Why Your Conference Swag Sucks (And How to Fix It)
Why Your Conference Swag Sucks (And How to Fix It)
If you've ever walked away from a conference with an armful of cheap branded junk, you know the pain of bad swag.
Most people receive at least one promotional item they immediately throw away or never use.
Don't let that be your brand!
The right giveaway items can get people excited about your company and keep you top-of-mind long after the event ends.
According to a study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), 85% of consumers remember the advertiser who gave them a promotional product.
This demonstrates the lasting impact of the branded items you chose.
Follow these tips to pick awesome conference swag that attendees will actually want and use.
Ditch the Disposable Freebies
While branded tote bags and drawstring backpacks seem like an easy option, most people already have too many lying around.
They usually just get thrown out or stuffed in a closet, providing zero lasting brand visibility.
Avoid these and other disposable items like cheap plastic fans or keychains.
"Promotional products are the most highly regarded form of advertising," says Timothy M. Andrews, president and chief executive officer of ASI. (Source: Printful)
"Consumers love them and respond to them, which makes them an ideal way to promote a company, brand or event."
See these other epic marketing fails so you don’t repeat the same errors.
Giveaways They'll Actually Keep
The most memorable swag items are quality products that make attendees' lives more convenient.
Each time they use it, they'll think of your brand.
A study by the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) found that 79% of promotional product recipients said they would likely do business with the company again. (Source: Firespring)
Proven winners include:
Portable phone chargers/power banks (Anker's high-capacity chargers are a crowd favorite)
Fun, limited edition socks with bold designs
Clever laptop stickers or skins
Webcam covers for privacy
Think about what would make their conference experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Create Buzz Experiences at Your Booth
Physical giveaway items aren't the only way to attract attendees.
Create an experience people will be talking about, like:
A build-your-own waffle or trail mix bar
Local food trucks parked at your booth
Professional headshots with hair/makeup touch-ups
Raffles for big-ticket prizes like Peloton bikes or massage chairs
Experiences like these generate excitement and give people a compelling reason to visit you.
According to the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 70% of brands consider promotional products mostly or always effective in achieving marketing goals. (Source: Linkedin)
Invest in Quality Keepsakes
It's better to spend money on a few high-quality, long-lasting items than fill swag bags with disposable trinkets.
Premium items level up your brand's image and make people feel valued.
They're more likely to keep and use items that seem expensive and well-made.
"ROI on promotional products can be as much as 500% higher than traditional forms of advertising," says Paul Bellantone, former president and CEO of PPAI.
This underscores the potential for high returns on investment in branded merchandise.
Choose Travel-Friendly Freebies
With many attendees traveling to conferences, give away items that are easy to pack like portable chargers, snack packs, and packing cubes.
Avoid anything too bulky or liquid items over 100ml that may get tossed at airport security.
Adapt Your Swag to Your Industry
Different industries have unique needs and preferences.
Offering industry-specific swag will show attendees that you understand and value their particular field.
Here are some ideas for popular conference types:
Tech Conferences:
Wireless charging pads
USB hubs
Blue light-blocking glasses
Medical/Healthcare Conferences:
Stethoscope ID tags
Prescription pad-shaped notepads
Compression socks
Environmental/Sustainability Conferences:
Reusable produce bags
Bamboo utensil sets
Solar-powered chargers
Finance/Banking Conferences:
Leather business card holders
Stock ticker-shaped pens
Desk clocks
As you align your swag with your industry, you increase the likelihood that attendees will find your giveaways useful and relevant.
Go Green with Eco-Friendly Swag
With increasing awareness of environmental issues, offering sustainable swag can boost your brand image and appeal to eco-conscious attendees.
Consider these eco-friendly options:
Reusable shopping bags made from recycled materials
Biodegradable pens made from cornstarch or recycled paper
Notebooks made from recycled paper or tree-free materials like bamboo
Plantable pencils with seed tips that grow into plants
Solar-powered phone chargers or power banks
When choosing sustainable swag, look for items made from recycled, biodegradable, or renewable materials.
Consider the entire lifecycle of the product.
This includes packaging and shipping.
Opt for high-quality, durable items that will be used long-term rather than disposable options.
A study by the PPAI found that 42% of consumers have a more favorable opinion of an advertiser if the promotional product they receive is environmentally friendly.
This shows that sustainable swag can improve your brand perception massively.
Leverage Social Media Integration
A study by EventMB found that 74% of event planners use social media to increase event attendance.
Consider incorporating social media elements into your swag strategy, such as photo booths with branded hashtags or QR codes on items that lead to exclusive online content.
And That’s It
These are the conference giveaways that truly excite and delight attendees.
Get creative, focus on quality over quantity, and provide something they'll actually use.
This keeps your brand top-of-mind long after the event ends.
Remote Marketers | MarketersRemote.com
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My Notes: This post was last updated on August 12, 2024 to reflect the latest trends and recommendations in conference swag and promotional products. I've added new sections on industry-specific swag ideas and eco-friendly options to keep you informed about the most current and effective strategies for conference giveaways.
As always, I'm committed to providing you with the most up-to-date and valuable marketing insights.
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