The future of conference badges: traditional, live, or digital?

Has the traditional attendee badge at conferences reached the end of its life cycle? Three experts weigh in on this question and highlight the latest trends.

Ivo Lammers, Director, Meeting Essentials Parthen

‘Logistics Remain a Key Consideration’

“As far as Parthen is concerned, the traditional badge still has a future. However, we’re seeing interesting developments that are changing the way badges are used.”

 

 

 

Trends
“One clear trend is the growth of live badge printing. Thanks to the combination of Epson printers and ExpoBadges, badges can now be printed quickly, efficiently, and entirely on-site. The fully recyclable Butterfly Badges, however, remain the most popular type for now.”

Sustainability
“Digital badges are also gaining traction. They offer a sustainable alternative. Made from recycled materials, they can be reused multiple times. Each reuse reduces the CO₂ footprint and minimizes waste. That’s why Parthen has partnered with Danish digital badge specialist Vianomo. We see great potential in this solution.”

Challenges
“One challenge with digital badges is logistics. After the event, badges need to be collected, cleaned, and reprogrammed, which requires some extra organization — but the benefits far outweigh the effort.”

Developments
“Sustainability remains a key criterion when choosing badges. We still need badges, but which type works best depends on factors such as sustainability requirements, budget, participant numbers, technical capabilities, logistics, and preparation time.”

Paul Halbertsma, Managing Director Meetinglinq

‘There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Solution Yet’

“Whether the classic conference badge is outdated is a question that resurfaces several times each year. Badges remain essential, whether for access control or as a handy ‘cheat sheet’ to remember names – not to mention their value for networking. Over the years, we’ve seen many types of digital badges, with features like uploading attendee info and returning the badge after the event.”

 

 

Promising Technology
“Our conversations with clients and partners cover the many options available now and what the future might hold. NFC and RFID-chipped badges, for example, are something we’ve been producing for some of our clients for years. The extra cost for the chip isn’t especially high, but you do need the appropriate hardware onsite to load and scan chips. This technology isn’t new; it’s been around for roughly two decades.”

Challenges
“The cost of badges has always been an issue and will remain so. Organisers face uncertainty around which digital badges will be returned at the end of the conference, adding to the complexity.”

Sustainability
“Sustainability is extremely important, but it isn’t new. Since 2007, we’ve stocked patented and certified biodegradable badge holders, and we offer recycled cardboard holders as well. Most of our badge types are made from certified FSC paper, which is standard regardless of whether we use laser or inkjet printers. For many exhibitions, thermal printers are standard, and that technology keeps advancing.”

Trends
“We often receive questions and comments from clients and partners about how we’re responding to changing badge technology. The perfect solution has yet to be found. A recent example is the use of special QR codes that allow attendees to use local public transport at a discounted rate during the event.”

Advice
“My advice: Have early conversations with your supplier or advisor about the current and future options. Assess the costs and opportunities and then choose what best suits your event.”

Ruben Onderdelinden, Founder & Managing Director Lively

‘Start With Your Event’s Objectives’

“In my view, the smart badge with an NFC chip is the future. It allows instant attendee identification at sessions or booths, no scanning or searching required. Combined with an e-ink display, badges can be reused, as their information is reset after each event. This makes the process smarter and more sustainable. QR codes in event apps are more suited to low-touch events where convenience and speed outweigh branding or data integration.”

 

Challenges
“The main challenges in adopting digital badges are balancing cost, convenience, and visibility. Smart badges with NFC or e-ink are technologically advanced but still too expensive for most organisers at scale. Digital badges in apps are sustainable but less visible, making spontaneous networking tougher.”

Sustainability
“Our experience shows more organisers are choosing on-site (full colour) printing on responsibly sourced, recyclable paper without plastic holders. This aligns with the trend of printing only what’s needed: no waste, yet still a professional look.”

Trends
“In B2B events, the trend is ‘connections over content’. For many, the badge remains vital for networking. I expect plug-and-play hardware will soon become the standard: owning compatible hardware and easily integrating it with event software for on-site printing makes badges more cost-efficient and sustainable. Facial recognition is also increasingly common for check-in or session tracking. Pairing this with emerging smart glasses holds great potential, but we’re not there yet.”

Advice
“My advice for organisers debating traditional versus digital badges: first, define your event’s goals.

• For commercial or sponsored events, a badge with a QR or NFC chip remains essential for fast lead capture.
• For smaller, internal meetings, a digital app badge works perfectly — and more people are used to connecting via LinkedIn QR codes.
• For exclusive, high-end events, a smart badge with e-ink display is an investment that supports brand value, experience, and sustainability.”