Trade shows and other networking events are a great opportunity to get your name out there and meet new people. But first you have to consider how you will attract people to your booth.

Trade Show Giveaways

You know what I’m talking about, promotional pens, key rings, flashlights, car chargers etc. These are usually handed out freely as promotional giveaways but can also double up with various trade show games (e.g. guess the number of jellybeans in the jar).

The problem with giveaways is that it can be hard to choose which is best for your audience.

Although there are a lot of promotional products available, not all provide the same affect. To make the decision process easier I have provided 3 things to consider for your ideal promotional products before you decide to use it at your next event.

Firstly, it Needs to be Cost Effective.

If you were giving away free phones I’m sure you’d be the most popular trader at the show, but that option is out of reach for most companies. One thing I always recommend is quality over quantity.  It is far better to hand out less items to select and targeted prospects than it is to hand out cheap items to everyone. Be sure to set a budget and stick to it.

Secondly, it Must be Unusual, but Useful.

This means that it’s either unique or fascinating like some of the items mentioned below. You need to avoid the chance that it will be thrown away as soon as the attendee is back in the office or hotel. Some examples, Stylus pens, Fresh breath mints, reusable water bottles, car chargers, bags, microfiber cleaning cloths, mobile device smart wallet, Lip conditioners, sunscreens, caps, umbrellas etc.

Thirdly, it Must be Branded.

The easiest way to cross this off this list is to have your logo or tag line or personal message on the item. Also, make sure all of your branded promotional merchandise and giveaways are consistently branded. Use the same logo, the same fonts, the same typeface, and the same colors across all your material.