In surveys, 50% of consumers say they own a bag with a logo on it. So whether it is a backpack / tote bag or a shoe bag, the bag is always in high demand at events and often seen in public places. That’s a lot of mileage for any brand.

In this day and age, whilst technology is all the rave, people still use notebooks and jot down notes the old fashioned way and it has been shown that note taking helps improve retention rates. Make sure to stay away from cheap options like spiral bound flip books and offer a high quality like moleskin. To up your game, Moleskin has even teamed up with Evernote to create a notebook that integrates with Evernote’s note taking app. So new can team up with old school!

The secret is in creating a T-shirt that people covet and want to wear. It’s not about simply placing the event name or the logo on the front but to create a clever product that fits in with the theme of the event.

Everybody needs a cup of Joe and is a fact of life for many. Capitalise on this quirk by providing attendees with a unique looking mug that they can use each day.  Not every item in the swag bag has to be new. The key is making sure that the item is well designed and that recipients feel that they are getting something valuable.

This is a must-have in any swag bag.  People love gadgets that go well with their smartphones.  You can never go wrong with a USB charger / adaptor which you can never get enough of or a powerbank which our powerhungry phones will appreciate.  Smartphone cases are pretty personal and it is unlikely attendees will settle for any case you provide.  The better solution, which is also the current trend is to give away adhesive pockets that can be attached to the back of the phone. Good for tech or organization related events

Event Planners giving away swag bags should keep in mind that form follows function and try and understand who their attendees are. When trying to decide on the items in a swag bag, consider the following :
a)  Quality and Utility Over Quantity
b)  Think of the message
c)  Presentation of the swag bag
d)  Usefulness
e)  Local and sustainable
f)  Seasonable
g)  Transportability

Your swag bag has to support and enhance your event message. So make sure you maximize the potential of the swag bag and make it part of your marketing and branding strategy.

Here’s an idea for you – edible swag bags. Think about it!

John Chin, Events Logistic Executive
Events Management