February 12, 2024

Event Essentials: Elevate Your Presence with These 10 Must-Have Products

Tradeshows and conferences are not just events but opportunities to make lasting impressions, forge valuable connections, and showcase your brand. Coming well-prepared is essential to ensure your participation is a roaring success. From eye-catching booth displays to innovative giveaways, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 must-have products for your next trade show or conference.

SWAG

Everyone loves freebies! Ensure your booth or swag bags are stocked with promotional giveaways. Consider practical items that attendees can use daily, keeping your brand top of mind long after the event concludes. Event classics include pens, tote bags or lanyards, but we recommend thinking outside the box! The world of branded merch is wide; we can even brand items like reusable beeswax wraps, custom socks, and more. Here are 6 of our top picks.

Snacks & Sweets

Attendees can sniff out a snack from a mile away. If your booth has sweets and treats available, you can guarantee that eventgoers will stop to chat. From chocolates and candies to cookies and even bottles of hot sauce, we’ve got it all! These items are also great to place on tables or in totes to stave off the munchies during keynote speeches. Our favourites are these mailable powerpacks! They come in 100s of teas, spices and even popcorn seasonings. With ample design space, you can include loads of creative designs or imPACKful messaging.

Notebooks & Journals

High-quality notebooks or journals with your company logo are practical and provide attendees with a useful item for taking notes during the event. Want added impact? These seed paper notebooks prove useful during the experience and show your dedication to sustainability.

Tech Accessories

Stay ahead of the curve with tech-savvy giveaways like wireless chargers, Bluetooth speakers, portable power banks, headphones and more. Attendees are likely to appreciate items that enhance their daily lives, making them more inclined to remember and connect with your brand. Looking for a cost-effective option? These Ninja phone loops act similarly to a pop socket without adding bulk to the device.

Stickers

If you want to be sticky for a cost-effective price, look no further than stickers! These are great ways to get your brand name permanently fixed to your clients, customers, and staff’s items. But take our advice and go above and beyond with the design. Create something custom for the event—use a catchy saying that aligns with your brand or go bold with illustrations. Remember, we have an in-house design to bring your idea to life.

Tote Bags

Tote bags are versatile and practical, making them a popular choice for events. Ensure they are durable and visually appealing, serving as walking advertisements for your brand. We love this tote made from recycled cotton that doubles as a drawstring bag. Consider utilizing Brand Blvd's in-house design team to create a unique design that resonates with your audience and sets your brand apart.

Curated Swag Kits

Assemble a curated collection of branded merch into an event swag box. Include several items like T-shirts, hats, pens, notebooks, snacks and even tech gadgets, creating a memorable and cohesive experience. Think of this as an elevated version of the tote bags you’re given at conferences and tradeshows. You can even use them as incentive for purchasing early bird event tickets or VIP access.

SETUP

Alright, you have your sweet swag and great giveaways, but what about the actual event or booth setup? Whether you need to outfit a 10’x10’ booth or decorate a full hall from floor to ceiling, the important thing to consider is consistency. Decide on a theme and weave it into every aspect of your setup.

Custom Apparel

Running a booth? Outfit your team in stylish, branded apparel to create a cohesive and professional look. Hosting a whole conference? Set up a swag booth with retail-inspired apparel. Whether it’s embroidered polo shirts, hats, or even branded lanyards, a unified appearance reinforces brand identity, fosters a sense of belonging, and can help further amplify your event message.

Networking Stations

Every conference, tradeshow or event aims to foster meaningful connections and generate positive conversations. Create networking spaces at your booth or around the event to help create a conversation space. Need ideas? Coffee is something we can all agree on, so set up a coffee and tea station with your branded tumblers at the ready to make a splash and strike up a conversation with attendees over a hot bevy. Attendees can use these items long after the event, reinforcing your brand in their daily lives. Psst! These pair amazingly well with our powerpacks mentioned above.

Selfie Stations

Spread your message far and wide by creating a selfie station with a backdrop and phone setup—this way, you can grab contact information with the promise of passing on the snapped selfie or even ask people to participate in interviews. The McStreamy is a beautifully packaged kit with a light ring, phone holder, and studio-quality microphone that you can easily bring to your next event. Don’t forget a backdrop or photobooth props!

Activations

Another great way to get folks to linger a little longer around your booth or engage in your event is to add a layer of interaction. Set up a game like Corn Hole, giant Jenga, or this giant Connect Four set. Challenge passersby to a game and generate meaningful conversations while they play.

Success at tradeshows and conferences requires strategic planning and a commitment to leaving a lasting impression. By incorporating these top 10 must-have products into your event strategy, you’ll attract attention and create a memorable and positive association with your brand. So, gear up, get creative, and make your next trade show or conference an unparalleled success!