How Did a Badge Become the Highlight of an Event? Or 5 Ordinary Details in an Unusual Execution.

Every event consists of many small touches that shape the overall picture of a successful event. Some details may at first glance seem unnoticeable or less important than, for example, a star speaker or a delicious buffet.

But there are such “little things” that simply cannot be done without at an event. Badges, signs, handouts – these indispensable items, seasoned with a touch of creativity, can become a bright accent and a useful component of the event. We invite you to take a look at the modern interpretation of such important details.

Badges

At first glance, what could be worse than pin-on badges? And if they are also signed in different handwriting and different colors? Surprisingly, this anachronism still occurs. Today, badge design can and should be approached creatively to make this element not only stand out from the general background but also useful. Here are just a few unconventional ideas:

• Eco-friendly materials – badges made of wood or leather will look especially on-trend.

• The ability to attach additional bright ribbons with funny messages to badges (“Damn good”, “I write on Twitter”, “Problem generator”, “Speaker”, “Talk to me about ...”). These ribbons are interchangeable; they enliven communication and dilute formality. 

• Smart badges. At one of the conferences C2 Montréal, participants wore interactive name badges. They connected guests with each other using klik technology. This app is used for audience interaction, as well as for ticket sales, participant registration, data transfer and information exchange. 

Smart badges

• A badge in the form of a booklet with the program – a 2-in-1 combination: convenient and unusual. You can also find badges combined with a notepad, program, area map and other useful information, which is very practical. 

• A badge with tear-off coupons that can be used, for example, during a coffee break or lunch – useful for the guest and nothing extra.

• A gadget charging cord built into the badge lanyard – something that is always missing at long events. A utilitarian item that will be used after the event as well.

Unusual badges

Wayfinding Signs

This element is essential for guiding guests and coordinating their movement around the venue and sections. Its main criteria are being informative and visual. To avoid signs with 'dry' text and arrows, designers create custom wayfinding for each event. They should be in a consistent style, match the event, and be bright and easy to understand. Let's look at a few interesting examples:

• A 'road signpost' made of cardboard in the center of the venue. It features signs to the main locations, the event program with schedule, and the conference logo.

• Bright vinyl stickers turn columns, walls, doors, and even the floor into signs – anything guests' eyes rest on.

• Additional information about key activities built into the signs that take place in each zone ('Media lounge. Watch. Listen. Read. Write').

• Navigation combined with a donation box, which states what the collected money will go toward.

• Mobile signs mounted on bicycle frames. This solution was implemented at one of the design festivals in the USA – a good motivation for a healthy lifestyle.

• Digital signs – a relevant solution in the widespread digitalization of events.

On-site navigation

Printed Materials

According to statistics, 70% of printed handout materials are ruthlessly thrown away. The vast majority of event organizers have long moved away from this outdated tradition. Touch panels, tablets, and multi-screens are used to distribute information. Even more convenient is a specially developed mobile app or website.

Moreover, refusing printed materials (“paperless”) can become a signature feature of an event, in line with the global trend toward environmental conservation and rational use of resources.

Unusual items can also become an information platform. For example, TED conference organizers used coffee cups, wooden furniture panels, and even the lounge area interior for various inscriptions.

The lounge area interior as advertising at an event

Participant Gift Bag

You can attract attention to an event not only with a vibrant program but also with an unusual gift bag. The promotional and souvenir items in it should be practical and useful for attendees.

Today, organizers put in gift bags not only traditional notebooks and pens with “merch.” The list of possible gifts has expanded significantly: a raincoat, a phone case, a thermal mug, a multitool, a bank card holder, a backpack, an umbrella, a souvenir box with a group photo of the participants, etc. Items made from natural materials are becoming increasingly popular.

A linen bag with a traditional set supplemented with something edible – a candy, an apple, or a chocolate bar

For example, at the St. Petersburg conference #ITsubbotnik, they follow the concept of nature and sustainability. Therefore, attendees are given a linen bag in which the traditional set (notebook, pen, program, sticker) is supplemented with something edible – a candy, an apple, or a chocolate bar. They also give some seasonal gift – a reflective item or a raincoat.

Bottles with SEO potion and promotion elixir at the CyberMarketing marketing conference

At the CyberMarketing marketing conference, gift materials are treated with a touch of humor. In addition to traditional sets, there are informal gifts. For example, “Brave Anti-Stress” in the shape of a woman's breast or bottles with SEO potion and promotion elixir.

Business Cards

For quick contact exchange with new people at events, standard paper business cards used to be the norm. Today, other methods are becoming more popular – modern and technology-driven. For example, special mobile apps for smartphones (NFC Business Card, DigiCard, NFC Business card, etc.), QR codes, electronic business cards.

QR code instead of a business card

There are also other ways to replace paper business cards with unusual materials. This is a creative way to tell much more about yourself than just contact details:

• a business card in the shape of a skateboard for a skateboard shop;

• a dishwashing sponge or decorative soap with contact details for household chemical suppliers;

• a chewing gum business card, matches, or a lighter from a restaurant or café chain;

• Lego bricks with the contacts of an architecture school;

• a mini yoga mat from a fitness club trainer;

• a business card in the shape of a bicycle wrench or ruler;

• an edible business card made of dried meat from an extreme survival specialist;

• a business card in the shape of a comb or nail file from a stylist, etc.

Unusual Business Cards

Our specialists are always up to date with the latest innovations and current trends in event organization. We draw inspiration from the best ideas from around the world to delight you with bright and unforgettable events. If you also want your event to be filled with unique moments and details and organized at a professional level, get in touch — we will be happy to help you!