As the nation becomes vaccinated against COVID-19, stadiums, arenas, and other event locations and venues are opening back up. Remember those old, "Hello my name is" badges? Today's attendee demands much more from your event badges. Since an attendee's name and a few bits of other identifying information are typically the first thing someone sees on your event badges, you want yours to be extra special. Harnessing today's technology lets you create event badges that let exhibitors collect leads, help event staff check badge holders in for sessions, act as a digital wallet, and so much more.

Let's go over a few ways you can take your event badges to the next level.

Determine your badge technology

Your attendee badges can do almost anything you need it to. For example, you can use barcodes as a simple way to track attendees with scanning devices. The drawback to only using barcodes is that the code only carries the badge holder's ID number, which must be matched to an attendee. This means a bit more work for your event staff to make sure you get all the attendee information you need, but barcodes work for simple tracking needs.

You can also try QR codes, which work similarly to barcodes, but can hold a lot more attendee information. These codes let you track name, title, location, contact information, and more. This type of information is exactly what exhibitors and others need to gather lead information.

Or you can go even higher tech with RFID/NFC technology. Near-field communication (NFC) and radio frequency identification (RFID) work similarly as well, but NFC is a secure form of data exchange between devices. NFC badge technology can also be a reader and a tag. Basically, both RFID and NFC allow information to be exchanged by holding the badge close to a reader. This can drastically reduce event check-in times, help sessions track attendees seamlessly, and offer lead retrieval for exhibitors. Plus, you can use these types of event badges as a digital wallet to spend money at booths and in your food court, but also to help with swag distribution.

What type of badge do you want?

The three most common types of event badges are paper, plastic, or vinyl. Each has pros and cons. First, paper is inexpensive and the classic badge common to most attendees. That doesn't mean they can't be used digitally. For example, you can still print QR codes and barcodes on paper badges. If your event is low key and shorter, you might just want paper badges.

Plastic or vinyl badges wear well. If you have a multi-day event with several workshops, breakout groups, exhibitors, and more, you'll want something that can stand up to swiping, scanning, and more. Plastic and vinyl badges come with RFID or NFC technology that give you all the extra bells and whistles event attendees expect.

Or you could use an NFC wristband and do away with lanyards. A wristband has all the capabilities of a badge, just a bit more comfortable for some attendees to wear. It really depends on your type of event and your attendees.

Consider extra features

Extra features can make your event smooth and easily accessible for all. You can add access control technology that allows or denies access depending on someone's access code in their event badge. In addition, you can track where attendees are at all times and their attendance at workshops or breakout sessions. In other words, you can ditch the paper sign-in sheets and use badges to control access, tracking, and even provide payment options at exhibitors' booths, food trucks or courts, and other such needs for a digital wallet. You can make sure that they cover your attendees needs and wants with a single event badge—no need to fumble for wallet, cash, etc.

Design your event badges

What type of information needs to be fully visible on your event badges? How much information you want on your badges not only determines their size but also how clearly others can distinguish that information. If you event badges are a jumble of information, it might make it hard for security personnel to quickly scan badges. If needed.

You definitely need badge holder information like name, title, company, etc. Don't forget their status as an attendee (e.g., are they a speaker, attendee, or event staff?). Also, do you need pictures of badge holders to make identification easier? Pictures are a great security measure if safety is an important factor.

Consider where you'll put your QR or barcodes on your badges. Also, take into consideration other technology and where it's placed on your badges. You'll need to work around those as well.

Other aspects to consider are sponsorship acknowledgements and your company's logo and branding message. This could add up to a lot of information on your event badges. Good thing they come in extra large sizes.

Final thoughts

Another good thing is Idesco's new "Design Your Own Event Badges" on our website. It helps you plan out everything you want on your badges, what colors, the type of technology you want, and so much more. We make design easy: You give us the information for your badges (you can even upload your artwork like logos), and we'll create a design for your approval. We can quickly turn around pre-printed badges you customize with a few bits of information the day of the event if needed.

Pre-printed event badges streamline check in, which is sometimes a source of frustration for both event staff and event attendees. The quicker you get your attendees checked in and moving on, the better everyone's mood.

If you're uncertain about pre-printed badges or just need to discuss your options, contact an Idesco ID Expert. With over 75 years of experience helping clients just like you create amazing event badges, we can help you determine the best way to get back into in-person events again with the least amount of angst. Call an Idesco ID Expert at 1-800-336-1383, or visit our showroom and talk to an ID Expert in person today.