Event swag that will make a lasting impression. Guaranteed..
Having been in and out (mostly out) of the office for the last year and a half, we’ve all missed out on a lot of in-person networking opportunities. Opportunities to talk face to face, show product live, and share your brand with the general public, potential clients, and other local companies. Well, we think it’s time to get back into the swing of things (safely, of course!) and start showcasing all you’ve got – from brand personality to staff, to products – at upcoming events, conferences, and trade shows. Opportunities that give you the time and space to boldly and creatively share your company with a large and diverse crowd.
Let’s get back into that networking mindset and truly enjoy it!
And of course, no booth nor team is complete without company swag/giveaways. That’s where we come in. Brandify (we’ll say it’s a word ;)) pens, water bottles, eco-friendly tote bags, T-shirts, caps, notepads, sticky notes, rulers, even fleece blankets for those smaller, targeted events…the list goes on! Any and all items are sure to make an impact at your next conference.
Promotional merchandise is an easy and cost-effective way of boosting brand awareness and getting your name out there.
Why is event swag so important?
To put it simply:
event swag improves brand exposure
And when done properly, can then lead to industry connections, exploratory calls, collaborations, sales, referrals, repeat customers…and most importantly, profit.
Branded giveaway items and promotional products are great tools for lead generation and event marketing. By handing out customized gifts, attendees are more likely to remember your company name thanks to repeated/constant exposure to your branded item.
Extend your reach!
All giveaways are useful, but if you really want to make an impact that goes beyond the event, you’ll want to make sure your swag is share-worthy! The fact that your swag is branded makes it imperative that you get as many eyes on it as possible. For smaller events with fixed lists of guests – think influencer events! – individualized/personalized giveaway items will increase the number of times it gets shared on social media.
Not only will there be more eyes on your brand, but you’ll initiate conversations during and after the conference.
Don’t forget to brand your star team!
In addition to handing out high-quality giveaway items and products to potential clients, influencers, and supporting companies at your upcoming events, gatherings, and trade shows, it is equally important to ensure your team looks the part. Invest in outfitting them in branded shirts, sweaters, jackets, and hats for a professional, strong brand image and company pride.
The people staffing your booth are representing your brand. You need personable, assertive people who are clean, tidy, and professional in their dress, and friendly in their approach.
One key thing to remember at the end of the day, which applies to all of the above; for brand exposure, your logo should be openly visible.
“It’s not just about giving your attendees something to remember you by, it’s about giving them something worth remembering in the first place.” – Kapow!
Virtual event swag? Yes, it can and should be done. Because it works!
As technology and online communication platforms have rapidly developed over the past few years, virtual events have become increasingly accessible and feasible for all levels of organizations. They do, however, require you to think a bit outside the box when it comes to offering branded giveaways to event guests.
While in-person events allow you to set up booths and sell merchandise on the spot, the distribution process for virtual event swag looks a little different. To get merchandise into the hands of supporters, you’ll need to:
- include an option to purchase items during the registration process; set up an online store where you can sell event goodies.
- create gift bags in advance and send them to attendees before event day.
Virtual events allow you to get creative and explore new ways to give people what they want! Perhaps consider sending these branded items to the attendees of your next online event…
Branded tees
Everyone loves a good quality t-shirt!! T-shirts are the perfect item to offer (to sell or ship to registrants) for virtual events and conferences, because they allow for your logo to be displayed boldly by participants who join on camera. If you do decide to ship out the shirts to participants before the show, you’re guaranteed to generate more anticipation for the event. The word of your brand will continue to spread the word, as those attending become walking billboards for your company both on and off screen, and long after event day.
Mugs & thermoses
Branded mugs and thermoses are other great giveaway items to sell or offer in advance. Supporters and attendees can warm up a cup of their favourite drink in your custom mug and thermos to enjoy on event day, or save for later. This gives them a memento of your virtual event that will last for years to come.
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Virtual events were a necessity when coronavirus restrictions shut down in-person interactions, but there’s good reason to believe they will stick around long after the pandemic ends. So it’s important to think creatively when it comes to sharing your brand and products.
“Swag is an essential part of virtual events. It strengthens the relationship between the company and attendees. Just because you’re not seeing anyone in person doesn’t mean you have to miss out on giving away swag and the connection that goes along with it.” – Delta Marketing Group
Steve’s favourite event swag to brand
Steve is an absolute professional in the custom apparel and promotional product industry, which means we trust his insights and opinions, 100%!
When you work with us, there’s no doubt that the giveaway items you bring to your event or offer online will make a statement. It’s guaranteed. And we wanted to know which items Steve loves to brand for your events! So naturally, we sat him down, asked our burning questions, made notes and are sharing the results here. Pretty sweet, huh?
Top-quality eco-friendly, sustainable tote bags
Bags, backpacks, and totes are some of the most popular swag items for customers. For your attendees, they offer convenience during an event to carry random assets they collect (such as pamphlets, name cards, etc) or even other swag from other vendors (if you’re at a convention). If you sell/send them a tote bag for your online event, attendees will most likely use them afterward on their grocery or farmer market runs! Which means your brand gets exposure on the go.
Include your very own personalized logo with embroidery, silkscreen, or sublimated printing and share your brand with the world!
Fleece blankets
These soft, warm, incredibly brand-able polar fleece blankets and throws are always a hit! Especially as the cold season approaches. They can be embroidered with your brand mantra and logo, and if you’d like a layer patch, we can make that happen as well.
Our Premium Fleece Blanket is perfect for taking to an outdoor sporting event or cuddling on the couch. Available in a number of colors to suit any taste or occasion, these soft, lightweight fleece throws offer tremendous value for promotions on a budget. Anti-pilling fleece. Self hemmed. It’s one of Steve’s favourite products to brand because this soft, lightweight fleece blanket offers tremendous value for promotions on a budget.
Steve recommends using fleece blankets and throws as giveaways at smaller, more targeted events where they will truly make a lasting impact. Not only can they be customized with your brand logo, but they can be personalized with attendees’ names or initials. Elevating the gift to the next level.
Not interested in premium fleece? Not worry! We have other blanket options to choose from, and of course, there are eco-products in the mix as well as some options for all your campers out there! If you need some help figuring out the best way to showcase your brand on a blanket, just let us know and our creative team will be happy to collaborate and offer expert advice!
Promotional products can drive consumers to your business in a cost-effective way. These giveaways bring instant brand recognition. You can expand the reach of your products or services to a larger audience. These items are also excellent for building a solid customer base and driving customer loyalty.
Have an upcoming event you need branded products for? Let’s get on a call and discuss your needs! One of our creative branding reps will help make your visions a reality.
Call us: 604-473-2150
Email us: info@srapparel.com
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