Trade Show Giveaways to Make Your Brand Stand Out

If you’re planning to attend a trade show, expo or industry conference, you’re probably looking for the top trade show stand giveaway ideas. Along with your stand, signage and other supplies, trade show giveaways are a must. Since choosing the right branded trade show giveaway can mean the difference between drawing a crowd and having them pass you by, the items you select are important. We’ve got you covered with suggestions for the best trade show giveaways and tips for how to leave a lasting first impression.

Why Are Trade Show Giveaways Important?

Trade show giveaways draw visitors to your stand, encourage networking and leave customers with a keepsake that starts your relationship off right. 

Do Trade Show Giveaways Work?

Yes! Here are some statistics around the value of promotional merchandise at trade shows:

• 71.6% of attendees who received a promotional product remembered the name of the company that gave them the product.¹
• 52% of people say they are more likely to visit a stand if there are branded trade show giveaways or other incentives.²
• 76.3% of attendees had a favourable attitude toward the company that gave them a trade show giveaway.¹

How Do I Choose the Right Trade Show Giveaway for My Small Business?

Trade show exhibitors consider the following giveaway characteristics when choosing a branded trade show giveaway.³ Rank these giveaway qualities to choose the best trade show giveaway for your target audience:

• Customised: Choose a product that allows you to imprint your logo, slogan or text. This way your customer can remember you every time they look at your gift.
• Low-cost: If you anticipate many visitors to your stand, you may want to personalise a lower-priced item. You may also choose to give higher value trade show giveaways to customers with whom you have a more meaningful interaction.
• Perceived as Valuable: You don’t need to spend a lot on giveaways for your recipients to consider them valuable. Choose thoughtful gifts and focus on trendy items and contemporary colours.
• Small: Many attendees travel to events and appreciate giveaways that are easy to slip into a carry-on bag.
• Support Overall Marketing Message: Choose a trade show giveaway that is related to your business or service. For instance, if you are in the healthcare industry, consider sun cream or a first aid kit.
• Trendy: When it comes to promotional products for trade shows, trendy gifts help to attract attention and draw customers to your stand. Consider reusable items like stainless steel straws or totes made of recycled plastic.
• Useful: Your expo attendees want to collect useful giveaways, especially if they are travelling with luggage and have limited space. Items like drinkware, totes and stationery are easy to pack and sure to be used after the show.

What Are the Most Popular Branded Trade Show Giveaways?

Promotional products for trade shows are available for any budget and in any style and size. So how do you make sure you choose the best trade show giveaways to attract your target audience? When trade show visitors are browsing the stands, the giveaways that attract their eye tend to be items they know they will keep and use. Below we break down the most popular categories for trade show giveaways:

• Bags: Topping the list of the best trade show giveaways is the very handy trade show tote. These promotional bags are used during the event to hold literature, giveaways and personal belongings. Higher quality totes are also used for work, home and travel and will advertise your name for years to come.

• Tote Bags: One of the most popular branded trade show giveaways, your event attendees will usually expect a tote bag as a welcome gift.
  • Rayna Tote Bag
  • Morris Two-Toned Tote
  • Large Lila Shopping Tote

• Drawstring Bags: Just the right combination of functional and fun, drawstring bags allow your attendees to browse hands-free while advertising your small business.
  • Nylon Drawstring Bag
  • Non-Woven Drawstring Bag

• Conference Bags: Combine a reasonable price with a professional look and feel, and help conference attendees feel organised.
  • Orlando Zippered Document Bag

• Sweets: Like bees to honey, sweets are sure to bring customers to your stand and keep them chatting long enough to secure a collection of mints, candies or chocolates. Choose from our wide selection of individually packaged treats that are just right for hungry trade show visitors.

• Drinkware: One thing every trade show attendee prioritises? Staying hydrated! Whether it’s a water bottle, mug or tumbler, event attendees appreciate a drinkware gift for travel, work and home. Travel mugs often get used during the event, too, giving you extra exposure among the attendees.
  • 325 ml. Full Colour Ceramic Mug
  • 400 ml. Oregon Water Bottle with Carabiner
  • 650 ml. Sky Water Bottle with Handle
  • 410 ml. Insulated Elwood Tumbler

• Aprons: If yours is a food-related business, a branded apron is a high-value choice.

• Pens: Customised pens are easy to get to the show and always useful for your customers. Keep your branding current with these contemporary options.

• Metal Pens: Metal pens say quality, and a soft touch finish means rich barrel colours and an extra-comfortable grip.
  • Metal Alpha Soft Touch Pen With Stylus

• Engraved Pens: For long-term branding and relationships that last for years, an engraved pen sends just the right message.
  • Rainbow Metal Alpha Soft Touch Pen with Stylus
  • Metal Alpha Soft Touch Pen with Stylus & Rose Gold Trim

• Plastic Pens: These pens are plastic which makes them lower cost, but their quality and visual appeal are top-notch:
  • Soft Touch Athos Gel Pen
  • Soft Touch Hughes Gel Stylus Pen
• Stylus Pens: Today’s trade show attendees swipe as well as write. Meet their every need with a trendy stylus pen.
  • Lucina 4-Ink Pen with Stylus

• Stationery and Sticky Notes: Functional gifts like pads of paper get kept and used by your recipients. Consider these branded stationery trade show giveaways.
  • Full Colour Nifty Note Caddy and Soft Touch Pen
  • The Mackenzie Notepad
  • Nifty Deluxe Note Caddy & Paragon Pen
  • Bamboo Sticky Notebook

• Electronics: USB sticks are a trade show giveaway idea that although compact, allow you to share large amounts of information with your audience.
  • Bamboo USB 16GB

• Lanyards: Keep your name front and centre throughout your event with personalised lanyards.
  • Yogi Lanyard
  • Impey Lanyard with Convenient Hook

• Keyrings and Tools: Easy to slip into a pocket or purse, keyring tools and accessories are trade show giveaways that consistently get taken.
  • Personalised LED Keyring Torch
  • Gadget Guy 3-In-1 Keyring
  • Carabiner Elite

Start Your Event Off Right with the Best Trade Show Giveaways

Your event guests are looking for reasons to engage with your brand, and trade show giveaways offer a perfect reason to start and continue a conversation. Choose a giveaway that suits your style and speaks to your business offering. Trade shows and expos are chaotic! Let your branded trade show giveaway help customers remember you fondly long after the event.

Sources:

1. https://enterpriseengagement.org/articles/content/8288892/effectiveness-of-promotional-products-as-giveaways-at-trade-shows-an-attendees-perspective/
2. https://usatradeshowshipping.com/resources/trade-show-scavenger-hunt/
3. https://www.socialpoint.io/best-trade-show-giveaways-2018-survey-on-strategies-features-choices-perceptions/