When you’re planning a conference or retreat, there are a lot of details to consider.  One such detail is what kind of name tag you will provide for your attendees.  At first glance, a name tag might seem like a simple thing, but what more could it be?  How can you make a name tag work double duty for your event?   Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. What type of name tag will work best?  While the generic adhesive name tags are a budget-friendly option, will they be sufficient?  Instead, consider using a lanyard name badge holder.  The plastic badge holder can also be a handy spot to hold a meal ticket or room key.
2. What kind of information do you want to include?  Obviously, you will want to include each person’s name.  If you pre-print name tags, make sure that you bring some extra blank ones for any last-minute registration changes. Decide if you’d like to denote the church/ministry name and/or conference name and include that in your design.  Also consider how you can tie in your event theme, logo, or key Bible verse.  If you are using a clear badge holder, don’t forget to use the space on the back of the name tag as well. This can be a convenient spot to include key information like your event schedule.  
3. Do you have the budget to order custom lanyards?  Many larger retreats and conferences will provide attendees with a lanyard that includes the ministry name or logo.  With a custom lanyard, you can choose the color and material and select an item that fits the overall theme of your event.
4. Does anyone in your group need a special name tag?  You might want to provide your planning team with a distinct name tag so that attendees know who to contact for assistance.  Or perhaps your event speakers need a ribbon added to their name badge because they are allowed into an invite-only banquet meal.  You could even use different colors or stickers on the name tags to divide your attendees into different groups, maybe for the purpose of staggering mealtimes or splitting them into designated small groups.

Think through these questions as you evaluate the name tag plan for your next event.  You’re already going to the trouble of printing or ordering name tags. Why not make them into something more?  Take the time to think through your design so that your name tag functions as more than just a name tag and instead works as a tool that enhances your event.