Branded lanyards and badges help organisations improve event security, attendee identification, networking, and brand visibility. Whether used at exhibitions, conferences, corporate events, open days, or charity fundraisers, custom printed lanyards and badges create a professional experience while keeping your branding visible throughout the event.
From full-colour printed lanyards to eco-friendly RPET options and premium custom badges, these products combine practicality with long-lasting promotional value.
Why Branded Lanyards and Badges Matter at Events
When planning a successful event, the smallest details often have the biggest impact. Branded lanyards and badges are a perfect example.
They do much more than display a name. Together, they help:
• Identify attendees, staff, speakers and VIPs
• Improve event security and access control
• Encourage networking and introductions
• Create a professional appearance
• Increase brand visibility throughout the venue
• Support a consistent event identity
Because attendees wear them throughout the day, branded lanyards become one of the most visible pieces of promotional merchandise at any event.
The Benefits of Branded Lanyards
Continuous Brand Exposure
Unlike many promotional products that remain in a bag or on a desk, lanyards are worn throughout an event. Every attendee effectively becomes a walking advertisement for your organisation.
Products such as the Supavalue Full Colour Lanyard – 20mm allow logos, event branding and sponsor messages to be displayed in vibrant full colour, helping maximise visibility across busy exhibition halls, conference venues and corporate events.
Available in widths from 10mm to 25mm, they provide flexibility for different branding requirements and budgets.
Fast Turnaround for Time-Sensitive Events
Event deadlines can move quickly. Products such as the Rush 20mm Lanyard offer a practical solution for organisers who need high-quality branded lanyards delivered within tighter timeframes.
Combined with Hotline’s Free 20-Minute Visual Proof™, organisers can quickly review their branding before production begins.
Supporting Event Organisation
Branded lanyards are not only promotional tools. They also help organisers manage attendees more effectively.
Different colours can be used to identify:
• Staff
• Exhibitors
• Speakers
• VIP guests
• General attendees
• Security personnel
This simple visual distinction can significantly improve event flow and operational efficiency.
Choosing the Right Lanyard Design
A well-designed lanyard should feel like an extension of your overall brand.
Full Colour Printing
Dye-sublimation printing enables:
• Detailed logos
• Photographic imagery
• Brand colour matching
• Complex patterns and graphics
This helps maintain consistency across event signage, exhibition stands, marketing materials and merchandise.
Sustainable Lanyard Options
Sustainability is increasingly important for event organisers.
The Express Full Colour RPET Lanyard 20mm is manufactured using recycled plastic materials while still delivering excellent print quality and durability.
Eco-friendly lanyards allow organisations to reduce environmental impact while demonstrating a commitment to responsible event management.
Safety Features
Comfort and safety should never be overlooked.
Many event lanyards include:
• Safety breakaway clips
• Trigger hooks
• Bulldog clips
• Detachable buckles
• Card holder attachments
These features improve usability while helping attendees wear their badges safely throughout the event.
Why Event Badges Are Equally Important
While lanyards provide visibility, badges provide the information.
A badge is often the first thing people look at when meeting someone at an event. A clear and professional badge can immediately facilitate introductions and conversations.
Benefits of event badges include:
• Easy attendee identification
• Improved networking opportunities
• Access management
• Professional presentation
• Enhanced security
For many events, badges form a critical part of the attendee experience.
Types of Event Badges
Insert Badges and Badge Holders
For exhibitions, conferences and trade shows, card inserts inside transparent badge holders remain one of the most popular solutions.
Advantages include:
• Cost-effectiveness
• Easy personalisation
• Quick updates
• Bulk production
• Compatibility with most lanyards
Premium Printed Badges
Corporate events, awards ceremonies and VIP functions may benefit from more premium badge options.
These can include:
• Full colour printed badges
• Plastic ID cards
• Custom branded designs
• QR code integration
• RFID-enabled credentials
These options create a polished appearance while supporting advanced event management requirements.
Reusable Badge Systems
Reusable badge holders with interchangeable inserts are increasingly popular for organisations hosting multiple events throughout the year.
Benefits include:
• Reduced waste
• Lower long-term costs
• Greater flexibility
• Improved sustainability credentials
How Badge Design Influences Event Success
An effective badge should be easy to read from a reasonable distance.
Best practice includes:
• Clear attendee names
• Company names or organisations
• Job titles where relevant
• Consistent branding
• Readable typography
• Appropriate sizing
Double-sided badges can further improve visibility, ensuring attendee information remains visible regardless of how the badge turns during the day.
Combining Lanyards and Badges for Maximum Impact
The most successful event branding strategies treat lanyards and badges as a complete system rather than separate products.
For the best results:
• Match badge and lanyard colours
• Use consistent branding
• Select compatible materials
• Consider sustainability objectives
• Ensure information remains easy to read
When these elements work together, they create a professional and cohesive experience that reflects positively on your organisation.
Sustainability Considerations
Many organisations now actively seek environmentally responsible event products.
Popular sustainable options include:
• RPET lanyards made from recycled plastic bottles
• Recyclable badge inserts
• Reusable badge holders
• Reduced single-use materials
These choices can support wider corporate sustainability goals while appealing to environmentally conscious attendees.
Long-Term Value Beyond the Event
One of the key advantages of branded lanyards is their longevity.
Many attendees continue to use lanyards:
• In the workplace
• For access cards
• At future events
• For travel and identification purposes
This extends brand visibility long after the original event has ended.
Similarly, durable badge holders can often be reused for future exhibitions, conferences and corporate gatherings, increasing return on investment.
Final Thoughts
Branded lanyards and badges remain among the most effective and practical event products available. They improve organisation, enhance security, encourage networking and deliver continuous brand exposure throughout the event.
Whether you’re organising a conference, exhibition, open day, charity fundraiser or corporate event, investing in high-quality lanyards and badges helps create a more professional attendee experience while reinforcing your brand at every interaction.
With options ranging from full-colour printed lanyards and eco-friendly RPET designs to reusable badge holders and premium printed badges, organisations can find solutions that balance functionality, sustainability and visual impact.
If you’re planning an upcoming event, requesting a Free 20-Minute Visual Proof™ allows you to see exactly how your branding will look before placing your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are branded lanyards used for?
Branded lanyards are used to hold identification cards, badges, access passes and credentials at events, conferences, exhibitions and workplaces. They also provide continuous brand visibility throughout the event.
Are RPET lanyards environmentally friendly?
Yes. RPET lanyards are manufactured using recycled plastic materials, helping reduce waste while maintaining durability and print quality.
What information should be included on an event badge?
Most event badges include the attendee’s name, organisation, job title and event branding. Some may also include QR codes or RFID technology for access control.
Can lanyards and badges be reused?
Many badge holders and lanyards can be reused multiple times, making them a cost-effective and more sustainable choice for organisations running regular events.
Which lanyard width is best?
The ideal width depends on your branding requirements. Common sizes range from 10mm to 25mm, with 20mm often providing a good balance between visibility and comfort.