Event professionals’ opinions are divided on name tags: While some think they’re an efficient way to get attendees interacting, others say they encourage tacky behavior. In recent years, though, event organizers have found increasingly stylish—and functional—ways to present the ubiquitous badges.
From on-theme pieces that add to the event decor, to unique opportunities to break the ice, to efficient technology tools, here are 13 examples of name badges that are anything but boring—or tacky.
1. Break the ice.
Photo: Readyluck
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Teen Vogue
Photo: Alesandra Dubin/BizBash
Photo: Courtesy of PC/Nametag
2. Kill two birds with one stone.
Photo: Mateo Casis
Photo: The Photo Booth Party
Photo: Courtesy of Poken
3. Complement the decor.
Photo: Jeremie Barlow
Photo: Courtesy of PC/Nametag
Photo: Jill Harper/Summer Brand Camp
Photo: Anna Delores Photography
4. Sometimes, less is more.
Photo: Melanie Blodgett for Julep
Photo: BizBash