The Future of Event Swag: 5 Trends Shaping 2025
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Time to read 4 min
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Time to read 4 min
As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to 2025, we’re focusing on more than just predicting the next hottest item in event swag. Instead, we’re examining broader cultural shifts, evolving consumer needs, and new brand priorities that are reshaping the promotional products landscape and influencing the way we do business.
Below, we’ve highlighted 5 key trends shaping the future of event swag that go beyond just what’s popular. These shifts tap into the changing values, behaviors and needs that will define the future of event swag.
Table of Contents
Sustainability and eco-friendly products have been a hot topic for a while, but in 2025, science is taking this trend to the next level. Advances in materials and technology are making it easier for meeting planners to offer event swag that’s made from upcycled materials or powered by natural energy sources.
For example, journals made from pineapple leather provide a durable, stylish, and sustainable alternative to traditional leather. This material, derived from repurposed pineapple components, delivers a vegan option that doesn’t compromise quality.
Additionally, 2025 will see a continued rise in solar-powered gadgets like chargers and speakers. These practical, tech-forward items reinforce a commitment to sustainability and remain useful long after the event ends.
Event swag in 2025 isn’t just about looking good—it’s about items that combine style with everyday usability. Attendees want products that work for their lifestyles while offering something a little extra.
This thoughtful pairing of form and function ensures branded event swag remains useful, long-lasting, and highly visible. For example:
By merging innovative design with everyday practicality, these products go beyond visibility—they become essentials.
While tech items are nothing new, in 2025, the bar for tech-based event swag is higher. It’s not enough for tech items to simply look cool or serve a basic purpose—modern attendees expect smarter, more thoughtful tech items that solve a problem and integrate seamlessly into their routines. Think:
As remote and hybrid work continue to redefine modern work life, promotional products that cater to flexible, multi-location setups are more relevant than ever. Event planners are moving beyond the traditional office supplies to offer items that enhance comfort, productivity, and connectivity for attendees balancing both in-office and remote tasks.
Ergonomic accessories like desk organizers, wrist support mouse pads, and laptop or phone stands help attendees create functional workspaces where they are, while portable essentials such as computer bags, noise-canceling headphones, and power banks, keep on-the-go professionals connected and prepared.
Practical, thoughtful solutions like branded webcam covers and LED lights for video calls—round out the mix, offering useful giveaways that reflect the realities of today’s dynamic work environments.
In 2025, event swag goes beyond utility—it’s about showing genuine care for the whole person. As wellness continues to be a priority, branded giveaways that promote mental, physical and emotional well-being are on the rise. Popular items include branded mindfulness journals, diffusers, yoga mats, and hydration-focused products that tap into the growing focus on wellness. There’s also an opportunity to go beyond typical wellness products with more unique solutions like branded fidget accessories and massage recovery kits.
By aligning with this cultural shift, brands can stand out by showing they value their attendees’ well-being both at events and in their everyday lives.
From eco-conscious innovations to tech-forward gadgets and work-from-home essentials, meeting planners are reimagining their event swag in 2025 to align with a changing landscape. It’s no longer just about what you give attendees, but how those products can support their lifestyle, work habits, and values.
If you’re looking to expand your promotional product offerings, contact us to learn how we can help create branded event swag that resonates with your audience and achieves your marketing goals.
Absolutely! In 2025, sustainability will evolve with more innovative and eco-friendly options available due to advancements in material production. Some popular examples include journals made from pineapple leather, water bottles made from recycled plastic, solar-powered tech products like chargers and speakers, and many other items made from recycled or upcycled materials. These solutions offer sustainable, practical, and often stylish alternatives without compromising quality.
Ideas for wellness-driven event swag include mindfulness journals, aromatherapy diffusers, yoga mats, and hydration-focused products. Additionally, unique options like branded fidget accessories and massage recovery kits are gaining popularity, helping event planners show care for attendees’ mental and physical well-being.
Tech-based event swag that is both functional and thoughtful can impress modern attendees. Look for products like wireless charging pads, Bluetooth speakers with added features, or smart journals that integrate wireless charging capabilities. These items provide real value and seamlessly fit into attendees' daily lives.
Partnering with a knowledgeable promotional products distributor, attending industry events, and keeping an eye on broader consumer trends can help you anticipate what attendees will value most in the future.
We anticipate that memorable event swag will go beyond utility to align with attendees’ lifestyles, values, or needs. Items that surprise, delight, or solve a problem are more likely to be used and appreciated, making your brand stand out.
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 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.
