9 January, 2025

Choosing the Right Lanyard for Your Event: A Buyer’s Guide

Organising an event, whether it's a corporate conference, a trade show, or a community gathering, involves paying attention to details that create a seamless and memorable experience. One such detail, often overlooked, is the selection of lanyards. Lanyards are not just functional items for holding ID badges or keys; they are also powerful tools for branding and enhancing the overall event experience. This guide is designed to help you navigate the various options and choose the perfect lanyard for your event.

Understanding the Basics of Lanyards
They play a crucial role in the functionality and efficiency of many events and organisations. A lanyard, in its simplest form, is a strap or cord typically worn around the neck, though it can also be designed for wear on the shoulder or wrist. Its primary function is to provide easy access to items that are used frequently or need to be visible. This includes identification badges at conferences or events, keys in educational or professional settings, or even mobile phones and small electronic devices.

Historical Context and Evolution
The use of them dates back to the military, where they were initially used to connect a pistol, sword, or whistle to a uniform. Over time, their usage expanded into the civilian domain, particularly in events and corporate settings. Modern ones have evolved from mere utility straps into fashion statements and branding tools. They are now a staple in events for streamlining identification, enhancing security, and facilitating social and professional interactions.

Importance in Access Control and Identification
In events, particularly those with a large number of attendees, they serve as a quick reference point for identification. They help in differentiating between different types of attendees, such as VIPs, staff, speakers, and guests. This differentiation is crucial for access control, ensuring that individuals have the appropriate access to areas and sessions within the event. Lanyards displaying ID badges prominently also enhance security measures, making it easier to identify and authorise participants.

Types of Lanyards
Lanyards can be made from various materials, each offering different benefits in terms of aesthetics, durability, and cost-effectiveness. They also come in different widths, which can affect both their visibility and comfort when worn. The choice of material and design often reflects the tone and purpose of the event. Below are the most common types used.

Nylon Lanyards
These are known for their durability and professional appearance. They have a shiny, sleek finish that stands out, making them suitable for events where a premium feel is desired. Their sturdy nature ensures that they can withstand wear and tear, making them a good investment for events where lanyards may be used multiple times or in harsher environments.

Polyester Lanyards
The most common type found in large-scale events, polyester lanyards offer a balance between quality and affordability. They are softer than nylon, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. They are versatile in terms of printing; they can easily accommodate different colours and designs, making them suitable for custom branding.

Woven Lanyards
Woven lanyards are characterised by their embroidered designs, which are sewn directly into the fabric. This method gives the lanyard a textured, high-end feel. Because the design is woven into the material, it is less prone to fading or wearing off over time. These are particularly well-suited for exclusive events, where a touch of elegance and sophistication is desired.

Eco-Friendly Lanyards
With a growing emphasis on sustainability, eco-friendly lanyards have become increasingly popular. They are typically made from materials like bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled PET plastic. These appeal to environmentally conscious organisations and events that aim to reduce their ecological footprint. They serve not only as a functional item but also as a statement of the organisation’s commitment to sustainability.

Attachment Options
The functionality of a lanyard largely depends on its attachment mechanism. This is the part of the lanyard that holds items like ID badges, keys, or other small items. Each type of attachment offers different benefits and is suitable for various purposes. Here's a closer look at the common attachment options:

J-Hooks
Description: J-hooks are shaped like the letter 'J'. They have a simple yet effective design, with a spring-loaded closure that allows for easy attachment and removal of items.

Best For: They are versatile and can hold ID badges, key rings, and even small items like USB drives. They are ideal for events where attendees need to frequently remove and display their ID badges. The open and accessible design of them makes it a popular choice for general use in various settings.

Lobster Claws
Description: Named for their resemblance to the claw of a lobster, these attachments have a self-closing mechanism that is operated by a small lever. They are secure and less likely to accidentally open compared to J-hooks.

Best For: They are great for securing items that shouldn’t be easily removed, like employee ID badges in a corporate setting. Their secure closure makes them suitable for holding heavier items, ensuring they stay attached even during active use.

Bulldog Clips
Description: These have a flat, rectangular base with a spring-loaded clip, similar to a miniature version of a traditional bulldog paper clip. They can clamp directly onto a badge or a holder with a slot.

Best For: These clips are ideal for events where participants are given plastic badge holders. They provide a secure grip and ensure that the badge faces forward, making them perfect for professional settings where clear visibility of the ID is important.

Key Rings
Description: These are metal rings that can open to slide keys or keychains onto them. They are simple, highly durable, and can hold multiple items.

Best For: They are perfect for events where attendees or staff need to carry multiple keys, like trade shows, educational events, or corporate functions. They're also a good choice for everyday use in offices and schools.

Each of these attachment options serves a specific purpose and adds functionality to the lanyard. The choice of attachment should be made based on the specific requirements of your event or organisational needs. For instance, if security and the prevention of lost items are paramount, a more secure attachment like the lobster claw might be preferred. Conversely, for ease of use and flexibility, a J-hook or key ring might be more suitable. It's important to consider both the practicality and the environment in which the lanyard will be used when selecting the right attachment option.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Lanyards
Selecting the right lanyard for your event involves considering various factors that can impact its effectiveness and suitability.

Event Type and Audience
High-End Corporate Events: For events where professionalism and a premium feel are paramount, woven lanyards are an excellent choice. They offer a sophisticated, elegant look and can be customised with intricate designs or logos, enhancing the overall event branding.

Casual Community Events: Polyester lanyards are ideal for more informal gatherings. They are comfortable to wear and offer a balance between quality and affordability, which is crucial for events with a large number of attendees.

The choice should reflect the event's atmosphere and the expectations of its attendees. A mismatch between the lanyard type and the event's nature can affect the overall perception of the event.

Branding Opportunities
Full-Color Dye-Sublimation Printing: This method is perfect for designs that are colourful and detailed. It allows for a vibrant and eye-catching representation of logos or branding elements, making it suitable for events where making a strong visual impact is important.

Screen Printing: Ideal for simpler designs, especially when using one or two colours. This method is cost-effective and offers a clean, professional finish. It's best used when the branding message is straightforward and clarity is key.

The branding should align with the event's overall marketing strategy and should be designed to enhance brand recall among attendees.

Comfort and Safety
Material Choice: For long-duration events, materials like soft polyester or woven fabric that are gentle on the skin are preferable. They reduce discomfort and are ideal for attendees who need to wear them for extended periods.

Breakaway Feature: This safety feature is essential in crowded environments. It allows the lanyard to snap open under pressure, preventing accidents or injuries, especially in situations where the it might get caught.

Comfort and safety considerations show attentiveness to the attendee's experience and can significantly impact their perception of the event.

Budget
Polyester Lanyards: A budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise much on quality, ideal for large-scale events where the cost per unit needs to be reduced.

Nylon and Woven Lanyards: More expensive, these offer a higher-end finish and are more durable. They are better suited for events where a premium feel is desired, and the budget is more flexible.

Understanding your budget constraints and working within them is crucial for the financial viability of the event. Bulk ordering often reduces the overall cost.

Lead Time
Custom Orders: Require more time for production, especially if the design is intricate or the order volume is large. Always factor in additional time for customisation.

Shipping and Handling: Consider the logistics of shipping and potential delays. It's advisable to order well in advance of the event to ensure timely delivery.

Proper planning regarding lead time can prevent last-minute rushes and potential disappointments.

When choosing lanyards for an event, it's important to consider the type of event and its audience, the branding opportunities, the comfort and safety of attendees, the available budget, and the lead time required for production and delivery. It can significantly enhance the attendee experience and contribute positively to the event’s overall success.

Customisation Tips
Customising lanyards effectively can enhance brand visibility and create a lasting impression and below are some handy hints on how to achieve this.

Colour
Complementing Event or Company Colors: Choose a lanyard colour that aligns with your event theme or corporate colour palette. This creates a cohesive visual experience. For instance, if your company colours are blue and white, one of these colours will reinforce brand identity.

Psychology of Colours: Understand the psychology behind colours. For example, blue often represents trust and dependability, while green is associated with growth and sustainability. Use colours that evoke the desired emotional response in line with your event's objectives.

Logo Placement
Visibility: Position the logo in a way that remains visible when the lanyard is worn. Typically, this means placing it at a lower point on the strap, ensuring it's not hidden under a jacket or scarf.

Repetition: Consider repeating the logo along its length. This ensures the logo is visible from any angle and increases brand exposure.

Readability
Font Size and Style: Choose a legible font size and style. Avoid overly decorative fonts which can be hard to read. The text should be clear and discernible from a reasonable distance.

Contrast: Ensure there is sufficient contrast between the text colour and the lanyard background. High contrast improves readability, especially in busy event environments.

Design Consistency
Branding Materials: The design should be in harmony with other event branding materials like banners, flyers, and digital media. This consistency strengthens the overall branding strategy and leaves a more professional impression.

Simplicity vs. Complexity: Balance simplicity and complexity in your design. While it's important to convey the brand message, an overly cluttered design can be counterproductive.

Sustainability Considerations
The shift towards sustainability is a growing trend, and incorporating eco-friendly practices in event planning can significantly boost your brand's image.

Eco-Friendly Materials
Bamboo Fiber: Bamboo is a sustainable material known for its durability and softness. Bamboo lanyards are an eco-friendly option that does not compromise on quality or comfort.

Recycled PET: Made from recycled plastic bottles, these are a great way to show commitment to reducing plastic waste. They are durable and can be customised just like regular polyester lanyards.

Organic Cotton: Ones made from organic cotton are biodegradable and free from synthetic chemicals used in conventional cotton farming. They offer a natural and environmentally friendly option.

Eco-Friendly Printing
Water-Based Inks: Opt for water-based inks for printing designs. These inks are less harmful to the environment compared to solvent-based inks.

Digital Printing: Digital printing methods are generally more eco-friendly as they reduce ink waste and energy consumption.

Conclusion
Choosing the right lanyard for your event is about balancing functionality, aesthetics, and budget. By considering your event type, audience, branding opportunities, and sustainability, you can select one that enhances the overall event experience. Remember, a well-chosen one can be a subtle yet powerful tool in making your event memorable.

The Lanyards Only Team