Whether you’re planning a conference, trade show, job fair, or any other type of corporate event, conference swag is one of the easiest ways to wow your attendees.
I mean, let’s face it, who doesn’t like freebies?
The only problem: everyone is using it!
So, how can you make your corporate event stand out and leave a lasting impression on attendees?
Well, at SwagDrop, we believe that high-quality, one-of-a-kind conference swag will do the trick.
And our clients agree.
So, based on their feedback and our own experience and online research, we’ve created this list of 26 unique conference swag items that can ensure your next conference’s success.
Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Most Popular Swag According to Conference Attendees
Conference Swag for When You’re on a Budget
Best Swag for Virtual Conferences
Why Good Swag Matters for Conference Giveaways
Most Popular Swag According to Conference Attendees
What better way to identify the best conference swag than by seeking conference-goers’ opinions?
That’s why we’ve decided to analyze what Reddit users are saying about this.
Surprisingly, we discovered that even though branded apparel can still boost brand visibility, its effects are often short-term.
The main reason is that event organizers often choose low-quality, ugly T-shirts that attendees end up turning into PJs.
So, never compromise on quality!
Now, let’s look at some of the best event swag ideas according to Reddit event attendees and our clients.
Quality pens
While some Reddit users say they are fed up with branded pens, we’ve noticed that most of them are just fed up with their quality.
That’s why you should avoid going for the cheapest option.
For instance, this Waterman Allure Pen is no ordinary promotional gift as it creates a unique writing experience.
Its modern, French-influenced design with contemporary finishes, together with the stylish gift box, make it an exquisite trade show giveaway.
Branded playing card decks
One Reddit user mentioned receiving branded playing card decks at a law school conference that were ‘HUGELY popular with attendees’.
Wow, that’s quite a unique and fun swag gift, right?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
This Bicycle® Bourbon playing card gift set is one of our favorites.
One of the things that make these playing cards so special is their vintage design that celebrates the Kentucky Bourbon tradition.
Plus, they come in a handsome canvas card holder that you can customize with your company logo and name.
Tote bags
There’s no denying that tote bags are one of the best conference gifts according to Reddit users.
One of them actually said: ‘I will question other attendees in order to track down your booth if you are giving out reusable shopping bags/totes.’
And we totally agree!
For example, one of our clients’ favorites is this natural-looking and very practical grocery tote.
Why is that?
Because this eco-friendly promotional product is both reusable and made out of 70%–80% recycled cotton and 20–30% recycled PET.
So, it’s the perfect giveaway idea for increasing brand exposure and showing your conference attendees that your company values and wants to protect the environment.
Post-it notes
Another Reddit user favorite is Post-it notes.
After all, these cool office supplies are very practical and are easily customizable.
So, if you want to make your conference swag more fun, you can opt for colorful Post-it notes.
Lip balm
Based on our clients’ feedback, lip balm is a very popular job fair giveaway because it shows potential employees you care about their well-being.
During winter, lip balm protects your attendees’ lips from cracks caused by the cold, while in summer it protects them from sunburn.
So, it’s a very thoughtful corporate gift.
In addition, thoughtful and meaningful gifts also help you foster inclusivity in your branded swag, which is very important.
We recommend this lip balm because it’s made out of 95% organic ingredients including beeswax and sunflower oil.
Plus, you can customize it with your company logo or name.
Hand sanitizer
Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we all became painfully aware of how important it is to keep our hands clean at all times.
So, it’s no wonder that Reddit users consider hand sanitizers great company swag.
And to make this promotional item even more practical, we suggest you opt for this 1.8oz Clip-N-Go hand sanitizer.
What we and our clients love most about it is that it comes with a metal mini-carabiner that allows you to attach it to your keychain so you can take it with you everywhere.
That, in turn, will also help increase brand awareness, as long as you personalize it with your company name,
Reusable water bottles
Another top choice for Reddit users is the reusable water bottle.
Whether you opt for a custom tumbler or an insulated water bottle, you’ll show your attendees that your company promotes environmental sustainability.
One of our best-selling drinkware items is this double-wall stainless steel water bottle with vacuum insulation.
Due to its structure, this trendy water bottle will keep your coffee or tea hot for 12 hours and your homemade orange juice cold for 48 hours.
So, your attendees can enjoy their favorite beverages while commuting, at the office, at the gym, and even on business trips.
And let’s not forget that it comes in 6 different colors, so you can choose one that best aligns with your branding colors.
Branded webcam covers
The branded webcam cover is, for sure, the most unusual conference swag idea we discovered on Reddit.
Who would’ve guessed that such a small item could have such a big impact?
Well, one of the Reddit users mentioned that, ‘Those things went like hotcakes.’
So, you should definitely give them a try.
***
That’s all well and good, but what if you can’t afford trendy promotional items?
In that case, check out our budget-friendly selection of conference swag.
Conference Swag for When You’re on a Budget
We understand that some branded items can be a bit pricey for small businesses.
But the good news is that there are plenty of high-quality and low-cost small business promotional items to choose from.
Here are some of our clients’ top picks for this category.
Key chains and key rings
These may be small, but they are also very practical.
Plus, since your attendees will carry them with them at all times, they are perfect for enhancing brand visibility.
So, if you want to leave a lasting impression at your next event, we suggest you go with this aluminum key ring and bottle opener.
Our clients love this practical accessory because their event attendees can use it at the office, at parties, and even on holidays to open their favorite beverages.
Hot or cold packs
Hot or cold packs make meaningful wellness gifts for employees and clients.
After all, anyone can get a migraine or suffer a small injury while at work.
In such cases, hot or cold compresses can be a lifesaver or, at least, a temporary remedy.
Our clients usually opt for the Serenity gel packs because they are very easy to use.
You can heat them for 30 seconds in the microwave or leave them in the freezer for 2 hours and they are ready to go.
Lanyards and badge holders
Since many companies require their employees to wear badges at work, customized lanyards and badge holders can easily boost brand awareness.
This polyester lanyard is one of our top choices due to a flat-paneled design that you can easily personalize with your company logo and name.
Plus, it measures 18″ L x 13/16″ W, which means that your company name will be clearly visible.
Stress balls and stress relievers
Unfortunately, stress has become a normal part of everyday life.
And the worst part is that sustained exposure to it can affect our physical and mental health.
That’s why it’s important to remind people to unwind whenever they get the chance.
Thus, stress balls and other stress relievers represent very thoughtful giveaways.
These squeezable polyurethane foam balls are ideal for relieving stress throughout the day.
They also come in many different colors, which makes them a fun addition to your conference swag goodies bag.
Stickers
While stickers are probably the most well-known type of giveaway item, they remain very popular.
After all, they are very budget-friendly and can easily boost brand awareness.
However, for maximum results, you should come up with an eye-catching design.
And besides your company logo or name, you could also include a fun or inspirational slogan.
This way, you can ensure that your event attendees will place those stickers in visible places, like the office fridge, their laptop, or other office accessories.
Wristbands
Personalized wristbands are another example of common swag gifts that will probably never go out of style.
Unfortunately, their advertising effect is usually short-lived, because people take them off once the event is over.
Still, you could prevent this from happening if you customize them with a cool message alongside your company logo.
Our clients love this full sublimation-dyed, smooth polyester wristband with a non-release slide clip.
It comes in green, yellow, and red and you can choose between 3 social distancing messages.
These messages will allow your attendees to express what they’re comfortable with during your event, in a non-verbal manner.
***
As you can see, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
There are lots of branded items that won’t put a dent in your company’s wallet.
Now, let’s see how you can handle virtual conferences.
Best Swag for Virtual Conferences
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic turned many in-person conferences into virtual events.
But everyone adapted and now, virtual conferences are quite common.
However, as a virtual event organizer, you should know that your attendees still expect to receive giveaways even if you’re not hosting an in-person conference.
Not to mention that you should also offer speakers’ gifts to show your appreciation toward the active participants.
The good news is that virtual swag can be just as effective as in-person swag when it comes to leaving a lasting impression on your event attendees.
So, you should make use of it!
Now, take a look at some of our clients’ virtual conference gift ideas.
Digital swag bags
First off, even if you’re hosting a virtual conference, you can still send goodie bags via mail to your attendees.
And you’ve got plenty of swag bag ideas to choose from.
However, if this proves to be too pricey for your brand, you can always opt for a digital swag bag.
This virtual goodie bag should include key event information and contact details, as well as digital corporate gifts such as the ones we’ll describe next.
Digital gift cards
Let’s face it, everyone loves gift cards and, trust us, they work the same in physical and digital formats.
So, definitely consider them for both in-person conferences and virtual events.
Now, if your goal is to convert your attendees into customers, you should offer gift cards for your brand’s products or services.
On the other hand, if you want to show your appreciation toward your staff or big clients, you can opt for digital gift cards for other useful products or services.
For example, you can offer gift cards for Uber services or Amazon purchases.
Either way, presentation matters!
So, if you send digital gift cards via email, you should come up with an eye-catching design and personalize your message.
Online course subscriptions
Online course subscriptions make great virtual conference giveaways because they can promote continuous learning or wellness.
You can opt for online educational courses, for example, that promote skill development or the advancement of knowledge.
And if you want to add a fun twist to your conference gift, you can opt for a cooking course instead of a business one.
Alternatively, you can go with an online fitness course to encourage people to exercise and improve their health.
But no matter which you choose, we guarantee it will wow your attendees.
Online gaming vouchers
Who says corporate gifts can’t be fun?
And since even grown-ups like to play, online gaming vouchers can be a big hit at your next event.
It doesn’t matter if your attendees are avid or casual gamers. We assure you that they’ll enjoy this company swag just as much.
So, get them an online gaming voucher for a popular gaming platform where they can choose what they want to play.
Exclusive digital content
Offering exclusive digital content is a great way to make your event attendees feel special.
Plus, it helps your brand reward and build employee and customer loyalty and trust.
This exclusive digital content can include:
- Early access to new products or services
- Invitations to special events
- Exclusive offers and discounts
- Downloadable informative materials
Tech accessories
As we’ve already mentioned, virtual swag can also include physical gifts that you send via mail to your virtual event attendees.
And tech accessories are a great choice here because they are very practical.
Whether you opt for mobile device cases, chargers, earbuds, power banks, or other gadgets, your attendees will love them.
Our clients often opt for the Royal Fleet Smart Fitness Tracker because it shows event attendees that your brand cares about their well-being.
This smartwatch allows you to track and monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, calories, steps, and sleep patterns so that you can stay fit and healthy.
In addition, it helps you stay on top of work notifications, which increases your productivity.
Plus, it has a sleek and minimalist design that goes well with any outfit.
***
Now that you know how to handle virtual conference swag, let’s turn to a more pressing issue.
How do you impress a VIP event’s attendees?
Keep reading and find out.
Luxury Conference Swag
Conferences also help you attract new investors or show your appreciation toward important clients.
However, regular conference swag won’t do the trick here.
That’s why you should invest in some luxury promotional products that will wow these important guests.
Here are some of our top recommendations that mostly include high-quality tech swag.
Noise-canceling headphones
Whether you work from home surrounded by screaming kids or in a busy work environment, noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver.
They allow you to shut out disturbing noises and focus on your work, making you more productive in any setting.
So, they are the perfect conference gift for any business professional.
We recommend these Cleer Enduro ANC Noise-Canceling Headphones because they offer an outstanding 60 hours of extended use.
Plus, they have a very elegant design that recipients will adore.
Waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Everyone loves gadgets and music, so a combination of these two is always a good giveaway idea.
In addition, a Bluetooth speaker lets your recipients enjoy their favorite tunes at home, at work, at BBQs, and at parties.
It means people remember your brand during pleasant times, especially if you customize the speaker with your company logo or name.
One of our clients’ favorites is this Soundpro Waterproof Magnetic Speaker.
This item is unique due to strong magnets that allow you to attach it to golf carts, beach and camping tents, and other outdoor objects.
Isn’t that amazing?!
And it also has built-in silicone around corners and sides that make it shock-resistant and provide IPX-6 waterproof protection.
Temperature control smart mug
Custom mugs are some of the best conference swag items because they are practical and can enhance brand exposure.
Still, you should go the extra mile for important attendees and opt for a temperature control smart mug.
Based on our clients’ feedback, we suggest you go with the Ember Mug.
This smart mug offers a unique experience as it allows you to set an exact drinking temperature, so your coffee or tea is neither too hot nor too cold.
It also has a smart LED that tells you when your beverage has reached the desired temperature.
Portable solar panel
In a world where environmental protection is becoming more and more important, eco-friendly promotional products will always make a good impression.
However, if you’re looking for luxury conference swag, you can forget about the eco-friendly drawstring bag.
Instead, you can wow the recipients with the BioLite SolarPanel 5+.
This lightweight and portable solar panel allows you to charge phones, tablets, and BioLite gear with this ultra-slim 5-watt panel.
Plus, its 3,200 mAh built-in battery stores energy for later, so you can charge your devices whenever you need to.
Making this a great giveaway idea for eco-conscious attendees and outdoor enthusiasts.
Moleskine smart writing set
Technology never ceases to amaze us! It even managed to enhance our writing experience.
Of course, you can still opt for the traditional branded notebooks and notepads for your general event attendees.
However, a smart writing set would make a unique conference swag idea for important recipients.
We adore this Moleskine® Smart Writing Set that includes a smart notebook, a smart pen, a magnetic charger, and a pen tip ink refill.
What’s so special about it?
Well, this set allows you to create a digital copy of every handwritten page.
So, you can later transcribe, search, edit, and share everything you jotted down in this smart notebook.
How cool is that?!
Courant wireless charger
Since we use our phones and other devices all day long, wireless chargers have become very popular conference giveaways.
But if you want to wow your recipients, you should opt for the deluxe version.
Let us introduce you to the Courant Classics Catch:3.
This item combines multi-coil, single-device wireless charging technology with a familiar valet silhouette wrapped in soft leather, which gives it a sophisticated look.
So, you can use it to keep your everyday accessories in one place, while also charging your essential devices.
***
That’s all well and good, but why is conference swag so important?
Let’s find out!
Why Good Swag Matters for Conference Giveaways
Whether you’re hosting an in-person conference or a virtual event, offering quality conference giveaways to your attendees will bring you many benefits.
Here are some of them:
- Boosts brand visibility and recognition. If you offer quality swag, your attendees will use or wear it wherever they go.
Thus, they become walking billboards for your brand because other people will see your company name.
- Increases engagement. Since everyone likes freebies, you’ll attract lots of potential clients and spark their interest with good swag.
Plus, unique giveaways can initiate interactions and conversations with the event attendees.
- Helps build relationships. On the one hand, good swag attracts prospects with whom you can have meaningful conversations that form the beginning of your relationship.
On the other hand, you can use quality swag to show your team members and existing clients how much you appreciate them, thus strengthening your relationship.
- Makes your brand stand out from the rest. Since all businesses use conference swag, choosing high-quality, one-of-a-kind giveaway items will help you differentiate your brand from the competition.
Plus, when attendees receive unique corporate gifts, they often post about them on social media, offering your brand some free advertising.
As you can see, investing in good conference swag is definitely worth it.
So, start ordering!
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Start Ordering Your Conference Swag
Now that you know all there is to know about conference swag, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start planning for your next event.
If you need any help finding the right giveaways for your event, just reach out and we’ll assist you.
Or you can check out our complete swag catalog and start building your swag pack today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions about conference swag:
Q1. What is the difference between conference swag and a gift idea?
The main difference is that conference swag is a branded gift offered for marketing purposes, while a gift idea is a simple way of showing appreciation without a marketing goal.
Q2. How can I send swag for a virtual conference?
You can send swag for a virtual conference via mail or provide all the contact details to our SwagDrop team and we’ll ship everything for you.
Q3. How do you choose the right swag for your conference audience?
As a general rule, you should opt for practical, high-quality, and appealing conference swag that any attendee will enjoy. However, if you know the people in attendance, you should try to tailor your swag to their preferences or interests.
Q4. How do you choose memorable and useful swag for a tech conference?
Since everyone loves gadgets, just pick items that are truly useful, like chargers, power banks, earbuds, headphones, or Bluetooth speakers, and personalize them with your company logo or name.
Q5. How do you choose sustainable or eco-friendly swag for a conference?
You can never go wrong with eco-friendly conference swag. You can start with an eco-friendly drawstring bag or tote bag and add other sustainable goodies inside, like a reusable water bottle.
