When your business is exhibiting at an industry event or tradeshow, you want to leave a lasting impression in people’s minds. There are often hundreds of different companies displaying their products and services, many of whom will have a much greater events budget than yours. So how can you stand out above your rivals and attract people to your stand?
Branded merchandise has been an industry tactic for decades. It’s an undeniable fact of human nature that people love a freebie. A table strewn with free gifts will undoubtedly draw people to your stand, and it will also give them something to take away: an item bearing your logo and brand that will stick in their mind and make them remember you. It’s a fantastic trick for boosting awareness and brand recognition, but when every company is doing the same, you need to offer something distinctive to create that lasting impression. The bog-standard offerings of pens and mugs just won’t cut it.
To help you attract customers at your next industry event, here are some ideas for branded merchandise that aren’t boring.
Earbuds
Perhaps the best way to do branded merchandise is to give people something they really want. Everyone listens to music or makes calls using headphones, so no one will turn down a chance to get a free pair of earbuds. This can be an expensive option, but you can guarantee these branded items will be snapped up and get a lot of use.
Power banks
When you’re wandering around an event for several hours, you don’t want your phone to die on you. Offering attendees a fully-charged branded power bank will help them out while they bear your logo around with them all day.
Notebooks
Everyone in business needs a notebook, and they last a long time. Every time they’re sitting in a meeting making notes, they’ll be staring at your brand the whole time.
Toys
One of the most effective methods for making sure people get the most out of your branded merchandise is to make it fun. Stick your logo on frisbees, puzzles, stress balls, or fidget spinners.
Tote bags
When you attend an industry event, you always end up holding a load of free gifts, business cards, promotional materials, and samples. If you forget to bring a bag with you, you’re in trouble. Offering branded tote bags gives people a chance to carry all their swag around with them and makes their lives a lot easier.
Water bottles
With the planet heading towards a climate disaster, everyone is on a bit of an environmental kick right now. Get involved by handing out branded reusable water bottles to prevent unnecessary single-use plastic.
Snacks
Something edible is always going to go down a storm, and if you start handing out branded snacks, everyone in the room will be flocking to see what all the fuss is about. Simple tasty treats like sweets, popcorn, or cookies will go down a storm. The only problem is they don’t last long!
There are so many possible ideas for branded merchandise, and these are just a few options. Morale patches, USB flash drives, and travel mugs are all great options, but feel free to come up with your own unique suggestions.