Top 30 Conference Swag Ideas for Your Next Event
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Time to read 7 min
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Time to read 7 min
When it comes to planning a conference, branded giveaways are more than just an afterthought—they're part of the experience. The right swag can spark conversation, extend your brand visibility, and keep your event top of mind long after the closing keynote. But with so many options, where do you start?
We’ve pulled together 30 conference swag ideas to help you choose items that fit your audience, budget, and branding goals. Whether you're sticking with the classics or looking for something a little different, there's something in here for everyone.
Table of Contents
Some swag never goes out of style. These tried-and-true favorites are classics for a reason: they’re useful, easy to brand, and simple to distribute in bulk. If you're looking for safe bets that check all the boxes, start here.
This lightweight tote is a conference swag staple made from recycled cotton, making it a great, eco-conscious choice for event planners and attendees who appreciate form and function.
Lanyards are an event essential—and we're partial to the open-ended style paired with full-color branding. Our clients love them because they don't swivel, but if your badge holders require closed loop lanyards, we've got that covered too.
You can’t go wrong with a classic stress ball. Simple, budget-friendly, and effective, it’s the kind of swag attendees instinctively reach for—and actually keep at their desks.
A smooth-writing pen with a comfortable grip—what’s not to love? Pens are great everyday giveaway items that still provide your brand with a polished, reliable look.
Compact, colorful, and ready for note-taking, this notebook adds a pop to any swag bag. The textured cover, ribbon bookmark, and elastic details give it a polished, retail-style feel attendees will appreciate.
A small but mighty touch for coffee bars and refreshment stations. And quite popular among our client's sponsors. Made from renewable materials and fully customizable with full-color printing, beverage wraps are a clever branding opportunity that travels with your attendees.
Make travel easier—and more branded—with these durable vinyl luggage tags. Great for multi-day events and attendees flying in from out of town.
Some conference swag items are made to showcase your logo in full color. These products offer edge-to-edge printing or large imprint areas, making them perfect for creative branding, colorful graphics, or sponsor logos that need to stand out.
A simple scratchpad with big branding potential. The full-color imprint gives you a generous space to show off your design, and it’s perfect for desks, registration tables, or breakout sessions.
A fun, functional giveaway that keeps cords and cables neat and tangle-free. Its bright button closure and compact design make it a go-to tech accessory for everyday use.
Just like the beverage wraps, our clients love sponsored napkins to add a branded touch to coffee stations, cocktail hours, or catered meals. These 3-ply napkins offer full-color imprinting and make a subtle but effective impression.
Give attendees something they’ll use after the event. Great for cleaning screens or glasses, these microfiber cloths come in a clear pouch and features your design in vivid full color.
An event favorite for good reason. Pocket-sized hand sanitizers are practical, easy to brand, and keep hygiene top of mind—perfect for high-traffic event environments.
Looking to impress VIPs or offer something extra special? These elevated conference swag options feel more like gifts than giveaways. They’re great for speakers, premium attendees, or simply standing out in a sea of standard merch.
With a large 60" canopy, this umbrella can comfortably shelter two people, making it a practical and stylish giveaway. Crafted from recycled rPET with a durable yet lightweight fiberglass frame, it opens at the push of a button and offers reliable, wind-resistant protection.
Cozy fleece blankets make for the perfect gift. The park blanket features water-resistant backing, Velcro closure, and a convenient built-in carry handle for easy transport to picnics, parks, and beyond.
Brand name tumblers are always a hit. This one combines a sleek, geometric design with serious performance—keeping drinks hot for 8 hours or cold for 24. The leak-proof lid and durable powder-coated finish make it a premium giveaway or special gift.
Transform any workspace into a sleek, organized hub. This mat keeps tech in place and charges phones, mice, or styluses wirelessly—no clutter, no curling and your brand in view.
This rugged portable speaker is solar-powered, waterproof, and built for outdoor use. It delivers up to 6 hours of play time and recharges via sunlight or USB-C.
Durable and functional, this backpack is built to haul it all for special guests who need to stay organized while on the move. With a roomy main compartment, tablet sleeve, padded straps and gear loops, it’s ready for the day ahead.
Smart tech like the Chipolo CARD adds a memorable touch for VIPs and special event guests. This slim Bluetooth tracker fits easily in a wallet or bag and helps locate valuables with app-based alerts and audible rings when nearby.
Seamlessly blend productivity with technology. This innovative pad not only wirelessly charges smartphones but also provides storage, 30 sheets of lined paper, a built-in phone stand, and a sleek design that makes note-taking both smart and efficient.
You don’t have to spend big to make a big impression. These smart picks are great for large events, breakout sessions, or as add-ons to larger kits. Many are easy to ship and easy to brand, giving you the most value per dollar.
Low-cost, high-impact. Silicone phone wallets are great for conferences, trade shows, or campus events. This version sticks securely to the back of most phones and keeps cards or room keys close at hand.
Stickers are a fun, flexible add-on—great for giveaways, branding touchpoints, or packaging flair. This 2" vinyl sticker is made to last with full-color printing and durable outdoor adhesive.
Simple, colorful, and practical—key rings are a crowd-pleasing option for giveaways or event swag. This silicone, compact style offers everyday utility without breaking the budget.
Candy and mint tins offer a tactile, take-home moment. This mint tin features a full-color label and fun star-shaped mints in classic flavors—perfect for tabletops or tote bag inserts.
A budget-friendly giveaway that delivers high visibility. Lightweight and easy to pack in bulk, this classic Koozie® can cooler is a popular choice for conventions, trade show handouts, or attendee swag bags.
If you're ready to move beyond the usual suspects, this list is for you. These fun, creative conference swag picks are conversation-starters and keepers—perfect for events where you want to stand out and surprise attendees.
A fun and unexpected giveaway for themed events or VIP kits. These stainless steel roasting sticks extend to 34" and pack neatly into a zippered case—great for fireside cooking with a comfortable rubberized grip.
A thoughtful, sustainability-focused giveaway that feels fresh—literally. This all-in-one basil grow kit is compact, eco-conscious, and includes everything needed to sprout fresh herbs from a windowsill—no green thumb required.
A desktop speaker with Bluetooth® connectivity, upgraded styling, and a soft LED base that lights up when in use. A standout piece for desks, nightstands or offices that combines function, style, and sustainability.
Wellness items are a popular pick for all kinds of events. This yoga mat features a non-slip surface and rolls up easily into a carry bag, making it convenient for travelers.
Space-saving and seriously useful. This travel-friendly bottle shrinks down when not in use and is made from food-grade silicone that's microwave and dishwasher safe. A great giveaway for busy attendees on the move—or anyone trying to pack light.
Whether you’re planning a small seminar or a large-scale industry event, the right conference swag can turn attendees into brand fans. Use this list to get inspired, stay on budget, and choose items that align with your goals—and if you need help narrowing it down, we’re here for that too.
Browse our product offerings or contact us for recommendations and quotes. We will happily pair you with your dedicated account manager.
Always order conference swag based on your expected headcount plus a buffer—typically 10–15% extra to account for staff, last-minute attendees, or shipping mishaps.
That depends on the product and your design. Screen printing works well for simple logos, while full-color digital printing is best for vibrant graphics and sponsor logos.
We recommend ordering at least 6–8 weeks before your event to allow time for production, shipping, and any last-minute changes. Rush options may be available for shorter timelines.
Absolutely. Bundling multiple conference swag items together—like a tote bag with a notebook, pen, and tumbler—is a great way to elevate the experience and increase perceived value.
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.
