Got a trade show coming up? Once you pay your fee and plan your showcase, it’s time to get those swag bags ready. Here are some of the best trade show swag ideas to attract more visitors to your booth and leave an impression that lasts long after the show.
If you’re ever short on pens and tote bags, just head to a trade show. You’ll have a lifetime supply before they call for lunch. But if everyone does it, how effective could it possibly be?
Well, research suggests that over 71% of attendees remember the brand that gave them a freebie, and 76% have a favorable opinion of them. Just because everyone does it doesn’t mean it’s not effective, especially if you can find ways of doing it better.
No matter how small, trade show swag is always effective, but what’s the psychology and reasoning behind it?
No one can resist a freebie, and in a packed trade show environment, with countless booths all vying for attention, a tempting offer could be the differentiator.
Trade show swag gives you more exposure throughout the event. You’re surrounded by industry professionals in the demographic that you target, and you’re surrounding them with walking, talking billboards.
Trade show swag turns a clinical interaction into a friendly, engaging one. You’re doing them a favor. You’re giving them something for free. As a result, they’ll be less guarded and more open, and they may remember the interaction long after the event is over.
You did something for them, now they’ll want to do something for you. Attendees who receive free trade show swag are more likely to reciprocate by completing forms, watching sales demos, or simply leaving their contact details.
As they’ll spend more time at your booth, they’re also more likely to remember you and connect after the show.
Trade show attendees are a mixed bag. There are countless forum posts and Reddit posts enquiring about the best/worst trade show swag, and for every person complaining about their mounting collection of tote bags and pens, there’s another one professing their love for these common swag items.
The key is quality—get that right and everything becomes memorable.
Power banks are expensive, but they are arguably one of the best promotional items. They’re easy to brand, and everyone at the show can use one. Attendees will be on their phones all day and can’t simply go back home to charge their devices. By putting your brand on a box of power banks, ensuring they’re fully charged, and handing them out, you’ll make a lot of people very happy.
For a cheaper option, consider phone chargers. Webcam covers are also useful and very cheap.
The trick is to find something that attendees will want to use straight away, and something that will still serve a purpose when they return home.
Power banks and chargers are travel-friendly, but you have other options. Focus on items that are compact and easy to transport, as well as ones that won’t cause problems at airport security.
If you’re handing out drinkware, look for durable but small; if it’s clothing, choose something attendees can wear while they travel or easily pack into their luggage.
Portable fans are ideal for sunny locations, while thick socks and hats will keep attendees warm in winter climates.
Your swag should always be practical and on brand. But that doesn’t mean you need to give away tech just because you’re in the tech sector. Find a relevant angle and get creative with it.
Sustainability is a good one, as you can offer everything from seed packets and sprout pencils to eco-friendly drinkware. Stress balls and health products tie into brands that focus on wellness, while luxury goods fit the prestige vibe.
The problem with luxury goods is that you have to be selective. You likely can’t afford to spend several hundred dollars on each item, regardless of the impression it might make. However, you can reserve those items for your VIPs, whether it’s a loyal customer whose business you want to keep or a prospective customer whose business you want.
Some of the best customizable swag for trade shows include apparel from recognized brands like Nike and Adidas, as well as tech from the likes of Anker. You can still add your own touch, but the manufacturer adds a stamp of luxury that’s sure to grab your attendees’ attention.
Good swag will work at any trade show. But you should still adapt your offering to suit the event and audience.
Consider the weather and the location. If it’s located in the middle of the desert, ditch the beanies and socks and grab some drinkware instead. If it’s cold and in the middle of nowhere, consider investing in outerwear and power banks, or keep it simple with gloves, socks, and hats.
Prioritize usability at all times, and think about the average attendee—are they younger or older? Will they spend all their time on their phone and, thus, appreciate a power bank, or will they get excited about a good pen or bag?
Don’t try to sell sand in the Sahara—give them what they need and not what they already have in abundance.
Keep your branding clear and concise, but adapt it to suit the product. You don’t want to spend a small fortune on premium apparel just to fill it with your logo, especially if you’re targeting a fashion-conscious audience. A subtle embroidered logo on the sleeve and/or chest may work best. At the same time, no one really cares about the branding on a power bank or other tech device, so go all out.
Finally, strike a balance between quantity and quality. It should be cost-effective, not cheap. Saving a few bucks on quality could greatly reduce your ROI, as it means the products are used less and seen less.
It’s branded promotional gear (apparel, tech, accessories) given out for free at trade shows.
It depends on the show and audience, but the best swag is practical, durable, and high-quality.
You can contact Foxtrot Marketing. We’ll help you find, curate, and brand the best swag for upcoming trade shows.