4imprint, LLC

| Updated: October 31, 2024

When it comes to generating awareness about your business and its presence at a trade show, handing out promotional giveaways is key. More than any other advertising channel (broadcast, online, mobile or print), promo products are most effective at driving action (PDF). In fact, 90 percent of people who receive a promotional item remember the brand, and 83 percent say they are more likely to conduct business with the company that gave it to them, according to the same source.

If you’re looking to make a big impression during your next trade show, think trade show bags. Keep reading for several ideas on creating swag bags that rock.

Customers will line up for these trade show bags

Filling your trade show bags with the right stuff is as easy as one, two, three:

    1. Stay on-brand: Promotional products give recipients a favourable impression of your organization. Seventy-one percent report feeling happy after receiving a promotional giveaway, and 43 percent say it made them feel appreciated, according to the source above. Make sure attendees associate their positive feelings with your business by aligning the contents of your trade show bag with your company’s brand and messaging. For instance, an outdoor gear company could tuck a pair of camouflage shades, a fishing bobber and a collapsible sport bottle into a camo trade show tote. Customers and prospects will think of that brand every time they hunt or fish.
    2. Provide value: Whatever you’re including in your swag bag must provide value to those who receive it. Eighty-five percent (PDF) of promo product recipients rate usefulness as a top reason for keeping a promotional item (see Consumer Study above). Smartphone wallets and USB chargers top the list of useful trade show giveaways, as do tote bags. Choose a packable bag, like this foldable shopping tote. Combine a smartphone wallet and phone stand with this attractive metallic USB charger for the perfect trade show giveaway.
    3. Keep your budget in mind: Budget is a top consideration when planning a trade show. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, it’s promotional pens for the win, coming in at a cost of one-tenth of a cent per impression. What’s more, promotional bags generate more impressions than any other promotional product—just one tote can get more than 5,700 pairs of eyes in its lifetime. And promotional calendars have staying power (averaging 12 months), plus they get a lot of glances. For trade show totes that are sure to pack a punch, choose an oversized grocery bag and toss in a repositionable calendar and a multi-ink pen for many months of enjoyment.

Trade show bags are great for generating buzz about your business and its presence at a trade show. Choose totes and other useful trade show giveaways that are consistent with your brand, valuable to your customers and budget-friendly for your bottom line.