Event Swag Evolution

It's time to move beyond the traditional swag bag filled with forgettable mugs and keychains, items often left untouched on uninspired tablecloths at many events. Not every event can offer the glamour of Oscar-worthy goodie bags filled with luxurious trips and high-end products, but every event has the potential to leave a lasting impression with well-chosen, memorable giveaways.

In Hollywood, "Gifting Suites" are legendary, laden with luxury and ensuring no attendee leaves empty-handed. The all-inclusive Swiss getaway, luxury skincare products, and a private villa in Saint-Barths.  However, even on a modest budget, event planners can use creativity to produce gifts that resonate. Consider sustainable, useful items that reflect your brand's values and message, bridging the gap between physical presence and brand memory. 

Whether it's an in-person gathering that forges stronger connections or a virtual event adapting to our digital reality, the trend is clear: digital goodie bags are on the rise. They're not just a nod to sustainability but a smart, forward-thinking move that aligns with modern values and practicality. Let's look into adding value to the physical and exploring more innovative ways of gifting. 

First Things First, Know Your Audience

Understanding who you're catering to—whether speakers or attendees—is crucial. 

• What are their preferences, needs, and pressures to tailor swag that's memorable and genuinely useful? 
• What will they appreciate in the moment, and what will continue to remind them of your brand long after the event?  
• What can be given as an immediate consumable to rejuvenate even the most burnt-out delegate?  

Add Value to Traditional Gifts

Instead of handing out empty mugs, why not fill them with local snacks, a pop socket or high-quality tea and coffee samples? Transform everyday items into unique gifts like a sprout pencil—a pencil that can be planted to grow herbs or flowers once it becomes too short to use. Such thoughtful, sustainable gifts not only delight recipients but also echo a commitment to environmental responsibility.

You can still incorporate traditional items like keyrings but make them useful with a USB or multi-tool attached to ensure continued use. There will always be a need for immediate refreshing consumables at conferences, hand sanitisers, face wipes, or delegate pouches but think of items that will give you long-term visibility on their desks – Screen cleaners and cloths can be a sophisticated and useful reminder of your brand - particularly as screen time seems to be increasing for all of us. 

High-quality notebooks or journals are always excellent for long-term visibility, but make sure your inlay page lists all your services, contact details, and USPs.  Don’t let these opportunities go to waste. Branded Laptop bags, tote bags, and backpacks make it easy for your delegates to take items away with them.  Useful accessories like power banks, insulated water bottles and umbrellas will always find a taker.  However, as events evolve with increasing virtual and hybrid formats, so too must our approach to gifting. 

Beyond the Physical

As the event Industry looks to become more sustainable and increasingly events are virtual or hybrid, the way we gift also needs to develop and change.  It is not uncommon for speakers or delegates to receive “Digital Goodie Bags”.  Not only are they far more sustainable and environmentally friendly but provide a huge saving in logistics and costs.  

These virtual offerings are a fantastic way to offer real value to the delegate and naturally work incredibly well for virtual and online events. Examples that we have recently come across include a year's subscription to “Masterclass” short courses and resource centre. A subscription to “Calm” and “Spotify Premium”, discounts to wine delivery services, or well-known eateries that match your brand positioning. 

These thoughtful, digital perks can make a significant impact, showing attendees that you value both their participation and their well-being.

Today's Takeaway for Event Planners

• Innovation doesn't have to be expensive or extravagant. By understanding your audience and creatively addressing their needs, both immediate and long-term, you can transform the humble swag bag into a powerful tool for engagement and brand loyalty. 
• Whether physical or digital, the right giveaways can significantly enhance the event experience, leaving a positive, lasting impression that extends far beyond the event itself.