The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Promotional Products for Trade Shows

Bags and Totes Trade Show

 

Trade shows offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase your brand, connect with potential clients, and leave a lasting impression. A key element in making your booth stand out is selecting the right promotional products. Here's a handy checklist to help you curate the ultimate promo list for your next event!

 

Brand Your Booth

Creating a cohesive and professional look for your booth and staff is crucial. Here's how you can brand your event effectively:

 

Staff Apparel

Outfit your team in branded shirts, hats, or other apparel to create a uniform look and enhance brand recognition. This also helps attendees easily identify your team members. Choosing a color that reflects your brand's identity or opting for a bright, eye-catching hue can make your team stand out even more. Bright colors not only attract attention but also convey energy and enthusiasm, making your booth more inviting and memorable.

 

 

Table Cloth with Logo

A custom table cover adds a professional touch and ensures that your branding is front and center. It's a simple yet effective way to make your booth look polished. This is especially important for smaller booths or even a single table used to display your products or giveaways. A branded table cloth can help your setup stand out, make your space look cohesive, and give off a professional impression. It can also serve as a visual anchor, making it easier for attendees to spot your booth from a distance.

 

 

Custom Display Banners

Eye-catching banners are essential for drawing attention to your booth. Use bold colors, clear messaging, and your logo to make a memorable impact. Consider creating height with tall banners or flags to make your booth visible from across the exhibition floor. Additionally, using display banners to create a branded backdrop or incorporating tabletop displays can help communicate your message effectively. These elements not only enhance the visual appeal of your booth but also reinforce your brand identity, making it easier for attendees to remember your company.

 

 

Branded Badge Holders, Lanyards, or Wristbands

These items serve a dual purpose—they are practical for your staff while also promoting your brand throughout the event. Badge holders and custom lanyards help staff display their credentials conveniently, while wristbands can act as entry passes or identification. These items are functional, making it easier for your team to manage their roles and navigate the venue efficiently. Additionally, they ensure your brand remains visible. As your staff wears these branded items, they become walking advertisements for your company. This continuous exposure helps reinforce your brand in the minds of attendees and can even attract interest from those who see these branded accessories. Moreover, because these items are often kept as souvenirs, they continue to promote your brand long after the event has concluded.

 

 

Prepare Your Attendees

Providing attendees with useful and memorable items can make your brand more memorable. Consider these options:

 

Custom T-Shirts

A classic promotional item, custom T-shirts with your logo are not only a popular giveaway but also an effective way to spread brand awareness. People love receiving T-shirts, especially when they're well-designed and comfortable. They often wear these shirts long after the event, providing ongoing exposure for your brand. Whether attendees wear them to casual outings or around their homes, each time they do, your brand is on display. Custom T-shirts create a sense of community and connection, and they can turn your event into a talking point among the attendees’ friends and family.

Branded Bottled Water

Keeping your attendees hydrated is crucial, and branded bottled water is a practical giveaway that will be appreciated by everyone. With custom labels featuring your logo and event details, each bottle becomes a mobile advertisement for your brand. Attendees will carry these bottles around the venue, ensuring your branding gets noticed by a larger audience. Moreover, since bottled water is a necessity at events, it’s a smart way to provide value while keeping your brand visible. You can also invest in customized water bottles, since it is a practical item is likely to be used long after the event, extending the reach of your brand.

 

 

Event Tote Bags

Promotional tote bags are incredibly versatile and perfect for carrying event materials, freebies, and personal belongings. By customizing them with your logo and a compelling message, you create a lasting impression every time someone uses the bag. These bags are not only practical but also often used daily for shopping, commuting, or other activities. This frequent use means your brand is constantly in view, making it a cost-effective way to ensure your message reaches a broad audience. Plus, well-designed tote bags can be a conversation starter, further amplifying your brand’s visibility.

 

 

Customized Pen and Journal for Note-Taking

Customized pens and journals are practical and appreciated items that serve multiple purposes. Attendees can use them to jot down notes, ideas, or important information during the event, ensuring they stay engaged and organized. These items are also a constant reminder of your brand. Since pens and journals are often kept and used long after the event, they provide extended exposure for your brand. A well-designed journal with your logo and a matching pen can become a valued tool for attendees, reinforcing your brand’s presence every time they use it.

 

 


 

The Best Trade Show Tip EVER!

The Biggest Bag Wins

Buy the biggest trade show bags available! At every trade show, attendees walk around collecting tons of swag, samples and flyers. When others see your large bag, they’ll ask where to get one, leading them straight to your booth. While most vendors opt for small, inexpensive bags, attendees prefer spacious ones. Attendees will place all their event goodies inside YOUR bag, maximizing your brand’s visibility. Plus, a larger bag means more advertising space.

It’s a win-win strategy!

 

 


 

 

Thank Your Booth Visitors

Expressing gratitude to your guests and partners can help strengthen relationships and leave a positive impression. Here are some ways to thank your attendees:

 

Merch Giveaways

Offering a selection of branded merchandise, such as keychains, mugs, or phone accessories, can be a great way to thank attendees and keep your brand top of mind. These items are not only practical but also serve as constant reminders of your brand. For example, a well-designed mug or a useful phone accessory can become a part of daily routines, ensuring that your brand is seen and remembered regularly. By choosing items that are both appealing and functional, you enhance the likelihood that they will be kept and used, maximizing your brand's visibility long after the event.

Event Swag Bags

Swag bags filled with a variety of promotional products offer a delightful surprise for attendees and can leave a lasting impression. You can include a mix of items such as snacks, gadgets, branded apparel, and other useful products. The variety ensures that there is something for everyone, and the element of surprise adds a touch of excitement. Well-curated swag bags not only provide immediate value but also help create a positive experience that attendees will associate with your brand. The assortment of items can cater to different preferences, increasing the chances that attendees will find something they genuinely enjoy and use.

 

 

Sponsor Gifts

If you're partnering with sponsors, offering them special gifts is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. High-quality branded items like premium pens, tech gadgets, or luxury drinkware make excellent gifts that can reinforce your gratitude and strengthen your relationship with sponsors. These items should reflect the value you place on their support and can help maintain a positive partnership. By choosing high-end or unique gifts, you also demonstrate that you value their contribution and are committed to a mutually beneficial relationship.

 

 

Elevate Your Trade Show Experience

Selecting the right promotional products for your trade show can significantly impact your brand's success. By following this checklist, you'll ensure that your booth is well-prepared, your attendees are engaged, and your guests feel appreciated. Remember, the key is to choose items that reflect your brand's personality and leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits your booth.

 

For a checklist of these items and more trade show tips, check out our 2024 digital catalog on page 96!

 

Happy planning and good luck at your next trade show!

 


 

Feel free to use this guide to inspire your promotional product choices for your next event. At Executive Advertising, we're here to help you create the perfect promotional items that will make your brand shine. Contact our local customer service team today at 615-991-4000 to get started!

 

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