Event Badge Questions and Technical Details
Can I print different information on each badge?
Yes, we handle variable data printing for all our pre-printed badges at no additional cost. This means every badge can show unique information like attendee names, titles, companies, QR codes, barcodes, table assignments, or any other details that change person-to-person. You send us a spreadsheet with your attendee information, and we print each badge individually.
What size badge works best for conferences?
The 4" x 3" and 4-¼" x 6” sizes work best for most conferences. The 4” x 3” gives you enough room for names, titles, and company information that is readable from a conversational distance, and it fits comfortably with lanyards without feeling bulky. If you need extra space for things like event schedules, maps, sponsor logos, QR codes, or detailed agendas, the 4-1/4" x 6" size badge gives you that flexibility. Many organizers use this larger size when the badge doubles as a quick-reference guide for attendees to check throughout the day. The real deciding factor is what information you need visible on the badge and how attendees will use it during your event.
Can I use pre-printed badges with on-site printing?
Yes, you can order ‘art-only’ badges, which feature your custom event branding while leaving a blank space for you to add attendee details later. At check-in, just print and apply adhesive labels with each person's name, title, and company. The key is making sure your badge design leaves enough open space and that your labels are sized to fit it. Our team can help you match the right label to your badge design before you commit to an order.
What is the difference between laminated and non-laminated badges?
Laminated badges have a protective plastic coating sealed over the printed design, making them waterproof and more durable for multi-day events. They are thicker, sturdier, and can handle outdoor weather, making them ideal for several-day wear. Our Premier and Standard Event Badges are laminated.
Non-laminated badges skip the plastic coating. This includes our paper-based Eco Elite badges and direct thermal badges that print on-site. They are lighter, often more budget-friendly, and in the case of the Eco Elite Badge, completely recyclable since there is no plastic layer.
How many badges do I need to order for my event?
Order badges for your confirmed registrations, plus 10-15% extra for walk-ins, replacements, and staff. If you are printing badges on site as people check in, you have more flexibility since you are only printing what you need. However, you will still want to account for total attendance when ordering your badge stock or inserts.
Can I make event badges in any shape I want?
Yes, we can create almost any shape you can think of for your custom badges. These are crafted with the same materials and finish as our Premiere Event Badges, just cut to your unique shape. Whether you want badges designed like your state, your company logo, or something completely unique, we can make it happen.
If we already have a die for the shape you want, you are all set and there is no extra setup cost. We have quite a few ready-made die-cuts available, including state shapes like Minnesota and Wisconsin, fun designs like lightning bolts, mason jars, hexagons, and ornaments, plus niche options like fire hydrants, teeth, game controllers, and even animal shapes like turtles and sheepshead. Just ask! Let’s find a shape that fits your needs.
If your desired shape is not in our existing collection, there may be a one-time die fee to create the custom cutting tool for your specific design. Once that die is made, it is available for future orders without paying the fee again.
How do I handle walk-in attendees at my event?
Order extra art-only badges when you place your main order. Art-only badges come pre-printed with your event branding but include a white space designed for adding attendee information on-site. At registration, print clear gloss labels with each attendee’s name and details, then apply them directly to that blank space on the badge.
What are durable, water-resistant badge options?
Premier Event Badges are our most waterproof option. The 30-mil laminated construction creates a completely sealed badge that survives coffee spills, rain, and networking sessions without the ink running or the badge deteriorating. These are built for multi-day outdoor conferences or any event where badges face challenging conditions.
On-Site Registration Badges offer the same 30-mil waterproof lamination as our premier badges but with the added flexibility of on-site printing. The badge is pre-printed with your branding and fully laminated, while a clear vinyl pocket protects the printed paper name tag insert from moisture and spills. Use this option when you need waterproof credentials but also want to print attendee names at check-in.
Standard Event Badges provide laminated protection at a lighter 20-mil thickness. They are water-resistant and handle normal conference conditions well, though they are not as durable as the thicker Premier badges. Go with this option for indoor events where some moisture protection matters, but extreme durability is not critical.
