5 Ways to Use Name Tags to Increase Interaction

For too many years, thoughts of name badges conjured up a generic, “Hello, my name is…” stick-on name tag. While they still have their place at mixers or high-school reunions, conferences, events, and workplaces demand a higher level of quality today.

When used in modern, fresh ways, name tags become a valuable tool. They can, in fact, help encourage interaction between total strangers. They can even be fun in the right environment. Here are five tips for using conference name badges to encourage active engagement between attendees.

Increase Attendee Interactions with These Name Badge Design Tips

1.    Leave off titles and company names.

Most events and conferences are great for collaboration and networking. But sometimes, you want attendees to associate people more with what they excel at, love to do, or aspire to do, instead of just what they do for a living. Leaving off company names and work titles leaves It open to discuss new ideas, innovations, or passionate pursuits.

2.    Moving beyond the work realm.

Give others a prompt on your conference name badges. Give them a phrase to finish. Providing attendees with a phrase to finish, such as “I’m chasing…,” gets conversations started and helps them connect on a deeper level. Here are a few suggestions you can tweak to fit your theme or event.

·  Currently learning…

·  One thing I believe is…

·  Right now, I’m inspired by…

·  The best advice I’ve ever received was….

·  My hidden talent is…

3.    Badge stickers or achievement add-ons.

Give your attendees room to customize their name badges throughout the conference. Let them earn achievements that can be added to their badges. Some examples include:

·  Coffee Lover

·  Introvert Friendly

·  Volunteer

·  Completed Workshop #1

·  Finished The ______ Challenge

4.    Incorporate a running theme.

Using a theme is an easy way to get attendees talking. This takes some pre-event planning, where you’ll gather attendees' thoughts on the theme. Print each attendee’s answer on their name badge. If you want to broaden the fun, create a foldout that includes all their thoughts on the theme. You can use something simple that relates to your event’s theme. A simple phrase like, “All we need is….” can encourage deep conversations. You may also set aside time for a game in which attendees find others who chose the same idea or word.

5.    Super-size it!

Oversized name badges may add just the right touch to your event. They are easier to read, eye-catching, and make for a friendly atmosphere. You can choose a larger-sized name badge in traditional shapes like rectangles or ovals. Then, just make it extra large for effect. But you also have the option of choosing a custom shape and then super-sizing it!

Name Tag Pros: Your Creative Name Badge Design Partner

Need more ideas? Have a unique idea of your own? Give Name Tag Pros a call and let’s get started making the perfect name badge for your next event. We’ll help you get attendees talking!