Can a pharmaceutical company sponsor conference lanyards, badges and bags, etc. by paying the organiser for them and in return getting the company name on the item?

No. Clause 10.6 of the Code sets out what can be provided in conference bags and states pens/pencils and notepads provided in conference bags at independently organised meetings must not include the name of the donor company, the name of any medicine or any information about medicines. The total cost to the donor company of all such items provided to an individual attending an event/meeting must not exceed £6, excluding VAT. The perceived value to the recipient must be similar. Pens/pencils and notepads must not be given out from exhibition stands.