How to Pick the Right Branded Giveaways for Your Event: A Comprehensive Guide

We have a whole blog post on why promotional products should be part of your event strategy, but in a nutshell, custom-branded giveaways are more than just freebies; they are powerful marketing tools you can use to your advantage to increase brand awareness, build trust, and foster meaningful interactions, all while maximizing your marketing dollars. In fact, 83% of people say they like receiving promotional items, and 89% remember the advertiser for up to two years, according to a study by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).

So now that you know the value branded giveaways can bring…let’s break down how to decide the right products to pick. 

To select the right branded giveaways, it’s crucial to understand who your event attendees are. Consider factors such as age, gender, occupation, interests, and preferences. For instance, tech-savvy professionals might appreciate USB drives or wireless chargers, while fitness enthusiasts may value branded water bottles or sports bags. Keep in mind…just because you like something, doesn’t mean it is the right product for your event. If you’re thinking of branded humidors for an event comprised of 85% female attendees, maybe think twice before ordering. 😉 We may or may not be speaking from real life experience. 

Also be sure to align your branded giveaways with the type and theme of your event. A corporate conference in the city warrants sophisticated items like leather notebooks and executive pens, whereas a vibrant expo in a tropical locale may be better suited to items like sunglasses and tote bags.

Budget, unsurprisingly, is a critical factor in choosing branded giveaways. Determine how much you are willing to spend per item and overall. Keep in mind that the cost of promotional products can vary widely based on factors like material, customization, and quantity. We are happy to work with you to find items within your budget and are always looking to uncover cost efficiencies for our customers. Pro Tip: When you increase your order quantity by a significant amount, your cost will decrease.

Even with larger budgets, maintaining a balance between quantity and quality remains essential. While high-quality items often cost more, they are also likely to make a stronger impression and have a longer lifespan. Depending on your audience and goals, the investment can be worthwhile.

On the other hand, if your event caters to a large audience or has budget constraints, opting for more affordable items can still effectively promote your brand and ensure everyone receives something.

Regardless of your budget, in many instances, promotional items still have a better ROI than other traditional methods of advertising. 

This one seems like a no brainer, but choose items that are useful and relevant to your audience. Items with practical value outside of the event, are more likely to be kept and used, thus increasing brand exposure. 

To ensure your branded giveaways are worth the investment, you’ll want to prominently feature your logo and brand message. Customization options like color, size, and imprint area are crucial. For example, if you have a large logo, you may want to avoid a lip balm with a small imprint area and instead opt for a padfolio or computer bag which offers more customization real estate. 

Other ideas to enhance the perceived value of your item and showcase your brand, include a full color imprint on every page of a scratch pad, a debossed logo on a luggage tag or a laser engraving on a bamboo bottle opener.

We are receiving more and more inquiries from our clients for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Consider items made from recycled materials or those that promote environmental responsibility, like reusable shopping bags or biodegradable beverage wraps. This not only reflects well on your brand, but also resonates with environmentally conscious attendees.

We’ve recently gotten requests for bio-degradable lanyards and clips in particular. We’re currently working with our suppliers to provide these for our clients. Depending on your desired quantity, we can provide you with the best possible pricing when you reach out to us directly with these inquiries. 

We cannot stress this enough!! To avoid last-minute stress, place your order well in advance of your event. This ensures that you have ample time for customization, shipping, and any unforeseen delays. Inventory stock is also not guaranteed if you decide to order later!

We typically recommend placing orders 6-8 weeks in advance. For lanyards, we recommend placing orders 13-14 weeks in advance to secure best pricing. Keep in mind, you may also want an additional time to evaluate samples. 

Choosing the right branded giveaways for your event involves understanding your audience, setting a budget, selecting useful and relevant items, and planning their distribution effectively. By following this guide and reaching out to our team of dedicated account managers, you can ensure that your promotional products will contribute to the success of your event. Remember, with custom branded merchandise, the goal is to create a memorable experience for your attendees while enhancing your brand's visibility and reputation.

Discover our product offerings or reach out to us  for recommendations and quotes. We will happily pair you with your account manager.