Top 8 Promo Items for Any Trade Show
Trade shows are a hotbed for promotional items. Although this is great news for potential brand awareness, it also means that your promotional giveaways need to compete in order to get attention. In today’s world, people love convenient, everyday items that solve a specific problem. Considering eight out of 10 people have (and use) a promotional product, you want your trade show giveaways to stand out for maximum impact. Here’s a look at eight promo items you have to have at your next trade show.
1. Everyday Tech
Everyone has a cell phone that needs to be charged and data that needs to be shared. Functional, everyday technology like branded cell phone chargers, battery packs and more make excellent promo items at trade shows. As people run around the showroom floor, they could use that extra battery juice for their phones. Your items will get used every day, throughout the show, drawing people to your booth. It’s an excellent way to get instant brand awareness.
2. Creative Clothing
Who doesn’t love free clothing? Slap your logo on a high-quality piece of clothing like a fleece jacket or a high-quality, soft cotton tee. Remember to think about the trade show location when giving away clothing. Select custom uniform work clothing appropriate to the climate for the best results. Alternatively, you can provide both warm and cold weather clothing and ask trade show goers which one they would prefer.
3. Office Basics Never Go Out of Style
There is a reason people still giveaway pens at trade shows—because it works. In fact, more than 70% of people use a promotional item in the workplace. When it comes to trade shows, think about functional items that people can start to use right away, such as custom company notebooks.
4. Bags Galore
As we’ve already mentioned, trade shows are stuffed with swag. Sometimes the best promo item is a bag to carry everything in. However, you don’t need to stick with a boring, cheap bag. Get creative and give away something people want, like custom work tote bags or laptop bags that provide years of use both at and away from the trade show.
5. Headwear
Custom company hats are always a hit at trade shows. Everyone needs a good hat from beanies to baseball caps. Keep hat design interesting with fun and intriguing graphics or a cool catchphrase. Think outside just the standard logo and business name. Select graphics that fit your field or come up with a funny tagline. This creates a buzz around the hat that not only gets people talking, but it also brings much-coveted brand impressions.
6. Mugs and More
Who hasn’t owned a branded coffee mug? On those slow-to-start days, be the reason your potential customers get in the zone with custom company cups that feature your brand. Keep it simple or make it creative similar to your hat design. For trade shows, portable mugs and water bottles also make for excellent promo items that people will use immediately.
7. Branded Food
Free food is a great motivator. You can get branded food items like cookies, doughnuts, or little candies with your company logo on them. For trade shows, it’s an excellent way to get people to come by and have a chat with you. Some people who attend trade shows every year even plan out their free snacks by visiting booths that have the best food. It’s amazing to see just how crazy people go for branded food. Make your food look Insta-worthy and include hashtags to drum up some social buzz for your booth. You can also serve food with branded napkins for an added twist.
8. Promote Fun
Another unforgettable giveaway idea at trade shows is to use promotional products that encourage leisure time. Beach towels, golf balls, and even drink cozies are excellent ways to keep your brand on everyone’s mind even when they aren’t at the office. You’ll be associated with great memories and fun outings. Branded leisure items create a connection between fun and relaxation with your brand, encouraging people to reach out.
Overall, promotional items at trade shows not only need to speak to your industry but they also need to solve a problem for your potential customer. Everyday objects encourage brand awareness and make the best promotional items for trade shows. Selecting a giveaway item that people can use immediately also encourages familiarity with your brand right at the show. The right trade show promotional item can make or break the show for your brand. Be selective and thoughtful, and you’ll have people lining up to talk to you at your next trade show.