Editor’s note: This article was originally published in January 2019 and has since been updated with the latest trade show research and giveaway ideas.
Every year, companies attend trade shows to build relationships, generate leads and strengthen their brand. Trade show giveaways can help in two key ways.
First, promotional products attract visitors to your trade show booth. A cool, interesting or surprising promo item will always draw a crowd. Secondly, promotional products ensure your name is remembered after the show. In fact, one study found that attendees are 50% more likely to stop at your booth if you offer trade show promotional items.
We’ve put together a collection of some of the best trade show giveaways to help you catch attention and make sure you’re remembered.
Classic trade show promo items
Some promotional products never go out of style, helping keep your brand top of mind year after year. Classic items are an excellent place to start when selecting which popular trade show giveaways to offer. Add a unique twist to stand out. According to a study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (PDF), Canadians keep several promo products, including:
- Writing instruments: If you’re looking for a unique promotional pen, try one that will make your brand shine—literally. The Lumitron Light-Up Logo Pen illuminates your engraved logo.
- Shirts: Go for apparel that pops, like fashion-forward heather. Heather fabric is a fashionable choice, from high-end to retail. The Gildan® Softstyle T-Shirt is soft, chic and attention-grabbing.
- Bags: For a bag that customers will want at the show and beyond, consider this Fun Tote. In addition to a roomy interior, this popular trade show giveaway has a mesh pocket for a water bottle, a front slip pocket for pens and phones, and a ring for their keys—features any attendee can put to good use.
- Calendars: A calendar puts your organization’s name front and centre 365 days a year. The mini Glorious Getaways Calendar will have them daydreaming about their next retreat while having eyes on your brand.
- Office accessories: The Office Buddy Cube is a simple but useful tool for just about anyone. With space for writing instruments, Post-It Notes® and more, this giveaway is sure to please.
Smartphone accessories
Almost 32 million Canadians use a smartphone. That number will continue to rise, making smartphone accessories one of the best trade show giveaways. Because there are so many accessories to choose from, you’ll find a variety of giveaways for just about every budget.
For a budget-friendly giveaway, the Alpine Duo Charging Cable Keychain is affordable and useful. They’ll love having an iPhone® and micro-USB charger at their fingertips.
With the Energize Jr. Portable Power Bank, they can keep using their phone while they charge it—a useful feature when running from place to place. PopSockets® Phone Stands are one of the hottest items on the smartphone market, selling more than 250 million worldwide. These wildly popular accessories prevent drops, act as a prop and aid in taking picture-perfect selfies—all courtesy of your brand.
If you’re looking for a “wow” item, check out the Wi-Fi Smart Bulb Socket. It allows users to control their lights from their phones. They’ll line up to get their hands on one of these.
Useful trade show giveaways people want
According to a PPAI study, 75% of people keep a promo product if it’s useful.
By providing useful trade show giveaways, you’ll ensure they remember you long after the event ends.
Food and drink
If they’re rushing around the trade show floor (or in their home or office), they will be grateful for a snack and some hydration. A Folding Water Bottle offers an easy-to-store, easy-to-carry way for keeping thirst quenched. The Tasty Treats Trail Mix will draw them to your booth, opening the door for a conversation about what your company can do for them.
A tool they’ll want to keep on hand
The Swiss Force Handyman Gift Set checks all the boxes for the ideal trade show item. It’s small enough to be tucked into a purse, bag or pocket, but the reversible Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers make it helpful in a variety of situations. It’s also unusual and eye-catching, making it an excellent way to draw attention.
Trade show promo items help you stand out in a crowd
Trade show floors are busy places, filled with people looking for solutions to their problems. Selecting the best trade show giveaways will help you capture attention and give you the opportunity to meet new prospects. Need your promo products fast? We offer rush promotional products to the rescue.