These enhance guest experience and streamline networking while ensuring security. With so many different materials, sizes, designs, and features to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed though.

Don’t worry - we’ll show you how to make event badges quickly and easily here in this guide. When you find a reliable company who makes custom ID cards, it becomes a fun, stress-free process. That’s why businesses and event organizers choose CustomLanyard.net.

Our custom ID cards are carefully crafted from high-quality materials and you can design your badge in just a few clicks. You’ll even get the lowest prices the industry has to offer. So, take the first step today and join more than a million happy customers who chose our custom PVC cards!

The Role of Event Badges

First things first - what is PVC ID card used for in events exactly? Sure, you know they’re used to identify attendees. But let’s look deeper at just how important these badges are.

Promoting Networking

One of the main uses for these badges is to facilitate networking among attendees. They serve as immediate icebreakers by providing key information such as names, job titles, and company affiliations. 

This can be taken a step further with different colors or badge designs to signify different attendee categories (like speakers, VIPs, or sponsors). 

Moreover, QR codes or NFC technology can link to digital profiles, making it easy for attendees to exchange contact information and follow up after the event.

Enhancing Security

The last thing you want is for your event to be infiltrated by non-members trying to get a free meal or network with your guests. So, how do ID cards work from a security perspective?

Badges provide a quick and easy way for security personnel to verify the identity of attendees, ensuring that only authorized individuals gain access to the event or specific areas within it.

More sophisticated badges can be equipped with features such as barcodes, RFID chips, and holograms to further bolster security.

As we just touched earlier, you can use different badges for various access levels (general admission, VIP, staff) to manage crowd flow and ensure that restricted areas remain secure.

Improving Guest Experience

The most important thing is your guests have a good time at your event and want to come back to the next one. Your badges can assist with this by offering convenience and a personal touch.

Badges streamline the check-in process at events, which would otherwise be complex and chaotic. Attendees can quickly register and enter the event, reducing wait times and enhancing their first impression of the event.

Including event schedules, session information, or venue maps on the back of the badge provides attendees with quick access to important details, improving their overall experience.

How to Make Event Badges: Tips on Designing Your Badges and Bringing Them to Life

Understanding the significance of event badges, it’s time to learn how to make PVC ID cards - or more specifically, how to put an ID card on a lanyard so that you can simply hand them out to guests as they arrive.

You can streamline the process by walking through our customization wizard here at CustomLanyard.net. We’re the #1 choice for a custom ID card lanyard. 

But if you’re just looking for general advice on how to make event badges from design to print to distribution, here’s what you need to know.

Designing the Badge

Actually designing your badge is a pivotal first step. It is also the most stressful - but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of professional templates that will save time and provide a structured layout, ensuring that all essential information is included.

We have a multitude of templates for you to choose from when you bring your ID cards to life through our service. Pick one that aligns with your event’s theme. 

Then, simply customize it to your event’s branding elements, such as logos, color schemes, and fonts. The goal is to create a cohesive theme across your entire event, from the signage to the badges. 

Be sure to include the most important information on the badge, including:

  • Attendee Details: Prominently display guest name, role, and company for streamlined networking and security checks.
  • Event Details: Including the event name, dates, and location not only serves as a memento but also helps attendees navigate the event.
  • Visual Elements: Enhance the design with high-quality images and graphics that align with the event’s theme. Just take care to avoid overshadowing the essential information.

How can you customize ID card details further, though? We have a more comprehensive guide on this topic to help you bring out the full potential of your badges. For now, let’s move on to the materials and sizes.

Selecting Materials and Sizes

The ID cards materials and ID cards size you choose influence what you’ll end up paying per badge but also badge functionality. 

You have tons of material choices at your disposal, from PET vs PVC ID card. But, PVC is ideal for multi-day events or situations requiring long-lasting badges. It’s more durable and professional.

Laminated paper is also a cost-effective option for single-day events. Lamination adds a layer of protection against wear and tear, as we discuss in our guide on laminated ID cards vs not laminated. You can learn how to laminate PVC ID card in our blog.

Size matters too, though. Common sizes include 3.5” x 2.5” (standard ID size) and 4” x 3” (conference badge size). These are practical and fit most lanyards and types of badge holders. 

Think about the PVC ID card thickness as well as this will further enhance the professionalism of your event - thicker badges are inherently stronger and more durable. The company you choose to build your badges should allow you to choose from a myriad of custom sizes.

Printing the Badges: DIY vs Professional?

One of the most important things to determine is whether you want to learn how to print on ID cards yourself or leave it to the experts. There are pros and cons to each approach, but we recommend partnering with a professional so you can focus on more pressing matters.

Taking this route will also ensure you’re getting high-quality, consistent results. Professional services often offer additional features like UV printing, holograms, and bulk printing discounts. You’ll just have to account for the extra cost as part of your budget.

That being said, DIY does have its place. Not only is it cost-effective but it allows for last-minute changes and more customization. You’ll likely need to invest in the best PVC ID card printer, though, which may end up costing you more in the long run.

Adding Security Features

You may not need security enhancements for your event, but it certainly won’t hurt! There are so many different features you could include, such as:

  • Barcodes and QR codes for easy check-in and tracking attendee movement.
  • Watermarks and holograms to deter counterfeiting and enhance badge security.
  • RFID chips for secure access control and real-time tracking.
  • Tamper-evident elements that prevent unauthorized badge use.

Just be aware each of these will contribute to higher ID card costs. Think carefully about what you actually need for your event. 

Attaching to Lanyards

The badge itself is just one piece of the puzzle. You also need to attach it to personalized lanyards so guests can easily wear them around their neck.

Select lanyards made from comfortable, durable materials like nylon or polyester. Consider eco-friendly options for sustainability. Add your event’s branding, including logos, colors, and slogans, to the lanyards as well for more cohesion.

Make sure the attachment mechanism is sturdy and easy to use. Options include swivel hooks, bulldog clips, and split rings. 

Don’t forget the custom badge holder, either! We have tips on how to make badge holders, as this is an essential part of protecting the badges and keeping them visible. Don’t worry, though - you can also count on CustomLanyard.net for the best badge holder.

Distribution Strategies at the Event

So you know how to make event badges and you’ve got them on order. Now, you need to make sure you have a simple distribution strategy to make sure they’re easily handed out at the event.

One option is to send badges to attendees before the event to streamline check-in and reduce lines. Include a welcome letter and event schedule for added convenience. 

Just be aware that some guests may lose their badges before getting to the event, which is why on-site distribution typically makes more sense.  

Set up multiple check-in stations to avoid bottlenecks. Use alphabetical sorting or group attendees by registration type. Have a team ready to assist with any issues, such as lost badges or on-the-spot registrations.

Encourage guests to keep their badges on throughout the entirety of the event so that they’re able to actually reap the networking benefits they have to offer.

Making Event Badges is Quick and Affordable at CustomLanyard.net!

There you have it - how to make event badges! There’s a lot that goes into the process, and the role of these badges cannot be overlooked. That’s why you should set yourself up for success by partnering with the pros here at CustomLanyard.net.

What Makes Us the #1 Choice for Event Badges?

We’ve served well over a million customers ranging from small businesses and organizations to industry leaders such as Netflix, Yelp, Google, and more. 

We bring the same commitment to all our customers - high-quality products, low prices, and world-class service along the way. What more could you ask for?

You gain access to a wide variety of materials and sizes here in our catalog - and you can even order an acrylic badge holder or clear plastic card holder along with a lanyard for each badge to simplify things. 

Now, how much do ID cards cost at CustomLanyard.net? You can get yours for as low as $0.37 each! It all depends on the quantity you buy, though. We’re one of the few badge manufacturers with no minimum order thresholds.

What really keeps our customers coming back for more, though, is how simply we make the process. Here’s how to get started today in just a few clicks…

Quick Tips on Getting Started

  1. Pick your orientation and size: Options range from as small as 2.12” x 3.38” to as large as 6.5” x 4.75”. You can also pick your card thickness and card hole style.
  2. Choose your card finish: Glossy, matte, frosted, holographic, or transparent.
  3. Customize your card: you can use our easy form to fill in the details or upload a file with your artwork. You’re able to request a digital proof to eliminate stress and uncertainty.
  4. Select your delivery date: We’ll get to work filling your order fast, just let us know if you need it rushed by a specific date. 

It’s really that easy - so why not take the first step today now that you know how to make event badges? Let’s work together to make your conference, seminar, or charity event a success!

Final Thoughts on How to Make Event Badges

Creating attendee and employee badges is such a small piece of the puzzle in planning and executing an event - and yet, it plays a big role in ensuring things run smoothly.

Fortunately, you now have a clear understanding of all the important aspects of making your own event badges, from size and materials to design and features. Don’t forget the lanyard or badge holder to tie it all together, and make sure you have a seamless distribution process in place.

The best thing you can do to make this aspect of event planning easier is to partner with the experts here at CustomLanyard.net. Let us handle the badges, you focus your attention on other areas. Start designing your perfect badges with us now!