6 Insider Tips to Upgrade Your Event's Custom Branded Bags
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Time to read 6 min
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Time to read 6 min
Branded bags are often among the most anticipated giveaways at any event. They’re not just carriers for event swag—they’re powerful branding tools that attendees use beyond the event, helping attendees remember your event while also keeping your brand top-of-mind. But how can meeting planners take their custom branded bags from standard to standout? From the choice of materials to custom designs, the options are virtually endless and potentially overwhelming. Here are six expert ideas to create branded bags for your event that will impress.
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Using sustainable materials not only reflects environmental responsibility but also positions your brand as a forward-thinking entity. Branded bags made from recyclable or biodegradable materials aligns with the growing consumer preference for eco-friendly products, giving your event and brand a forward-thinking edge.
Eco-friendly bags are more likely to be kept and reused by attendees, especially those conscious of their carbon footprint. Choosing materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or canvas tells attendees that your event prioritizes sustainability, appealing to both their ethics and aesthetics.
Recycled Polyester (rPET): Look for branded bags made from recycled polyester, often sourced from plastic bottles or other sustainable sources.
Organic Cotton: Soft, durable, and highly customizable, organic cotton is a sustainable fabric, free of pesticides and suitable for both casual and premium events.
When it comes to making your logo pop, a full-color imprint is a game-changer. It allows for more intricate and vibrant designs that capture the essence of your brand, while simultaneously grabbing attendees' attention and enhancing brand recall.
Full-color printing is particularly effective if your event's or sponsor’s logo has intricate details or multiple colors. Attendees will notice—and remember—an eye-catching design far more than a standard monochrome imprint.
Leverage Bold, Vibrant Colors: For maximum visual impact, choose vibrant, high-contrast colors.
Consider Multi-Location Imprints: Full-color printing doesn’t have to be limited to just one side—some bags offer multi-location printing for an additional cost, ideal for events with multiple sponsors or detailed design needs.
An often-overlooked way to elevate branded bags is through color coordination. Matching the bag color with the event theme, brand colors, or key sponsors is a simple, yet effective way to make your branded bags more cohesive and polished. By coordinating the color of the bag or its imprint, you create a memorable look with branding that feels very intentional.
Match with Event Decor: Consider choosing bag colors that match the overall event decor or theme for a consistent aesthetic and cohesive visual experience.
Incorporate Sponsor Colors: If your event has key sponsors, aligning the bag color with their brand palette is a great way to highlight your partnership.
Add Metallic Hues for Eye-Catching Appeal: Metallic touches are a great way to match your event theme or add visual interest.
If your event planning schedule allows for a sufficient lead time, we can help you to design a fully customized bag. These custom branded bags can be manufactured overseas at an affordable rate, allowing for products that are completely tailored to your unique needs. This could include special features like extra pockets, custom zippers, or specific shapes that reflect your brand personality.
Unique Shapes: Go beyond the traditional tote—consider custom backpacks, drawstring bags, or messenger bags.
Special Features: Add elements like laptop compartments, pockets or zippers.
Custom Straps: You can adjust the strap dimensions on your favorite tote to better suits your needs.
Laminated totes offer a high-quality, retail-inspired look that attendees love. With a glossy finish and robust structure, laminated bags exude professionalism and durability, making them a popular choice for event planners.
Laminated totes are visually striking and long-lasting, which increases their chance of being reused by attendees post-event especially if they resemble trendy retail shopping bags. Plus, they’re water-resistant, making them ideal for all types of weather and long-term use.
Bold Graphics: Laminated bags make colors pop, so consider bold, full-bag graphics.
Event Theme: Use the lamination to bring your event’s theme to life with visuals that reflect the tone and purpose of your event. This gives the bag a more personalized, collectible feel.
Branded bags that serve more than one purpose or include extra functionality have a higher chance of being used frequently, offering your brand more exposure.
The key is to balance functionality with design. Extra compartments, zippered pouches, or water bottle holders can make a bag more practical while keeping it visually appealing.
Convertible Straps: Offer versatility by allowing the bag to be worn as a tote or backpack.
Expandable Compartments: Handy for travelers or those attending multi-day events where they need extra space.
Dedicated Laptop or Tablet Sleeves: Ideal for events with a business or tech focus.
Clear EVA Totes: Provide attendees with a bag they're likely to reuse at stadiums or venues with security restrictions, adding ongoing value and extended brand visibility.
Your branded bags are an extension of your event, so it’s essential to make them thoughtful, practical, and visually appealing. By focusing on materials, color coordination, customization, and utility—and with our expert guidance—you can create bags that will be used and appreciated long after the event. As specialists in providing promotional products for events, we’re here to help you create bags that truly stand out, reinforce your brand, and maximize visibility among attendees.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to make a lasting impression through quality, design, and thoughtful touches that resonate with attendees. With our support, your branded bags can be a standout feature of any event.
Discover more of our product offerings or reach out to us for recommendations and quotes. We will happily pair you with your account manager.
About the Author: Emily Jacobson
Emily Jacobson, an MBA graduate, is passionate about helping her clients connect with their target audiences. With a rich background as a strategist in the ad agency world, she helped her clients craft compelling brand narratives rooted in human insights and market trends. Prior to joining the talented team at BrandAdvantage, she played a pivotal role in the development and go-to-market plan for a successful new product launch at Fidelity Investments.
Eco-friendly materials, including recycled polyester or organic cotton, not only reduce environmental impact but also resonate with attendees who value sustainability, enhancing your brand’s reputation.
Incorporating vibrant full-color imprints, unique shapes, and eye-catching features like metallic accents or clear EVA materials can help your bags stand out, and grab attendees' attention.
Customization options may include multi-location imprints, adjustable strap lengths, and unique bag shapes to better align with your event theme and branding requirements.
To align your branded bags with your event theme, choose colors, materials, and designs that reflect your branding and the overall event aesthetic. Custom imprints and unique shapes can also effectively reinforce the theme.
Custom branded bags are beneficial for a wide range of events, including trade shows, conferences, sporting events, and festivals, providing attendees with useful items that promote your brand long after the event concludes.
