4 reasons why promotional giveaways work well in trade shows and conferences

4 reasons why promotional giveaways work well in trade shows and conferences  Guest Post By Tim Brown

Trade shows and conferences are held for the express purpose of bringing together every kind of producer, manufacturer, supplier, and consumer of an industry, so that everyone can gain by sharing information with the public, and also for launching of new products, systems, and services in a big way. The companies that sponsor or participate do so to make their presence felt both in the market and among their target audience.

What is a giveaway?

Giving away of gifts and mementos at such industry events has become the norm. The giveaways, which can be anything small and utilitarian is embossed with the company name, logo, milestone, or the latest products image. The main motive is the announcing of an organization’s latest achievement or significant milestone, which is then distributed to the visitors so that they carry home a souvenir and remember the company and its product later.

Typical giveaways:

Most common giveaways are small and relatively less expensive items like pens, key chains, lighters, Frisbees, or stress balls. Some companies might up the ante and give away diaries, digital clocks, alarm clocks, T shirts, etc. But these kinds of more expensive items are usually not given to the public, but to other industry people like manufacturers or suppliers. These items are meant to be of use and value to the people receiving the gifts and are supposed to be reminded of the company and its products or services at a strategic time.

Industry standards:

Sometimes, these giveaways can be highly sought after items since they serve a particular purpose or perform a service which can be quite useful to the industry insiders. Compasses, paper weights, stethoscopes, thermometers, barometers, screw driver sets, etc. are some simple examples of such useful giveaways. Like at an hoteliers convention, it might make better sense to give away holiday packages. Likewise, at a restaurateurs convention, a dinner for two is a great idea.

Novelty value:

There are some companies and industries that go out of their way to come up with unique ideas for giveaways. There was this one company which installed a slot machine and issued some complimentary chips for people to play; the game was designed with the company logo, and the company’s products were to be won as prizes! Giving away gift coupons for your products or services is also a very good idea; so is conducting a lucky draw: get your visitors to drop their cards into a box; tell them that on the last day there will be a lucky draw and the winner will get a surprise gift. Here the benefit is you get plenty of visiting cards for future business contacts. Though there are many conventional giveaways, the one quirky novelty item will become a conversation piece, and the company will get its money’s worth for years to come.

Tim has been a longtime advocate of promotional giveaways and has written numerous posts on their benefits at customgear.com.au. From promotional caps to pens and t-shirts, Tim has used them all and encourages marketers to develop a proper branding strategy.

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Tim Somers
Bizarre Marketing