A colleague recently asked me whether she should prepare name tags for her guests at an office reception she was hosting in honour of a colleague who had been promoted to a key leadership role. She said her guests all knew the guest of honour but didn’t necessarily know one another.
To tag or not to tag was the question. Name tags certainly have a place at conferences where people congregate to network. They also work well at large fundraisers where people from different walks of life and ages join together for a day or an evening. In more intimate settings, such as a person’s office or home, name tags have a way of institutionalizing the proceedings. The idea of hosting is to set the stage for a congenial, relaxed exchange among guests versus creating a networking session. When honouring a certain guest, it should be about him or her, not bringing others together who may want to broaden their network. My colleague went with the no-tag option.
I feel a little bit like a delegate when I enter a private home, whether it be for a wedding shower, bris, christening or special dinner and have a C-Line label like the one above slapped on my chest. (The tag above was first produced by C-Line Products in 1959 and remains the iconic personal label.) People still enjoy striking up conversations naturally by the fridge or fireplace without having to be literally labeled to help them rapidly put each other in perspective.
I love entering a conference or large trade show. The energy levels are high and everyone is on a mission. I take great comfort in seeing my name (spelled correctly) peaking out from under a sturdy plastic holder with a sturdy fastener in place to make sure it doesn’t fall onto the hall floor. There is a great feeling of inclusiveness when you see your name among many others at the entrance to a huge event – like being part of a clan.
Save the labels for conventions, trade shows, political rallies and other large-scale events. For more intimate business and home entertaining, I suggest keeping them in the drawer until your kids’ next birthday party.