When companies gear up for trade shows and events, promotional materials become a key part of the game plan. These items help businesses stand out in a sea of booths and faces. One piece that’s been catching attention lately is the custom lanyard. It’s not just a handy way to hold a badge; it’s a smart, subtle tool for keeping your brand in the spotlight.
Picture a busy trade show floor. Attendees hustle from one exhibit to the next, name tags dangling as they chat with vendors or grab a quick snack. Lanyards are a constant at these events, worn by everyone from visitors to staff. In the U.S., the trade show industry generates more than $13 billion each year, with countless companies vying for attention. That’s a huge stage, and a custom lanyard can help your name stick around.
What’s great about these lanyards is how they mix practicality with visibility. They’re designed to carry your logo, your colors, and your message, all while doing a job people need. Think of dozens, maybe hundreds, of attendees wearing them as they move through the event. Your brand tags along, popping up in conversations and quick glances. Research from the Promotional Products Association International shows that 89% of people who get a branded item recall the company behind it for up to two years. That kind of memory matters.
Custom lanyards have grown beyond the basics, too. Some now feature extras like USB drives or phone chargers, making them something attendees might actually hang onto. Others use materials like recycled plastic or bamboo, tapping into the fact that 75% of American consumers, per a Nielsen report, lean toward brands that share their values. These touches add a layer of interest without feeling over the top.
For businesses working the event scene, lanyards fit right into the branding puzzle. At a trade show, where the average attendee spends about eight hours and stops by dozens of booths, you’ve got a short window to make an impression. A well-designed lanyard paired with a friendly team can make your group feel approachable and polished. It’s a small detail that pulls everything together.
The scale of these opportunities is hard to ignore. The U.S. hosts over 1.8 million corporate meetings, trade shows, and conventions annually, drawing millions of attendees. That’s a massive crowd, and a custom lanyard keeps your name in play, whether it’s a tech conference in California or a specialized gathering in Texas.
As companies plan their next event, the custom lanyard deserves some thought. It’s an easy way to stay visible, connect with people, and leave a lasting mark when the day wraps up.