Conference swag is standard and ubiquitous for a reason. When hybrid and virtual conferences became commonplace in 2020 and 2021, conference swag didn’t go away. In fact, event organizers seeking to boost audience engagement kitted and mailed promotional products like snacks, t-shirts, socks, and stickers to virtual event attendees. Brands like Microsoft and Google, finding themselves unable to interact with conference-goers in person, sent swag bags and boxes to virtual and hybrid event attendees to build relationships with potential customers – and strengthen relationships with existing customers.
Promotional products (aka swag) are a proven, cost-effective way to promote your brand at live, hybrid, and virtual conferences, conventions, trade shows, and business events. If your company is exhibiting at a conference or trade show, swag is a great way to attract visitors to your booth and leave a lasting impression on potential customers. Branded apparel and accessories like polo shirts and vests will also help your company’s representatives stay recognizable in a crowd.
Our guide to conference swag for 2021 and 2022 includes classic conference promotional products, inexpensive conference swag ideas, and unusual swag items. Because eco-friendly promotional products are more popular than ever with consumers, we’ve included a number of environmentally friendly options. Check out our guide to eco-friendly and sustainable promotional products for additional ideas!
Conference Swag Ideas under $5
These economical promotional products have near universal appeal. Some of our most popular, inexpensive promotional products include:
Hand sanitizer is the perfect conference and trade show giveaway. These 10mL sanitizer pens are one of our hottest-selling promos for a reason. They look fab, they’re functional, and they help take the OCD panic out of shaking hands with strangers all day. Good to go for 80 sprays. Easy to stash in even the smallest bag. Pair your logo with a variety of cap colors and sanitizer scents, and stock up with a boatload of sanitary swag.
Stockholm Eco Recycled Plastic Tote Bag
Our Stockholm Eco reusable bag is made of 80% recycled PET plastic and 20% polyester. With its eco-friendly materials, great reusability, and awesome price, this tote bag is sure to be a favorite. Customize with your 1-color silkscreened logo.
4″x 6″ Recycled Sticky Notebook with Pen ➤
Many conference attendees seek out free office supplies – this low-cost product combines three favorites – sticky notes, notepad, and pen – into one great eco-conscious promotion. Recycled paper cover journal. 70 sheets of lined white pages. Color matching elastic closure. Color matching pen. Sticky notes and flag sticky notes.
Sugar Free Mints in a Rectangular Flip-Top Dispenser with SPF 15 Lip Balm
Our breath-freshening mint and SPF 15 lip balm duo is attractively packaged – perfect to display your logo on at conferences and trade shows! Choose from Peppermint, Wintergreen, or Cinnamon. Then, mix and match lip balm flavors from Coconut to Berry to Pineapple.
Lucid Screen Cleaner and Cloth
Screen cleaning kits are universally appealing. The Lucid Screen Cleaner and Cloth contains a cleaning liquid spray and a microfiber cleaning cloth that can be stored inside the cap of the bottle. It can also be used to remove smudges and dust on all electronic devices or glasses. Featuring a compact design, it’s also lightweight and can be easily carried.
High End Conference Swag Ideas
While some conference and convention attendees are attracted to high-end promotional products, the majority seem to prefer useful, practical promotional items that will make their lives a bit easier. Why not give them the best of both worlds with these functional promotional products from highly regarded, trusted brands.
Some of our most popular, high-end swag items for corporate conferences, conventions, trade shows, and events are listed below.
Moleskine® Cahier Ruled Large Journal – Kraft
Conference and trade show attendees often cite notebooks as some of the best swag they’ve ever received – one Twitter user even stated: “I’m a proud collector of branded notebooks.” Moleskine notebooks specifically are highly regarded by business professionals. This luxury notebook features a cardboard cover and visible stitching, ruled, acid-free paper (80 pages) and a flap pocket on inside back cover. Certified FSC notebook; custom decorated bands available.
Due to their popularity with consumers, insulated tumblers are some of the best promotional products for business events. CamelBak is a customer favorite, known for their high-quality, durable water bottles and tumblers. A durable full powder coat finish keeps drinks tasting great, while the copper vacuum insulated stainless steel vessel stays hot or cold for hours on end. The tumbler lid features tri-mode flow control, and the tapered design allows for a comfortable grip and a perfect fit for most cup holders. A non-slip silicone pad on the base of each vessel grips surfaces to avoid scratches and spills.
Crafted from 100% recycled fabric for a broken-in look from the start, this classic baseball cap keeps up with your outdoor lifestyle. Add your logo to create a terrific giveaway for tradeshows and conferences.
Tenfour™ 2.0 10,400mAh Power Bank by Origaudio
Practical and stylish, this high-capacity power bank is ready to charge you up. Loaded with three USB outputs, a 3.1 amp charging speed, and a 10,400mAh battery capacity, it charges up to three devices at once to completion with room to spare. Its full-color imprint area is the perfect space for your brand to make its statement.
2 GB Universal Source™ Executive USB Pen ➤
This professional, executive style pen is made from stainless steel and features black ink with a medium point. Includes plug-and-play portable storage device with 2GB storage capacity. Dimensions: 5 1/2″ L x 1/2″ Diameter
THREADFAST Unisex Bomber Jacket
This attractive, timeless unisex bomber jacket will be coveted by everyone. Available in army green, black, vegan leather brown, or vegan leather black. Materials include recycled polyester. Recycled poly helps reduce water usage, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions when producing this garment.
The Best Conference Swag Bags and Gift Sets
A few of our favorite pre-assembled swag bags and corporate gift sets for conferences:
Artisan Delights Gift Bag – Large
This reusable drawstring gift bag is filled with artisan gourmet treats to suit any snack attack. Designed to pair with the cooler, sling bag, backpack, tote, or drinkware of your choice, this swag bag includes pistachio cherry cookies, dipping pretzels, sweet and tangy mustard, berry nut mix, cinnamon seed bar, maple energy waffle, honey crisp granola, caramel popcorn, and peanut crunch.
Titleist 3-Ball Yeti Tumbler ➤
Includes three logoed golf balls, in a stock sleeve, and a Black Yeti Tumbler w/Titleist etched in silver on one side. Shipped 24 pieces per carton in individual polybags with the lids off.
The 12 oz. MiiR Vacuum Insulated Camp Cup is paired with The Original 1927 S’mores Kit and N’oreaster cocoa for a unique gift. All grahams and marshmallows are handcrafted from scratch using ingredients from local purveyors that provide extraordinary products. All items are packaged inside the gift bag.
Unique Conference Swag Ideas
Startups and companies going through a rebrand may be looking for some unusual swag to help start conversations with potential customers or to give away as contest prizes. A few of our favorite unique conference swag ideas include:
Mittens are a useful, fun seasonal promotional product – perfect for winter conferences. The Unisex Roots73 Woodland Knit Mitts feature a cozy heather knit. Pair these mitts with the Roots73 Shelty Knit Toque and the Roots73 Ravenlake Knit Scarf.
KOOZIE® Bluetooth® Speaker Kooler with Bottle Opener ➤
This Kooler and Bluetooth® speaker combo makes chilling at the beach, tailgating, or your next backyard BBQ easy and fun. There are two Bluetooth® speakers mounted in the front pocket to pair with your device. Features an attached bottle opener and adjustable padded shoulder strap. Dimensions: 12 3/8″ W x 12 1/4″ H x 10 1/4″ D
This fun gadget makes a unique yet inexpensive promotional product for conferences and trade shows. This power switch-look light provides 6 LED lights and creates light in all dark places such as your closet or cupboard. The self-adhesive tape and keyhole slot on the back make it possible to place the light in most locations.
Check out our guide to unique promotional products for additional inspiration – or try the links below for even more ideas.
• Retro Promotional Products
• Trendy Tech Swag Ideas
• 27 Personalized Customer Appreciation Gifts
Additional Conference Swag Ideas by Category
For additional conference swag ideas, check out these guides, and fill out the form below or reach out to us for one-on-one assistance!