Top 5 Uses for Custom Lanyards and Badge Holders at Events
At any event, you have people moving in every direction. Some are looking for seats, others are trying to find the right room, and a few are just lost. If you’re not fully prepared to manage the crowd, things can unravel quickly.
You probably have the essentials in place: a check-in table, signs pointing people where to go, and a detailed schedule. While that’s a great start, one of the easiest and most effective ways to bring structure to an event is with custom lanyards and badge holders.
A well-designed lanyard does more than hold a name tag; it quickly shows who's staff, who’s a guest, and who shouldn’t be backstage. With clear, visible identification, your team can handle access points, give directions, and respond to questions faster.
But that’s just scratching the surface. In this post, the experts at Wristband Resources will go over five practical, high-impact lanyard uses that can help your next event run smoother from start to finish.
1) ID and Access Control
The first (and most obvious) benefit of a lanyard-and-badge-holder combo is clear identification.
When guests, staff, vendors, and volunteers are all wearing a personalized lanyard with a visible badge, it’s easy to tell what role they have. You don’t need to stop and ask. It’s right there for everyone to see.
To make things more convenient, you can use different colors for different groups. Choose red for staff, blue for general admission, and black for VIPs: whatever makes sense for your setup. Color coding cuts down on guesswork and speeds up the flow of traffic. Plus, the badge holder keeps each pass or ID card secure and easy to read.
2) Branding Opportunities
Every detail at your event helps shape the way people experience your brand. Custom lanyards and matching badge holders are no exception. You can have them printed with your logo, slogan, or colors to keep your branding visible the entire time.
Think of it this way: if hundreds or thousands of attendees are going around with your logo around their necks, they become walking ads for you. It also creates a sense of unity, and you’ll likely see a lot of photos on social media featuring your branded lanyards.
Schools and universities can also benefit from this approach. Personalized lanyard keychains with a school mascot or crest can spark a sense of pride among students and staff. It’s a little piece of identity that helps people feel part of a larger community.
Another benefit is that custom lanyards can double as souvenirs. Many attendees hold onto them as keepsakes, meaning your brand stays with them long well beyond the event. Which brings us to our next point.
3) Functional Giveaways
Unlike a lot of flimsy event merchandise, a lanyard doesn’t lose its value after the fact. Guests can repurpose it for their keys, ID cards, USB drives, or access fobs. Essentially, you’re giving them something they can hang on to for later.
If you’re putting together gift bags or giveaways, custom lanyards and keychains pair well with small, useful items. Badge holders are always a safe bet on their own, but you can also include extras like a whistle, hand sanitizer clip, or a bottle opener attachment. These add-ons turn a standard giveaway into something more thoughtful and memorable.
It’s also worth investing in quality. Lanyards made from soft, durable materials with strong clips tend to last longer and get used more often. If your event takes place outdoors or continues into the evening, glow-in-the-dark or reflective lanyards add a layer of safety while also serving as a talking point.
4) Networking and Social Engagement
Events are full of opportunities to meet new people. That’s easier said than done, especially if you’re in a large crowd with no idea who’s who.
A lanyard-badge holder combo helps cut down on those awkward introductions. If a badge shows a name, company, or even a role or title, people get an instant conversation starter. You’re also making life simpler for anyone who’s forgetful with names. One glance at a badge is all it takes.
If your event is focused on networking, think about adding conversation starters or fun tidbits on the badge. It could be something as simple as “Ask me about my favorite hobby,” or a playful graphic that invites others to comment. Some events include QR codes that link to an attendee’s LinkedIn or a digital business card.
Creating ways for guests to connect is a big part of hosting a successful event. With a little planning, your lanyards can be a part of that.
5) Supporting Safety and Emergency Planning
While no one wants to dwell on unpleasant emergencies, having a plan makes everyone feel safer. A custom lanyard and badge holder can quietly help with event safety without causing alarm.
For example, at a children’s event, badges can include a parent or guardian’s contact number. If a child gets separated from their group, it gives staff a quick, reliable way to reach the right adult.
You could also create special custom lanyards for those who handle emergencies, like on-site medics or trained volunteers. Label them clearly with a bright color or text that says “First Aid.” That way, if someone needs help, they spot the right person immediately.
Final Takeaway
A thoughtful, high-quality lanyard might not be the first thing people notice at your event, but they’ll notice if it’s missing. We hope this post gave you a few practical ideas on how to get more value out of custom lanyards and badge holders.
Planning a conference, concert, school event, or company retreat? Wristband Resources offers a wide range of styles, colors, and add-ons to help you create the perfect lanyards and badge holders for your event. We also create custom lanyards and keychains you can hand out as useful memorabilia.
Contact us today to get started on your design.