Beyond the Tote Bag: Creative Promo Items to Make Your Event a Smash Hit

Promotional Items to Make Your Multifamily Brand Stand Out

Promotional items are a mainstay at events. They leave a lasting impression, generate brand awareness, and — let’s be honest — offer attendees something extra. 

But with overflowing tote bags and overflowing landfills, it’s time to ditch the predictable and embrace innovative promo items that excite and engage.

The diversity of promotional products available today allows creativity in presenting your brand. From eco-friendly options to high-tech gadgets, the range of popular promotional items is vast and varied, offering ample opportunities to align with your brand’s message and values.

Each promotional product is a stepping stone toward converting a prospect into a loyal client. The key is choosing items that resonate with your audience and authentically represent your brand’s character and aspirations.

We’re all about helping your brand stand out, including creating a buzz with truly memorable promotional swag.

Winning With Custom Promotional Products

Trade shows are a prime opportunity to connect with potential residents, showcase your multifamily property, and build brand loyalty. But in a crowded exhibit hall, how do you ensure your booth stands out? Custom promotional products are your secret weapon.

Here’s why custom promo items reign supreme at trade shows:

• Brand Recall: A well-chosen, high-quality giveaway item emblazoned with your logo and branding keeps your multifamily property at the forefront of a potential resident’s mind long after the trade show ends. When using that branded water bottle or phone charger, they’re reminded of your community.
• Brand Identity Reinforcement: Custom promotional products are a walking billboard for your brand identity. By using consistent colors, fonts, and messaging across your giveaways and booth design, you create a cohesive and memorable brand experience.
• Conversation Starters: Eye-catching, well-designed giveaways are natural conversation starters. If people are interested in the item you’re offering, they will likely approach your booth and inquire about your property.
• Building Brand Loyalty: Everyone loves a free gift, and a thoughtful, practical giveaway item shows potential residents that you care. This fosters positive brand association and can be the first step towards building long-term brand loyalty.

Choosing the Right Custom Promotional Products

Selecting the perfect custom promotional product with so many options can feel overwhelming. Here are some key considerations:

• Target Audience: Tailor your giveaway to your ideal resident. Young professionals might appreciate branded tech accessories, while families prefer reusable water bottles or tote bags.
• Functionality: Choose an item that people will use and appreciate. A cheap keychain might end up in a junk drawer, while a high-quality water bottle becomes a daily companion.
• Price Guarantee: Work with a reputable promotional products company that offers a price guarantee to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.
• Brand Match: The giveaway item should seamlessly integrate with your brand identity. When selecting, consider the product’s colors, materials, and overall feel.

Move Beyond the Mundane: Fun and Functional Ideas

• Tech-Savvy Swag: People love gadgets! Consider branded portable phone chargers, wireless earbuds, or even phone rings that double as kickstands.
• Eco-Conscious Options: Sustainability is a growing concern. Impress attendees with reusable water bottles, bamboo straws, or tote bags made from recycled materials.
• Locally Sourced Goodies: Showcase your city or region with locally-made treats or custom-blended teas. Partner with a local artist to design the packaging for an extra touch.
• Planter Pouches: These handy pouches come with seeds and soil, allowing attendees to grow their mini herb garden or succulent — a lasting reminder of your event.
• Desk Organizer Kits: Help attendees stay organized with branded desk organizers or stylish tech caddies.

Think Outside the Box: Personalization Power

Take your promo items to the next level with personalization. Consider offering on-site customization. Set up a station where attendees can personalize their tote bags, t-shirts, or phone cases with their names or initials.

For example, we recently provided Lakepointe Church with a hat press, hats, and patches so event attendees could create and customize their hats.

Another idea is to create a downloadable app that allows attendees to design their own branded phone wallpaper, water bottle labels, or social media filters.

Maximizing the Impact of Your Promotional Items

Don’t just hand out swag and hope for the best. Here are some additional tips:

• Create a Social Media Campaign: Encourage attendees to share photos of themselves using their promotional items with a designated event hashtag.
• Run Contests and Giveaways: Offer prizes for the most creative use of a promotional item on social media.
• Incorporate Your Promo Items Into Your Event Design: Integrate your branded items into the event. For example, branded water bottles can be used as centerpieces, or phone charging stations can be offered with branded signage.

Promotional items can be a powerful tool for event marketing. Thinking creatively and choosing items that resonate with your audience can create lasting memories and generate positive brand buzz.

Ready to take your event swag to the next level? Contact Criterion.B today! Our team can help you brainstorm unique ideas, source high-quality products, and develop a promotional strategy that delivers real results.