Name tags 101: Your no guesswork guide to name tags that get noticed.

Ice breaker and networking tool, ticket to entry, advertising medium for your sponsors. Your meeting name badges work almost as hard as you do. And, even more, your meeting name tags reflect the time and attention to detail you’ve put into your job as meeting planner. So here’s our short course on making outstanding meeting name tags.

Name tags: A play in 4 acts.

Building the perfect name tag for your meeting is less daunting when you break the job down into the 4 separate parts that go into the name tag.

Insert: Paper with a purpose.

The paper insert is the logical starting point for most planners. You first decide the size based on the event and the amount of information you need to convey, then design the rest of your name tag around the insert.

Most planners prefer to start with clean white insert stock and then add color through their logo, meeting design, color-coded name tag holders or award ribbons. For large meetings it’s usually more cost effective to have your insert supplier print the overall design of your insert (colored printer toner is expensive) and then print your names in black toner just before the event.

When it comes to assembly time the right insert can be a real hassle saver. Precise perforations make faster and easier separations and heavier paper stock stuffs without wrinkling. We’re so passionate about this issue we give you two different options in insert weights: Regular and Quicksnap. See our Insert Shopping Guide for more details, or check out our nametag insert section to start shopping.

Need help determining your insert size? Check out 3 questions for choosing the right name tag size & type

Need a few tips for designing your Nametag insert? Have a look at Designing the perfect name tag insert in 6 easy steps

Holder: The frame for your masterpiece.

Once you’ve determined your insert size and design you have three basic options in holder construction:

Regular Vinyl Holders have a high quality look plus a soft, flexible design that’s more comfortable to wear and easier to load. We offer our holders in Standard Value Vinyl and more durable Preferred Vinyl. Check out our name badge holder section for our full selection.

Rigid Vinyl Holders: The perfect tight-budget alternative, rigid vinyl holders are durable, good looking and easy to load. The drawbacks? The harder edges make them less comfortable for some guests and the “side loader” design means inserts can sometimes slip out.

Lamination and Hardcards: Perfect for re-use and re-occurring meetings, laminated nametags are the most durable ID option. They also take the longest to assemble and require a laminator or, in the case of hard cards, a specialized printer. But if it’s a meeting that happens often laminated and hard cards can be a real time and money save in the end.  Check out our Lamination selection.

Attachment issues

Once you’ve decide your holder style the next decision you face is which attachment you need:
Pin Fasteners are the traditional low-cost option and ideal for casual outings.

For more formal events, Clip Fasteners let guests attach their name badges without damaging delicate silk or rayon fabrics.

You can cover both needs by ordering our versatile Combo Clips.

Magnetic Fasteners give you the ultimate in convenience and formal attire compatibility – just be aware that magnets may interfere with pacemakers and items with magnetic information in them such as credit cards, room keys and diskettes (USB drives are fine however). If you want to use magnetic fasteners, just keep a few standard combo clips on hand for guests who can’t or won’t use magnetic fasteners.

For more help with holders, see our Holder Buying Guide.

Lanyard/Necklaces: You’ll never pin this on me!

By offering your attendees a high quality Necklace or Lanyard with their nametag, your pin and clip averse guests will be thrilled.

Choosing the style that works with your nametag is actually pretty simple once you understand the difference between the two. Lanyards use a wide, flat-woven cord that can be printed while necklaces use round cords or metal chains.  Think of necklaces as a convenience for guests and lanyards as an advertising opportunity for sponsors.

When lead times and budget are short an in-stock necklace gives your attendees the same pin-free convenience at an outstanding price.

For more help with Lanyards & Necklaces, see our Lanyard Shopping Guide or Holder Shopping Guide.

Recognition: Ribbons and Toppers and Pins, oh my!

Nobody wants a boring badge. And they don’t have to when you have so many fun – and even practical - options for making their name badge more than just a simple identifier

Ribbons: Reward, recognize, have a little fun.

When meeting time hits it’s invaluable to tell at a glance who your speakers, committee chairs and other VIPs are. Our stack-a-ribbons® do just that – and then some. The unique stackable design lets guests add all their titles and honors without cluttering their name badge.

Need a cocktail party mixing idea? Pick up our exclusive Ribbon Fun Pack and let your guests go wild.

For a more traditional look we also offer a full selection of 3 Day Tail-type Ribbons plus custom options in only 5 days.
 
For more help with ribbons see our Ribbon Shopping Guide.

Appliqués – adhesive backed for fast sticking power, appliqués add visual interest and personality.

Pins - High-quality acknowledgement for key attendees.

Domed Decals – Available in multiple shapes and sizes, these 4-color decals are a cost-effective way to embellish nametags.

Tag Toppers - A fast, professional way to bring attention to key attendees. They’re also as effective as stack-a-ribbons but completely at home in the most formal settings.

Browse our entire selection of Name Badge Accessories.