Gifts for conference attendees are a staple for event planners because they’re a great way to show visitors you appreciate their presence at your event. Functional, stylish conference bags can make a strong first impression. In fact, an experiment (PDF) conducted by Georgia Southern University showed that recipients of promotional products had a significantly more positive image of a company than consumers who did not receive promotional products.
If you are looking for conference gift bag ideas for your next event, we have several options for you to make a lasting impression.
How to select the best conference giveaways
A great swag bag can show appreciation, when done correctly. We’ve put together these tips to help you pick out a smart conference gift bag.
Seek out gifts that are functional
Simply put, people are on their phones at conferences—all the time. Whether they’re social networking, responding to emails or setting up meetings, using up half their battery power by lunchtime isn’t unusual. A cell phone power bank and this traveler tech box with ear buds are excellent ideas that your conference attendees will surely use over and over again.
Everyone at the conference will appreciate a bottle of water and a snack, especially for an all-day meeting. This survival snack tube includes great gifts for conference attendees, like a bottle of water, pretzels, a granola bar and a PowerBar®.
Select items that inspire
To ensure your bag is on the right track, ask yourself: Is this something I would get for myself or give to someone I care about? A nice journal and pen to complement your brand and event theme is a great way for attendees to take notes and keep track of new ideas during the conference.
Choose swag ideas your attendees want
In a study (PDF) by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 58 percent of respondents said they keep a promotional product anywhere from one year to more than four years. Even if the recipient uses the item only once per week, that’s a minimum of 52 impressions made over the course of a year—with the possibility of more than 208 during a five-year window. A zip pouch is among the best conference giveaways because it’s a great place to store personal products, spare change, tech gadgets and other items that conference attendees will use at and after the event.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, conventions and events were expected to increase by 7.76% between 2021 and 2027. That means you’re more likely to meet up with potential clients at events and conferences. With these conference gift bag ideas, you’ll be sure to select items that fit your audience’s style.