Branded merchandise plays a significant role in corporate events, serving as a memorable takeaway that reinforces your brand and keeps your company top of mind.
Whether it’s a conference, trade show, or holiday party, well-thought-out branded items can leave a lasting impression on attendees, employees, and potential clients alike.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to select the best branded merchandise for different corporate events, offering ideas and tips for effective distribution.
Factors to Consider
Selecting the right merchandise for corporate events can significantly impact your brand’s image and effectiveness.
Here are some essential factors to consider:
Relevance
Your choice of merchandise should connect with the event’s theme and your company’s values.
For instance, if your event focuses on sustainability, eco-friendly products like reusable water bottles or recycled notebooks would be a great fit.
Aligning your items with the event’s purpose helps reinforce your message and makes your gifts more meaningful.
Usefulness
Opt for items that attendees will find practical.
Functional merchandise, like quality pens, portable chargers, or stylish tote bags, tends to be appreciated and used often.
The more useful the item, the longer it will stay in circulation, keeping your brand top-of-mind.
Quality
The quality of the merchandise reflects on your brand.
Avoid low-quality items that might not hold up well or look cheap.
Investing in high-quality products ensures that your gifts not only last longer but also create a positive impression of your company.
Branding
When it comes to branding, less is often more.
Your logo or company name should be visible but not overpowering.
A subtle, well-placed logo can be more effective than a design that overwhelms the product.
The goal is to create a lasting impression without making the branding feel intrusive.
Impact on brand recall
A study by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) found that 83% of people remember the company that gave them branded items.
This highlights the power of promotional merchandise in keeping your brand in the minds of potential clients and partners.
Branded Merchandise Ideas for Different Event Types
Conference
Conferences are all about networking and learning, making practical branded merchandise a smart choice.
Some popular options include:
- Notebooks and pens: Simple but useful, branded notebooks and pens will be used during the conference and long after.
- Reusable water bottles: Sustainability is key in today’s corporate world. A durable, branded water bottle can be a useful reminder of your company’s eco-conscious values.
- Tech accessories: Items like branded phone chargers, USB drives, or screen cleaners are useful and appreciated by busy professionals.
Trade show giveaways
Trade shows are competitive environments where every company is vying for attention.
Stand out by offering creative and practical giveaways:
- Tote bags: Reusable tote bags with your company logo are practical and will be seen by countless others as attendees carry them around the event.
- Custom face masks: In the post-pandemic world, custom face masks featuring your logo can be both timely and practical, giving your brand visibility throughout the event.
- Branded apparel: Whether it’s a t-shirt, cap, or lanyard, branded apparel can help attendees identify with your company and even wear it beyond the trade show.
Product launch
A product launch is an exciting time for any company, and branded merchandise can build buzz around your new product.
Consider the following:
- Customized samples: If feasible, give attendees a small sample or accessory that complements the product you’re launching.
- Branded USB drives: Pre-load them with information about your product and company, so attendees can take home valuable insights.
- Branded tech gadgets: Small, practical items like wireless earbuds or phone stands can create excitement and further connect your audience with your product.
Team-building event gifts
For internal corporate events like team-building activities, branded merchandise can strengthen team spirit and foster a sense of belonging.
Consider these ideas:
- Branded hoodies or jackets: Apparel with your company logo offers employees something to wear proudly, boosting team cohesion.
- Custom water bottles or mugs: These can be personalized with each team member’s name for a more personal touch, making them feel valued.
- Fitness gear: Since many team-building activities involve physical activity, branded fitness gear like yoga mats, jump ropes, or sweatbands can add fun to the event and promote wellness.
Holiday party
Corporate holiday parties are about celebrating achievements and boosting morale.
Branded gifts for this occasion should be fun, festive, and thoughtful:
- Ornaments: Customized ornaments with your company’s branding make for a festive keepsake that employees can hang on their trees each year.
- Branded gift sets: Put together a set of branded items like gourmet treats, candles, and personal care products to give employees a luxury gift they’ll appreciate.
- Customized calendars: Branded calendars featuring company highlights or motivational quotes can be a practical gift that employees will use throughout the year.
Tips for Effective Branded Merchandise Distribution
Even the best-branded merchandise won’t have much of an impact if it isn’t distributed effectively.
Here are some tips to ensure your items make an impression:
Create buzz
Before the event, start building excitement about your merchandise.
Use social media, email campaigns, or even teasers on your website to hint at what’s coming.
This generates anticipation and gets people eager to see what you’ll offer, making the actual distribution more impactful.
Personalize the experience
Make your merchandise stand out by adding a personal touch.
This could mean customizing items with the attendee’s name or giving them a choice between different products.
Personalization makes the item feel special and memorable, increasing the likelihood that it will be used and cherished.
Timing matters
When you distribute your merchandise can influence its effectiveness.
For example, if you’re at a conference, giving out notebooks and pens at the beginning encourages attendees to use them throughout the event.
If you’re launching a new product, handing out merchandise just before or after the reveal helps maintain the excitement and keeps your brand top-of-mind.
Make it interactive
Turn the distribution process into a fun activity. Incorporate games, contests, or challenges to give out your merchandise.
This not only makes the process enjoyable but also boosts engagement with your brand, creating a positive and memorable experience for attendees.
Final Thoughts
Branded merchandise is an essential tool for corporate events, helping your company leave a lasting impression on attendees, employees, and partners.
By considering the event type, audience, and strategic distribution, you can ensure your branded items are both memorable and functional.
Whether it’s a conference, trade show, or holiday party, the right merchandise can strengthen brand loyalty and drive business growth.
