The concept of a swag bag dates back to the 1960s and has evolved into an effective marketing tool for keeping your company’s name top of mind.
A swag bag essentially contains free items that attendees get at an event. Each item is typically branded with a company logo or the event name to create alternate entry points for advertising and brand awareness. It’s also a great way to show your personality and creativity.
Everybody loves free stuff. Well, sort of. Everybody loves free, useful stuff. People will throw useless items right into the wastebasket without a second thought. That’s why it’s essential to be strategic about swag bags at your corporate event. Don’t just throw a bunch of random, cheap items in your swag bag.
Think everyday essentials.
Think items people will use for work.
Think items you could never have too many of.
As corporate event planners, we stand behind the power of a well-executed swag bag. Here are nine of our favorite swag bag items that deliver a solid ROI:
Portable Phone Chargers
A portable phone charger will not only spark excitement in people of all ages at a corporate event, but it will also get used. And the more your swag bag items get used, the more people will be staring at your logo. Nobody has too many phone chargers. You can always use another one for your room, office or car.
Notebooks
Taking physical notes is not a lost art, nor a frivolous one. In fact, research shows that taking notes by hand improves retention rates. Everybody needs to write things down, whether it’s at home or work. When people can use an item for more than one purpose, it is more likely to get play time. Recipients can use a notebook for business purposes and/or personal use.
Don’t go super cheap on this. Nobody needs another dollar store notebook lying around. Opt for a nice moleskin notebook, and people will use it.
Reusable Water Bottles
Everybody knows that hydration supports good health. A reusable water bottle is perfect for someone who needs to drink up on the go. Plus, they’ll see your branding every time they take a sip. Reusable water bottles are affordable, easy to brand, and much more eco-friendly than plastic disposable water bottles.
Snacks
If you want a sure way to make everyone happy:
- Add some food to your swag bags and display them cutely and creatively.
- Consider wrapping them in fancy cellophane with a bow and a sticker of your logo right in the center.
- Think non-perishable treats like cookies, popcorn, white chocolate pretzels, trail mix, caramels, etc.
Coffee Mugs
There is no such thing as owning too many mugs. If you’re a part of the corporate world, you probably need some caffeine to get you through your fast-paced day. Why not capitalize on widespread coffee love by designing a perfect mug for your swag bag?
Whether you drink your coffee out of it, use it to store pencils, or give it away as a gift, a coffee mug is an everyday essential for many. Make sure the mugs are well-designed and stand out. Make them colorful and unique, something pleasant to look at every day.
Sunglasses
Everybody can use an extra pair of stylish shades in their car. Disposable sunglasses are especially great for corporate events in a warm, sunny climate. Add your logo or the event’s name on the side, and you’ve got yourself a swag bag winner. You might even include a branded fabric case for the shades. This is an item that will get used.
Something For Children
Many people travel away from their families to attend a corporate event. Give them something they can take home to the kids. This shows mindfulness of families and is an effective way to keep your brand in sight daily. Ideas can include a teddy bear with a branded shirt, a deck of cards with your logo, a Frisbee, bubbles, a yoyo, or anything else that is small to accommodate traveling.
T-Shirts
A promotional tee is one of the best swag bag items for corporate events. The key is designing a t-shirt that people will want to wear. It doesn’t matter if your attendees wear it to the gym or around town; it will still keep your brand top of mind. It’s not enough to slap your logo on the front of the shirt. Instead, think outside the box. Try to develop an innovative product that sticks with the event’s theme. A good design will wow your guests.
Hand Sanitizer or Lotion
With COVID-19 still hanging around, hand sanitizer remains in high demand. Plus, hand sanitizer is an easy way to advertise. People can always use an extra bottle, and they’ll see your branding every time they sanitize. You could also include branded lotion instead of or along with the hand sanitizer, especially if your event is in a dryer climate.
You know your audience better than we do, so keep their age, profession, and personalities in mind when choosing items for your swag bag.
Need more help with your upcoming corporate event? We’d love to assist with the big and little details. If you need a corporate event planner in Los Angeles, DC or Dallas, give us a call.
Infographic
The idea of a swag bag originated in the 1960s and has since developed into a powerful marketing tool for maintaining brand awareness. For this reason, it’s crucial to plan your swag bags wisely for any corporate event. Don’t just stuff your gift bag with various cheap, irrelevant goods. Take a look at this infographic to learn the nine swag ideas for your corporate events.
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