We’ve all been to some kind of event where swag was handed out. I think we can all agree that most of the goodies end up in the trash. If not immediately tossed after the event, then useless swag gets the boot in two years when decluttering. I’m looking at you, drawstring backpack…

 

Here are some fabulous swag ideas that any audience will actually appreciate and will still get the brand name out there.

Portable Chargers

 

We can’t live without our phones and are on them constantly, which means battery life is drained on the reg. This is especially true at conferences, or, those long trade shows and festivals. People don’t necessarily have access to an outlet for a wall charger during these events, or probably didn’t bring a charger at all. 

 

If you’re giving your attendees a charger, brand that bad boy with your company’s logo and pop  into their welcome bag. Odds of them using that charger at some point in their life is pretty high, and within the next week, is even higher. I somehow have accumulated around 7 portable chargers throughout the years. No idea how, but I certainly don’t hate them. I bring my portable chargers camping, on hikes, for beach days, and music festivals. They are practical and something attendees will likely use, even after the event. 

T-Shirts

 

I don’t complain about having too many t-shirts until spring-cleaning comes around and you have to face the fact that the too tight cotton t-shirt, with some random company’s logo, is no longer needed. Be better than that! Give away a t-shirt that attendees are going to want to keep for years. Give away shirts that have a cool design or saying on them, rather than just the company logo. Make the shirt something that attendees can wear outside the conference. Brownie points if you get a quality other than “polyester blend.”

 

Another way to ensure shirts get held onto through the years are making workout shirts. People love those lightweight sweat-resistant shirts that are so great to get their sweat on, in! Generally, people don’t really care what they wear when working out, as long as they have breathable material. 

 

Food!

 

Honestly, food should be a love language. For long events, snackies should absolutely be a must, given away. Who has time to eat a full meal when you’re running around your conference from speaker to workshop and back?

 

Food is also a great conversation starter. Ever hear the sayin’ about the office of “meet you at the water cooler?” Free food (and water…) usually attracts people (speaking for myself). Groups of people usually result in conversations. 

Making food swag unique will give the company higher brand awareness. For example, if a booth is trying to sell Newspapers they should give away brownies with coffee (mainly caffeine) in them, with a cute typewriter script and the newspaper’s logo. SO CUTE! This swag might not last long, but if the company includes a little tag asking attendees to post on social media, this would reach a larger audience. Create a business buzz!

 

Charity

 

Allow attendees the chance to build up their good karma by offering a charitable donation option as swag. 

 

Give attendees a card to fill out with their name and choice of charity, and then make the donation in their name. Use the money that would have been spent on branded pens, and make donations to local charities instead. 

 

Another way to do this is to send them an eGift card before the event and link directly to different charities. Give those who want to give back a chance to help the community or the world. 

 

Minibar

 

Being from Vegas, we know booze is an important part of any event. Norton National has found great success with traveling minibar kits as swag giveaways. Consider it a carry-on cocktail. Throw a mini bottle of alcohol, a small syrup or mixer, and a mixing spoon in a cute bag and BAM! Replace the bottle of alcohol with a branded jigger if you don’t want to give people actual bottles of goofy juice. 

 

This could be nice for attendees that traveled by plane to get to the event. To be a little cheeky also includes a little bonus of Advil or Alka-Seltzer in there. Hangover survival kit!

 

Reusable Straws

 

The environment is a hot topic these days. Instead of giving away swag that will probably end up in a landfill, consider giving guests something a bit better for our planet.

 

Many establishments around the world are banning plastic straws and providing alternative options such as the new lids that are basically adult sippy cup spouts, or paper straws (I think we can all agree… paper straws suck, pun intended) This is exactly why I, like many people, carry around metal straws wherever I go.

 

Consider giving away metal or silicone straws with the brand name engraved on them. Double whammy, find options that include a carrying case, and put your name on that, too! This snazzy option gives a brand the chance to end up in restaurants & bars in other cities. Find a style that fits into the budget and coincides with the branding!

 

There are easy and cost-effective ways to make an event more sustainable. Swag is just the beginning. 

 

Yes, everyone needs pens, but how cliché is that? If you want your event swag to pack a punch, then use these creative ideas. You can thank #teamNortonNational later, by reading our blog with other brilliant ideas, that you can steal and make your own. You’re welcome for that, too!