How are promotional products useful giveaways at conference booths?
They serve as a physical touchpoint: a reminder of your brand after the event. If chosen smartly, they can spark ongoing engagement and keep you top of mind.
What should I look for when selecting promo items?
Prioritize utility or novelty (something people will use or talk about) over pure branding. Also consider portability (people carry them home), connection to your brand or message.
How many items should I order, and what mix?
Start with an attendee-to-booth ratio plus extras. Include tiers: a few premium gifts (for high-value leads), mid-level useful items, and smaller giveaways for broad distribution.
How do I tie my booth & promo into digital follow-up?
Use QR codes, custom URLs, or NFC cards on promo items. Encourage recipients to "activate" or register their item online (such as for additional content, or discount). That helps you track engagement and turn recipients into contacts.
How do I measure ROI for booth and promo investment?
Assign attribution: track direct leads from the event, use activation URLs or codes, survey recipients, and monitor post-event search volume for your brand/offer. Compare total leads / conversions vs. investment.
When should I start planning my conference booth swag?
Ideally start brainstorming several months out. That will give you enough time to decide on promo merch and related messaging, and get team buy in. (Most custom promo products will take 2 weeks to create and have delivered, but check delivery dates in the description of each product.)
What mistakes do companies make with custom marketing merch?
A few common ones are ordering generic swag (everyone else has it), ignoring fulfillment or shipment logistics, not planning activation or follow-up, and not considering if it will be easy for conference attendees to get your swag home.
Are there trends I should watch?
Yes, eco-friendly or recycled materials resonate strongly now. Tech-enabled swag (wireless chargers, smart gadgets) can make more impact. And personalized or limited-edition items create a sense of exclusivity.
How do I ensure my booth catches attention — without overwhelming attendees?
Design for clarity & contrast. Use minimal messaging (a few strong words). Incorporate storytelling visuals. Create moments: demos, interactive displays, or a "prop" that piques curiosity. Then let your team make the connection.
