Turning “blah” name tags into something of interest
Ah, the infamous name badge; one of the details to meeting and events that not everyone enjoys. Some people rather remain anonymous while others are hesitant to display their poor penmanship on their chest. I myself find the most trouble with my hair getting caught in the sticker residue and with attempts to avoid this by moving it around multiple times, find that it now needs to be pressed down every few minutes in order to stay on. Ugh!
In order to avoid similar issues with name tags at your next event, use some creative alternatives that attendees will be excited about instead:
Magnetic Name Badges
Use magnetically fastened name badges rather than pins or stickers to avoid residue or holes in guests clothing. Guests will be happy that you took the extra step to protect their nicely tailored outfit they chose to wear for the occasion.
QR Codes
Name badges that include QR codes are a way to create interaction and help information exchange between attendees. Instead of handing out business cards, their information can be automatically uploaded to someone else’s phone! This is a great option to go green at your events. If you are interested in going fully green for your event check out our blog on Going Green at Events.
Color-Coded Lanyards
Lanyards have become a popular option for name tags at events for their ease accessorizing with them and the marketability potential for the event by adding their name on the lanyard itself. Attendees can easily take them on and off and they don’t have to worry about getting hidden behind hair or flaps of a jacket. Take it an additional step by providing specific colored lanyards to certain attendees with various interests. This will help them identify fellow attendees that would be best to network with!
Function-ability
The mounds of handouts and informational pamphlets attendees acquire while attending a meeting, conference, or trade show can become cumbersome and excessive. Have you ever found that you’ve lost the schedule of events or can’t for the life of you seem to locate the event map? If you know attendees are going to be overwhelmed by the amount of papers given to them combine your name tag with an informational booklet. Facebook did just that, turning a name badge into a booklet that housed the schedule of events, local eatery suggestions, social media sharing, and a map of the conference. How cool is that!
Booklet name tag from Fonts in Use
Eye Candy
If you simply need to make your name tags more visually appealing us.moo.com allows you to create custom name tags for your event with several style options or you could use the following faux wood name tags for a twist on the original.
Conversation Starters
You also have the option of providing attendees with the opportunity to share something interest about themselves rather than simply their name. This helps create a way that people can approach someone else to start a conversation. Make sure your crowd is outgoing enough to want to share details other than their name!
Photo from BizBash
Whatever you choose to use for a name badge at your next event, make sure it fits the personality of the guests participating!
