Top Trending Promotional Products for 2025: What’s Hot in Lanyards, ID Accessories and More
The new year is almost here. That means it’s time to take stock of 2024 and start looking out for trends on the horizon.
In this post, we’ll explore upcoming trends in promotional products, focusing on credentials and accessories that will boost engagement, enhance branding and allow you to offer your clients even greater personalization in the new year.
Sustainable Products and Materials
According to the 2024 AMEX Global Meetings and Events Forecast, 69% of meeting professionals say sustainability is very or extremely important for their organization. This focus includes all aspects of meetings and events, including minimizing disposables and waste.
Eco-friendly badges and promo products also leave a good impression on event attendees, as 46% of consumers say they have a more favorable opinion of an advertiser when the promo product they receive is environmentally friendly, according to an ASI Ad Impressions Study.
Here are just a few ways you can offer eco-friendly products to your clients in the new year:
- Lanyards. Customizable and available in various colors, recycled PET and fully compostable organic cotton lanyards are good for brands and the environment.
- Badges. Opt for badges made from recycled and sustainable materials to avoid the scourge of single-use plastic. Both MoistureTuff paper badges and recycled PVC cards reduce waste while maintaining their style and durability.
- Badge holders. Compostable badge holders are a great choice for companies seeking the lowest negative environmental impact.
U.S.-Made Products
“Made in the USA” has long been synonymous with high quality. According to ASI, 54% of consumers feel more favorable about the advertiser who gives them a promo product when it’s made in the U.S.
Choosing U.S.-made products also supports local businesses, reduces shipping times and may align with your clients’ values around ethical sourcing and sustainability. There’s growing attention around corporate responsibility, which will only increase in the new year. The ability to offer U.S.-made products gives you an edge and your clients the opportunity to showcase their commitment to quality.
AI and Tech Integration
The last year brought about unprecedented technological advances, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. With the explosion of AI-enabled platforms and technologies, we can expect the thirst for high-tech products to continue. Here’s how AI is making its way into a staple of badging and credentials: RFID.
While certainly not new, RFID technology is getting smarter and more savvy. Watch for deeper integrations with AI that will enhance capabilities, especially in data analytics, insights, and crowd flow optimization.
For example, RFID-enabled badges will work seamlessly with event apps to offer tailored experiences for attendees, such as automatically unlocking personalized schedules at check-in or directing them to booths that match their interests based on previous interactions. This technology can also be integrated into RFID-equipped wristbands to allow for cashless payments, sophisticated analytics and alerts for event attendees.
Bold Design
You don’t have to be a fashionista to appreciate good design. Moving into 2025, companies will favor clean, simple designs that prioritize function without sacrificing style as well as multi-functional elements. Here are a few tips:
Go big. Minimalist design doesn’t have to be boring. Bold minimalism is all about fewer elements that are bigger, bolder and more prominent. In badge design, this could mean oversized typography that places attendee names front and center, making them readable from a distance, or high-contrast color blocks that turn a simple background into a striking design element.
The idea behind bold minimalism is to draw the eye to what matters most while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.
Think outside the rectangle. Badges, hang tags and retractable reels that break free from traditional shapes are guaranteed to stand out. Clients may not initially consider unique shapes or die-cuts, but when you suggest them, they’ll likely embrace the chance to showcase their personality and brand identity in a distinctive way.
Keep Up With CredentialExpress
Keeping up with trends allows you to offer your clients the latest credentials, accessories and other trending promotional products. We’re dedicated to helping you shine by offering innovative, high-quality solutions to your clients’ credentialing and promotional needs. Explore our newest offerings and ensure your client’s next event is unforgettable with custom-designed promotional products that make an impact.