If you’re looking to maximize ways to build your brand, advertise and say thank you, putting together event gift bags at your next trade show is the answer. Whether your business plans to fill event gift bags with expensive knockout products or simple, quality items that show you care, it’s helpful to put yourself in your attendee’s shoes to choose the perfect ones. What freebies would they consider to be valuable, meaningful and unique? What practical products would you like to receive in a swag bag if you were an attendee? And how often would you use or reuse them?
Ensure your attendees take and use their event gift bags by following our tips on how to make a gift bag, what to put in gift bags and how to decorate a gift bag.
How to Make a Gift Bag
Capitalize on the anticipation and excitement that guests have when they enter the event by having extra special gift bags displayed in your trade booth area as soon as they arrive. A simple approach is all you need to make a lasting impression.
Budget Within Reason – Start with a budget. An outlandish budget is not needed to ensure your guests that you care. All it takes is a little planning. Lock in your spending per bag and stick to it.
Design Your Bag – Choose a gift bag, drawstring bag or tote bag that will be large enough to hold the branded swag. A good rule of thumb to follow is choosing bags that are two to three times larger than what you wish to place in them. Select the perfect gift bag made from plastic, paper or fabric based on the tone of your event. Prices can range from under fifty cents to seven dollars per bag on average.
Ask the Experts – Work with MARCO’s team of promotional product experts and graphic artists to recommend the perfect products and to personalize your gift bag and swag items with your company logo or customized design. Always ask about our free samples and art prep! We’re happy to help.
What to Put in Gift Bags?
With a little thought, you can create a customized bag filled with items that are fun and unique, making a strong first impression and keeping your company top of mind not just at the event, but throughout the year. Remember that ultimately a gift bag is given to remind your prospects of the products and services you provide.
Decide on Number of Items – Before finalizing your bag choice, you’re going to want to consider how many products to include. A common number of items to include in a swag bag is four to six on average.
Choose your Swag – The longer promotional products last and the more useful the items, the more your brand will be seen. Determine products that prospects will want to use either at the home or office, while staying in line with your theme and pairing items that go together logically.
Kid-Friendly Bag – Who wouldn’t want to come home from a long business trip with a little something for the kids? Save attendees a trip to the local store or airport gift shop by including a thoughtful child-friendly gift in their bag. The gift bag can include a stuffed animal and a fidget spinner. Top the bag off with a hot dog stress reliever and put all the swag into a Paws N Claws gift bag.
Survival Bag – Attendees of trade shows are potentially travelling far and staying at a hotel. Consider giving away luggage tags, snacks and candy, a dental travel kit and travel size hand sanitizer. Remember that some guests may need to pass airport security, so avoid giving out any gifts that contain liquids more than 3.4 ounces in size.
Tech Bag – There’s a high likelihood that attendees will be using their phones more often than on a normal day during the event. Give them a phone charger and they will thank you for it. This goodie bag can include a power bank, a corporate pen, a mobile phone holder and a flash drive. Set your bag apart from others by putting it all in a metallic gold or silver gift bag.
Seasonal Bag – Capitalize on the holidays and seasons. A spring-themed bag might include a logoed umbrella, sunglasses, collapsible water bottle and a baseball cap. Give out a product that attendees will surely use all year long by tossing in logoed lip balm.
How to Decorate a Gift Bag
Don’t forget the little details to complete the gift bags. Finishing touches can deliver an even better return on investment because they showcase that extra level of commitment and care. Depending on your bag choice, include tissue paper in coordinating colors to delight event attendees. Personalize the bags with their names or promote your business with a branded logo on the outside. Top it all off with a gift tag, bow or other decoration that’s consistent with your branding.
Final Details for Your Gift Bags
Timing is Everything – Event gift bags are sometimes overlooked and left for the last minute. Be sure to allow ample time to receive all your products and bags at least a week before your event so that you’ll have time to package and personalize it for a perfect presentation.
Make it Memorable – Guests attending a trade show or large event meet hundreds of people and acquire many goodie bags. A simple way to be remembered is to add your contact information with business literature or your card in the bags.
Branded gift bags have the potential to be walking billboards across the tradeshow floor and beyond. With a clever idea or creative approach, companies can gain quality exposure and create a gift bag that guests will rave about long after the event is over. Work with MARCO Promos for all of your event gift bag needs and you’ll create a memorable bag that will promote your business and be useful for your attendees.
