What Is a Lanyard? Why Do You Need Them at Your Events?

Key Points

• A lanyard is a looped strap or cord worn around the neck to securely hold and display an event badge, ID card, or access pass.

• Lanyards provide hands-free convenience and ensure attendee badges are always visible, which is essential for clear identification and networking.

• Custom-printed lanyards are a powerful branding tool, turning every attendee into a mobile mini-banner for the event or its sponsors.

If you ever found yourself at a conference, concert, or a corporate event, chances are you wore something around your neck, usually with a badge attached. That simple strap is called a lanyard, and while it may seem like a minor detail, it’s one of the most essential trade show supplies that plays a crucial role in event organization and branding. So, what exactly is a lanyard? And what is a lanyard used for at professional events, expos, or festivals? Let’s take a closer look at why lanyards are crucial.

What Is a Lanyard?

At its most basic, a lanyard is a looped cord or strap worn around the neck, shoulder, or wrist to carry something, most often a name badge (sometimes in a badge holder), ID, or access card. It usually comes with a clip or hook at the end to securely attach whatever it’s holding.

Lanyards are available in various materials, including polyester, satin, and eco-friendly rPET, as well as styles such as plain, printed, or woven. They can be simple or fully branded with your logo and colors. They are used across various industries, from office buildings to trade shows, from hospitals to festivals, to enhance visibility, accessibility, and organizational efficiency.

What Is a Lanyard Used For at Events?

At events, lanyards serve several practical purposes. First and foremost, they keep badges and ID cards visible and accessible. Whether it’s a guest, exhibitor, staff member, or VIP, a badge on a lanyard makes it easy for others to identify who they are interacting with.

However, there are other important reasons:

Clear Identification

Events often have hundreds of thousands of people on-site. Lanyards help everyone, including staff, attendees, and security, to identify who is who. Color-coded lanyards, for example, can quickly distinguish volunteers from exhibitors or speakers from media representatives. Another welcome and appreciated practice is the use of a hidden disability (sunflower) lanyard design.

Hands-Free convenience

A badge in your pocket is easy to forget. But a badge on a lanyard? It is always in the right place. Lanyards allow guests and staff to move freely without constantly reaching for their IDs.

Security and Access Control

In events where areas are restricted, such as backstages and VIP lounges, different lanyards can help signal access levels. That makes it far easier for staff and security to spot unauthorized access at a glance.

Additionally, take a look at how badges prevent unauthorized access.

Brand Visibility

Printed lanyards provide valuable branding opportunities. Adding your logo, event name, or sponsor branding turns every lanyard into a moving mini-banner that is worn throughout the day by every participant, making them just as powerful as event badges as a branding tool.

Lanyards and Badges: The perfect pair

A lanyard without a badge is useless. That is why they are almost always used together, especially at events. The lanyard carries the badge, and the badge carries the identity, access, and messaging.

At BadgeGo, we make it easy to order lanyards alongside your badges. Whether you are printing name tags for staff, access passes for VIPs, or branded entry badges for attendees, we offer a wide range of lanyards that complement your badge design.

Need printed logos, bold colours, or eco-friendly materials? We’ve got the right lanyard to match your badge style and event tone.

Custom Options for Every Type of Event

You might think that one lanyard is much like another, but there is a huge variety of options available depending on your event needs. Some of them include:

• Flat polyester lanyards: These are the most popular and cost-effective
• Satin lanyards: Softer and smoother, great for VIPs
• Woven lanyards: Durable and stylish, ideal for longer events
• Eco-friendly rPET lanyards: Made from recycled materials, perfect for sustainable branding
• Breakaway lanyards: Designed for safety, especially at schools or medical events

Each option can be printed with your logo or event name. With multiple clip types, we ensure that your badges remain secure and accessible at all times.

Fast Delivery When You Need It Most

Need your lanyards fast? At BadgeGo, we understand that event deadlines are tight, and sometimes last-minute changes occur. We offer express shipping on lanyards and badges. Whether you’re planning months or days, we’ve got you covered.

Combine your lanyards and badges in one seamless order to save time, effort, and cost. You don’t need to source them from separate vendors.

Do You Need Lanyards at Your Event?

In short: yes. They make your event more organized, your brand more visible, your staff more identifiable, and your attendees more comfortable. They are small, affordable tools that can make a significant impact.

Whether it’s a team-building day for 30 people or a stadium-size festival with 30,000 people, lanyards help everyone stay connected.

FAQ

What is the function of a lanyard at events?

At an event, a lanyard is used to hold and display a name badge or ID card. Its primary functions are to provide hands-free convenience, make attendees easily identifiable, enhance security, and act as a tool for branding and sponsorship.

What are the most common materials for lanyards?

The most popular lanyard material is flat polyester, which is cost-effective and ideal for printing logos. Other common options include satin for a softer, premium feel, and eco-friendly rPET, which is made from recycled materials.

What are the branding benefits of using lanyards?

Custom-printed lanyards turn every participant into a walking advertisement. By featuring an event’s logo, colors, or a sponsor’s brand, they provide constant, high-visibility promotion throughout the entire venue.