Trade shows are a great opportunity to connect with potential clients, meet customers, showcase your brand and generate high-quality leads. But it can be challenging to stand out in a hectic expo center when attendees are constantly being bombarded with information and freebies.
So how do you make your booth attract attention and ensure people remember you long after the event? Just give your trade show attendees unique gifts that they’ll actually want.
Why Have Trade Show Giveaway Items?
Trade show giveaways are about more than just handing out branded swag. With the right idea, they’re an effective and strategic marketing tool. Here’s why they matter.
- Brand awareness. A well-chosen giveaway, imprinted with your logo and contact information, keeps your company top-of-mind long after the trade show ends.
- Lead generation. You can offer your trade show gift in exchange for business cards, helping to build your contact list and grow your network.
- Conversation starter. A unique and eye-catching giveaway can spark conversations with booth visitors on the day. Give attendees something they’ll actually want to take back with them and your branded item will continue to draw attention from their colleagues, clients and friends.
Trade Show Giveaway Tips:
Be Mindful of Your Industry
Tailor your giveaways to your target audience. A construction company might offer mini tape measures or multi-tool keyrings, while a tech company could give away portable phone chargers, bluetooth item finders or branded phone stands.
Don’t Forget the Season
Consider the time of year. A reusable water bottle or a pair of shades is perfect for summer shows, while hand warmers and thermos flasks could be a hit at chilly winter events.
Don’t Burden Attendees With Bulky Gifts
How many trade show gifts have you ended up throwing away in your hotel room bin? If you’re attending an international trade show, pack light and versatile giveaways that won’t take up too much space in the attendee’s luggage. When your audience is diverse you should also consider simple items with global appeal, like branded notebooks.
10 Unique Trade Show Giveaway Ideas for 2024
It’s time to ditch the boring tote bags and branded pens – here are some unique giveaway ideas that will leave a lasting impression on trade show attendees.
1. Tide To Go Stain Remover Pens
Stain remover pens are a lifesaver for any wardrobe malfunction, especially at trade shows where visitors might be eating on the go before heading to meetings. They’re compact, practical, easy to brand and universally useful.
2. Keychain Bottle Opener
Bottle openers are a classic trade show gift for a reason, and they’re an especially useful item when refreshments are being served. Choose a unique design to make it stand out, and consider keychain or carabiner clip attachments.
3. Sunglasses
Everyone loses their favorite shades eventually, so come to the rescue with a free pair at your booth. Sunglasses are great for summer trade shows, and can be easily customized to match your brand colors – just be sure to choose sunglasses with UV protection.
4. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed toys and teddy bears are ideal for trade shows geared towards families or promoting a fun, child-friendly brand. They can be customized with your brand logo stitched into the tummy, but be conscious of choosing an appropriate size of stuffed toy for the event – you don’t want to lumber attendees with a giant new friend to carry around.
5. Fidget Toys
These stress-relieving gadgets are more popular than ever, and they’re compact enough to fit into an attendee’s pocket. You can order custom fidget spinners and fidget cubes in any color and with any company branding you want to include.
6. Stress Balls
Stress balls are a timeless desk toy, but be sure to personalize yours. You’ve got more options than ever, with an enormous range of shapes to choose from, and the choice to add custom branding and slogans.
7. Travel Mugs
Eco-friendly and practical, a travel mug with your company logo encourages sustainable coffee habits while promoting your brand. We recommend shorter, glass coffee mugs over the larger thermos flasks, as they’re less bulky and easier to transport.
8. Socks
Everybody loves a fun pair of socks, so don’t be afraid to get quirky with your design choices. Choose a funky pattern that plays on your company branding without looking stuffy or corporate, and try to keep the style gender neutral.
9. Refrigerator Magnets
A budget-friendly option, fridge magnets keep your brand front-and-center on attendees’ fridges at home or back at the office. They’re also lightweight and thin, making them one of the easiest trade show giveaways to package and transport.
10. Lip Balm
Like sunglasses, lip balm is one of those important items that tends to get lost easily. You’ll be somebody’s hero when you hand them a fresh stick, especially during the dry winter months. You can personalize your lip balm with a branded container, or even a custom flavor.
With these ideas and a little creativity, you can choose a trade show giveaway that attendees will genuinely appreciate and remember long after they return home. The right gift will make your booth a must-stop destination at your next trade show, so you can start building meaningful and lasting connections with customers and clients.
Steve Hogarty
