If you’ve ever watched an award show, you may have been curious about what’s in those swag bags. And, when you go to big corporate events, you’re equally excited to see what’s being gifted. It’s no secret that your guests feel the same way. The best swag bag gifts are ones that are the perfect mix of thoughtful, useful, special, and promotional. Let’s not forget, items in your swag bag may be keepsakes, but it’s also a way for you to market and have your guests remember your business or product!
Corporate swag is the branded gifts businesses use to capture the essence of their brand while also promoting it. Typically, corporate swag is given to employees, VIPs, customers, event guests, and trade show or seminar attendees.
It’s important to note that different swag is used for different types of events. The gift should be reflective of the event and your overall goal.
For example, your goal may be to create as many impressions for your brand as possible (and keep the cost per impression/CPI low). So, if you’re attending a trade show, you might want to distribute as much swag as possible; items like pens and keychains are excellent. In fact, 89% of consumers own at least one promotional pen, and 51% of people say they’re more likely to do business because of that pen. Similarly, promotional hats perform well and can garner up to 3,400 impressions over their lifetime with a CPI of 3/10 cent. That said, they also perform better with men, so understanding the audience at your event is crucial.
In contrast, when your corporate event is marking a milestone, launching a product, honoring a person, or celebrating an achievement, you want to offer something more meaningful. Because you’re celebrating a special moment, you want to demonstrate to the attendees that you value them, too. That’s not quite the impression a pen, keychain, or hat makes.
Most importantly, you want to think of the message the swag sends. Is it reflective of your company’s business or goals? Does it match the tone of the event? How will it make your guests feel? Promotional materials indeed aim to make an impression, so carefully select your swag to ensure that the impact you want to make is the one you send.
The Advertising Specialty Institute regularly conducts a global study regarding promotional materials, and it’s worth checking out the data on what impression your swag makes!
As we’ve discussed, given the benefits to all parties, hybrid events are likely to continue and grow more popular in the future. However, one of the big challenges of hybrid events is making or having your virtual attendees feel connected to the event and other attendees.
Sending your virtual attendees a swag bag prior to the start of the event is a fantastic way to not only build their excitement but also keep them connected to other attendees, both virtual and in person.
Understanding that virtual event attendees and individuals who are working from home are dealing with the inevitable issue of home and work life intersecting can be shown with the right gift. For example, a gift that demonstrates this understanding might be a box that includes gifts for the entire family, such as a game or cooking kit. Showing and understanding that those working from home are dealing with a new set of circumstances builds connection between your attendees and your business.
Taking the time to tailor a bag for virtual attendees is a great way to show them they are valued and part of the event. Consider sending them coffee and pastries for the morning of the event or snacks to munch on during sessions in addition to other swag.
Now onto the “swag bag” of this blog! Everyone knows about pens, pencils, hats, and keychains, so we want to go beyond those items. Let’s open up our swag.
Let’s be honest, it’s been a tough year. There’s been a lot of encouragement to focus on self-care during a pandemic, and for many, maintaining the habits that kept us physically and mentally healthy during a difficult time is an important goal. For in-person and virtual guests alike, here are some great ideas that tap into that.
If we learned anything over the past year, it’s that tech is what keeps us connected. From laptops to smartphones, we’re connected most of the day. We rely on our devices to stay in touch, and when we consider the tech enhancements of events, giving the gift of tech fits right in.
More people are working from home than ever before, so it’s a perfect time to consider incorporating gifts that could improve their home office. And let’s face it, lots of these home offices are makeshift and less than ideal. Send your virtual attendees a gift that makes that spare room they’re using feel more like a workspace.
Let’s be honest. For some of us, virtual happy hours were a welcome respite from days spent on Zoom calls, and on some days, we all need a little liquid caffeine to help stay alert during meetings. Regardless of the beverage, branded solutions abound.
Branded Wine Sets. How many times have you wished for a nice corkscrew and wine set? Or searched for the wine key that’s somewhere in the kitchen? Gift your guests a branded wine set that includes a foil cutter, a quality corkscrew, spout/aerator combos, a stopper, drip collar, or combinations of the above. They come in both wood and bamboo boxes that can be branded.
Yeti Tumbler. Honestly, who can ever have enough tumblers in their life? Especially if it’s a Yeti. We gave away embossed, Bishop-McCann branded tumblers at a previous staff retreat, and they were a huge hit! Consider including a fun new drinking option in your attendees’ swag bag.
It’s likely clear now that there’s tons of options to choose from when thinking about event gifting. That means that the days of one-size-fits-all gifts are over, and choosing your corporate event swag isn’t as easy as it used to be. While pens may work for a trade show, memorable events require swag that’s memorable, too. Your corporate event planner can help you find the perfect swag for your bag!
If you’re ready to talk about all the ways an experienced event planner can help you create an unforgettable event, get in touch with the Bishop-McCann team, and let’s talk!