With the 2023 trade show season quickly approaching, it is full steam ahead for exhibitors looking to stand out from the competition. Whether you call them promotional items, tchotchkes, or swag, handing out free products or giveaways can greatly attract and encourage attendees to enter your space.Â
The right trade show promotional products can help generate leads and support integrated marketing messages that will prompt attendees to remember your company long after the show has ended. Before you immediately jump on things and order a bunch of different products, it is super important to budget for giveaway items since you are likely already spending a pretty penny just to rent a space at the show. Nimlok offers some tips for cutting trade show giveaway costs:
- Expensive and flashy trade show promotional items might garner the attention of attendees, but you want to make sure that you get the most bang for your buck. Look for inexpensive alternatives that can pack a similar punch.
- Shipping can inflate a budget quickly. Think ahead about the size and weight of your giveaways products and investigate free shipping options with your vendor. Select a provider who has a location in the show city so you can pick up your giveaway and avoid costly freight charges.
- Make sure your staffers do not frivolously hand out promotional products to every passerby. Instead, identify actions that earn giveaways like listening to a presentation, scanning a badge, or exchanging business cards as a means to generate leads.
In order to make the most out of your experience, here are seven top promotional items that are affordable and sure to attract attention to your booth:
These are some of the best giveaways exhibitors can offer attendees. Especially at trade shows, buyers likely have their hands full with personal items, snacks, and maybe other giveaways from other suppliers. Not only are they affordable, but they can also be easily customized with your logo or mission statement.Â
Check out these customizable tote bags from BL Gifts Imports. Available in 14 different colors, they are made with water-resistant material and hand washable.Â
These giveaways are small enough to be able to fit in any pocket, but big enough to make an impact and have attendees remember your company well after the trade show is over. Many people use lip balm frequently, and having your logo printed on it can keep your brand top of mind. They are also another affordable promotional product option.Â
These natural beeswax lip balms are made in the USA, paraben-free, and include moisturizing Vitamin E and aloe to keep lips soothed all day long. They also come in a variety of delicious flavors including Pumpkin Spice, Apple, Vanilla Mint, Tropical Punch, and more.Â
These freebies are great for any time of the year — as long as there is a sunny day, anyone can wear them. As an added plus, if attendees wear them outside of the trade show event, it can increase your brand awareness even that much more. Sunglasses are a cheap and stylish giveaway to offer potential buyers.Â
Available in a variety of styles, these promotional sunglasses are the perfect giveaway item for attendees. 60 pairs come with each order, and you can get your logo placed right on each pair.Â
Custom bookmarks are a super affordable way to promote your company at a trade show. Not only are they more memorable than pens or pencils, but attendees can keep them and remember your business for years to come. You can also add more than just your logo to bookmarks since there is more room for play, like possibly adding your company’s mission statement or a brief rundown of all of the products you offer.Â
These custom laminated bookmarks are perfect to promote your business. Available in four different styles, each bookmark is sealed with a glossy, crystal-clear laminate and made right here in the U.S. Harmony Designs offers free full color printing and setup, making them even more budget-friendly.Â
Walking around the entire show floor can get very tiring, so giving out promotional reusable water bottles is a great way to keep attendees hydrated throughout the event. They also often have a long life span, which means potential buyers will be using them long after the show is over, keeping your brand top of mind whenever they use it.Â
Complete with a double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel interior, this promotional water bottle is sure to be a big hit at your booth. It can hold 23 oz. of either hot or cold liquids and is available in black and white colors. The locking flip top lid and carrying handle make it the perfect water bottle to carry around at a trade show.Â
This is one giveaway item that is sure to make your company stand out from the rest. Elevator touch sticks are great tools to help attendees get around the trade show without needing to touch buttons or door handles, and you can get your logo printed right on them. They are small enough to fit inside pockets, but super handy to have while walking around the show floor.Â
These elevator touch sticks come in four colors and are super affordable. They serve two functions: one for pressing buttons (elevators, locks, doorbells, etc.), and the other for clamping (drawer and door handles). The inner sponge is also there to absorb disinfectants.Â
Smartphones dominate the mobile device market and are here to stay for the foreseeable future, so what better way to provide value to your visitors than offering a smartphone wallet? They can easily be transferred right onto the back of any smartphone, and can hold cash, cards, drivers licenses, and more.Â
Check out these fully customizable smartphone wallets. With a variety of colors and styles available, you can easily get your logo printed on these wallets to make a lasting impression on passersby.Â
If none of these promotional items catch your eye and are still looking for giveaway inspiration, check out www.WholesaleCentral.com to find a wide variety of options. Simply type in the product you are looking for, and click on the ‘Promotional’ category.
