Gift bags might be synonymous with events, but let’s be honest: Most of that stuff tends to end up in the nearest rubbish can when no one’s looking. Don’t choose something that’s easily discarded; instead, give something that’s worthy of your attendees’ hard work. The best event gifts cultivate an authentic emotional connection with your brand long after the event is over. In order to inspire that connection with your brand, event gifts need to be thoughtful, be useful, provide a unique experience and have a high perceived value. Treat attendees to these gifts they will definitely want to take home and come back for more! Here are some brilliant gift ideas attendees will find effective, desirable and memorable.
- Unique Food Gifts
People always stop to chat if you’re giving away food — after all, people tend to go long periods of time without food at conferences since they’re usually scurrying around from place to place. But you’re doing it right if the food you’re giving away is unique and could be a conversation-starter. An example is Coffee Cereal (coffee-flavoured cereal that has caffeine in it), which served as a unique conversation starter for attendees who’d never heard of it before. While these won’t last as long as other gift items, they can serve as an interesting way to get people talking about your brand for some time. - Scratch & Win Prizes
Let your event attendees try their luck with scratchcards offering special prizes. This is a great way to get people excited about your event and the potential for high-end items without having to spend your entire budget on a single event. Be sure to advertise all the potential things they can win if you want to build anticipation and encourage participation. - Desk Plants
If the worst event gift ends up in the trash, the best stuff ends up on your attendee’s desk — where your brand will get exposed to their coworkers. It is recommended to offer your guests a little greenery. Plants don’t just brighten up the office. They also lift your attendees’ spirits throughout the workday. And, long after your event has ended, a variety of fun little desk succulents will ensure your event is top of mind throughout the year. Just be sure to offer plants that come in small boxes so that they can travel easily. - Seasonal Items
Everyone likes unique gifts in their event gift bags. One way to make your gift bag stand out is by filling it with fun, seasonal items. Most companies don’t give out seasonal items because they’re looking for gifts that can be used year-round, but that fact alone makes these items even more special. If you’re hosting a summer conference or an event in a beach location, for example, then think about giving out items like beach towels, flip flops, and frisbees. They cater to activities attendees can partake in during the event. Also, let’s think even another step ahead: When and where will attendees use your swag items? They’ll probably use beach items and outdoor sports paraphernalia in public places where other people might see them and ask, “Where did you get that?” or “What company is that?” The result? Your company’s exposure will go far beyond the conference’s attendees. - Food Delivery Vouchers
COVID-19 has completely altered the live events landscape. Many top conferences have had to pivot to virtual events. Which raises an important question: what gifts should you give attendees, speakers, sponsors, and partners when you can’t give them the physical offerings you were planning to? Most people enjoy eating out. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to do that right now because of COVID-19 and events surrounding it. But many restaurants are still able to deliver food to hungry patrons via services like Deliveroo, Foodpanda, and GrabFood. A food delivery voucher from one of these businesses is sure to please your recipients while they are stuck at home.
When you’re deciding what event gifts to offer your attendees, make sure they seamlessly tie to the destination, your brand and the message of your event. The gift and/or experience of receiving that gift will provide a connection long after they return home.
