The Power of Personalized Event Badges and Lanyards
Think about an event attendee’s first stop in the convention hall. It’s usually the registration and badging table. It’s a small moment, but their experience here sets the tone for the entire event.
Offering attendees badges with more than just the standard printed name and company info is part of setting that tone. When badges are personalized with scannable codes or color-coded access levels, it does more than just identify them; it makes them feel seen.
Beyond the warm fuzzies, personalized badges and branded lanyards for events are useful in elevating the entire attendee experience — from smoother check-ins to stronger networking to better crowd flow and management.
Personalization is a high-impact offering for distributors. Your clients are looking for ways to engage with their attendees and make the event process even better. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference. In this post, we’ll break down why personalization matters, how it adds value far beyond aesthetics and how you can position it as a must-have for your event clients.
Personalized = Recognized
Personalization is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s the expectation. According to a 2021 McKinsey & Co. study, 71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions. And 76% get frustrated when it doesn’t happen.
The expectation for personalization extends beyond online and in-store interactions to events. Consumers want to feel seen, recognized and understood. There are numerous ways planners can integrate personalization into their events, and one easy way to start is with the badging process.
Level Up Custom Event Badges With Personalization
The event badge is one of the first personalized items an attendee will get. It’s what they’ll use to identify themselves and others throughout the event. A badge with a name, title and company isn’t just a label; it’s a first impression.
If your clients want attendees to feel welcome, connected and engaged, their badges need to do more than show a name. Here are a few easy ways to elevate badge personalization:
- Be mindful of design. Use a clean layout with an eye-catching design that includes the full name, title and company. Avoid text or complex logos that are not easy to see from a distance.
- Add pronouns. This small detail promotes inclusion and respectful communication from the start.
- Be consistent with branding. Make sure colors and design mesh with the overall branding experience of the event. This helps the badge feel integrated and purposeful.
- Use variable data printing. Variable data printing for conferences and events allows organizers to tailor information by role. For example, include presentation times on speaker badges or booth numbers on exhibitor badges.
- Color-code roles or access levels. Use badge backers, color bars or lanyards to signal staff, VIPS or general attendees at a glance.
- Add interactive elements. QR codes or barcodes are great for lead retrieval, or for linking to personalized digital agendas and profiles.
- Include event hashtags or social handles. Encourage attendees to take the experience online by including digital info right on the badge.
- Leave space for creativity. Let attendees personalize even further by leaving writable space to include hand-written interests or fun flair like stickers.
- Don’t forget the lanyards. Personalize lanyards with the attendee's name, role or access level for an added touch.
Personalized = Connected
One of the primary uses of custom event badges is to smooth the networking process. Badges make it easy to instantly recognize another attendee and identify them by name, title and role.
Unique personalized elements can turn badges from identifiers into conversation starters, icebreakers and long-term connectors. Recommend one or more of these to your clients for their next event:
A simple QR code linked to the event app or outside platform can keep attendees engaged with each other and the event. Link to:
- Digital business cards. Scan and load into the event app to keep track of your connections.
- Sponsor booth challenge games. Attendees earn points or entries into a prize drawing by scanning their badge at select sponsor booths.
- Friendly competitions. Attendee badges are linked to their profile, and actions like attending sessions, asking questions or visiting exhibits are tracked via badge scans. A digital leaderboard displays top participants throughout the event.
For more analog personalization options:
- Print check-in bingo on the backs of badges. Check off or scan into sessions to win.
- Propose networking missions. Include printed prompts like “find someone from another state” or “shake hands with someone in sales.”
- Show visible learning paths. Color code badges or lanyards to denote learning tracks (beginner, advanced, etc.). Match the color track on the schedule to allow attendees to easily select the best sessions for them.
Personalized = Secure
Personalized event badges allow coordinators to track movements throughout the venue and better secure access-only areas. Using variable data printing, cards can be personalized to better control access and allow security personnel to identify anyone out of place.
- The low-tech option. Color code lanyards or badges to match access levels. For example, staff might wear red, general attendees blue and VIPs gold. It’s easy to implement and instantly recognizable for event personnel.
- Scannable codes. Print QR codes or barcodes on each badge and require scanning before accessing restricted areas like speaker lounges, backstage zones or invite-only sessions. Scans can be logged in real-time for added visibility.
- RFID entry. For enhanced security and hands-free convenience, use RFID-enabled badges to grant or restrict access at key entry points. RFID systems can also track attendee movement throughout the event, helping planners analyze traffic patterns, monitor room capacity and identify potential security gaps.
Additional security features include:
- Unique badge sizes or shapes that are difficult to replicate
- Holographic overlays
- Photo identification
Make Personalization Easy
Event coordinators have enough on their plate. If badge personalization is a hassle, they may chalk it up to one more nice to have that they don’t have time for.
When presenting personalization options, be clear about your capabilities, highlight fast turnaround times and offer simple tools and templates for submitting attendee data. The easier the process is, the more likely you are to get a yes.
Our process makes yours even easier with:
- A wide variety of customizable options. Virtually all items are available customized to your client’s specifications.
- Transparent fees. No hidden costs for artwork setup, plate charges or electronic proofs.
- Top-quality materials. This includes recycled and renewable options.
- Fast, accurate and on-time delivery. Our products are made in the USA, meaning we can ship them faster and get them to you when you need them.
Personalization = Better Business
The value of personalization can’t be overstated. Customers — including event attendees — have come to expect a seamless, customized experience. Build out your portfolio with a full slate of customization options to ensure you and your clients are staying ahead of the curve and giving attendees exactly what they want.