PPB April 2018

Name Game Over the years, there has been pushback over the merits of wearing name tags. Forbes reports that a handful of five‑star boutique hotels are experimenting with the absence of name tags. The theory is that name tags create an artificial barrier between employees and customers, reducing the likelihood of genuine engagement between the two groups. By eliminating name tags, the hope is that guests will feel more at home, as if they are conversing with a friend or neighbor. However, most people readily acknowledge that they have trouble remembering names and thus appreciate the usefulness of name tags, particularly in group settings. According to Psychology Today , one reason human beings fail at name recall is that names are different than ordinary words: they don’t necessarily signify anything about a person, and they are normally low‑ frequency words that are not top of mind. An article in The Atlantic also cites the “next in line” effect, which occurs when someone is introduced to a large number of people at once. Essentially, the brain goes on overload and focuses strictly on the individual’s own speech and mannerisms, not the hard work of remembering names. Human failings aside, name tags also offer practical benefits such as differentiating employees from fellow customers, ensuring accountability of (and, on the flip side, giving credit to) employees for their actions, and acting as a simple tool of introduction and conversation. The newest trend in badge technology is a variable data credential that opens to display the event itinerary. The writable laminate allows an icebreaker to be included on the front and filled in with a ballpoint pen or Sharpie. This useful and convenient multitasking badge is available in custom sizes. Printing Concepts / PPAI 530989 www.printingconcepts.com This genuine leather lanyard is available in rich black or brown leather. It features a swivel clip and your client’s debossed or foil‑stamped logo imprinted on the leather. This lanyard is a great choice for executive trade shows and conventions. Creative Leather Imaging / PPAI 250394 www.leatherimaging.com This dye sublimated lanyard is perfect for trade shows. Because it can include readable QR codes on the fabric, it is an innovative way to drive traffic to your client’s website. The ability to print variable data on the lanyard also allows it to be used as a potential rewards incentive, since the winning QR code can be mixed into the lot at production time to ensure fairness. Attachmentville / PPAI 244847 www.attachmentville.com The Layton 3-in-1 lanyard cell phone charging cable will continue to be used by recipients long after the corporate meeting, convention or trade show has ended. The 34‑ inch cable has a five‑pin charging attachment for use with Apple ® iPhone versions 6, 7, 8 and X; a micro‑USB charging attachment for use with Android ® phones; and the new type‑C connector for the newest Android phones. This functional, high‑tech lanyard also accommodates an extra‑long step‑and‑ repeat imprint for unparalleled promotions. Innovation Line / PPAI 112179 www.innovation-line.com Terry Ramsay is associate editor of PPB. 50 | APRIL 2018 | GROW Badges