Trade shows in 2023 are entirely different from those we had a couple of years ago. Thanks to the introduction of virtual conferences, trade shows and conventions, brands are making more of an effort to research what their audiences are looking for rather than going for generic products they can distribute in bulk.
But, regardless of whether you’re hosting a virtual or live event, finding unique products can be a bit difficult, especially the first time around. There are, without a doubt, plenty of aspects to consider.
For starters, you should consider your budget for promotional items. Next, who is your target audience? Finally, are you hosting a live or virtual event?
Once you’ve answered all these questions, you’ll have a better idea of what type of items to look for. But, if you need more assistance in this area, here are some superb ideas to get the ball rolling. After all, the goal is to represent your brand in the best light possible!
1. Snack Pots
Who doesn’t appreciate a nice snack during a meeting, conference, or trade show?
Unfortunately, not many brands will think to incorporate food into their giveaways. But to be fair, they probably haven’t even thought of snack pots.
These useful containers are not only great for keeping the snacks germ-free, but they also look lovely. Furthermore, you can add your company logo to the box to make your brand stick out.
The pots can be packed with sweet treats such as gummies or salty ones such as peanuts and cashews. Better yet, maybe your audience would appreciate a delicious assortment of small cheese cubes? There are several mouthwatering options to choose from.
However, it may be a good idea to avoid any chocolate delicacies, no matter how tempting they are, as these may melt during the warmer months.
Best of all, the containers are reusable. That means your customers can refill them with their favourite snacks or simply repurpose them for whatever they wish!
2. Notebooks and Journals
Notebooks and journals are usually among the go-to promotional items brands like to give out at trade shows. But there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe!
Everyone uses them, so there’s no way they will go unnoticed. What’s more, opting for a notebook or a journal with a lavish-looking cover will surely make your brand’s logo stand out.
The best thing about this promotional item is that it will never go out of style. Even though technology has improved so much throughout the years and keeps on advancing, people still tend to turn to their trusty paper companions when taking notes. So, even if they aren’t exactly the most remarkable giveaway idea, sometimes it’s best to stick with the classics.
Moreover, depending on what type of event you’re hosting and what kind of budget your company has set aside for giveaways, you can also consider combining the notebook or journal with a branded pen. People really appreciate receiving a gift they can immediately use, especially one that comes complete with all the necessities.
3. Water Bottle
Water bottles are a great giveaway item since everyone uses them. But, equally important, they offer a great canvas for your brand’s logo. Namely, people will often spend a lot of money on high-quality reusable water bottles. Thus, you’ll definitely capture your audience’s attention by offering free ones!
Fortunately, there are also some exquisite ones to choose from, and they’re available in a plethora of different colours, sizes, and materials. This allows you to choose a product that will complement your logo the best, or rather, make it stand out. For example, if your logo is colourful, it’s best to stick with colours such as black, white, or grey.
Most importantly, people will get a glimpse of what they can expect from you, as this promo item sets the right tone for future business endeavours.
4. Fun Stress Balls
If you like the idea of incorporating fun, unique items into your giveaway, but you’re not sold on the thought of handing out scented silly putty, you’ll love this. Stress balls come in all shapes and forms, which means you can find anything from food-shaped ones to adorable puppy stress balls. So, it’s safe to say that you can find something that will be an excellent fit for your brand, or you can play it safe by choosing a regular ball shape.
Yet again, this type of promo item is great for both live and virtual events. The main idea is to help your audience de-stress and hopefully get a good laugh out of their gift!
5. Lunch Box
Lunch boxes used to be a necessity for office workers before 2020. Then, people started working from home, and they were no longer as popular. But, since people are commuting again, it’s safe to say that lunch boxes are just as popular as they used to be!
Essentially, paper bags may be easy to pack, but they’re not much to look at. And, what’s more, they’re not sturdy or reusable. Lunch boxes, on the other hand, offer a better alternative. What’s more, there are so many stunning options to choose from!
And when it comes to your brand’s logo, you have quite a large canvas at your disposal.
Another aspect to consider is whether you’d like to go for a metal container or a more eco-friendly option such as bamboo. Either way, every company would greatly benefit from adding some lunch boxes to their giveaways.
6. Stylus Pen
It’s safe to say that a useful promo item goes a long way, even if it’s not as unique as some of the others on this list. With that in mind, stylos pens are always a great choice. With the right colour combo, you can customise them to look highly professional.
Also, consider getting stylus pens with a touchscreen option included if you want to leave a long-lasting impression.
7. Touch Tool
The final item on our list is something that radiates simplicity. A touch tool is essentially a small metal tool that you can use to pull, press, and turn objects instead of doing so with your hands.
This is the type of item that people will wear on their keychains and take everywhere with them, which also ensures great brand exposure for you.
Depending on what type of look you’re going for, touch tools are highly customisable. You can coat them entirely in colour or keep them simple by leaving the sleek metal design. Overall, this is a unique idea that will undoubtedly get people interested in what your brand has to offer.
Are Live Trade Shows Making a Comeback?
Although our lives haven’t completely returned to normal after the pandemic, there’s no doubt that live events such as trade shows are slowly making a comeback. But, obviously, a few aspects have changed, and for good reason.
For starters, events now cater to much smaller crowds than before. In fact, it will likely take years before larger crowds are able to gather at a trade show or other event.
Furthermore, the budget for live events isn’t nearly as substantial as it was before the pandemic. This change has prompted event planners to choose smaller, more expensive events to attend rather than larger ones.
With that in mind, brands are now, more than ever, going for quality over quantity, choosing items that are either unique or useful to their target audience.
Since 2020, keeping people interested in anything other than the current health crisis has been incredibly demanding. That’s why some brands would go out of their way to send customised gift boxes to their most valued customers. Now, even if the situation has improved, it’s safe to assume that the customers will still expect the same high-quality promo items as before.
Fortunately, there are thousands of items to choose from! Some will leave a more long-lasting impression due to their uniqueness, whereas others will bring in new customers due to their thoughtfulness!
Related content:
6 Trade Show Giveaways That Always Work
What About Virtual Events?
As mentioned, live shows are slowly coming back. But, one thing is also certain ─ virtual events are here to stay!
The simplicity of hosting virtual events has made it impossible to take them out of our everyday lives. In fact, it opened up a plethora of possibilities when it comes to broadcasting to a worldwide audience.
With that in mind, brands need to be smarter about which types of promo items they choose. For example, pens, stress balls and touch tools are great for shipping and are far less expensive than electronic items.
As mentioned, if you want to find the perfect fit for you and your target audience, one of the key aspects to consider is whether you’re hosting a live or virtual event. From there, you can decide which items on our list will make the most significant impact and help take your brand to the next level!
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Top Corporate Gifts You Should Give at Conferences
Looking for innovative and creative ideas for promotional products? Check out our newest branded products! GoPromotional specialises in providing cutting-edge and successful promotional solutions for your company. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you, whether you have inquiries or need professional guidance. To learn more about the countless possibilities of promotional products, call us at 0800 0148 970 or send us an email right away. We are the ideal partner to talk about any aspect of promotion thanks to our many years of business experience!
