Choosing the Right Lanyard Dimensions for Conferences

Choosing the right dimensions of the lanyard used for a conference can be more important than what people realise. The size of the lanyard you want will depend on how visible you want it to be, how comfortable you want it to be, who you want to brand it with, and what type of event you are hosting. In most cases, a lanyard of about 900mm long and 15mm to 20mm wide is suitable for the conferencing brand as it allows for a large enough space for branding, but not so wide that the attendees will find it cumbersome to wear all day. Choosing the right size lanyard can enhance the event experience, bolster brand presence, and contribute to a smoother event.

A lanyard may appear like an insignificant aspect of a conference agenda that includes discussions, agendas, exhibitors, and networking.

But the professionals know better when it comes to event organisation.

The first thing that your attendees will notice about you when they meet a new member is the conference badge. It's used to recognize speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, VIP guests and other attendees. If the lanyard is not the right one, even the greatest looks of an event badge can be hard to read and uncomfortable to wear.

The Importance of Lanyard Size: What You Don't Think About

A few years ago, a large technology conference was getting ready and the event organiser ordered several hundred brand-new lanyards, and didn't pay much mind to the size.

The design on the screen was great. The issue was only revealed on the day of the event but the lanyards printing were too small to accommodate the branding that was desired. Sponsor logos became hard to read, attendee badges would flip back and forth, and many guests would remove their sponsor logos before lunch because of the discomfort they felt.

The organizers didn’t make the same mistake twice. 

Now, take a moment to consider this for a moment. A lanyard can be worn for up to 8 – 10 hours during the day at a conference. What may seem unimportant in the conceptual phase is very noticeable when hundreds of people are wearing it.

Understanding Standard Lanyard Dimensions

If you're looking for the size that is typically used at professional events, that's what you'll find when you look for "lanyard size" online. Fortunately, there are several standards that have been proven.

Standard Width Options

A lot of conference lanyards have various dimensions. Some of them are:

• A 10mm lanyard is light in weight but has a limited amount of branding space.
• Use a lanyard that is 15mm wide, which offers a comfortable fit and a good level of visibility. 
• A 20mm lanyard is commonly used as the industry standard for conferences as it permits logos and text to be seen and read.
• 25mm lanyard gives the maximum brand visibility, and can be slightly bulkier for all-day events.

Standard Length

Most lanyards measure approximately 900mm from end to end before attachment hardware is added. This length allows badges to sit comfortably around chest level, making identification easy without interfering with movement.

Why does this matter?

Because attendees should never need to lift their badge constantly for people to read it. The purpose of a conference lanyard is convenience.

Matching Lanyard Dimensions to Conference Type

Not every event requires the same lanyard printing setup.

Corporate Conferences

Professional networking events generally benefit from 15mm or 20mm lanyards.

These dimensions provide sufficient space for:

• Company logos
• Sponsor branding
• Event names
• Website addresses

Trade Shows and Exhibitions

Exhibitions often involve multiple sponsors and large attendee numbers. In these situations, 20mm or 25mm lanyards are often preferred because they maximise branding opportunities while helping attendees identify exhibitors and event staff quickly.

Educational Conferences

Universities and training events often prioritise comfort over extensive branding. A 15mm lanyard is usually sufficient while keeping costs manageable.

The Relationship Between Branding and Lanyard Width

Many event organisers view lanyards as a practical necessity. The smartest organisers see them as mobile advertising. Every attendee becomes a walking brand ambassador throughout the event.

Here is the crazy part.

Hundreds of people can spend an entire day displaying your event branding without requiring a single additional marketing effort. That makes lanyards one of the most cost-effective promotional products available.

However, branding only works when people can actually see it. A logo printed on a narrow lanyard may lose much of its impact. Wider lanyards provide more space for:

• Sponsor logos
• Event branding
• Promotional messaging
• Website information

Comfort Should Never Be Overlooked

When planning conference materials, branding often receives most of the attention. Comfort deserves equal consideration. A lanyard that feels heavy, stiff, or awkward can become frustrating during a full-day event. Attendees may remove it entirely.

But there is a catch.

The widest lanyard isn't always the best lanyard. While 25mm options provide exceptional branding space, they may feel excessive for smaller conferences or networking events.

In many cases, 15mm or 20mm dimensions provide the perfect balance between visibility and comfort. The best choice depends on the event's objectives.

Should You Choose Custom Printed Lanyards?

For conferences, the answer is usually yes. Plain lanyards serve a practical purpose. Custom-printed lanyards serve both practical and marketing purposes. Professionally branded lanyards help:

• Strengthen event identity
• Increase sponsor exposure
• Improve attendee recognition
• Create a more organised appearance

Many organisers invest heavily in banners, signage, leaflet printing London services, and promotional materials while overlooking lanyards.

Yet lanyards often remain visible throughout the entire event.

What Else Should You Consider?

Dimensions are important, but they are only one part of the decision.

You should also consider:

• Safety breakaway clips
• Metal hooks
• Badge holders
• Material quality
• Print durability

The right combination creates a professional product that performs well throughout the event.

The best part.

After you have selected the right dimensions, the entire specification process is a lot easier. The majority of pro suppliers will be able to suggest an attachment and finishing that's appropriate for your event.

From a corporate conference to a networking event or a trade show, or even a school or university function, the impact of using the right custom lanyards can be surprisingly positive on a user's experience. When every single interaction counts, it's the little things that can make an impact.

FAQ

What is the normal lanyard size for conferences?

For conferences, the lanyard size is normally 15mm to 20mm wide and is about 900mm long.

Is a wider lanyard a better choice for conferences?

Not always. Wider lanyards are more visible, but may feel bulkier. This will depend on the type of event and what they want to achieve from the experience of their attendees.

Why conference organisers use custom printed lanyards?

Custom printed lanyards not only aid in event branding and making it easier to identify your attendees during the event, but also can be used to boost your sponsor's visibility.

Where to get professionally printed conference lanyards?

You can find lanyards in a variety of sizes, materials and branding possibilities manufactured by professional printing vendors like Exact Print UK for conferences, exhibitions and corporate events.