Unique conference swag sparks a surge in engagement

The right event promo can produce electrifying results

By Michelle Banks

A little extra energy can make a big difference. That recently proved true for Passport Journeys opens in new window, an app connecting mother-daughter pairs with licensed therapists for video sessions, interactive assignments and bonding activities. Last spring, Lacey Tezino, founder and CEO, attended Cry Out Con, a three-day conference focused on healing, spiritual renewal and personal transformation. Her goals were to increase brand awareness and engagement through a guest speaking appearance, breakout session and promotional booth. To help reach those goals, she brought along unique conference swag: QR-code imprinted wireless charging pads directing users to the Passport Journeys app.

Tezino chose the tech promo items with purpose. She knew they’d be immediately useful, as attendees’ phones would likely need to charge during long conference days. And charging devices make perfect sense when promoting a smartphone app.

Attendees received the conference giveaways either by stopping by the Passport Journeys booth or by attending Tezino’s speech or her breakout session. As hoped, Tezino said her promo products were popular among the few thousand Cry Out Con attendees because of their practicality. “Everyone else had the same sort of expected giveaways. I stood out because I had wireless chargers and people thought they were great,” she said.

“They became more than a giveaway. They were a conversation starter about mental wellness, connection and the innovative work Passport Journeys is doing to heal mother-daughter relationships.”

Attention-grabbing giveaways ignite memorable conversations

Because the QR code directed users to Pass-port Journeys on their phone’s app store, the impact was outstanding: Within 72 hours, Tezino saw a 40% increase in down-loads and a 47% spike in website visits. Plus a dozen new families joined the waitlist for therapy sponsorships.

“The sleek design, vibrant color and scannable QR code made it an instant hit among attendees, sparking conversations and leaving a lasting impression,” she said. “We turned a single promo item into a meaningful touchpoint that continues to extend our reach beyond the event.”

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