Swag bags are a staple at every conference and they’re a great way to enhance your attendee experience and create a lasting impression. They also serve as a powerful marketing tool for brands and sponsors. But be careful not to fill your swag bags with throwaway items and cheap tchotchkes. Take this opportunity to choose items that show appreciation and personalization to your attendees. Here are some unique ideas to get you started:
Power Bank
Power banks are quite possibly one of the most highly coveted tech items in conference settings. A day full of workshops and sessions, coupled with note taking, event app usage, and engaging on social media can put some serious stress on a phone battery. Making sure your attendees have a way to charge up on the go is a great way to show you’re looking out for them.
Coupons, Gift Cards, or Vouchers
Want to save some space in your bag? Consider dropping in some coupons or gift cards for the nearby coffee shop so attendees can grab a non-catered coffee (you can brand this by adhering it to a card or placing a sticker on the front). You might also consider including vouchers for industry-related magazines, courses, or discounts or exclusive access codes for other industry events.
Pens and Markers
It may sound silly, but do not sleep on the opportunity to give away a great pen. The NY Times’ Wirecutter recently released an article rating a variety of pens which drew a lot of very passionate commentary on its Facebook page. A quality pen is bound to stay in an attendee’s life, whether it’s their car pen, purse pen, or in their regular rotation. If it writes nicely, it’ll get attention, use, and remembrance.
Local Gifts
Support and promote small and local businesses and add an element of personalization to your swag bag. Small bottles of locally-made body care, gourmet snacks, locally roasted coffee, or other handmade items from local artisans.
High-Quality Apparel
While apparel items are common, many brands tend to skip on the quality, which usually results in an item being discarded in the donation pile. Elevate your apparel giveaway by offering items attendees will want to wear. Branded hoodies, comfy t-shirts, stylish hats, or even comfortable socks that are designed with aesthetics and comfort in mind will turn these giveaway items into go-to wardrobe staples.
Interactive Items
Make your swag bag fun and engaging by including items that attendees can interact with. Miniature puzzles, branded playing cards, or a small kit related to your industry can provide entertainment and engagement. These items can also serve as ice-breakers and conversation starters during the event.
Wellness Kits
In our post-pandemic world, companies are taking increased steps to ensure cleanliness and wellness are integrated into their events. Include portable wellness kits stocked with hand sanitizer, vitamin packs, face masks, disinfectant wipes, tissues, and hydration packs to let attendees know you’re thinking about their well-being, health, and safety.
Some Things to Remember:
Logos
No company is going to give away items without some type of branding on it. But you’ll want to be careful and thoughtful about logo placement. Perhaps you make a tagline or slogan the main focal point on your item with a smaller logo or the name of your business. Put the logo on the back of an item rather than on the front. Or perhaps incorporate your logo into a pattern. Whatever you decide, keep your branding usage tasteful.
TSA Compliance
If attendees are traveling to your event, you won’t want to give them any parting gifts that they have to leave at security. Skip over the larger liquids, candles, and sharp objects so they don’t have to check a bag to make sure your swag makes it on the plane.
Breakable Items
Super fragile, breakable, squashable items aren’t the right things to put into your swag bag. It’s unlikely that bags will be handled carefully, so putting glass items, crunchy snacks, or even plastic items that aren’t sturdy can be a serious waste of budget.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainability
Keeping your swag bag and the items inside environmentally friendly is hugely important these days. Choose a reusable or recyclable bag and do your best to make sure items are eco-conscious, recyclable, and reusable too.
Conclusion
Swag bags are more than just free gifts. They’re an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on conference attendees. By carefully selecting items that are practical, memorable, elevated, and aligned with your brand, you can create swag bags that not only enhance the attendee experience but also strengthen your brand’s presence. Happy swag bag assembling!
Kadi McDonald is a freelance writer, marketing strategist, and proud Cleveland sports fan.
