Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ordering custom event badges, lanyards, and badge holders.
Product Information
What are custom event badges and conference badges used for?
Custom event badges and conference badges are personalized name badges used for conferences, trade shows, meetings, and corporate events. They typically include attendee information such as names, job titles, company names, QR codes, and event branding to help identify attendees, improve networking, and create a more professional event experience.
What types of custom event badges do you offer?
We offer three main types of custom event badges: Direct Thermal, Paper, and Plastic badges.
- Direct Thermal Badges: 9.5 pt badge stock designed for fast onsite printing with compatible direct thermal printers.
- Paper Event Badges: 18 pt full-color badges ideal for pre-printed attendee names, branding, and conferences.
- Plastic Event Badges: Durable 30 mil plastic badges with a smooth, premium finish, ideal for multi-day events and festivals.
Which event lanyard styles do you offer?
We offer two types of event lanyards:
- Quick-Ship Event Lanyards: In-stock polyester satin lanyards in red, blue, navy, black and white, with a 3/4" width. Orders placed before 3:00 PM CT ship the same business day.
- Custom Event Lanyards: Fully customizable with your logo or design. Choose from polyester satin or recycled rPET materials, made from recycled bottles, Pantone-matched colors, multiple widths, and a variety of attachment options.
What size event badges do you offer?
What are direct thermal event badges?
Direct thermal event badges are badge shells designed for onsite printing using compatible direct thermal printers. Our 9.5 pt direct thermal badges are durable and commonly used for conference check-in, registration kiosks, and last-minute attendee printing. Our single and double notch versions are also tear-resistant.
Which printer sensor type should I choose - Timing Marks or Gap notch?
Timing marks (most popular) are black sensor marks printed on the back of a badge that direct thermal printers use to detect position and ensure precise cutting. These badges are typically printed as two mirrored halves, then folded along a perforation to create a front-and-back credential.
With gap or notch badges, the printer’s sensor looks for the gap or notch between badges instead of a printed timing mark. They can still be double-sided: we pre-print both faces, your printer adds names to the front only, and the back is the same on every badge. To print both sides on site, choose timing marks (folded).
Are your badges compatible with direct thermal printers?
Do you offer eco-friendly event badges and lanyards?
Yes. We offer eco-friendly event badge and lanyard options, including FSC-certified paper badges, recyclable badge holders, and recycled rPET lanyards.
Do you offer onsite badge printing?
Do your event badges work with event registration and check-in software?
Yes. Our direct thermal event badges are compatible with many event registration and check-in platforms that support onsite badge printing, including systems used with Zebra direct thermal printers. They can be printed with attendee names, company information, QR codes, and other variable data during onsite check-in.
We work with many event technology providers whose platforms integrate with our badge stock. If you're unsure whether your event platform or printer is compatible, our team can help you choose the right badge for your setup.
Ordering Process
Can I order badges before I have my final attendee list?
Can you help with last-minute badge orders?
Yes. We can sometimes accommodate rush badge orders depending on your event date and production schedule, and a rush may carry an added fee, which our team confirms. Place your order with your in-hand date, and we’ll check what is possible and confirm the fastest available option.
How do I order custom event badges and lanyards?
Ordering custom event badges and lanyards is simple:
- Choose your badge or lanyard style, size, printing options, and accessories.
- Upload your artwork and attendee information file.
- Review and approve your digital proof.
- Your order moves into production and ships with tracking information.
Can I order blank badges for last-minute attendees?
Yes. You can order blank badges alongside your custom event badges to prepare for walk-ins or last-minute attendee changes. Simply request blank badges during the proof process or include “Blank” in your attendee file.
Pricing
How much do custom event badges, lanyards, and badge holders cost?
Pricing depends on quantity, material, size, printing method, and customization options. Larger quantities may qualify for lower per-unit pricing, and pricing is calculated automatically based on your selections.
Do you offer bulk discounts on custom badges and lanyards?
Yes. We offer tiered volume discounts for large custom event badge and lanyard orders. The more you order, the lower your per-unit cost may be. Pricing is automatically calculated based on your quantity when you enter your order details on the product page.
For large events or high-volume orders, our team can also help you find the best option for your budget and timeline.
Do you offer rush badge printing? How much does it cost?
Yes. We can sometimes rush event badge orders when your timeline requires faster production, depending on the job and our schedule. A rush may carry an added fee, which our team confirms. Expedited shipping is available if you need your badges delivered sooner, but additional shipping costs may apply based on the delivery method selected.
Place your order with the date you need your badges in hand, and our team will check what is possible and confirm the fastest option.
Artwork
What artwork file formats do you accept for custom badges and lanyards?
We recommend submitting high-resolution vector artwork for the best print quality. Preferred file formats include SVG, PDF, and Adobe native files (.AI and .EPS). We also accept raster files, including JPEG and PNG (300 DPI minimum). Working in InDesign or Photoshop, or have a TIFF? Export it as a PDF, and include the bleed when you export.
For the best results, please provide artwork with clear text, outlined fonts, and high-resolution images whenever possible.
How do I submit artwork for custom badges and lanyards?
Upload your artwork directly on the product page below the Summary section. We recommend vector files like SVG, PDF, and Adobe native formats (.AI and .EPS) for the best results, but we also accept high-resolution JPEG and PNG (300 DPI minimum) files. For InDesign, Photoshop or TIFF files, export a PDF with the bleed included.
Do you charge artwork setup fees or revision fees?
No. We do not charge artwork setup fees or additional fees for artwork changes. Our pricing is transparent, so you can update your design or make revisions during the proofing process without unexpected costs.
Do you provide a proof before printing custom badges?
Yes. We provide a digital proof for your review and approval before printing begins. This allows you to confirm your artwork, colors, layout, and attendee details before your order moves into production.
Can you match my brand colors on custom badges and lanyards?
There is no limit to the number of colors you can use when designing custom event badges and lanyards. Badges are printed in full color with edge-to-edge designs, and custom lanyards can be color-matched to your brand. For the closest color match, set up your artwork in CMYK. RGB files, which most screen and web tools create, can’t be matched exactly once printed.
Can I print attendee names on my event badges?
Yes. We can print attendee names, titles, company names, QR codes, and other personalized information directly onto your event badges. Simply provide your attendee list in an Excel or CSV file during the ordering process.
Do you print QR codes on badges?
Yes. We can print unique QR codes on each badge using the codes you provide for each attendee. To set this up, upload your attendee list as an Excel or CSV file and include a placeholder (such as “QR Code”) on your badge artwork to show where the codes should be placed.
If you use event technology software, QR code data can typically be exported directly from your platform and included in your attendee file.
QR codes are a popular option for check-in, access control, lead retrieval, and attendance tracking, helping make each badge unique and easy to verify.
Production Time & Shipping
What shipping options do you offer?
We offer several UPS shipping options to fit your timeline:
- UPS Ground: Typically arrives in 1-5 business days depending on your location.
- UPS Next Day Air Saver: Delivery by end of the next business day, typically by 3:00-4:30 PM.
- UPS Next Day Air: Delivery by 10:30 AM the next business day to most locations.
- UPS Next Day Air Early: Delivery by 8:00-9:30 AM the next business day to most locations.
Shipping times begin after your order completes production. For time-sensitive events, we recommend selecting an expedited shipping option and sharing your event date with our team so we can help determine the best delivery method.
How long does it take to receive custom event badges?
Custom event badges typically take 5 business days for production after proof approval, plus shipping time, which depends on the delivery method selected. A shorter turnaround is sometimes possible; our team confirms, and a rush may carry an added fee.
How long does it take to receive custom event lanyards?
Custom lanyard orders typically ship within 10-12 business days after proof approval, depending on the material selected.
For faster turnaround, our Quick-Ship lanyards are available and ship the same business day when ordered before 3:00 PM CT.
How long does it take to receive badge holders?
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes. We ship event badges, lanyards, and accessories to the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Delivery times and shipping costs vary by destination.
Import duties and taxes for your destination are calculated at checkout and included in your total. We pay them to the carrier on your behalf. Any other fees the carrier or customs charge, such as storage if a parcel is held, are the recipient's.