Can I personalize badges for guests at an event?

By administrator

Jun 27, 2022

Badges are one of the most essential items of any event registration. Whether it’s for socializing with other guests, entering restricted areas, or gaining VIP access to special events, a badge is an ultimate resource for a successful affair. 

This identification method is usually the first thing that catches the attendees' attention at an event, and it can be a great way to break the ice when engaging with new people. Plus, having custom badges can be an efficient way to boost everyone’s excitement for an event.  

A personalized badge is not only a symbol of the attendee’s commitment, but it can also become a treasured souvenir to remind them of their experience at an event and the people they met. 

Additionally, custom badges can help create great first impressions, so using outstanding designs, reliable printers, and quality badge supplies is the way to go. Here are a few ways to customize your badges.

Choosing the right style for your badges

One of the first things you need to decide before jumping into design and printer choices is the type of badge you need for your event. Here are some important questions to answer before deciding: 

• Will your event take place on one day or several days?
• What is the size of your event?
• Is the badge meant to be temporary, reusable, or made to last as a keepsake?

Once you have an idea of these needs, you can choose the option that suits you best. Fortunately, when it comes to badge options. Various sizes and materials are at your disposal to create a unique badge. 

These options include single or double-sided, adhesive (great for temporary use), credit-card-sized plastic badges, butterfly badges, and pre-printed custom badges. 

Use professional graphic designs for your custom badges 

The truth is that even excellent materials and nice colors cannot hide a poor design. You will need professionally made design templates or a graphics expert who can expertly integrate essential information and aesthetics to create appealing custom badges or other custom identification such as a VIP pass. 

An optimal design for badges will include key details about the event, such as dates and personally identifiable information. You can also have an RFID code in the front for security purposes. Likewise,  you can have secondary details like the agenda, program, and additional events on the back. 

Making sure that your design and branding make room for this data and effectively use visual elements will make your badges one-of-a-kind. But don’t forget about the importance of printing. 

Selecting an ideal printer for your badges

Printers are badge customization's unsung heroes. After all, what is the point of having a great design if the printing result is substandard? Also, on-site printing can allow for name changes, adding attendees, or even reprinting lost or damaged badges, which is becoming a required feature for events. 

Make sure to choose your printer wisely; of course, this will depend on the style of badge and design you have chosen. Inkjet models are ideal for monochrome or color printing, while thermal printers offer high-speed results. 

Here are some fool-proof printing options depending on your chosen badge type:

• Paper badge printers: The Epson Colorworks C3500 model is perfect for small to large-scale events and can print full-color badges on-site in seconds. Star-Micronics TSP143III is a thermal printer that produces high-speed solutions with an easy Bluetooth connection setup. It uses a direct thermal method, so no ink is required.
• Plastic badge printers: You can’t go wrong with the Zebra ZC10L or the Primacy Card Printer. While the Zebra model is great for edge-to-edge large badges, the Primacy printer provides credit card size ones in full color. 

• Adhesive badge printers: The Brother QL-820NWB direct thermal printer is a solid choice for small to medium events on a budget. For small to large events, you might want to choose a model like the Zebra ZD620, which uses a different method known as thermal transfer, allowing for high-speed black prints that can be printed on blank or pre-printed custom color badges. 
• RFID/UHF badge printers: If you need badges with RFID encoding for your event, look no further than the Zebra ZD500R. This printer uses direct thermal and thermal transfer methods and can print on blank or pre-printed custom color badges. 

Another route is to use an event kiosk, an all-in-one solution for registration needs. Event kiosks allow attendees to manage their check-in and print their badges on-demand. You can also create your custom Event Kiosk branding to make it stand out even more. 

Include on-site badge printing for even the smallest events to impress your attendees. It adds flexibility and creates an efficient experience for all.

Remember to always use quality badge supplies

No matter your choice of badge, be sure to get the best materials for your custom badges. Once you have your design picked out, consider using a material that can boost your badge's overall style and feel.

Badge paper, lanyards, and holders are all essential elements that complement badge customization. For example, glossy heavy stock material can make colors pop and add a glossy ink look. You can also choose lanyards so that they match the color palette on the badge or even be customized themselves. 

There are also eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable badge holders, which will decompose over time. This adds an element of environmental responsibility that attendees are sure to appreciate. 

Benefits of badge customization

All of these aspects show that while badges may be considered a small component of an event, they have the power to elevate the attendee’s experience and even remain in their possession as a thoughtful memento.

When you invest time and resources into carefully crafting custom badges, you improve your guests' overall experience. So why not reach out to pros that can help you, like Choose 2 Rent. 

Choose 2 Rent has a wide selection of rental badge printers, including the models mentioned above and all the supplies you need to fulfill your badge customization needs. We also provide professional design templates and count on our rental event kiosk to make your registration go smoothly.

Don’t hesitate to ask us for a quote! We’ll be glad to help make your event a smashing success.