Are Your Event Giveaways Making an Impact on Customers?

According to the 2012 Census, there were over 27 million firms (single business location) in the United States (1). With this many businesses in the United States, there is more than likely at least one business out there that does what your business does (even if you are in a niche market). This comes even more apparent when you go to events and conventions for your industry.

Thinking about when you are at an event or convention, how does your business stand out from other similar businesses? When a customer doesn’t know you from another business, what can you do to stand out? This is when your marketing and advertising is important; it helps your business convey a message to customers about what you do and how you are different from others in your industry. At events and conventions, a marketing and advertising item that most companies bring to give out to customers to remember their company are giveaways. Having the right giveaway for your company, can help a potential consumer remember you over others!

In today’s blog post we will revisit a blog post from 2016 on branded promotional items that we think will help you stand out, and have your company remembered!

Original Blog Post: “Event Swag That People Want”

April 5, 2016

You have most likely been to an event where some type of event swag was given out. Swag, if you do not already know, is a slang term for those branded pens, cups, shirts, etc., that you receive at fairs, trade shows, employee events, etc. As you have probably experienced, not all swag is created equal. For me, I have a cup that I received a few years ago at a trade show that I still use. On the other end of the spectrum I cannot tell you the number of pens I have received that break with the first word I write. If you are deciding to spend the money to give out these promotional items, don’t you want these items to be something that people like and will remember your company for when they use the product?

What are some swag items that have worked well for your company and that you liked receiving? Here are some ideas for giveaways for specific events that your company may participate in where swag items are given away.

Golf Tournaments – During the spring and summer, golf tournaments are popular events for companies to put on and/or sponsor. If you are putting on a golf tournament, a golf shirt is an item that you want to put some thought into because this shirt can be worn again and again if it is a great shirt! Brands like Nike, Puma, Callaway, Adidas and others, are brand names that golfers recognize and will want to wear. If you are sponsoring a golf tournament and have the opportunity to add an item to the registration bag, consider items that golfers may need throughout the day. Golf tees and balls, as well as sunscreen, are items that are needed throughout the day and often forgotten on the day of the event.

Employee Appreciation Events – Whether it is an end of the year picnic or a holiday party, providing your employees with a small gift can show your appreciation for their hard work. Consider a yearly gift with the company logo that an employee can collect and look forward to receiving each year. Glassware and plates, USB drives in different shapes/styles or apparel would all be items that employees can collect and use. Another idea is having an employee points program where employees can accumulate points for their work, attendance, etc. and can redeem their points for company branded merchandise throughout the year. Remember, your employees are brand ambassadors for your company. Thank them with branded merchandise that they can proudly display (or wear).

Trade Shows and Conferences – Most trade show and conference booths have at the minimum pens to give away; what can you do to stand out from the pens? Consider giving away these items:

-Various shaped stress balls – With the various shapes available, you are likely to find a stress ball with a shape or theme to go with your company.

-Seasonal items – If your event is during the warmer months, think sunglasses, sunscreen and towels for giveaways. During the colder months consider gloves and mugs.

-Mobile accessories – Cords, earbuds and power banks are popular mobile accessories. With trade shows and conferences spanning most of the day, these items will come in handy for touching base with the office or getting that extra charge so your phone will last throughout the day.

These are a few ideas for swag items for specific events, but of course there are thousands of more products available. When considering what is best for your company think about what will get others asking “Where did you get that” and what will help spread your company’s brand awareness. What will be the next swag item that will make your company stand out from the rest?

Sources

Quick Facts – Census. Accessed July 12, 2017. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/SBO001212#viewtop