Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference. The special surprises that coordinators throw in. The prizes companies hand out. The cool branding concepts marketing directors come up with. You know, the free swag! Really cool event swag can make an event truly go that extra mile -- but truly lame swag can make your attendees grumble and look for the nearest trash can.
So to help you plan for your next event,
we’ve collected examples of some of the best and worst swag we’ve come across at recent
conferences. Hopefully this will help to
inspire you to put together awesome swag and leave behind the trinkets that
ultimately end up on the dumpster.
Good
Swag: Mobile Chargers
Everyone is on their phone at
conferences. Whether they're tweeting, checking their email, or trying to meet
up with other attendees, their phone is most likely going to be at 50% battery
life by lunch time. Giving out mobile chargers as event swag is the best way to
fix that problem, and make every attendee love you and learn your name. Not
only will attendees be pleasantly surprised when they see such practical and
thoughtful swag, but they will be able to engage even more throughout the
conference via their mobile devices -- something every conference coordinator
wants. Furthermore, a mobile charger is something that will be used way after
the conference is over. And what does that mean? That means your logo will be
visible long after your conference ends!
Bad
Swag: Keychains
It used to be cool to get a keychain in your swag bag. But then ... well, everyone started to give out keychains. Pretty soon after that, it became widely accepted among event coordinators as one of the least effective ways to get attendees to remember your brand.
It used to be cool to get a keychain in your swag bag. But then ... well, everyone started to give out keychains. Pretty soon after that, it became widely accepted among event coordinators as one of the least effective ways to get attendees to remember your brand.
Some companies have adapted the keychain so that is has other functions, such as doubling as a bottle opener or whistle. Yeah sure, that's a little better. But keep in mind that ultimately attendees don't want a keychain with your company's logo on it. If they like that adapted version of your swag, it's because they need a bottle opener or a whistle. But if everyone is giving out keychains, it’s probably not the best way to stand out.
Good
Swag: Seasonal Items
Everyone likes unique gifts in their event swag bags. What makes an item unique? Well, one way to stand out is using seasonal items. Most companies don't give out seasonal items because they're looking for gifts that can be used year round. But that fact alone makes these items even more special!
If you're hosting a summer conference or an event in a beach location, for example, giving out items like beach towels, flip flops, and frisbees goes a long way, because they cater to activities attendees can partake in during the event. Think another step ahead, and consider when and where your items will be used, too. Beach items and outdoor sports paraphernalia will be used in public places where other people may ask, "Where did you get that?" or "What company is that?" That way, your company's exposure will go far beyond the conference's attendees.
Everyone likes unique gifts in their event swag bags. What makes an item unique? Well, one way to stand out is using seasonal items. Most companies don't give out seasonal items because they're looking for gifts that can be used year round. But that fact alone makes these items even more special!
If you're hosting a summer conference or an event in a beach location, for example, giving out items like beach towels, flip flops, and frisbees goes a long way, because they cater to activities attendees can partake in during the event. Think another step ahead, and consider when and where your items will be used, too. Beach items and outdoor sports paraphernalia will be used in public places where other people may ask, "Where did you get that?" or "What company is that?" That way, your company's exposure will go far beyond the conference's attendees.
Bad
Swag: Pens
Sure you can always use a pen, but I mean ... come on. A pen? Giving out a pen at a conference is the oldest of old school. First, we live in an electronic world. People aren't relying on pen and paper as much as they were 10 years ago. Unless it has an integrated stylus, I say don’t even bother! Only if you are willing to spend a substantial amount of money on higher quality pens, which are probably better suited for say client gifts, I suggest you should put that money toward a more unique and memorable experience for your attendees with a better swag item.
Good Swag: Moleskines
That doesn't mean all paper-related swag items should be out of the question, though. Whether you're at a conference or back at the office working, it's important to have something to write on. In a time when everything is done digitally, moleskines have still remained the most popular item for people to use when you just need to write something down on paper. They also aren't the cheapest item, so if your company gives them out as event swag with your logo branded on it, you can be sure that it will be used by almost all of the attendees. And pssst, I want an invitation to that conference! When considering what swag to purchase, keep in mind that the more your audience will use it after your conference, the better the swag is. In this case, moleskines will be used way after the event is over.
Sure you can always use a pen, but I mean ... come on. A pen? Giving out a pen at a conference is the oldest of old school. First, we live in an electronic world. People aren't relying on pen and paper as much as they were 10 years ago. Unless it has an integrated stylus, I say don’t even bother! Only if you are willing to spend a substantial amount of money on higher quality pens, which are probably better suited for say client gifts, I suggest you should put that money toward a more unique and memorable experience for your attendees with a better swag item.
Good Swag: Moleskines
That doesn't mean all paper-related swag items should be out of the question, though. Whether you're at a conference or back at the office working, it's important to have something to write on. In a time when everything is done digitally, moleskines have still remained the most popular item for people to use when you just need to write something down on paper. They also aren't the cheapest item, so if your company gives them out as event swag with your logo branded on it, you can be sure that it will be used by almost all of the attendees. And pssst, I want an invitation to that conference! When considering what swag to purchase, keep in mind that the more your audience will use it after your conference, the better the swag is. In this case, moleskines will be used way after the event is over.
Bad
Swag: Large Items
This is a bit of a broad "item," but critical to remember when purchasing your swag. A lot of conference attendees travel a long distance to come to conferences, many of them flying in to the conference location. When deciding on what event swag to purchase, consider the attendees who are coming from these faraway places. They may often not have a lot of extra room (or carryon allowance) to pack larger items of swag and, as a result, will leave them in the hotel room or throw them out. If you want your swag items to last and keep your brand top of mind long after the conference, make sure they're a manageable size.
This is a bit of a broad "item," but critical to remember when purchasing your swag. A lot of conference attendees travel a long distance to come to conferences, many of them flying in to the conference location. When deciding on what event swag to purchase, consider the attendees who are coming from these faraway places. They may often not have a lot of extra room (or carryon allowance) to pack larger items of swag and, as a result, will leave them in the hotel room or throw them out. If you want your swag items to last and keep your brand top of mind long after the conference, make sure they're a manageable size.
Good
Swag: Reusable Water Bottles
It may sound like a simple idea, but a reusable water bottle is one of the most valued swag items to give out at a conference. With the recent emphasis on conferences going green, reusable water bottles are a great way to help the environment while also providing a lot of convenience to event attendees. Instead of grabbing a glass of water, having to hold onto the glass, or putting the glass of water on the floor risking having it spill, attendees can just fill up their water bottles and carry them in their bags. Plus, the water bottles will also be used long after the conference is over. Yep, get ready to spot that brand all over the city!
It may sound like a simple idea, but a reusable water bottle is one of the most valued swag items to give out at a conference. With the recent emphasis on conferences going green, reusable water bottles are a great way to help the environment while also providing a lot of convenience to event attendees. Instead of grabbing a glass of water, having to hold onto the glass, or putting the glass of water on the floor risking having it spill, attendees can just fill up their water bottles and carry them in their bags. Plus, the water bottles will also be used long after the conference is over. Yep, get ready to spot that brand all over the city!
Bad
Swag: USB Flash Drives – Wait…..Maybe…Maybe Not
USB drives are bad event swag? Seriously?! Well, a lot of people think so but I don’t always agree. A few years ago, a USB drive would have been a slam dunk. But now you have to up the ante. Programs like Google Drive or Dropbox and other file sharing applications could make the USB drive obsolete. But if you do it right, the drive itself can make even more of an impact that what it actually does.
USB drives are bad event swag? Seriously?! Well, a lot of people think so but I don’t always agree. A few years ago, a USB drive would have been a slam dunk. But now you have to up the ante. Programs like Google Drive or Dropbox and other file sharing applications could make the USB drive obsolete. But if you do it right, the drive itself can make even more of an impact that what it actually does.
Good
Swag: Umbrellas
You can never predict what the weather will be. Unless you are here in Austin during the summer (yep, it’s hot in here), unexpected rain can be one of the most frustrating annoyances at a conference but having free umbrellas for your attendees to take will make their overall conference experience better. It will also get your attendees talking about how amazing your company is for prepared for any given situation.
You can never predict what the weather will be. Unless you are here in Austin during the summer (yep, it’s hot in here), unexpected rain can be one of the most frustrating annoyances at a conference but having free umbrellas for your attendees to take will make their overall conference experience better. It will also get your attendees talking about how amazing your company is for prepared for any given situation.
These dos and don’ts are only a small sampling of
the branded giveaways we offer. So, give us a call and we’ll talk about your
needs. We specialize in finding you the kind of event swag that will blow the
socks off your competition. We’d also love to hear about the most successful and coolest swag you’ve given away or received.
Drop us a line.
