Are you planning your first in-person corporate event? Whether it's a simple sponsored conference or a full-fledged annual international customer experience, you'll need a few things:
- Online registration form(s)
- A way to check in at the event
- Event credentials to enter your venue and participate
Every event has varying levels of security needs, but regardless, security is your first concern when choosing the best credentials. Let's walk through the different types of event credentials and how to determine which is right for your corporate event.
Type of credential
The most common types of event credentials are badges and wristbands. Attendees usually wear badges on a lanyard or another holder around their neck or pinned to their clothing. They're considered more "professional" or "business-like" than a wristband.
Wristbands, while more informal, are perfect for venues where your attendees move around a lot or participate in activities. They come in a one-size-fits-all, are easy for anyone to wear, and you can color code them for easy visual identification.
Credential materials
Badges can be paper or plastic. If you choose paper badges, you'll need a plastic badge holder with a pin on the back or one attached to a lanyard. Plastic badges are not only more durable than paper, they're waterproof. They don't need special cases or holders.
Both paper and plastic badges come in a variety of sizes. The larger the badge, the easier your security personnel can read it and the bigger you can make text and images. When you choose a large badge, it's easy to add a photo, QR code, and other features like a venue map. It also means more space for your company logo or marketing messages.
You can find wristbands in paper, cloth, or vinyl. Paper or Tyvek wristbands are durable wristbands you can customize with QR codes and you're specific branding. You can also choose a glossy finish for a more upscale look than your local water park offers.
If your event lasts longer than a couple hours, you may want a cloth wristband. These are also longer lasting and offer ways to customize with your exclusive images. They're also easier to read. Also great for longer events are vinyl wristbands. These are waterproof and offer the same customization opportunities.
Presentation options
How you present your company at a corporate event is important. You want event credentials that reflect your brand image and represent your professionalism.
The most basic option is a paper event badge or wristband. They're simple, they're both customizable, and they're likely the cheapest option. Your corporate event attendees are less likely to keep paper credentials as a memento of the occasion though.
If you want to impress your event attendees, a plastic badge or wristband with a QR code or embedded RFID chip is the most prestigious option. Attendees often keep these event credentials after they return home, keeping your brand in front of them longer.
In between are cloth wristbands you can customize with your brand's exclusive image.
Technology
Technology is where you can differentiate your corporate event from others. RFID technology in a wristband or event badge lets you control access, manage transactions, and more.
Technology-enhanced event credentials help you manage crowds better. If you have sessions or workshops, event guests can quickly and easily gain access to sub-events for which they registered. No need for security personnel to monitor access privileges; the RFID technology does it for you.
RFID technology also works like a contactless payment card. If your venue offers merchandise or other items for purchase, attendees can easily pay with their event badge or wristband.
Badges and wristbands embedded with technology reduce the risk of fraud. You may worry, for good reason, about individuals sneaking into your corporate event with false credentials. That's not possible when you add a layer of RFID technology. And if your security personnel feel something's not quite right, you can quickly deactivate a technology credential.
Final thoughts
The best credentials for your corporate event take into consideration your event's type and size. They help you present a specific brand image and level of professionalism and offer your attendees an experience they're likely to remember.
If you still have questions after reading the above considerations, Idesco's ID Experts are only a phone call away at 212-889-2530. We've helped hundreds of companies just like yours create the most memorable experience for their corporate event attendees. Rely on our ID Experts to help you find the perfect event credentials your attendees will talk about for years to come.