,10 @@
     let scanning_status = $state('idle'); // idle, scanning, found, adding, success, error, already_added
     let found_badge: ae_EventBadge | null = $state(null);
     let existing_tracking_id = $state('');
+    let new_tracking_id = $state(''); // ID of the lead just created — used for "View Details" link
     let error_msg = $state('');
 
-    async function handle_qr_scan_result(event: CustomEvent) {
+    async function handle_qr_scan_result(event: { detail: { result: string; entry_method: string } }) {
         const qr_result = event.detail.result;
         const obj = ae_util.process_data_string(qr_result);
 
@@ -93,11 +100,18 @@
             });
 
             if (result) {
+                // Capture the new tracking ID so we can link to it
+                new_tracking_id = result.event_exhibit_tracking_id_random || String(result.event_exhibit_tracking_id || '');
                 scanning_status = 'success';
                 if (on_lead_added) on_lead_added(found_badge);
 
-                // Auto-reset after 2 seconds to scan next
+                if (scan_qualify === 'qualify' && new_tracking_id) {
-                setTimeout(reset_scanner, 2000);
+                    // Qualify mode: navigate directly to lead detail to fill in notes/qualifiers
+                    goto(`/events/${page.params.event_id}/leads/exhibit/${exhibit_id}/lead/${new_tracking_id}`);
+                } else {
+                    // Rapid mode: auto-reset after 2 seconds to scan the next person
+                    setTimeout(reset_scanner, 2000);
+                }
             }
         } catch (e) {
             scanning_status = 'error';
@@ -108,17 +122,18 @@
     function reset_scanner() {
         scanning_status = 'idle';
         found_badge = null;
+        new_tracking_id = '';
         error_msg = '';
         start_qr_scanner = true;
     }
 </script>
 
-<div class="lead-qr-scanner flex flex-col items-center space-y-4 w-full min-h-[400px] justify-center">
+<div class="lead-qr-scanner flex flex-col items-center space-y-4 w-full min-h-100 justify-center">
     {#if scanning_status === 'idle' || scanning_status === 'scanning'}
         <div class="w-full max-w-sm mx-auto aspect-square overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-4 border-surface-500/20 shadow-xl relative bg-surface-900/10">
-            <Element_qr_scanner_v2
+            <Element_qr_scanner_v3
                 bind:start_qr_scanner
-                on:qr_scan_result={handle_qr_scan_result}
+                on_qr_scan_result={handle_qr_scan_result}
             />
             <div class="absolute inset-0 pointer-events-none border-2 border-primary-500/50 m-8 sm:m-12 rounded-lg animate-pulse"></div>
         </div>
@@ -189,7 +204,16 @@
                 <h3 class="h4 font-bold">Lead Added!</h3>
                 <p class="text-xl font-bold">{found_badge?.full_name}</p>
             </div>
-            <p class="text-sm opacity-50">Resetting scanner...</p>
+            <!-- In rapid mode: offer a View Details escape hatch while the reset countdown runs -->
+            {#if new_tracking_id}
+                <a
+                    href={`/events/${page.params.event_id}/leads/exhibit/${exhibit_id}/lead/${new_tracking_id}`}
+                    class="btn btn-sm variant-ghost-surface w-full"
+                >
+                    <Eye size="1em" class="mr-1" /> View Details
+                </a>
+            {/if}
+            <p class="text-sm opacity-40">Resetting scanner...</p>
         </div>
 
     {:else if scanning_status === 'error'}

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_tab__add.svelte

@@ -2,8 +2,14 @@
     /**
      * src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_tab__add.svelte
      * Tab 2: Add - Search / QR Scan Layout.
+     *
+     * Two orthogonal toggles:
+     *  - mode: 'qr' | 'search' — how to find the attendee
+     *  - scan_qualify: 'rapid' | 'qualify' — what to do after adding (QR mode only)
+     *    - rapid:   auto-reset scanner → scan next person immediately
+     *    - qualify: navigate to lead detail → fill qualifiers/notes right away
      */
-    import { QrCode, Search } from 'lucide-svelte';
+    import { QrCode, Search, Zap, ClipboardList } from 'lucide-svelte';
     import Comp_lead_qr_scanner from './ae_comp__lead_qr_scanner.svelte';
     import Comp_lead_manual_search from './ae_comp__lead_manual_search.svelte';
     import { events_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
@@ -14,7 +20,7 @@
 
     let { exhibit_id }: Props = $props();
 
-    // Use store for persistence (Stickiness)
+    // QR vs Manual Search (persisted per exhibit)
     let mode = $derived($events_loc.leads.tab_add_mode?.[exhibit_id] ?? 'qr');
 
     function set_mode(new_mode: string) {
@@ -22,35 +28,77 @@
         $events_loc.leads.tab_add_mode[exhibit_id] = new_mode;
     }
 
+    // Rapid vs Qualify scan mode (persisted per exhibit)
+    let scan_qualify = $derived($events_loc.leads.tab_scan_qualify?.[exhibit_id] ?? 'rapid');
+
+    function set_scan_qualify(new_mode: 'rapid' | 'qualify') {
+        if (!$events_loc.leads.tab_scan_qualify) $events_loc.leads.tab_scan_qualify = {};
+        $events_loc.leads.tab_scan_qualify[exhibit_id] = new_mode;
+    }
+
     function handle_lead_added(badge: any) {
-        console.log('Lead successfully added:', badge.full_name);
-        // We could trigger a global list refresh here if needed
         $events_loc.leads.tracking__search_version++;
     }
 </script>
 
-<div class="ae-tab-add flex flex-col items-center space-y-6 w-full mx-auto">
+<div class="ae-tab-add flex flex-col items-center space-y-4 w-full mx-auto">
-    <!-- Mode Toggle - Combined Button -->
+
-    <div class="flex justify-center w-full">
+    <!-- Controls Row: input mode toggle + scan qualify toggle -->
+    <div class="flex items-center gap-2 w-full">
+
+        <!-- QR / Search toggle (takes remaining space) -->
         <button
             type="button"
-            class="btn btn-sm variant-filled-secondary font-bold shadow-md px-6 py-3 flex items-center gap-2 transition-all duration-200"
+            class="btn btn-sm variant-filled-secondary font-bold shadow-sm px-4 py-2.5 flex items-center gap-2 flex-1 transition-all"
             onclick={() => set_mode(mode === 'qr' ? 'search' : 'qr')}
         >
             {#if mode === 'qr'}
-                <Search size="1.2em" />
+                <Search size="1.1em" />
-                <span>Switch to Manual Search</span>
+                <span>Manual Search</span>
             {:else}
-                <QrCode size="1.2em" />
+                <QrCode size="1.1em" />
-                <span>Switch to QR Scan</span>
+                <span>QR Scan</span>
             {/if}
         </button>
+
+        <!-- Rapid / Qualify mode (only meaningful for QR mode) -->
+        {#if mode === 'qr'}
+            <div class="flex rounded-lg overflow-hidden border border-surface-500/30 shadow-sm flex-none">
+                <button
+                    type="button"
+                    class="btn btn-sm px-3 py-2.5 rounded-none transition-all"
+                    class:preset-filled-primary={scan_qualify === 'rapid'}
+                    class:variant-ghost-surface={scan_qualify !== 'rapid'}
+                    onclick={() => set_scan_qualify('rapid')}
+                    title="Rapid Scan — reset immediately and scan the next person"
+                >
+                    <Zap size="1.1em" />
+                </button>
+                <button
+                    type="button"
+                    class="btn btn-sm px-3 py-2.5 rounded-none border-l border-surface-500/20 transition-all"
+                    class:preset-filled-secondary={scan_qualify === 'qualify'}
+                    class:variant-ghost-surface={scan_qualify !== 'qualify'}
+                    onclick={() => set_scan_qualify('qualify')}
+                    title="Qualify Mode — open lead detail after adding to fill in notes"
+                >
+                    <ClipboardList size="1.1em" />
+                </button>
+            </div>
+        {/if}
     </div>
 
-    <!-- Content Area - Stable Width -->
+    <!-- Mode hint line -->
-    <div class="w-full flex flex-col items-center min-h-[400px]">
+    {#if mode === 'qr'}
+        <p class="text-[10px] uppercase font-bold tracking-widest opacity-30 w-full -mt-2">
+            {scan_qualify === 'rapid' ? 'Rapid Scan — scan next after adding' : 'Qualify Mode — open lead detail after adding'}
+        </p>
+    {/if}
+
+    <!-- Content Area -->
+    <div class="w-full flex flex-col items-center min-h-100">
         {#if mode === 'qr'}
-            <Comp_lead_qr_scanner {exhibit_id} on_lead_added={handle_lead_added} />
+            <Comp_lead_qr_scanner {exhibit_id} {scan_qualify} on_lead_added={handle_lead_added} />
         {:else}
             <Comp_lead_manual_search {exhibit_id} on_lead_added={handle_lead_added} />
         {/if}

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/ae_tab__manage.svelte

@@ -23,7 +23,8 @@
         Key,
         Users,
         ChevronRight,
-        ChevronDown
+        ChevronDown,
+        LogOut
     } from 'lucide-svelte';
 
     const exhibit_id = $derived(page.params.exhibit_id ?? '');
@@ -40,6 +41,16 @@
     let show_license_mgmt = $state(false);
     let show_custom_questions = $state(false);
     let show_billing = $state(false);
+
+    function handle_signout() {
+        if (confirm('Sign out from this booth?')) {
+            delete $events_loc.leads.auth_exhibit_kv[exhibit_id];
+            $events_sess.leads.entered_passcode = null;
+            // Navigate to start tab
+            if (!$events_loc.leads.tab) $events_loc.leads.tab = {};
+            $events_loc.leads.tab[exhibit_id] = 'start';
+        }
+    }
 </script>
 
 <div class="ae-tab-manage w-full space-y-8 animate-in fade-in slide-in-from-bottom-2 duration-300 pb-20">
@@ -224,6 +235,16 @@
                 <p class="text-[9px] opacity-40 mt-2 italic">Official floor plan booth number.</p>
             </div>
         </div>
+
+        <!-- Sign Out -->
+        {#if !$ae_loc.manager_access}
+            <button
+                class="btn variant-ghost-error w-full mt-2"
+                onclick={handle_signout}
+            >
+                <LogOut size="1.2em" class="mr-2" /> Sign Out of Booth
+            </button>
+        {/if}
     </section>
 
     <!-- Section: Lead Settings -->
@@ -259,6 +280,7 @@
                         <div class="p-4 bg-surface-500/5 border-t border-surface-500/10 animate-in fade-in slide-in-from-top-2">
                             <Comp_exhibit_license_list
                                 {exhibit_id}
+                                event_id={page.params.event_id ?? ''}
                                 license_li_json={$lq__exhibit_obj?.license_li_json ?? '[]'}
                                 license_max={$lq__exhibit_obj?.license_max}
                             />
@@ -291,6 +313,7 @@
                     <div class="p-4 bg-surface-500/5 border-t border-surface-500/10 animate-in fade-in slide-in-from-top-2">
                         <Comp_exhibit_custom_questions
                             {exhibit_id}
+                            event_id={page.params.event_id ?? ''}
                             custom_questions_json={$lq__exhibit_obj?.leads_custom_questions_json ?? '[]'}
                         />
                     </div>
@@ -306,8 +329,8 @@
                     <div class="flex items-center gap-4">
                         <div class="bg-success-500/10 p-2 rounded-lg text-success-500"><CreditCard size="1.2em" /></div>
                         <div class="text-left">
-                            <div class="font-bold text-sm">Billing & Upgrades</div>
+                            <div class="font-bold text-sm">Licenses & Billing</div>
-                            <div class="text-xs opacity-50">Manage subscription and extra devices</div>
+                            <div class="text-xs opacity-50">Review licenses and manage payment</div>
                         </div>
                     </div>
                     {#if show_billing}

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/lead/[exhibit_tracking_id]/+page.svelte

@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@
         User,
         Mail,
         MapPin,
-        Clock, 
         FileText,
         ChevronLeft,
         Store,
@@ -24,7 +23,7 @@
         Star,
         LoaderCircle,
         ListTodo,
-        Edit,
+        SquarePen,
         Eye
     } from 'lucide-svelte';
 
@@ -63,7 +62,7 @@
     <header class="w-full bg-surface-100-900 border-b border-surface-500/20 px-4 py-3 sticky top-0 z-10 flex items-center justify-between gap-4 shadow-sm">
         <div class="flex items-center gap-4">
             <a
-                href={`/events/${page.params.event_id}/leads/exhibit/${$lq__lead_obj?.event_exhibit_id}`}
+                href={`/events/${page.params.event_id}/leads/exhibit/${page.params.exhibit_id}`}
                 class="btn btn-sm variant-ghost-surface"
             >
                 <ChevronLeft size="1.2em" />
@@ -83,7 +82,7 @@
                     {#if is_edit_mode}
                         <Eye size="1.2em" class="mr-1" /> View
                     {:else}
-                        <Edit size="1.2em" class="mr-1" /> Edit
+                        <SquarePen size="1.2em" class="mr-1" /> Edit
                     {/if}
                 </button>
             {/if}
@@ -110,40 +109,36 @@
                 <!-- Left: Profile Info -->
                 <div class="lg:col-span-2 space-y-6">
                     <!-- Attendee Core Identity -->
-                    <div class="card p-6 variant-soft shadow-lg border-l-4 border-primary-500">
+                    <div class="card p-4 variant-soft shadow-lg border-l-4 border-primary-500 space-y-2">
-                        <div class="flex flex-col sm:flex-row gap-6 items-center sm:items-start">
+                        <!-- Name row: small inline icon -->
-                            <div class="bg-primary-500/10 p-5 rounded-full flex-none">
+                        <div class="flex items-center gap-2">
-                                <User size="3.5em" class="text-primary-500" />
+                            <User size="1.4em" class="text-primary-500 flex-none" />
-                            </div>
+                            <h2 class="text-2xl font-black leading-tight">
-                            <div class="text-center sm:text-left space-y-1">
+                                {@html $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_full_name || $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_full_name_override || 'Unknown Attendee'}
-                                <h2 class="text-3xl font-black leading-tight">
+                            </h2>
-                                    {$lq__lead_obj.event_badge_full_name || $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_full_name_override || 'Unknown Attendee'}
-                                </h2>
-                                <p class="text-xl opacity-70 flex items-center justify-center sm:justify-start gap-2">
-                                    <Briefcase size="0.9em" />
-                                    {$lq__lead_obj.event_badge_professional_title || $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_professional_title_override || 'Professional Title Not Set'}
-                                </p>
-                                <p class="text-lg font-semibold text-primary-500 flex items-center justify-center sm:justify-start gap-2">
-                                    <MapPin size="0.9em" />
-                                    {$lq__lead_obj.event_badge_affiliations || $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_affiliations_override || 'Organization Not Set'}
-                                </p>
-                            </div>
                         </div>
 
-                        <div class="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-6 mt-8 pt-8 border-t border-surface-500/10">
+                        <!-- Key details — all visible above the fold on mobile -->
-                            <div class="flex items-center gap-4">
+                        <div class="space-y-1.5 pl-1">
-                                <div class="bg-surface-200-800 p-2 rounded-lg"><Mail size="1.2em" class="opacity-70" /></div>
+                            {#if $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_professional_title || $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_professional_title_override}
-                                <div class="min-w-0">
+                                <div class="flex items-center gap-2 text-sm opacity-80">
-                                    <div class="text-[10px] uppercase font-black opacity-40 tracking-widest">Email Address</div>
+                                    <Briefcase size="1em" class="flex-none opacity-60" />
-                                    <div class="font-mono truncate">{$lq__lead_obj.event_badge_email || 'N/A'}</div>
+                                    <span>{@html $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_professional_title || $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_professional_title_override}</span>
                                 </div>
+                            {/if}
+                            {#if $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_affiliations || $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_affiliations_override}
+                                <div class="flex items-center gap-2 text-sm font-semibold text-primary-500">
+                                    <MapPin size="1em" class="flex-none" />
+                                    <span>{@html $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_affiliations || $lq__lead_obj.event_badge_affiliations_override}</span>
+                                </div>
+                            {/if}
+                            <div class="flex items-center gap-2 text-sm opacity-70">
+                                <Mail size="1em" class="flex-none" />
+                                <span class="font-mono truncate">{$lq__lead_obj.event_badge_email || 'No email on file'}</span>
                             </div>
-                            <div class="flex items-center gap-4">
+                            <div class="flex items-center gap-2 text-sm opacity-60">
-                                <div class="bg-surface-200-800 p-2 rounded-lg"><CalendarDays size="1.2em" class="opacity-70" /></div>
+                                <CalendarDays size="1em" class="flex-none" />
-                                <div>
+                                <span>Captured {format_date($lq__lead_obj.created_on)}</span>
-                                    <div class="text-[10px] uppercase font-black opacity-40 tracking-widest">Captured On</div>
-                                    <div>{format_date($lq__lead_obj.created_on)}</div>
-                                </div>
                             </div>
                         </div>
                     </div>
@@ -158,6 +153,7 @@
                         {#if is_edit_mode}
                             <Comp_lead_detail_form
                                 exhibit_tracking_id={exhibit_tracking_id ?? ''}
+                                exhibit_id={page.params.exhibit_id ?? ''}
                                 custom_questions_json={$lq__exhibit_obj?.leads_custom_questions_json ?? '[]'}
                                 current_responses_json={$lq__lead_obj.responses_json ?? '{}'}
                             />
@@ -166,9 +162,10 @@
                             {#if Object.keys(responses).length > 0}
                                 <div class="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 gap-4 animate-in fade-in">
                                     {#each Object.entries(responses) as [question, answer]}
+                                        {@const display_value = (answer !== null && typeof answer === 'object') ? (answer as any).response ?? '' : String(answer ?? '')}
                                         <div class="p-3 bg-surface-500/5 rounded-lg border border-surface-500/10">
                                             <div class="text-[10px] uppercase font-black opacity-40 tracking-widest mb-1 leading-tight">{question}</div>
-                                            <div class="font-semibold text-sm">{answer}</div>
+                                            <div class="font-semibold text-sm">{display_value || '—'}</div>
                                         </div>
                                     {/each}
                                 </div>
@@ -220,10 +217,12 @@
                             <h3 class="font-bold uppercase text-xs tracking-widest">Exhibit Context</h3>
                         </div>
                         <div class="space-y-3">
-                            <div class="flex justify-between items-center">
+                            {#if is_edit_mode}
-                                <span class="text-sm opacity-60">Exhibit Name</span>
+                                <div class="flex justify-between items-center">
-                                <span class="font-bold">{$lq__lead_obj.event_exhibit_name || '...'}</span>
+                                    <span class="text-sm opacity-60">Exhibit Name</span>
-                            </div>
+                                    <span class="font-bold">{$lq__lead_obj.event_exhibit_name || '...'}</span>
+                                </div>
+                            {/if}
                             <div class="flex justify-between items-center">
                                 <span class="text-sm opacity-60">Captured By</span>
                                 <span class="font-mono text-[10px]">{$lq__lead_obj.external_person_id || 'Unknown'}</span>

src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/lead/[exhibit_tracking_id]/ae_comp__lead_detail_form.svelte

@@ -2,6 +2,21 @@
     /**
      * src/routes/events/[event_id]/(leads)/leads/exhibit/[exhibit_id]/lead/[exhibit_tracking_id]/ae_comp__lead_detail_form.svelte
      * Lead Detail Form - Dynamic Custom Questions Editor.
+     *
+     * Question schema (event_exhibit.leads_custom_questions_json):
+     *   [{ code, question, type, option_li }]
+     *   - code:      machine key — used as the property name in responses_json
+     *   - question:  human-readable label shown to the exhibitor during capture/review
+     *   - type:      'text' | 'textarea' | 'toggle' | 'option'
+     *   - option_li: array of choices; first element is always '' (blank default)
+     *
+     * Response storage (event_exhibit_tracking.responses_json):
+     *   { [code]: { response: <value> } }
+     *   e.g. { "giveaway": { "response": "yes" }, "interest_level": { "response": "Hot" } }
+     *
+     * Backward compat: older questions may use `label` instead of `code`/`question`,
+     * and older responses may store scalars directly (not wrapped in {response: ...}).
+     * Both are handled transparently.
      */
     import { untrack } from 'svelte';
     import { ae_api } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
@@ -10,40 +25,66 @@
 
     interface Props {
         exhibit_tracking_id: string;
+        exhibit_id: string;
         custom_questions_json?: string; // From event_exhibit
         current_responses_json?: string; // From event_exhibit_tracking
     }
 
-    let { exhibit_tracking_id, custom_questions_json = '[]', current_responses_json = '{}' }: Props = $props();
+    let { exhibit_tracking_id, exhibit_id, custom_questions_json = '[]', current_responses_json = '{}' }: Props = $props();
 
     let question_defs: any[] = $state([]);
-    let responses: Record<string, any> = $state({});
+    // flat_responses: keyed by question code, stores scalar values for form binding.
+    // We unwrap the nested {response: value} format on load and re-wrap on save.
+    let flat_responses: Record<string, any> = $state({});
     let status = $state('idle'); // idle, saving, success
 
-    // Initialize data
     $effect(() => {
         try {
-            // Handle both string and pre-parsed array/object
+            const defs = typeof custom_questions_json === 'string'
-            question_defs = typeof custom_questions_json === 'string' ? JSON.parse(custom_questions_json || '[]') : (custom_questions_json || []);
+                ? JSON.parse(custom_questions_json || '[]')
-            const parsed_responses = typeof current_responses_json === 'string' ? JSON.parse(current_responses_json || '{}') : (current_responses_json || {});
+                : (custom_questions_json || []);
+            const raw = typeof current_responses_json === 'string'
+                ? JSON.parse(current_responses_json || '{}')
+                : (current_responses_json || {});
 
             untrack(() => {
-                responses = parsed_responses;
+                question_defs = defs;
+                // Flatten: unwrap {response: value} → scalar for form binding
+                const flat: Record<string, any> = {};
+                for (const [key, val] of Object.entries(raw)) {
+                    if (val !== null && typeof val === 'object' && 'response' in (val as object)) {
+                        flat[key] = (val as any).response ?? '';
+                    } else {
+                        flat[key] = val ?? ''; // legacy scalar
+                    }
+                }
+                flat_responses = flat;
             });
         } catch (e) {
             console.error('Failed to parse questions/responses', e);
         }
     });
 
+    // Resolve the key for a question def (new: q.code, legacy: q.label)
+    function q_key(q: any): string {
+        return q.code || q.label || '';
+    }
+
     async function handle_save() {
         if (!exhibit_tracking_id) return;
         status = 'saving';
         try {
+            // Re-wrap scalar values back to {response: value} format before saving
+            const nested: Record<string, any> = {};
+            for (const [key, val] of Object.entries(flat_responses)) {
+                nested[key] = { response: val };
+            }
             await events_func.update_ae_obj__exhibit_tracking({
                 api_cfg: $ae_api,
+                exhibit_id: exhibit_id,
                 exhibit_tracking_id: exhibit_tracking_id,
                 data: {
-                    responses_json: JSON.stringify(responses)
+                    responses_json: JSON.stringify(nested)
                 }
             });
             status = 'success';
@@ -58,13 +99,15 @@
 <div class="lead-detail-form space-y-6">
     <div class="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 gap-6">
         {#each question_defs as q}
+            {@const key = q_key(q)}
+            {@const display = q.question || q.label || key}
             <div class="space-y-2">
                 <label class="label">
-                    <span class="text-[10px] uppercase font-black opacity-40 tracking-widest ml-1">{q.label}</span>
+                    <span class="text-[10px] uppercase font-black opacity-40 tracking-widest ml-1">{display}</span>
 
                     {#if q.type === 'textarea'}
                         <textarea
-                            bind:value={responses[q.label]}
+                            bind:value={flat_responses[key]}
                             class="textarea variant-filled-surface rounded-lg p-3 text-sm"
                             rows="3"
                             placeholder="Type response..."
@@ -74,27 +117,35 @@
                         <div class="flex items-center gap-4 p-3 variant-soft rounded-lg">
                             <input
                                 type="checkbox"
-                                bind:checked={responses[q.label]}
+                                bind:checked={flat_responses[key]}
                                 class="checkbox"
                             />
-                            <span class="text-sm font-bold">{responses[q.label] ? 'Yes' : 'No'}</span>
+                            <span class="text-sm font-bold">{flat_responses[key] ? 'Yes' : 'No'}</span>
                         </div>
 
-                    {:else if q.type === 'select'}
+                    {:else if q.type === 'option' || q.type === 'select'}
+                        <!-- type 'option' is the current schema; 'select' is legacy compat -->
                         <select
-                            bind:value={responses[q.label]}
+                            bind:value={flat_responses[key]}
                             class="select variant-filled-surface rounded-lg p-3 text-sm"
                         >
-                            <option value="">-- Select Option --</option>
+                            {#if Array.isArray(q.option_li)}
-                            {#each (q.options || '').split(',').map((o: string) => o.trim()) as opt}
+                                {#each q.option_li as opt}
-                                <option value={opt}>{opt}</option>
+                                    <option value={opt}>{opt || '-- Select --'}</option>
-                            {/each}
+                                {/each}
+                            {:else}
+                                <!-- Legacy: options was a comma-separated string -->
+                                <option value="">-- Select Option --</option>
+                                {#each (q.options || '').split(',').map((o: string) => o.trim()) as opt}
+                                    <option value={opt}>{opt}</option>
+                                {/each}
+                            {/if}
                         </select>
 
                     {:else}
                         <input
                             type="text"
-                            bind:value={responses[q.label]}
+                            bind:value={flat_responses[key]}
                             class="input variant-filled-surface rounded-lg p-3 text-sm"
                             placeholder="Type response..."
                         />