Custom Lanyards for Trade Shows: Width, Clips and Badge Fit

Quick answer: For most trade shows, choose a medium-width full-color lanyard with an attachment that matches your badge, and pair it with a badge people can read from a few feet away. Decide the badge first, then pick the lanyard to fit it. Order about three weeks before the show, or use rush ($30) if you’re closer.

Start with the badge, not the lanyard

A common mistake is ordering lanyards that don’t suit the badges. Decide these first:

• Badge size. Our PVC ID cards come in 2.12 x 3.38 in (standard card size) or 3.15 x 4.72 in (larger and easier to read on a busy floor).
• Orientation. Vertical or horizontal.
• Finish. Glossy, matte or frosted. Matte cuts glare under bright booth lights.
• How it attaches. Tell us how the badge will connect to the lanyard, and we’ll confirm it on your proof.

For step-by-step help, read our PVC ID cards ordering guide.

Choosing lanyard width

As a rough guide, narrower straps suit simple logos and wider straps give room for bold art or sponsor logos. Wider isn’t always better: a simple one-color logo can look lost on a wide strap.

The widths available for your order are confirmed on your proof.

Choosing an attachment

These are common attachment styles across the industry, not a list of what every order includes. Tell us which you’d like when you request a quote, and confirm it on your proof:

• Swivel hook: rotates to reduce twisting.
• Bulldog clip: clips straight to a badge slot and helps keep it facing forward.
• Lobster clasp: a small, compact clasp for lighter cards.
• Double clips: two attachment points help a wide horizontal badge lie flat instead of flipping.

Design tips that work on the show floor

1. Repeat your logo along the strap so it shows no matter how the lanyard twists.
2. Use high contrast. Gold on navy, white on black.
3. Skip small text. People see a lanyard from a few feet away.
4. Color-code roles. Use one color for staff and another for VIPs or speakers.

Example: An exhibitor orders navy lanyards for booth staff and gold lanyards for sales leads invited to a private demo, so the team can spot VIP guests at a glance.

Shop custom lanyards, including full-color styles for conventions and venue staff.

Complete the booth

Lanyards and badges are only part of the look. A logo table cover pulls the booth together. Our table covers come in 4, 6 and 8 ft sizes and in throw, fitted or stretch styles, with your exact combination confirmed on the proof. Read throw vs. fitted vs. stretch table covers to choose.

Trade show lanyard checklist

• Badge size, orientation and finish decided
• Attachment style requested and confirmed on the proof
• Strap width chosen for your logo
• Logo file sent (vector or large PNG)
• Quantities for staff plus spares
• Free proof checked for spelling and colors
• Order placed about 3 weeks before the show (standard: 3–5 business days of production + 5–7 of shipping), or rush ($30: 1–3 + 3–5)
• Box opened the day it arrives (report valid issues within 24 hours for a free remake)

Frequently asked questions

What width lanyard is best for trade shows?

Narrower straps suit simple logos; wider straps suit bold artwork or several logos. Confirm the widths available for your order on your proof.

Which badge size should I pick?

Use 3.15 x 4.72 in when names need to be read across a busy floor; use 2.12 x 3.38 in for a compact, wallet-size card.

Is there a minimum order?

Most of our products have no minimum.

How fast can I get lanyards?

Standard: 3–5 business days of production plus 5–7 business days of free standard shipping. Rush ($30): 1–3 business days of production plus 3–5 of shipping.

What if something is wrong when it arrives?

Report a valid issue within 24 hours of delivery and we’ll remake the order free. We don’t offer refunds.

Get a free lanyard and badge proof

Send your show date, logo and quantities, and we’ll prepare a free design proof.

• Email: hello@printvow.com
• Phone: +1 307-430-1110
• Shop: printvow.com/shop