Conference giveaways are given to promote the organization or event and create a memorable experience for attendees.
The swag type can depend on the event’s theme, target audience, and budget. While conference giveaways can be a nice perk for attendees, organizations need to choose swag items that are both useful and relevant to their target audience.
Companies do conference giveaways to show appreciation, build goodwill, and create a positive impression of the company or organization hosting the event.
Top 20 Conference Giveaways & Gift Ideas
When choosing attendee gifts, it’s essential to consider the preferences and interests of the attendees. Gifts personalized or tailored to the audience are more likely to be appreciated and used. It’s also important to consider the practicality and quality of the gift, as well as the branding and design.
1. T-shirts
T-shirts are a popular conference giveaway item as they are wearable and allow attendees to show off their attendance at the event. Customized t-shirts with the company’s logo or message can be a great way to promote the brand and create a sense of unity among employees or event attendees.
2. Tote bags
Tote bags are practical and can carry other giveaway items or personal belongings. Customized tote bags are a suitable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags that attendees can use for shopping or carrying items.
Tote bags can be made from cotton, canvas, jute, or recycled materials. Consider adding functionality to the tote bag, such as pockets or zippers, to increase its usefulness and value to the recipient.
3. Water bottles
Water bottles are functional and can be used beyond the event, making them popular. Reusable water bottles with the company’s logo or message can be useful and eco-friendly promotional items that attendees can use long after the event.
Companies can consider adding features to the water bottle to increase functionality, including built-in straws, insulation to keep drinks cold or hot, or a filter for clean drinking water.
4. Pens
Pens are a classic giveaway item that attendees can use to take notes during the conference or in their day-to-day lives. Pens are a classic and practical promotional item that can be given out at events, as gifts to customers or employees, or as part of a marketing campaign.
5. USB drives
USB drives are useful for storing and transferring digital files, which makes them practical and relevant giveaway items. Branded USB drives are a practical giveaway that attendees can use to store important files and documents.
When choosing branded USB drives, it’s essential to consider the storage capacity and quality of the item. USB drives with larger storage capacities are more likely to be used and appreciated by attendees, as they can store more files and data.
6. Lanyards
A company logo lanyard is a neck strap customized with a company’s logo or message and used to hold a badge, ID card, or other vital items. Lanyards are popular promotional items at conferences, trade shows, and other events where attendees must display their identification or access credentials.
A logo lanyard can be made from various materials such as polyester, nylon, or cotton. They can come in multiple colors and widths and feature different attachment options, such as clips, swivel hooks, or breakaway clasps for safety.
7. Stickers
Company logo stickers are adhesive labels customized with a company’s logo or message and used for promotional purposes. They are typically made from vinyl, paper, or other materials that can withstand wear and tear, and can be applied to various surfaces, including laptops, water bottles, notebooks, and more.
Custom logo stickers are a versatile and cost-effective promotional tool that can help increase brand visibility and awareness. Distributing logo stickers to customers or employees can be a subtle reminder of your brand and an effective way to keep your company top-of-mind.
8. Phone chargers
Company logo phone chargers can be a practical and useful promotional item that customers or employees will likely use and appreciate. By customizing the chargers with your logo or message, you can increase brand awareness and promote your company uniquely and memorably.
9. Stress balls
Branded stress balls are a fun and playful giveaway that can help promote the company’s message and relieve stress for attendees. Stress balls come in various shapes and sizes, including classic round balls, animal shapes, and unique designs such as cubes or pyramids.
Consider the type of stress ball that best fits your brand and messaging, and consider using bright colors and eye-catching designs to ensure that the stress ball stands out and is visible to the user.
10. Notebooks
Custom logo notebooks can be designed to fit your branding needs and come in various styles and sizes, such as hardcover or softcover, lined or unlined pages, and different colors and materials.
Business owners can customize them with the company’s logo, slogan, or other messaging and use it as event giveaways or gifts to customers or employees.
Notebooks can take notes during the event, jot down ideas, or make to-do lists. By adding a branded pen to the notebook, companies can provide attendees with a complete writing set that they can use even after the event.
11. Key Chains
Customized keychains with the company’s logo or message can be a small but valuable giveaway that attendees can carry daily. Keychains can be made from various materials such as metal, plastic, leather, or rubber.
Consider adding functionality to the keychain, such as a flashlight, bottle opener, or USB drive to increase its usefulness and value to the recipient. If you want to take an extra step, offer a branded carrying case or pouch to protect the keychain during transport and add an extra level of branding.
12. Fidget Spinners
A company logo fidget spinner is a hand-held device customized with a company’s logo or message and used as a stress-relieving toy. These spinners typically consist of a central bearing with two or three prongs that spin around it when flicked, providing a satisfying tactile sensation.
Additionally, many other types of fidget toys or tools, such as stress balls, kinetic sand, or fidget cubes, can be used to manage stress and improve concentration.
13. Pop Sockets
A pop socket is a small accessory that attaches to the back of a mobile phone or tablet, providing a grip for the user’s fingers and making it easier to hold and use the device.
These pop sockets can be customized with a company’s logo or message, making them a popular promotional item. They can also provide practical use, helping to prevent drops and improve overall grip on mobile devices.
14. Buttons
Buttons can be worn on clothing, bags, or other items, making them a popular and cost-effective promotional item. Be sure to consider the design and layout of the button to ensure that it effectively showcases your company’s logo and messaging in a visually appealing way.
Small buttons are generally preferred for clothing, such as shirts, jackets, or hats, as they can be discreet and not detract from the overall appearance of the garment.
On the other hand, people can prefer large buttons for promotional items, such as tote bags, where the button is meant to be a decorative element or provide a statement.
Ultimately, the button size should be appropriate for the intended use and the item’s design. It’s always a good idea to consider the preferences of your target audience when deciding on the size of buttons for your promotional items.
15. Reusable straws
With increasing awareness about the negative impact of single-use plastic straws on the environment, reusable straws have become popular and practical giveaway items.
Reusable straws can be made from stainless steel, silicone, glass, or bamboo. Consider the pros and cons of each material and choose the one that best fits your budget and branding.
If within your budget, including a cleaning brush or tool with the straw is a great way to ensure the user can clean it quickly and thoroughly.
16. Seed packets
Encourage eco-friendly habits and promote your brand with custom seed packets that people can plant to grow flowers or herbs.
Consider the region and climate where your target audience is located and choose appropriate seeds for that area. Additionally, consider the type of plant or flower and how it relates to your brand or messaging.
Also, consider including a call-to-action or message that ties into your brand or a cause you support.
17. Bluetooth speakers
Business owners can customize Portable Bluetooth speakers with a logo, creating a high-value giveaway item for tech-savvy customers.
Look for a speaker with good sound quality and long battery life. Consider the size and portability of the speaker, as well as any additional features such as waterproofing or voice control.
While a costly option, having a Bluetooth speaker as your company swag could be fantastic for the right event!
18. Personalized cookies
Treat your customers with custom cookies featuring your company’s logo or message. These can be made in various shapes and sizes and will make a memorable impression.
Look for a bakery with experience creating custom cookies and good reviews. Ensure that they use high-quality ingredients and have a variety of shapes and sizes available.
Additionally, custom cookies can be packaged in various ways, from clear cellophane bags to custom boxes or tins. Consider the size and quantity of your cookies when selecting a packaging option.
19. Phone wallets
A practical giveaway item, phone wallets attach to the back of mobile phones and allow users to carry their cards and cash securely.
A phone wallet is a small, adhesive accessory that attaches to the back of a mobile phone, providing a convenient storage option for credit cards, IDs, and cash.
Phone wallets are a practical and stylish accessory for many people.
20. Virtual event swag
With the increasing popularity of virtual events, consider offering unique digital swag items such as custom Zoom backgrounds, exclusive access to content, or personalized avatars.
Conference Giveaways Frequently Asked Questions
Giveaway items are typically inexpensive to produce and distribute, making them a cost-effective brand promotion. However, it’s essential to choose swag items that align with the company’s values and resonate with the target audience, as well as to ensure that the quality of the items is high enough to make a positive impression on recipients.
How do I choose the right conference giveaways?
When choosing conference giveaways, consider the audience, the event, the budget, and the brand message. Choose useful, high-quality items that reflect the brand’s values and messaging.
Why are conference giveaways important?
Giveaways can also help create a memorable experience for attendees, increasing the likelihood that they will attend future events or recommend the company to others. Additionally, conference swag can serve as a conversation starter or icebreaker, which can help to facilitate networking and relationship-building among attendees.
Overall, conference giveaways can be a valuable marketing tool that allows companies to achieve their goals and create a lasting impression on attendees.
How should I distribute conference giveaways?
Conference giveaways can be distributed in many ways, such as at registration, in conference bags, at booth exhibits, or during sessions or workshops. Consider the best method for reaching attendees and creating a positive impression.
How can I measure the effectiveness of conference giveaways?
Businesses can measure the effectiveness of conference giveaways by tracking social media mentions, website traffic, lead generation, and attendee feedback. Conducting surveys or post-conference follow-ups can also provide valuable insights.
Final Thoughts
The purpose of conference giveaways is to promote the sponsoring organization, raise brand awareness, or provide attendees with a token of appreciation for their attendance.
Selecting a memorable and useful giveaway item can help increase brand awareness and create a positive association with your company.
By giving away well-designed and thoughtful conference giveaways, companies can create a positive impression of their brand, encourage engagement with their products or services, and foster networking and relationship-building among attendees. Overall, conference gifts can be a valuable marketing tool that helps companies achieve their goals and create a lasting impression on attendees.
