How to Choose the Right Lanyard for Your Event

Lanyards are more than just badge holders — they help with branding, security, comfort, and overall event professionalism. Choosing the right one depends on your event type, audience and budget.

Whether you’re planning a:

  • Conference
  • Trade show
  • School event
  • Festival
  • Corporate open house

This guide will help you choose the ideal lanyard for your needs.

1️⃣ Start With the Purpose

Before selecting a lanyard, ask:

  • What type of event is it?
  • Will attendees wear this all day?
  • Is branding or visibility important?
  • Do you need safety features?
  • Is this a one-time or recurring event?

Answering these questions will help you pick the right material and printing style.

2️⃣ Polyester Screen Printed Lanyards – Great for Budget & Simplicity

Best for: Budget-friendly events with simple logos or minimal colour needs.

Screen printed polyester lanyards are durable, cost-effective and perfect for events where branding is straightforward.

👉 Shop Here: 🔗 Screen Printed Lanyards

Good For:

  • School staff and volunteers
  • Trade show badges
  • Internal corporate events
  • Recreation centres

3️⃣ Full Colour Sublimation Lanyards – Premium Branding

Best for: Event organisers who want bold, edge-to-edge colour and detailed artwork.

Sublimation allows unlimited colours, gradients, and double-sided printing — great for events where logos and sponsors need to stand out.

👉 Shop Here:
🔗 Sublimation Lanyards or 🔗 PET Sublimation Lanyards

Good For:

  • Conferences & networking events
  • Festivals & expos
  • Sponsor-heavy events
  • Brand activations

4️⃣ Breakaway Lanyards – Safety First

Best for: Schools, childcare, healthcare and workplaces where safety matters.

A breakaway lanyard includes a clasp that separates under pressure to reduce choking or injury risk — especially important around kids or in active environments.

👉 Shop Here: 🔗 Breakaway Lanyards

Recommended For:

  • Elementary and daycare settings
  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Factories and warehouses
  • Active events

5️⃣ Tubular & Badge Holder Lanyards – Added Versatility

Different events and badge types may require specific attachments.

👉 Shop Here:
🔗 Badge Holder Lanyards – ideal for holding ID cards and passes securely.
🔗 Tubular Lanyards – comfortable, soft options for everyday wear.

Attachment Common Uses:

  • Bulldog clip — secure for thicker badges
  • Lobster clasp — general purpose
  • Badge sleeves — great for trade show credentials
  • Tubular lanyards — comfortable for long wear


6️⃣ Quick Recommendations by Event Type

Event Type

Best Lanyard Option

School or Daycare

Breakaway Lanyards

Corporate Conference

Sublimation / PET Sublimation Lanyards

Trade Show

Screen Printed / Sublimation Lanyards

Festival or Expo

Sublimation Lanyards

Healthcare or Industrial

Breakaway Lanyards

Staff/ID Needs

Badge Holder Lanyards

7️⃣ Final Thoughts

  • Branding matters? Choose sublimation or PET sublimation for full colour impact.
  • Budget matters? Polyester screen printed is great value.
  • Safety matters? Always choose breakaway for child-related or safety-critical environments.

Still not sure? Contact us and we’ll recommend the perfect lanyard based on your event audience, design and requirements.

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