An event name tag is the best way to identify yourself, especially when networking is a primary focus. Follow these guidelines and you will always be safe from sabotaging your success. So, what is an event name badge and how do you wear them properly?
Should I bring my own name tag to events?
While arriving with your custom designed name tag ensures your name and affiliation are printed the way you like, it may not be in your best interest to do so. Consider this: event planners usually create tags specific to a particular occasion to identify those who legitimately belong at the event and those who do not. Wearing a name tag from outside the event may inadvertently convey the impression that you are crashing the party.
Squint Factor
There is nothing more disappointing than arriving at check in to see ineffective name tags. The logo of the hosting or sponsoring organization dominates the event tag. At the same time, names, company affiliations and every other detail, except your birth date, are printed so small they are not easy to read.
Remember the Purpose of the Name Tag
When preparing event name tags, think through the purpose of them. The tag should make communicating and networking easy for your event attendees. Always show names in spoken order, given name followed by surname, followed by your affiliation or company underneath. Think twice about the need to provide any more information beyond these basics.
Hosts and Sponsors
Sponsors and hosts are important to every event, and they deserve recognition. However, it is essential to remember that the person’s name is the most important information on the tag. Therefore, the majority of space should be devoted to presenting the person’s name. Thus, the logo or sponsoring affiliation should be smaller than the attendee’s name. It should never be the reverse.
Handwriting vs. Printing on Event Name Tags
Having tags printed and waiting is the perfect way to start an event. When this is impossible, provide dark pens and encourage everyone to write large enough that you can easily read their information from a distance, at least one half inch in height. Allow as much white space as possible; it helps others to easily read the badge.
Printed Tags
When generating pre-printed tags on a computer, choose a font that is easy to read. Arial, Myriad Web and Garamond are always good starting points. Sometimes it takes extra time to employ a little trial and error to find the correct font size and balance. However, it will be well worth the effort for optimum results. See part 2 of this article for information on printing event tags.
Wearing an Event Name Tag
Where should you place a name tag for networking? Wearing the tag high on your right shoulder gives other people the best view of the tag and your face. As you extend your right hand for a handshake, your eye and arm immediately draw to the right side of the person you are greeting. Because the uppermost part of your chest is the flattest area below your shoulder, this helps your tag to lie flat and be more secure. For women, this also prevents the awkwardness of drawing attention to a location we want to avoid having someone staring at. Placing the name tag high up in an easy to read and visible place keeps the focus on the tag where it should be.
Company Name Tags
Many businesses require their staff to wear name tags for identification. In this case, wearing such tags on the left shoulder is appropriate.
BONUS: Place name tags straight and in plain view.
Never wear your name tag crooked, sideways or upside down. It sends a negative message to others, usually implying a lack of respect for the occasion or a lack of care or interest in your appearance.
What other tips do you have to add to this list? Let us hear from you.
By Syndi Seid, the world’s leading etiquette trainer, celebrity speaker and founder of San Francisco based Advanced Etiquette.
