5 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Name Badges

Name badges are a necessary evil for most conferences and meetings. No one really enjoys the awkwardness of wearing one but most appreciate the convenience of knowing someone’s name and pertinent information when meeting so many new people at once. A good event management system like Eventzilla will help you to personalize your name badges so that they are more useful for your attendees. 

But before you print name badges, think through how you would like your attendees to use them. Are they strictly an informational tool, conveying name, title, company and similar information? Or would you like your attendees to use the badges for other things like wayfinding at your event or connecting via social media? By thinking through your intended strategy before you print, you’ll be able to produce a more valuable name badge. While you strategize, here are five of the most common mistakes event planners make when creating name badges. 

Not Including Important Information

This is where your strategic event planning skills are important. What is the most critical information that your attendees need to know when meeting colleagues at your event? Names, titles and company names are a given but what else? Is it important to call out your returning attendees or your speakers? What about your vendors? Do your vendors need a QR code or another promotional code on their name badges in order to sell their products? Should you include attendees’ Twitter or LinkedIn handles so that people can easily connect via social media? It’s a tricky balance to include the right amount of information so that they are beneficial but still readable. If you get it right, it will be worth it.  Learn More

Using Small and Hard to Read Font

This seems like an obvious mistake, but you’d be surprised how often planners use the smallest font possible so that they can cram more information on a badge. Don’t do this. Make the font as large as possible and ensure that the attendee’s name is in the largest font. If you can’t see the name on a badge from several feet away, increase the size of the font. Also, don’t use a font that is too ornate or scriptlike. It’s too hard to read at a distance. Use a simple font like Arial or Times New Roman. 

Using Too Much Color or Art

Color or a cool graphic on a name badge can be eye-catching and pleasing to view but it can also be distracting. Be strategic about where and how you use them. Stick to one or two brand colors and only necessary graphics but don’t sacrifice readability. Using color as a coding technique in order to designate different ticket level holders, vendors or speakers is always a good idea. You could also use color in your lanyard or badge pins as an alternative. 

Logo or No? 

You should absolutely brand your name badge with your event logo. But what about other logos such as your sponsors, venue, or others? It is a mistake to include so many logos that your badge becomes a sort of “logo soup”. The name badge is not the place to promote your supporters. Use your program, agenda, website, or event signage for that. 

Forgetting About the Other Side of the Name Badge

Don’t forget about the backside of your name badge. That is prime real estate for valuable attendee information. Consider using the back for housekeeping information such as the venue’s Wi-Fi password, lost and found information, the help desk phone number, important agenda information, or your event social media handles. Your attendees will appreciate having that information close at hand and available when they need it. 

Name badges do not need to be awkward. With a little thought and a strategic event management software platform, you can create and print a useful name badge that will enhance the experience for attendees, vendors, speakers and more.