Trade show promotional items & products | Conference swag

Use trade show promotional items for your next event

A trade show is a gathering of companies and businesses within a particular industry where they can showcase their products. Companies have the chance to demonstrate their services, and technology to potential customers, industry peers, and the media. Trade shows are an opportunity for businesses to network, build brand awareness, and generate leads for their business. Attendees typically include manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and service providers, as well as decision-makers from corporations, government agencies, and other organizations.

How large are trade shows usually?

Trade shows can range from small, regional events to large, national, even international, exhibitions, and are often held on a recurring basis.

Depending on your industry, you will likely have the opportunity to visit multiple trade shows to highlight and promote your company. Which is why ordering giveaway items to help you stand out makes sense.

Trade show promotional products can be cost effective

The cost of trade show promotional items can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of product, quantity, and customization. Some promotional products, such as pens and keychains, can be affordable. While others, such as custom-branded tech items or high-end clothing, can be more expensive.

Finding trade show promotional products within a variety of budgets, and many suppliers offer discounts for bulk orders. Companies have the option to invest in higher-end products that they believe will appeal to customers. Or they can opt for more affordable options to distribute a larger quantity of products. Depending on the size of your trade show, you can choose from low minimum promotional products to stay within budget.

Ultimately, the cost of trade show promotional items should be evaluated in the context of your company's or brand's overall marketing budget and the goals for the event. By carefully considering these factors, companies like yours can find trade show promotional products that fit your needs and budget.

How can companies benefit from handing out trade show swag

Giving out free items at trade shows is a smart move for companies. It helps them market to their desired customers and make their brand more well-known.

Brand awareness: Giving out promotional products with a company's logo, tagline, or message imprinted on them helps raise brand awareness and visibility among trade show attendees. Look for long-lasting promotional products to keep your company name at the forefront of people's minds longer.

Building relationships: Providing trade show attendees with a useful and practical item such as a branded water bottle or a promotional tote bag can help strengthen relationships with potential customers and industry partners.

Generating leads: Trade show attendees who receive promotional products are more likely to remember the company and its offerings. This can directly help generate leads and sales.

Cost-effective marketing: Compared to other marketing methods, promotional products can be a budget-friendly and efficient way to reach a large number of people in a concentrated environment. People will be more likely to remember your brand if they receive thoughtful corporate gifting. This means you can increase your brand awareness for longer, reach more people and have a nice return on investment.

Top trade show promotional items

The best promotional items for trade shows depend on several factors. These include the target audience, budget, and the type of trade show. However, some popular and effective options include:

Writing instruments: Pens and pencils are practical and affordable items that are used frequently, making them a great option for trade shows.
Tote bags: Reusable promotional bags can be imprinted with a company's logo or message and are a great way to promote environmental awareness while serving as a practical item for attendees to carry items during and after the show.
Power banks: Portable power banks are becoming increasingly popular and are a useful item for trade show attendees who use their phones and other devices frequently.
Custom apparel: Branded t-shirts, hats, and jackets can help create a sense of unity among employees.
Keychains & lanyards: Keychains are an inexpensive and practical promotional item that can easily be attached to bags and keyrings. Full color lanyards are great because these can be used by attendees.
Water bottles: Reusable water bottles with a company's logo or message imprinted on them can help promote environmental awareness, while also reducing waste.

The best promotional item for a trade show will depend on the specific goals and target audience of the company. The budget and type of trade show will also play a role. Choosing an item that is practical, memorable, and aligned with the company's brand is important.

FAQs about trade show promotional items

Here are some of the most popular questions about promotional items to hand out during a trade show.

What are trade shows?

Trade shows are essentially large business conventions where various companies and brands from different industries can broadcast their services. A trade show or convention will often include booths, displays and overall large crowds. Trade shows like this are meant to connect companies, brands and businesses from the same industry with each other.

What is a trade show promotional item?

A trade show promotional product can be anything. The most popular trade show products are usually small items that companies bring with them to hand out to anyone who visits their booth. The most popular trade show giveaway ideas include pens, keychains, bottle openers, hand sanitizers and lanyards, all printed with the company's logo or slogan. These often high-quality and popular giveaways are there to help promote your brand or service.

Are promotional trade show items worth it?

Yes, this is a great way to generate more brand awareness for your company or business. Depending on what type of item you choose to hand out, it can also bring more people to your booth. Many of these trade show gifts also have a long practical life, so people will be reaching and using your products long after the event.

How many items should you order for your next event?

This can depend on how many people you expect to be at the overall trade show. However, we suggest that you order enough to hand out and then some. In many cases, anywhere from 100 to 1,000 products are a good amount to order.

How do you build swag bags?

Take an item, like a cotton tote bag, add your logo to the front, then fill it with a bunch of goodies. Event swag like this is perfect for the face to face and personal connection you can achieve.

Read more about how to build the perfect swag bag.

Are there eco-friendly conference swag items?

Yes! Consider choosing long-lasting products for even more effect. Choose from our promotional eco-friendly products that are more environmentally conscious.

Can you increase or improve booth traffic?

You can increase visitors to your trade show booth with a few things. Consider handing out some free promotional giveaways, like lip balms or notebooks. Offering sitting space or flashy and eye-catching displays can encourage people to come to your booth. Being in a good location, like right at the front door, is also beneficial.

How do you attend the right trade show?

Do some research in advance to see how and where you can make the biggest impact. Consider things like your target audience to get an idea of which trade show to attend. You might need to travel there, so that is something you should also take into consideration.