Get Noticed: Top 5 Conference Swag Ideas That Stand Out

Top 5 Conference Swag

Promotional items, or “swag,” are a staple at conferences. They’re a chance to leave a lasting impression on attendees, promote your brand, and generate leads. But with so many options, choosing the right swag can be a challenge. Here’s our top 5 conference swag ideas that are guaranteed to resonate with attendees and leave your brand message lingering long after the conference ends.

1. Pens: The Timeless Classic

A classic for a reason, custom pens are a versatile and practical giveaway that attendees are sure to use. They’re affordable and easy to customize with your logo and contact information. Plus, every time they use your pen, they’ll be reminded of your brand. Opt for high-quality pens with a comfortable grip and smooth writing experience. Bonus points if they’re refillable!

2. Promotional Apparel: From Bland to Branded

Branded apparel ticks several boxes when it comes to effective conference swag. It’s versatile, practical, offers great brand exposure, and can be a positive reminder of the event. Choose comfortable, stylish apparel that attendees will actually wear. Explore options like eco-friendly t-shirts made from recycled materials, fashionable hats, or cozy pullovers with your brand’s subtle logo placement.

3. Journals: The “Write” Stuff

Forget the flimsy notebooks that end up gathering dust in a drawer. Level up your swag game with beautiful journals that inspire creativity and keep attendees organized. These beauties are the perfect companions for capturing aha moments and jotting down brilliant ideas. Spark deeper engagement by incorporating inspirational quotes or thought-provoking prompts related to your conference theme. Take it a step further and showcase your commitment to sustainability by choosing journals made from recycled materials.

Conference Swag: Apparel, Journals, Pens

4. Bags: Functionality Meets Portability

When you’re at a conference or event, you need somewhere to put all your new swag! That’s where personalized bags, totes and backpacks come in. These bags offer durability and practicality, encouraging attendees to use them daily. And when it comes to personalization options, the sky really is the limit — and you don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot!

5. Lanyards/Badge Holders: Conference Essentials

While lanyards and badge holders might seem like basic conference items, they offer a strategic opportunity to elevate your brand presence. This cost-effective and customizable promotional item offers a prime opportunity to showcase your logo and company information, ensuring attendees keep your brand top-of-mind post-conference.

Conference Swag: Bags

How to Choose the Best Conference Swag

No matter where your next event takes place, choosing the right promotional items for conferences can be a powerful way to connect with attendees and increase brand awareness. Choose wisely by considering these key factors:

  • Quality matters: Invest in well-made, durable items that reflect your brand’s values.
  • Think outside the box: Don’t settle for generic, forgettable items. Think creatively and offer unique and relevant items that connect with your specific audience and the conference theme.
  • Personalize the experience: Consider offering customization options, like initials or names, to increase the perceived value and memorability of the swag.

By following these tips and choosing from our top picks, you can create awesome giveaways attendees will obsess over, use daily, and brag about. It’s a guaranteed recipe for lasting brand love!

Bonus Tip: Elevate your giveaway swag and delight attendees by including extras like branded treats, hand sanitizer or tech accessories.

How to Engage Employees: 11 Tips for Making Your Office Fun Again

social committee for office fun
Let’s face it: it was a brutal winter just about everywhere in the US. Coming out of the winter doldrums, especially at the office, is not always easy. But with these 11 tips, you can turn things around and make your office fun again.
Continue reading “How to Engage Employees: 11 Tips for Making Your Office Fun Again” →

New Product Launch: How to Prep, Plan, and Implement a Sound Strategy

You’re excited about your new product. You’ve beta-tested it to the max, you’ve revised, you’ve tested again, and it’s ready. Now what?

The purpose of this post is to give you a basic blueprint of what you need to do in order to have a successful product launch. We’re going to assume the product is, indeed, ready (so if patents are needed or distribution agreements need to be signed, we’re going to assume that this is all set). We’re also going to assume that you’ve done your market research and that there is, in fact, a market for your product. Continue reading “New Product Launch: How to Prep, Plan, and Implement a Sound Strategy” →

Celebrating Your Business Anniversary: Small Business Marketing Techniques to Make the Most of the Milestone

Celebrating Your Business Anniversary: Small Business Marketing Techniques to Make the Most of the Milestone

Business anniversaries — whether it’s 10, 15, or 25 years — are an excellent opportunity to celebrate and elevate your brand. It’s a perfect time to show off your success, engage with your community, and promote your business.

Here are some fresh ideas to make the most of your small business anniversary celebration:

Spread the Word Across All Channels

Announce your milestone in multiple places to maximize visibility and establish credibility. Don’t just mention your anniversary once — make it a consistent part of your communications.

  1. Website – Banner
    Add a banner or graphic to your website that proudly showcases your anniversary. This visual should be prominent and ideally placed in the header area, appearing on each page of your site. It’s a simple but effective way to remind visitors of your business’s longevity.
  2. Website – About Page
    Revitalize your About section to include your company’s history, highlighting key moments from your journey. A fun, interactive element like a timeline can help make your story more engaging.
  3. Website – Media/News Page
    If you have a press release or news item about your anniversary, be sure to post it on your website’s Media or News section. A well-crafted press release adds authority to your anniversary celebration and informs your audience.
  4. Email Signatures
    Encourage everyone in your company to include a special email signature, such as “Proudly celebrating 25 years in business” with a link to your anniversary or About page. This way, every email you send highlights the occasion.
  5. Invoices and Receipts
    Don’t forget your digital and printed invoices! Add a creative touch by incorporating an anniversary graphic or tagline. It’s a subtle yet effective way to keep your celebration front and center.
  6. Social Media
    Update your profiles and bio sections across your social media platforms with your anniversary milestone. Create a photo album showcasing your business’s journey over the years, adding fun descriptions to each image. This could also work well on Google+ and Facebook.
  7. Email Newsletters
    In every email campaign, celebrate your milestone. Add an anniversary-themed graphic to the header and feature a fun section in each issue. For example, “Did you know” or “A Look Back” can highlight interesting facts about your company’s history, products, or notable moments.
  8. Voicemail and On-Hold Messaging
    Use your anniversary as a reason to update your voicemail message and on-hold recording. You could feature a brief mention of your milestone, giving customers a sense of your company’s reliability and success.
  9. Storefront Banners/Receipts
    If you have a physical location, put up banners or signage announcing your anniversary. You can also add a note at the bottom of your receipts for a constant reminder every time someone shops with you.
  10. Verbal Announcements
    Don’t forget to mention your anniversary during sales presentations, networking events, and meetings. It’s a natural conversation starter and an opportunity to emphasize your company’s experience and stability.

Show Appreciation with Business Anniversary Gifts

One of the best ways to celebrate your business’s anniversary is by gifting business anniversary presents. Custom business gifts, like drinkware, clothing, pens, and notebooks, can carry your brand’s message and mark the occasion. Consider these fun, memorable ideas that double as giveaways for your customers:

  • Custom Mugs and Tumblers: Give away personalized drinkware to create a lasting connection with customers. With options like travel mugs and coffee cups, your logo will travel everywhere, extending your reach.
  • Branded Apparel: Celebrate in style with custom t-shirts or branded polos. These items are perfect for customer giveaways or even for your employees to wear at the event.
  • Personalized Pens and Notebooks: Perfect for office giveaways, custom pens and notebooks create an enduring connection with your brand, especially when they’re tied to an anniversary theme.
  • Eco-Friendly Gifts: With sustainability in mind, offer reusable tote bags to align with customer values and help the environment.

Small Business Marketing Gifts

Throw a Party or Host an Event

What better way to commemorate your anniversary than with a party? Hosting an event, whether in your own parking lot or a rented space, is a great way to celebrate with your clients and customers. You can even take it up a notch by providing customized items to event attendees.

If you’re in a building with a large parking lot, cordon off part of the lot and set up grills, a bounce house, and other fun stuff. Or be on the lookout for areas with wide open spaces that cater to corporate parties. Consider rural settings, like a farm or renovated barn, for a unique touch to your celebration.

Give Away Prizes and Show Customer Appreciation

Your customers are the reason you’ve reached this milestone — why not share the celebration with them through prizes?

  1. Monthly Giveaways: Offer prizes every month, such as branded calendars or custom pens, for a year to keep the momentum going.
  2. Sweepstakes on Social Media: Host a sweepstakes on Facebook or Instagram (following platform rules, of course) to generate enthusiasm.
  3. Grand Prize at Your Party: Build excitement for your anniversary event by offering a big-ticket prize, such as a tech giveaway or gift certificate. For example, a lighting and sound company might give away a flat-screen TV, or a landscaper could offer a $500 gift certificate to a local nursery, with the added perk of free planting services. This is a fun way to attract attendees and show appreciation to your customers.

By including these fresh ideas, your business anniversary will not only be a celebration but also a great opportunity to engage your audience and reinforce your brand identity. Plus, incorporating fun promotional products is a smart way to keep the excitement — and your business — top of mind.

Halloween Party Ideas & Tips for the Office

office halloween party ideasSoon it will be time for celebrating Halloween! Children and adults alike are looking forward to costumes and Halloween parties providing a great time to show off their creativity and have fun!

Do you celebrate Halloween with your employees?  It’s a fantastic way to promote employee engagement by participating in group activities and have fun doing it!

Party Planning

The key to any party is planning.  Where should the party be? Who should be invited?  What food should be offered? …  There are many questions to get answered when planning an event.  Here are some ideas to consider:  Continue reading “Halloween Party Ideas & Tips for the Office” →