As a New York event planner, you’re always coaching your corporate event clients about bringing promotional items, swag, and guest prizes to their events. But what about your own event company? Are you tapping into the massive power of the branded promotional item for your event planning business? Give the tired clicker pens a break and get inspired with these exciting promo products, perfect for handouts to your event planning clients and especially impactful for use at your own event planning exhibitor booth networking efforts.
How Swag Items and Promotional Products Can Give Your Business a Boost
Swag items and promotional products are effective and versatile marketing tools that have multiple benefits. Your booth visitors will have an instant connection with your event planning brand. Here are some benefits these items can bring to your events business:
- Increase brand awareness and recognition - By incorporating promotional products into your business model, you’ll create increased brand awareness from potential event clients.
- Increase customer loyalty - It’s important to build and maintain event client loyalty, and the use of branded items can create a positive association with your brand. When exhibitor guests love your swag, they’ll think positively of your brand. And the more loyal they become, the more repeat events and referrals you can expect.
- Cost-effective advertising - Contrary to traditional advertising like print or digital ads, branded promotional products have a longer lifespan. These products can be used continuously over time and generate a higher impression rate. And there’s incredible marketing power in a physical, tangible representation of your event brand.
- Targeted marketing - Promotional products can be given out to a target audience, which will allow for more precise advertising. You’ve chosen to exhibit because there’s a likelihood that booth visitors are your niche clientele. Don’t let them leave your booth without a branded item in their hands!
- Stand out from the competition - Promotional products come in a wide variety of options, and customization can take these products to new heights. Eye-catching designs and product choices can help your event planning business stand out in a crowded marketplace.
How to Choose the Most Impactful Promotion Products for Your Event Business
While there are many swag and promotional items to choose from, the best products are those that connect most with your company’s brand. It’s important to choose products that are useful over time and more than once. Some items will align with your event planning brand more than others, so keep these points in mind when choosing the most suitable promotional products:
- Determine your goals - What do you want to achieve with your products? Are you looking to increase your brand recognition? Do you want to drive sales? Or are you aiming to reward loyal event clients? Figuring out what your desired outcomes are should shape your product selection.
- Represent your brand - When the products represent your brand, the target audience can connect your identity and values through your chosen products. For example, a wedding planner will want to consider promotional items that are specifically helpful to brides they’re targeting.
- Limit single-use products - Choose products that are useful and long-lasting. Single-use products have their purpose. But the best way to get bang for your buck is to provide items that solve a problem and give value to those using them.
- Know your audience - It’s important to know the demographics, interests, and preferences of your target event client. Some audiences might not be as tech-savvy as others, while some might be more health-conscious than others.
- Explore trending products - Consider incorporating the latest technologies, creative designs, and sustainable options and turn heads with your creative promotional product choices. You’ll gain more traction with trendy branded totes and branded digital phone chargers than the old-fashioned logo-slapped pen or coffee mug.
- Choose quality - Low-quality products won’t leave a lasting impression on your potential event clients. Don’t waste your marketing budget on items that people are just going to throw away. And remember, poor quality products convey poor quality service for your brand.
Reinforce Your Event Brand with These Promotional Products
As we’ve explored above, not every event company is going to have the same targeted audience. Get inspired to bring something new to your exhibitor booth experience and for your client loyalty programs! Put something in their hands that’s truly representative of your event planning brand and memorable beyond the moment.
10 Branded Tech Gear Items Potential Clients Love
- Headphones
- Portable chargers
- Laptop sleeves
- Phone stands
- Cable organizers
- Wireless chargers
- Bluetooth speakers
- Tablet cases
- Stylus pens
- Mousepads
10 Branded Environmental-Conscious Goodies
- Reusable shopping bags
- Bamboo utensil sets
- Seed packets
- Reusable water bottles
- Biodegradable pens
- Plantable paper products
- Reusable straws
- Beeswax wraps
- Solar-powered chargers
- Recycled notebooks
10 Ways Health and Wellness Swag Always Wins
- Customized water bottles
- Sweatbands
- Workout towels
- Foam rollers
- Yoga mats
- Protein shakers
- Resistance bands
- Athletic apparel
- Fitness journals
- Activity trackers
10 Branded Food and Beverage Items with Staying Power
- Customized mugs
- Branded snack packs
- Containers and pouches
- BPA-free water bottles
- Cooking utensils
- Recipe cards
- Cookbooks
- Gourmet gift baskets
- Aprons and chef hats
- Cutting boards
10 Office and Work-Related Swag Ideas
- Customized notebooks
- Designer or innovative pens
- Calculators
- Leather portfolios
- Credit cardholders
- Travel accessories
- Clocks
- Desk organizers
- Stationary set
- USB flash drives
10 Ways to Promote Wellness with Branded Swag
- Hand sanitizer
- Pill organizers
- First aid kids
- Thermometers
- Wellness journals
- Snack packs
- Stress balls
- Appointment reminder magnets
- Stethoscope ID tags
- Hot & cold packs
10 Examples of On the Go Branded Merch
- Customized totes
- Umbrellas
- Lunch coolers
- Personalized journals
- Calendar planners
- Sleep masks
- Wearables
- Koozies
- Blankets & throws
- Vehicle accessories
10 Universal Swag Ideas for Every Event Business
- Pens & pencils
- Keychains
- Drinkware
- Stickers
- Magnets
- Coasters
- T-shirts & sweatshirts
- Hats
- Drawstring bags
- Fanny packs
Get Your Swag and Promo Products Ready for The Event Planner Expo in 2024!
Get inspired and creative with your event planning branded promo items this year with this helpful list. You’re always encouraging your event clients - but don’t neglect your own event business. Start tapping into the long-term marketing power of the brand in hand! And if you’re looking for upcoming exhibitor opportunities to showcase your event services, The Event Planner Expo is happening this year at the Metropolitan Pavilion right here in Manhattan. Mark your calendars for October 15th-17th, 2024, and rub elbows with industry professionals. Be sure to reserve your booth on the trade show floor and hand out all that swag to promote your business!
