Swag items for events

By Samantha O'Rourke

Welcome to 4imprint’s comprehensive guide on swag items for events. Discover how the right promotional products can make your events unforgettable and leave a lasting impression on attendees. Whether you're searching for the best promotional swag, creative event giveaways or gift ideas for event attendees, we have you covered. Our extensive range of customizable products ensures you’ll find the perfect items that align with your brand’s personality and event goals.

To help elevate your next event, we'll explore various types of event swag, share expert tips on selecting the most effective items and highlight the benefits of incorporating quality promotional products into your event strategy. At 4imprint, we are dedicated to ensuring your complete satisfaction with our exclusive 360° Guarantee_®. This commitment means you can confidently choose and customize your swag, be certain it will be perfectly printed and trust it will arrive on time. Let’s dive in and explore the best options to showcase your brand in the most memorable way at each event.

What is event swag?

Event swag refers to branded items and promotional products distributed at events like conferences, company gatherings or open houses to create a lasting impression on attendees. These promotional products serve as tangible reminders of the event and the brand, boosting visibility and fostering connections long after the event concludes.

The term swag opens in new window has evolved significantly over the years. Originally referring to loot or stolen goods in the 18th century, it now represents a broad spectrum of promotional merchandise you can customize with your brand message or logo.. Today, event swag includes everything from branded water bottles and USB drives to custom apparel and sustainable products like reusable bags and utensils, all designed to attract and retain attention.

The effectiveness of event swag lies in its ability to be both memorable and practical. Attendees are more likely to appreciate items that are useful in their daily lives, keeping your brand in their mind long after the event. Thoughtfully chosen swag not only promotes brand recognition but also builds positive associations with your company. Whether it’s a small seminar or a large-scale trade show, investing in quality event swag can significantly boost your brand’s impact—plus everyone likes going home with some loot!

Are giveaways still necessary in events today?

Absolutely! Promotional items are still a must-have for successful events for a simple reason: they work! In fact, according to a survey opens in new window by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 48.7% of people kept promotional products for more than five years. Why? Because the products:

• Are useful (75.4%)
• Remind them of an event or an experience (38.3%)
• Are fun to have (34.8%)
• Have a design they like (34.1%)
• Are something they wanted or needed (32.9%)

Even in our current digital age, the impact of a physical item can’t be underestimated. These products create memorable experiences, build goodwill and keep your brand relevant with attendees you make a connection with.

What swag do people actually like?

When it comes to event swag, choose items that attendees will appreciate and use. People love swag that is both practical and durable. Tech gadgets like power banks and USB drives are popular and useful options in our tech-driven world. Branded apparel, especially with catchy or funny designs, is another favorite because it hits most of the points listed above: useful, a physical reminder, fun to have, a good design and something most people want or need.

When thinking about things to give away at a booth, consider items that attendees can use right away or take home to integrate into their daily lives. Good giveaways for events are items that fit your audience’s preferences. For example, products like reusable utensil sets or straws resonate well with environmentally conscious attendees. Whereas a health-conscious audience may prefer , wellness items like stress balls, pedometers or yoga mats. The key is to choose high-quality,useful products that reflect your brand’s values and resonate with attendees.

What to give out at events

Selecting the right items for your events can significantly influence how your brand is perceived. Swag bags for events are a popular choice because they offer a collection of items that attendees can explore and enjoy. The key is to fill your branded bags of choice with a selection of items that are both useful and memorable.

What is usually in a swag bag?

A typical swag bag includes a variety of items that cater to different needs and preferences. Common choices are branded pens, notepads, water bottles and tech gadgets like USB drives or power banks. These items are popular because they are practical and can be used frequently, keeping your brand in mind.

Good options for swag bags include:

• Tech gadgets: Items like portable chargers and Bluetooth speakers are always well-received
• Apparel: Branded T-shirts or hats are a great way to get people repping your brand
• Reusable products: Products like reusable shopping bags, cutlery sets and stainless steel straws are practical and portable
• Wellness items: Hand sanitizers and stress balls can help attendees relax and enjoy the event—all thanks to your brand

However, there are also promotional items that don’t go over so well. We’ve all received things that go unused. Items to avoid in your swag bag include:

• Low-quality items that give a negative impression of your brand
• Bulky items that are difficult to carry around at events
• Irrelevant products that don’t align with the interests or needs of your audience

How do you make a good swag bag?

Creating a good swag bag involves careful selection of items that align with your brand and appeal to your audience. Start by considering the preferences and needs of your attendees. Choose quality, useful items that people will appreciate and use regularly. Here are some key steps and a checklist to guide you in creating an impressive swag bag:

1. Understand your audience: Know the demographics and interests of your attendees. Are they tech enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals or business professionals? Tailor your swag bag items to suit their preferences.
2. Select high-quality items: Opt for items that are durable and well-made. Factoring in quality can positively impact your brand's image.
3. Ensure practicality: Choose items that recipients will find useful in their daily lives. Practical items are more likely to be used and appreciated, ensuring your brand stays front and center.
4. Align with your brand: Select items that reflect your brand's values and message. For instance, if sustainability is important to your brand, include reusable products.
5. Create variety: Offer a mix of items that cater to different tastes and needs. A combination of products can create a well-rounded swag bag.
6. Personalize when possible: Adding a personal touch, such as customizing items with the recipient's name, can make the swag bag feel more special and appreciated.

Checklist for selecting swag bag items:

• Relevance: Does this item align with my brand's message and values?
• Audience appeal: Will my target audience find this item useful and appealing?
• Quality: Is this item made from quality materials?
• Practicality: Will the recipient use this item regularly?
• Variety: Am I offering a good mix of items to cater to different preferences?
• Portability: Is the item easy to carry around at the event?
• Cost-effectiveness: Does this item fit within my budget while still offering value?
• Sustainability: Is the item reusable or aligned with sustainable practices?
• Brand visibility: Does the item prominently display my brand’s logo or message?
• Personalization: Can this item be customized for a more personal touch?

By following these guidelines and using this checklist, you can create a swag bag that impresses your attendees and strengthens your brand’s presence and reputation.

What is the best swag for a conference?

When considering conference gift ideas, think about items that can enhance the conference experience itself, for example:

• Portable chargers: While tech gadgets are popular, specifically focusing on portable chargers ensures that attendees can keep their devices powered throughout the event. This is particularly useful for conferences where staying connected is key.
• Stationery and writing utensils: Notebooks, branded pens and sticky notes can be excellent choices for a conference. These items are not only practical for taking notes during sessions but also serve as a lasting reminder of the event.

The best conference swag includes items that enhance the attendee's comfort and convenience, like:

• Travel accessories: Branded luggage tags, travel pillows or compact kits can be highly appreciated by attendees, especially by those who have traveled a long distance to be at the conference.
• Foldable tote bags: These are great for carrying all the other swag and materials collected at the conference. They are practical, reusable and easily stored when not in use.
• Mini first aid kits: Compact first aid kits are practical and show a thoughtful consideration for attendees' well-being. These kits can include essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers.

Make your next event extra memorable with unique conference giveawaysthat adds personalization and fun to the attendee experience. Some unique event swag ideas include:

• Planter kits: Plant kits are a creative way to keep your brand in mind—and attendees can enjoy bringing a touch of green to their home or office. These kits include everything needed to grow a small plant.
• Custom PopSockets®: PopSockets are a trendy accessory for smartphones. They offer a dual function as a phone grip and a stand, making them incredibly practical for everyday use. Attendees will appreciate having a handy tool that also showcases your brand every time they use their phones.
• Snack packs: Providing attendees with a pack of healthy snacks can be a thoughtful and appreciated item. This can include items like trail mix and pretzels, offering a quick energy boost during the conference.

By selecting items that are useful and unique, your conference swag will stand out and leave a lasting impression. The best swag enhances the event experience and keeps your brand visible long after the conference ends. Best of all? You can find everything you need at 4imprint!

Here to help your brand shine!

At 4imprint, we understand that choosing the right swag items for events is crucial for leaving a lasting impression on your attendees. Our extensive range of customizable products means you can find the perfect swag to match your brand’s personality and meet your event goals.

Our commitment to excellence is backed by our exclusive 360° Guarantee_®. This promise ensures that you’ll receive your products perfectly printed, on time and at the best price. If your order is late, it’s on us. If you find a better price elsewhere, we’ll refund double the difference. And if you’re not 100% satisfied with your order, we’ll either rerun it or refund your money. This level of assurance means you can confidently select and customize your swag, knowing that we are dedicated to your satisfaction, you can be certain.

We believe the right promotional products can enhance your event experience and keep your brand at the forefront of attendees' minds long into the future. Our goal is to make this process as seamless and successful as possible for you.

Explore our vast selection of promotional products and experience our unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction. Visit 4imprint today to start planning for your next unforgettable event swag bag!