A lanyard is the simplest way to keep a name badge visible and an access card reachable all day. For a conference or a staff ID rollout the decisions that actually matter are width, attachment type and how you colour-code access levels — the printing is the easy part.
Why lanyards still beat clip-on badges at events
A clip-on badge flips over, falls off a soft shirt and disappears into a bag by mid-morning. A neck lanyard keeps the badge facing outward at chest height, which is exactly where people glance when they are trying to read a name. For any event where attendees need to be identified repeatedly — registration, session doors, catering — that reliability matters more than the cost difference.
Width and attachment: the two choices that matter
Most conference work lands on a 15–20mm flat woven band, which is wide enough to print on and comfortable enough to wear all day. The attachment decides how it gets used: a swivel hook suits a badge holder that people take on and off, while a split ring suits keys or an access fob. If badges will be tapped against a reader repeatedly, put the attachment low enough that the wearer can reach the reader without taking the lanyard off. Our standard lanyards cover the common combinations.
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Colour-coding access levels without printing five versions
The cheapest way to separate speakers, staff, media and general attendees is plain colour rather than five printed designs. One colour per access level reads instantly from across a room, costs nothing extra, and lets you order a single printed design in several colours. Reserve printing for the organisation name and keep the colour doing the access-control work.
When a wristband is the better call
Lanyards suit multi-day events where people carry a badge and need their hands free. For single-day entry, crowd control or anything involving water, a wristband is harder to swap and quicker to check. A tear-off tab wristband also lets staff detach a stub for drink or meal redemption, which a lanyard cannot do. Plenty of events run both — lanyards for staff and speakers, wristbands for general admission.
Durability and reuse across multiple events
Fabric lanyards survive being stuffed in a bag and pulled out a month later, so an organisation running quarterly events can print undated designs and reuse the stock. If a badge needs to survive spills or outdoor weather, a laminated YUPO band handles moisture better than a paper insert in a badge holder.
Ordering: lead time, quantities and artwork
Plain stock colours ship fastest because nothing needs printing. Custom-printed lanyards need artwork in a vector format and a proof approval before production, so allow time for a revision round. Order a modest overage — lanyards get lost, and a handful of spares at registration costs far less than a rush reorder mid-event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers from the Handband team
What lanyard width is best for a conference?
A 15–20mm flat woven band is the usual choice — wide enough to print legibly and comfortable enough to wear all day.
Should I use a swivel hook or a split ring?
A swivel hook suits badge holders people remove and replace; a split ring suits keys or an access fob.
How do I separate staff from attendees without extra printing?
Use one plain colour per access level and keep a single printed design. Colour reads instantly across a room and costs nothing extra.
Are lanyards or wristbands better for event entry?
Lanyards suit multi-day events where people carry a badge; wristbands suit single-day entry, crowd control and anything involving water.
Can lanyards be reused at future events?
Yes — fabric lanyards store well, so printing an undated design lets you reuse stock across several events.
How many spare lanyards should I order?
A modest overage is worth it. Lanyards get lost during registration, and spares cost far less than a rush reorder mid-event.
What artwork do you need for custom printing?
Vector artwork, plus time for a proof approval and a possible revision round before production starts.
Written by
Founder, Handband
Founder of Handband; specialist in custom wristbands and promotional products for events, schools, charities, and brands.
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