Event Elements to Keep Fresh: Swag
Let’s face it—no one remembers the stale lanyards, flimsy keychains, or yet another branded pen from an event. But a glow-in-the-dark tote bag with their face on it? That’s going on Instagram. Interactive experiences paired with out-of-this-world swag aren’t just fun—they’re marketing gold. So, grab your metaphorical glue gun, because we’re about to stick your brand onto everyone’s social feeds!
Get Them Involved — Because Passive is Boring
Events are like parties: the best ones make you feel like you did something. And no, sipping lukewarm coffee doesn’t count. Here’s how to get people talking, posting, and bragging:
DIY Swag Stations: Forget pre-printed logos. Let attendees make it their own. Custom t-shirts, tote bags, or stickers with their favorite emoji? Chef’s kiss. Bonus points if there’s glitter involved.
Photo Booths, but Make It ‘Gram-Worthy: Giant neon wings backdrop? Check. AR filters that turn people into walking versions of your logo? Double check. Make them need to share it.
Games with Swag Prizes: Trivia, spin-the-wheel, scavenger hunts. Winners get exclusive branded gear. Losers? Also get exclusive branded gear… because we’re all winners here.
Taste-Test Experiences: Branded cocktail bar? Ice cream station with your logo stamped on every cone? If they can sip it, eat it, or post it, it’s a win.
Swag, but Not the Boring Kind
If your event swag looks like it came from the clearance bin at a discount store, we need to talk. Swag should stun. Here’s what’s hot right now:
Tech Goodies: Custom wireless earbuds, branded ring lights, or a portable charger engraved with a witty one-liner. Practical and cool.
Sustainable Chic: Reusable water bottles, seed-paper notebooks, or bamboo sunglasses. Save the planet, flex the brand.
Luxury Swag Boxes: Curated boxes with artisanal snacks, fancy candles, and a QR code that does something cool. Maybe it unlocks a video thank-you or a secret playlist. Who knows? It’s mysterious.
Unexpected Surprises: Branded socks, hot sauce with your logo, or temporary tattoos. People love swag that’s a little weird. Lean in.
Make It Insta-Bait
If your event isn’t on social media, did it even happen? Create moments that beg to be photographed, tagged, and hashtagged.
Hashtag Everything: Make your event hashtag short, snappy, and punny. Think: #SwagGoals.
Aesthetic Installations: Giant inflatable mascots, graffiti-style logo walls, or even a flower arch spelling out your brand name. Make it too pretty not to post.
Influencer Moments: Invite influencers and hand them swag so cool it practically posts itself.
Keep the Party Going (Digitally)
The event might end, but the content lives forever.
Follow Up: Slide into those DMs (professionally, of course) with thank-you messages or exclusive post-event offers.
UGC (User-Generated Content) FTW: Share attendee photos, funny moments, and swag flexes on your own socials. Tag them. They’ll tag you back. It’s a beautiful cycle.
Surprise Post-Event Swag Drops: A week later, send a digital thank-you or a bonus swag item. Boom—event nostalgia and brand loyalty.
Interactive experiences and drool-worthy swag aren’t just gimmicks—they’re relationship builders. They create stories, spark conversations, and, most importantly, turn attendees into your brand’s biggest fans.
So, ditch the dull and embrace the delightful. Your attendees will thank you… and their social media followers will know exactly where they got that limited-edition branded fanny pack.
Ready to make your next event unforgettable? Let’s chat. We’ll bring the swag; you bring the vibes.
Want More Swag Inspo?
Check out our CEO & Executive Producer, Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP, in this Vendelux News article about the best corporate swag!
Ready to turn your next event unforgettable?
Tags In
Search By Topic
- Event and Meeting Planning (73)
- Event Design (44)
- Incentive Travel (23)