We've All Got That Drawer, Haven't We?
You know the one...the drawer in your desk full of pens, water bottles, USB sticks and assorted bits and pieces collected from conferences and corporate events over the years. (and that’s before you look at the tote bags on every hook at the back of the door!)
Somewhere in there is probably a stress ball with a company logo on it, a notebook you've never opened and at least three pens that no longer work!
It got me thinking...When was the last time you actually used something you were given at a corporate event?
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a good pen (especially one that actually writes!), but when you're spending time and money organising an event, surely you want guests to remember more than another bit of merchandise?
So, if you're planning a conference, exhibition or corporate event, here are a few thoughts on choosing giveaways that people might actually remember.
Looking for something a little different for your next event?
Explore our branded biscuits, Cupcakes and PopCan treats.
Why Do So Many Corporate Event Giveaways Get Forgotten?
I completely understand why ‘traditional’ promotional merchandise is so popular.
It's relatively inexpensive, the first thing that pops up on a Google search for ‘giveaways’, easy to order in large quantities and simple to hand out to hundreds of delegates.
And when you've got a million and one other things to organise, sometimes the easiest option wins - we get that!
However, taking something home doesn’t mean it is remembered, the same gifts are anything but memorable.
The challenge isn't necessarily finding something to give away. It's finding something that makes people stop, smile, talk about it or remember the company behind it - that's where a little creativity can make all the difference.
What Makes a Giveaway Worth Remembering?
I think the best corporate event giveaways tend to have something in common: They create a memory, and even better - a WOW moment.
It might be something useful, something unexpected, something personal or simply something that makes you smile.
Appeal to the Senses
Think about the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the excitement of opening a beautifully wrapped gift or the taste of something particularly delicious. Those little sensory experiences can be surprisingly memorable.
And whilst a branded pen might sit unnoticed on a desk, something pretty and edible is much more likely to get an immediate reaction!
Make It Personal
People like feeling that a little thought has gone into something - it makes them feel that they are worth the effort made.
A giveaway or gift that reflects the event, the company or even the time of year can feel much more special than something picked straight from a catalogue.
It doesn't necessarily need to cost more - just make someone feel special.
Give People Something to Talk About
One of my favourite things about attending events is seeing the little touches that get people talking.
Something unusual on a welcome desk, a beautifully presented gift or a clever piece of branding that makes you reach for your phone. #Instaworthy
As we discussed in our previous blog about the small details that guests notice at corporate events, it's often these thoughtful extras that make an event stand out.
Could the Best Giveaway Be Something You Can Eat?
Now, I know I'm probably a little biased here!
But I genuinely think edible giveaways are such a lovely alternative to traditional promotional merchandise.
For a start, they don't need to find a permanent home in someone's desk drawer, and, perhaps more importantly, they give people a little experience to enjoy.
Imagine walking around an exhibition and being handed a beautifully branded biscuit featuring the exhibitor's logo.
Or arriving at a conference to find a little personalised sweet treat waiting on the conference table for each delegate.
It's a simple gesture, but one that can make a guest feel welcomed and appreciated.
A few ideas that work particularly well include:
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Branded biscuits - individually wrapped, easy to hand out at exhibitions or include in delegate bags, with options for personalised designs and QR codes.
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Branded cupcakes - ideal for welcome tables, networking breaks, brand launches and displays that become a talking point. We've shared more ideas in our guide to branded cupcakes for corporate events.
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PopCan treats - a fun alternative to a traditional gift, with treats presented in a clear can that's a little unexpected. Perfect for in person events and posted gifts.
And for anyone organising events, there are practical advantages too.
Individually packaged treats are easy to display and hand out, whether you're welcoming guests at registration, filling conference bags or giving out at an exhibition stand.
You can even incorporate a QR code linking to a campaign, website, special message or offer, so the giveaway becomes part of the wider event experience. Want to know more about the FOMO effect we find as an added extra - drop us a note and I’ll share the secret!
Of course, food giveaways do need a little extra thought around allergens, storage and timing, but working with an experienced supplier can make that much easier - we have it covered, from labelling to signage.
Make It Thoughtful, Not Just Another Gimmick
There's a fine line between something memorable and something that's a novelty for five minutes.
And I think the difference is often how well it fits the occasion. If you're organising an autumn conference, perhaps the giveaway reflects the season, if it's a new product launch, could the design tie into the product or campaign? Or if you're planning an event for a particularly creative brand, perhaps there's an opportunity to do something a little unexpected.
The giveaway should feel like a natural extension of the event rather than an afterthought.
And don't forget the practical side!
Before choosing your giveaways, it's worth thinking about how many you'll need, where they're being delivered, how they'll be distributed and whether you might need more at short notice.
Nobody wants to be chasing 500 giveaways the afternoon before an event!
A reliable supplier who understands event deadlines, bulk orders and delivery logistics can make an enormous difference.
Let's Leave the Desk Drawers Out of It!
Next time you're planning a corporate event, perhaps it's worth asking yourself one question before ordering the giveaways: (I think this is the most important question!)
Would I actually want to receive this?
Because the best corporate event giveaways aren't necessarily the most expensive or elaborate. They're the ones that make someone smile, start a conversation or create a little moment they'll remember.
And if that moment happens to involve something delicious, even better!
Looking for an event giveaway your guests will actually keep hold of (or eat)? Browse our branded biscuits, branded cupcakes, branded chocolate and PopCan treats, or get in touch to talk through a bulk order for your next event.