Exhibition floors are exciting spaces designed for companies and attendees to interact and connect face to face. While exhibition floors are dynamic and high energy, attendees are also faced with many booths and a multitude of options calling for their attention. This is where branded swag can play a key role. Offering free swag is a great low stakes way for attendees to approach your booth, and it leaves them with something to take away and remember your brand by.
The challenge is that almost every booth is trying to entice the crowd with free goodies, which often results in overlapping swag offerings. So, what are some swag options that are eye-catching enough to help you stand out from the crowd, but also practical enough to be enjoyed and put into use long after the event?
Our team compiled a list of swag items, some that we have picked up ourselves on the exhibition floor, and others that we’ve yet to see that we know we’d love.
1. Luggage Tag Leather Embossing
Luggage tag embossing is an item that’s customizable for both your brand and the attendees. Guests can add their initials to their luggage tag and watch the embossing process. Because this is a swag item that requires more hands-on participation, it can give booth reps an opportunity to talk and interact with guests as they wait for their tag. And since most attendees are traveling in and out of conferences, they’ll be able to put this item to use on their flight back home.
2. Iced Coffee Bar
Hot coffee is typically in endless supply at conferences, but iced coffee is a much more difficult find. Turn your booth into an iced coffee bar with branded coffee cups and a mini station with gourmet syrups and toppings. It will be a hit during the late afternoon exhibition sessions when attendees start to get sleepy from lunch.
3. Travel Umbrellas
Everyone can use an extra umbrella. Compared to other items, attendees likely won’t mind if an umbrella is heavily branded because of how functional it is. Make sure to go with compact umbrellas so that attendees can pack it into their carry-on.
4. Portable Luggage Scale
Portable luggage scales are that practical swag item that most people don’t know they need, or don’t even know exist, until they see one. Trying to gauge the weight of a large suitcase the night before a flight can be such a hassle, and these portable scales take away all the clunkiness of the process. Bring an empty suitcase to your booth to demonstrate the scales to attendees who are unfamiliar with the product.
5. Portable Fan
Portable fans are a lifesaver on hot summer days when you’re waiting in line or watching a live game or concert. If you’re catering to a tech-savvy crowd, or if you want to make the fans even more unique, opt for ones that come with LED lights or bluetooth speakers.
6. Large Tumblers
Reusable water bottles are a common booth item, and it’s almost guaranteed that there will be another booth offering the same thing. However, this 40 oz tumbler will turn heads and is a great dupe for the long-trending Stanley tumbler. We’ve seen firsthand long lines of attendees queuing up for this drinkware.
7. Canvas Tote Bag
Skip the standard tote bags that are common on the exhibition floor. These canvas tote bags, on the other hand, are made with thicker fabric and feel and look more high quality. They resemble the currently trending LL. Bean Boat and Tote bag, known for its structure and classic look. Engrave your branding in a tasteful corner of the bag to maintain the timeless design.
8. Phone Stand
Like a little chair for your phone, these stands give your phone a place to sit on your desk or nightstand. They can also be used to help productivity, keeping your device in a designated spot while you’re working. Lay out the stands with phones displaying your mobile app or website for attendees to interact with at the booth.
9. Chip Clips
Set up baskets with bagged chips or candies and pair them with branded chip clips. It’ll give attendees a snack they can enjoy right away, and a practical item that they can put into long-term use. For a more personal touch, go with snacks that are local to your company headquarters.
10. Ground Cover Blanket
These ground cover blankets are compact, easy to travel with, and perfect to throw in your bag or store in your car. Whether it’s a picnic, or a day at the beach, these branded blankets offer a convenient solution for seating.
Final Thoughts
Even if an attendee at your booth never ends up using your company’s services, a strong swag item can spark a memory and serve as a long term reminder of your business. Whether it’s the random booth tote bag that’s turned into a go-to grocery bag, or the portable fan that always saves the day on a hot day, you never know how these items can turn into a lead later down the road.
