Just look at this NYAF badge. It's made of a solid plastic, not unlike some of the higher-end "do not disturb" signs I collected from hotels when I was a kid. They've got the usual promotions on them, highlighting titles from Del Rey, one of NYAF's best buddies.

This actually makes a lot of sense: while the cost is surely a bit higher to print these out, they're cutting down on having to order multiple materials -- no more holographic decals that say "official" and no more plastic holders for the badges. It makes these things all the harder to forge, too. It'll make it easier on the badge checkers, because they're all looking for the same thing.

Now when I look back at all these other press badges that adorn my wall, they just pale in comparison to the NYAF badges I now hold in my hand.

What I did find interesting is looking at all the lanyards I've gotten over the years. It's a frequent topic of debate, and oftentimes the now-defunct animeOnline's lanyards (as seen on my AnimeNEXT 2007 badge) are touted as the best. Normally, I'd agree, but after comparing it to the Anime Expo 2009 lanyard, which is slightly softer, it takes the cake as the new best lanyard -- plus I prefer its clipping mechanism when compared to the animeOnline one.

One of the other surprise items was the 2008 and 2009 lanyard for AnimeNEXT. It was surprisingly soft, maid of a braided material, which provided a much nicer texture than the others that I've had. You can see the rest down in the gallery to see what I mean.

What's your favorite badge from a con? They each have their own design, and so I'm always curious to see how places that are nowhere near me design for their target audience.