Tradeshow Giveaways & Swag

Top 10 Unforgettable Branded Swag Giveaways

Top 10 Unforgettable Branded Swag Giveaways

Everyone loves free stuff. No matter if it’s a free pen at a tradeshow or a gift with a purchase, we all love getting something a little extra. And when that item is useful and stylish, it becomes unforgettable. Whether you’re an established corporation or a startup, giving away branded swag is a fantastic way to get your company’s name out there and build brand loyalty.

So let’s dive into the world of branded swag giveaways and share the top 10 swag items that will leave a lasting mark. We’ve curated some incredible branded swag ideas that you can use to promote your business and create a brand connection with your audience.

Top 10 Unforgettable Branded Swag Giveaways

These carefully curated items offer versatile options to promote your business and connect with your audience meaningfully. From fashionable hats to tech gadgets and wellness products, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s unveil the unforgettable swag items that can turn heads and keep your brand in the spotlight long after your event has ended.

#1 Hats

Promotional hats are a timeless and popular choice for branded swag. They offer both style and functionality. Whether a classic baseball cap or a trendy snapback, hats protect from the sun and become a fashion statement that promotes your company wherever they go.

#2 Fans

Our Pinnacle Pick: Plastic Hand Promotional Fan

Custom fans might seem like a vintage choice, but they’re making a comeback, especially in warmer climates. Company-branded swag fans can be a lifesaver during outdoor events, music festivals, or simply on a hot summer day. By adding your logo and brand colors, you can keep your audience cool while keeping your brand “cool” in their minds.

#3 Bags and Totes

Our Pinnacle Pick: 100% Cotton Tote Bag

Custom-branded bags and totes are a must-have swag giveaway. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, offering versatility for different occasions. From stylish canvas totes for shopping to cinch bags for everyday use, these swag items provide a practical solution for carrying essentials while promoting your brand. 

Whether it’s a trip to the gym, a day at the beach, or a quick outing, these lightweight, branded swag items are ideal for carrying small essentials. They are stylish and functional, making them a top choice for swag giveaways.

#4 Water Bottles

In today’s world, sustainability and eco-friendliness are of paramount importance. Branded water bottles make for great swag giveaway items. Not only are they practical, but they also help reduce single-use plastic waste. These bottles can be used at the gym, office, or on the go, showcasing your commitment to the environment and your brand.

#5 Luggage Tags

Our Pinnacle Pick: Voyage Luggage Tag

Luggage tags are often overlooked but can be an essential accessory for frequent travelers. These small yet practical branded swag items give your brand visibility in airports and hotels around the world. Branded luggage tags ensure that your audience never loses sight of your company name, even when they’re far from home.

#6 Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a fun and stylish swag item that never goes out of fashion! They offer protection from the sun’s rays and make a great canvas for displaying your brand. By providing high-quality, UV-protected sunglasses with your logo, you’re giving your audience a reason to remember your company on sunny days.

#7 Coffee Mugs

In the world of branded swag, coffee mugs are a classic choice. They’re a symbol of warmth and comfort, making them an ideal gift for clients and employees. No matter if it’s at the office, at home, or on the road, a beautifully designed coffee mug can become a cherished daily companion for many, helping your brand stay top-of-mind during morning coffee rituals.

#8 Tumblers

For those who prefer cold beverages or need something more versatile, branded tumblers are a fantastic choice. Insulated tumblers keep drinks hot or cold, and their stylish designs make them a popular choice for on-the-go individuals. 

#9 Branded Tech

Our Pinnacle Pick: Stark 2.0 Bluetooth Speaker

In our digital age, branded tech items have become increasingly popular. From custom phone chargers and power banks to Bluetooth speakers and phone cases, there are countless options for incorporating technology into your swag giveaways. These items are practical and demonstrate your company’s commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends.

# 10 Wellness Products

Wellness has become a significant focus for many people, and giving away branded wellness products can align your brand with a healthy lifestyle. From yoga mats and pedometers to stress balls and aromatherapy candles, there are many wellness items you can customize to promote your company while supporting your audience’s well-being.

Why Giveaway Free Branded Swag?

Did you know there is a psychological reason why we love free stuff? 

Now that we’ve explored the top 10 branded swag giveaway ideas, you might wonder why you should invest in these promotional items. And it comes down to reciprocity.

Reciprocity is a principle in human psychology that plays a big role in our social interactions. It refers to the human tendency to respond positively when someone does something nice for us or provides us with something of value. In essence, when we receive a favor, gift, or act of kindness, we feel a sense of obligation to reciprocate.

When applied to marketing and promotional strategies, reciprocity becomes a powerful tool for building customer relationships and loyalty. Here’s how it works:

Building Trust 

When a company offers swag giveaways, it is essentially giving something of value to its customers without an immediate expectation of a purchase. This act of generosity helps build trust with the customer. They perceive the company as not solely interested in taking their money but in providing value to create a positive relationship.

Positive Emotions 

Receiving a gift, even a small one like company-branded swag, triggers positive emotions. It makes customers feel appreciated and valued by the brand, which can create a positive association with the company.

Reciprocal Action 

When customers receive a gift, they often feel the need to reciprocate the kindness. This can manifest in several ways:

Loyalty: Customers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand that has provided them with branded swag giveaways. They feel a sense of indebtedness and are more inclined to continue doing business with that company.

Word-of-Mouth Promotion: Recipients of branded swag want to share their positive experiences with others, further promoting your brand through word-of-mouth marketing. They want to spread the goodwill they’ve received.

Increased Engagement: Customers may engage more with your brand, whether through social media, online reviews, or other forms of interaction. They reciprocate by actively participating in brand-related activities.

Future Purchases: When customers feel a sense of reciprocity, they are more likely to make future purchases from the company. They see it as a way to give back and support a brand that has treated them well.

Building Lasting Relationships 

The power of reciprocity extends beyond individual transactions. It contributes to building lasting and meaningful relationships between a brand and its customers. When customers perceive a brand as genuinely cares about their satisfaction and well-being, they are more likely to become long-term advocates.

Emotional Connection 

Giving away branded swag items that are well-designed and high-quality can create a stronger emotional connection between the customer and the brand. The swag serves as a tangible reminder of that connection.

By offering something of value, a company not only builds trust and positive emotions but also triggers the human tendency to reciprocate. This reciprocal action can increase customer loyalty, word-of-mouth promotion, engagement, and future purchases. Over time, it helps create enduring, emotionally charged relationships between the brand and its customers, making swag giveaways an investment in long-term success. 

So, the next time you plan a swag giveaway, remember the powerful impact of reciprocity and the lasting impressions it can leave on your audience!

Get the Best Branded Swag with Pinnacle Promotions

Branded swag giveaways are a smart investment in your brand’s future. By giving away something of value, you not only build trust and positive emotions but also leverage reciprocity to foster customer loyalty, word-of-mouth promotion, engagement, and future purchases. Over time, this approach helps create enduring, emotionally charged relationships between your brand and your customers.

Are you ready to embark on your own memorable swag giveaway journey? If so, we’d like to partner with you! At Pinnacle Promotions, we will help you create unforgettable branded swag giveaways that will turn heads and keep your audience engaged long after your trade show, 5k sponsorship, or conference ends. 

Contact us today at 877.300.2007 to kickstart your next swag giveaway project and watch your brand shine!

Posted by Chrissy Petrone, 0 comments
Trade show 101: Top Trade show Trends to Know

Trade show 101: Top Trade show Trends to Know

Picture this: a bustling arena, vibrant banners fluttering in the air, and a symphony of business chatter echoing across the halls. If you thought of this season’s trade show, you’re right on target!

In the dynamic world of trade shows, business opportunities and networking collide. But there is another contender for the trade show spotlight: branded trade show items!

These powerful tools can enhance attendee experiences and create opportunities for your brand to grow. In this blog, we’ll dive into trade show marketing and explore our favorite trade show trends to help create unforgettable interactions.

The Promotional Power of Trade Show Items

In the bustling arena of trade shows, the competition to stand out is fierce. According to Trade Show Labs, more than half (52%) of the attendees are attracted to exhibits that offer giveaways or freebies. 

That means that trade show items are crucial instruments to set your booth apart from the crowd and offer tangible representations of your brand. These items are more than just giveaways; they are catalysts that spark conversations, create connections and raise brand awareness. 

By aligning with trending trade show promotional products, businesses can harness the potential to elevate attendee experiences to new heights.

Promotional Product Trends Shaping Trade Shows

Unveiling Your Brand: The Magic of Branded Hats

Promotional hats are an excellent choice for trade show giveaways — offering a fusion of style and visibility that captivates attendees. With their eye-catching branding space, hats ensure your logo takes center stage, maximizing brand exposure. Beyond the event, hats become wearable advertisements, extending your reach into daily life. 

Another reason hats make great giveaways is because they offer a more unique brand experience. While many booths will carry tote bags or lanyards, a table with branded hats on display will see a lot of traffic. 

Promotional hats also make great contest prizes if you are trying to stay within your trade show budget. Running a raffle or interactive game will attract more attendees and create a memorable experience!

Rocking the Show: Promotional Earbuds & Headphones

These compact and trendy accessories resonate with the tech-savvy audience. Attendees appreciate their convenience and value, making them memorable and appreciated gifts.

When you offer promotional earbuds, your company effortlessly combines innovation, utility, and engagement, amplifying trade show success.

A Trade Show Classic: Custom Pens

You may be thinking that pens are overdone. But that’s where you are wrong.

Promotional pens aren’t just your average freebies; they’re the heart and soul of trade show giveaways. Mixing practicality with brand recognition, they become an attendee’s trusty sidekick for jotting down notes, collecting vital info, and networking – all the good stuff that makes a trade show tick. 

The compact size makes them easy to carry and share, maximizing your reach. Your brand is right there in the spotlight, etching itself into memories. Be it scribbling during seminars or swapping contact info, these promotional pens are like trusty companions, adding a touch of value to every trade show journey.

Crafting Strategies for Maximum Impact

While the above products may be our favorite trade show items, it’s still important to incorporate trade show promotional products with a strategic approach. The key lies in choosing products that reflect your brand and message. 

Let’s say, for example, you are the event planner for a carbon-neutral company. You will want to choose products that are eco-friendly and sustainable to ensure your brand message aligns across every platform.

Personalized touches like the example above adds value to the trade show items, making them more than just souvenirs. These items now carry your brand message inside and outside of the trade show convention center. 

Mastering the Virtual Vibe With Online Company Stores 

With the rise of virtual and hybrid trade shows, companies can maintain a powerful brand presence through the innovative strategy of online event pop-up shops. These virtual storefronts bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, offering a dynamic way to distribute promotional giveaways or contest prizes. 

Attendees can access these digital shops from the comfort of their screens, experiencing the thrill of choosing their desired items just as they would at an in-person event. By curating a selection of promotional products, such as pens, headphones, and hats, within the online pop-up shop, companies can cater to attendees’ preferences while adhering to the latest trade show trends.

Elevate Your Trade Show Experience with Pinnacle Promotions

If you’re eager to infuse your trade show booths with magnetic appeal, then embrace the power of these trade show trends. Let them do the talking, let them create the buzz, and let them stand as a testament to your brand’s commitment to excellence. 

Ready to take the next step? Partner with Pinnacle Promotions and get the latest in trendsetting trade show items. We’ll help you elevate your brand, captivate your audience and master the art of trade show marketing.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to make your mark, one promotional product at a time! Contact us today at 877.300.2007 and let the journey begin.

Posted by Chrissy Petrone in Tradeshow Giveaways & Swag, 0 comments
Trade Show 101: How to Setup Your Booth for Success

Trade Show 101: How to Setup Your Booth for Success

Welcome to the world of trade shows! Here every second counts, and every impression matters. In the quest to craft an exceptional booth, you need to create an atmosphere that promotes your brand and your product while leaving a memorable experience for trade show attendees. 

In this guide, we delve into the strategic importance of setting up your trade show booth with your audience in mind and how integrating promotional products can boost brand recognition. 

From layout and design to engagement techniques, we’ll cover the key aspects that can help your booth stand out and leave a lasting impact, ensuring your booth remains etched in attendees’ minds long after the event concludes!

Strategic Trade Show Booth Design and Layout

A well-designed booth layout is the foundation for attracting visitors and showcasing your brand effectively:

Open and Inviting

When planning and setting up your trade show booth, you need to organize an open and inviting booth entrance that encourages attendees to step inside. Keep your space clear and uncluttered to allow visitors to navigate it easily. 

Visual Impact 

Utilize vibrant, eye-catching graphics that highlight your brand. Visual aids such as banners and table covers can help boost the essence of your business and align with your brand identity.

Product Zones 

Organize your booth into distinct product zones or themes. This helps attendees to easily find the products that interest them, creating a more organized and enjoyable browsing experience.

Trade Show Marketing: Engagement and Interaction

Captivating displays will bring attendees to your trade show booth, but friendly staff are the heart of a successful booth. Create an environment that engages and informs visitors about your products or services:

Interactive Displays 

Incorporate interactive displays, touch screens, games or virtual reality experiences to immerse visitors in your brand story. Interactive elements encourage engagement and leave a memorable impression.

Product Showcases 

Highlight your star products or services with well-lit, prominent displays. Use shelves, podiums, or display cases to showcase their features and benefits.

Demonstrations 

Conduct live product demonstrations to showcase how your offerings solve customer problems. Engage visitors by involving them in the demonstrations and addressing their questions. 

Friendly and Recognizable Staff 

Train your booth staff to be approachable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A friendly demeanor and the ability to answer questions can enhance the overall visitor experience. Be sure to outfit your team in branded apparel, such as polo shirts or tees, so attendees can identify who is working in your booth.

Personalized Interactions 

Tailor your interactions based on the needs and interests of each visitor. Engage in meaningful conversations and ask detailed questions to better understand their pain points and demonstrate how your solutions can address them.

Giveaways and Contests

Organize giveaways or contests that encourage attendee participation. Engage visitors by offering branded merchandise, discounts or the chance to win valuable prizes.

Driving Desired Actions with Promotional Giveaways

Now that your trade show booth is set up, your staff is prepared and you are engaging with attendees, you will want to ensure your audience leaves with something memorable. Promotional giveaways can serve as incentives to drive specific actions that align with your trade show objectives:

Lead Generation

Offer promotional products in exchange for contact information. For example, have an email sign-up list. When an attendee adds their email, they can receive free swag like a keychain or can cooler. This way you are effectively boosting your lead generation efforts and enabling follow-ups after the event. 

Show Specials 

Present promotional products as part of exclusive trade show offers, encouraging attendees to take advantage of limited-time deals. For example, let’s say you have a product for sale at your trade show booth. To help motivate attendees to make a purchase, you can offer free swag bag giveaways with every transaction.

Useful and Practical

Consider providing promotional products that attendees can integrate into their daily lives, such as reusable bags or branded water bottles will ensure your brand remains visible and useful long after the event. 

Sensory Experience

Promotional products engage multiple senses, leaving a stronger imprint in attendees’ memories compared to purely digital interactions. Using items like cool pens, colorful bags or other fun giveaways with your brand’s logo on them can help people remember your trade show booth and what you’re showing them.

It’s like when you remember a fun day because of the toys you played with and the yummy things you tasted.

Trade Show Success with Pinnacle Promotions

Trade shows present invaluable opportunities for businesses to showcase their offerings, network with industry peers and create impactful growth for their brand. By strategically setting up your trade show booth, incorporating engaging displays, integrating technology, employing effective engagement techniques and leveraging promotional products to amplify brand visibility, you can maximize your trade show marketing efforts. 

With careful planning and attention to detail, your booth can become a magnet for visitors, leaving them with a positive perception of your brand and a desire to explore your products or services further. Remember, a successful trade show booth isn’t just a physical space – it’s a dynamic reflection of your company’s identity and vision.

At Pinnacle Promotions, we understand that a successful trade show isn’t just about setting up a booth – it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that resonates with your audience.

Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or new to the trade show scene, our expertise in promotional products and strategic solutions can transform your booth into a captivating hub of trade show happiness.

Our team of experts is dedicated to understanding your unique goals and objectives, ensuring that every aspect of your trade show booth setup aligns seamlessly with your vision. Whether you’re looking to create eye-catching displays, design engaging contest giveaways or offer exclusive show specials, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s turn your trade show booth into a standout success story. Contact us today at 877.300.2007, and let’s make it extraordinary together!

Posted by Chrissy Petrone in Marketing Ideas, Tradeshow Giveaways & Swag, 0 comments
People’s Choice: the best trade show giveaways for beginners

People’s Choice: the best trade show giveaways for beginners

If you’re preparing to make your trade show debut, one of the first things you’ll need to do is to make a plan for your trade show giveaways It’s a given—attendees expect swag, but with thousands of promotional products out there, how do you know which ones to choose?

The key is to pick the most popular, affordable, and easy-to-order giveaways. Use this guide as a great reference if you want to go into your first trade show with a big splash!

Quick tips for first-time promotional swag items

Not sure where to begin? Here are a few quick tips to get you started when ordering your handouts:

  • According to Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the top three reasons people keep promotional products are because they’re fun, functional, and trendy. Keep this in mind when ordering your promotional giveaways.
  • First-timers should avoid branded apparel for big events. The ordering process can be complex since you have to have multiple sizes and fits, and it can be difficult to predict how many of what size to buy.
  • Try to order a few months early, especially if you are particular about the items and colors you want, but know that Pinnacle Promotions can help you if you’re in a last-minute bind with our .

Bearing in mind that show-goers want goods that are fun, functional, and trendy, let’s break down the best trade show products into categories that hit all of those marks.

For Fun:

  • Branded Toys – Who doesn’t love a giveaway that also entertains? We love the idea of handing out promotional toys, like branded fidget spinners, promotional plushes, and yo-yos featuring your company’s name or logo. You can even have some of your favorite name brand toys personalized with your logo, like Silly Putty and Rubik’s Cubes. Don’t reserve the promo toys just for kids—grown-ups love them, too!

For Function:

  • Charging Essentials – If there’s one thing most of us don’t have enough of, it’s power for our phones and other devices. Promotional chargers and power banks are some of our most popular trade show giveaways for a simple reason: people use them! And when people are constantly reaching for items that just so happen to promote your product or service, then you know your swag is doing its job.
  • Earbuds or Headphones – Add headphones to the list of Things that Constantly Get Lost alongside your charging cables, adapters, and that other sock. Branded headphones and earbuds are some of our most popular tech giveaways; again, because they tend to get a lot more use than say, a T-shirt, a tote bag or even a promotional pen. Many of our customers are surprised to find that promo headphones can be relatively affordable, too.

For Trend:

  • PopSockets – Offering promotional PopSockets is one surefire way to get all the convention-goers talking about your booth. If you’re not familiar with the PopSocket craze, they're round, rubbery plastic things that stick to the back of your smartphone, acting as a device grip (for the picture-perfect selfie and streaming scenario), a car mount, and a phone stand all in one.
  • Fidget Spinners – Trendy? Still. Fun? Yup. Useful? Sure. Fidget spinners are the trendiest way to help you focus, relieve nervous energy and simply enjoy the sensation of spinning stimulation! We always recommend custom fidget spinners and cubes for companies who want to stay on the cutting edge without taking themselves too seriously. These babies are guaranteed convention hits.

Give ’em something to talk about

The last thing you want to do when entering the trade show circuit is to make a drip rather than a splash, and these fantastic promotional giveaways will ensure that everyone's talking about your exhibit, leading to more stop-bys, sign-ups, sales leads, and personal connections. Taking the time to think about your trade show swag is an important aspect of the planning process and one that will help ensure success for first-time exhibitors and convention pros alike.

 

 

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, Tradeshow Giveaways & Swag, 0 comments
Choosing the Perfect Promo Products for Your Trade Show Giveaway

Choosing the Perfect Promo Products for Your Trade Show Giveaway

A trade show is an excellent opportunity for you to meet potential customers, and convey your brand message to the masses in a more casual setting. As trade show attendees are visiting and passing by many businesses’ booths, putting together a professional presentation and display that is memorable is more important than ever.

At trade shows, many businesses frequently give their booth visitors some sort of promotional swag, in the hopes that their brand is seen as unique and truly one of a kind. Your brand can succeed using this method, only by distributing the right promotional products. How can you decide what promotional giveaways will Make the right impression™, those products that will not simply be thrown away after the show? Here is what you should remember when deciding what promotional swag works best for your company at the next trade show.

1. Is the product representative of your brand?

When you are thinking about what sorts of promotional swag to give to booth visitors, you should first and foremost remember why you are there in the first place—to communicate your brand message to potential customers in a way that doesn’t come off as forced or a hard sell, and ultimately, generate qualified leads. Your chosen promotional product should tie in to how your brand is a solution for a prospective customer. If the product is just another tchotchke and is not representative of your business, then it is most likely headed for the trashcan. A product that is consistent with your brand doesn’t just mean that if you’re in the tech industry, for example, you should give out custom power banks. Does that product actually align with your corporate personality? Some products may be more fitting for buttoned-up brands, while some products are more appropriate for sporty or quirky brands.

The Karera UL Listed Powerbank

2. How useful is the product?

For a promotional giveaway that actually has an impact on your audience, that product has to be a combination of creativity and practicality. The product should have some valuable use to the customer, while still have a creative flair. After all, the right product will trigger the customer’s memory of your business—what you do, what are your products/services, and what is your unique selling proposition. It should be a high quality product that has the potential to see long-term use, and have a lasting charm.

Once you combine that usefulness and some personality, you could potentially create some brand buzz during, and even after the trade show. This will allow your business to really stand out in the crowd. You should also remember to scope out the audience. Don’t give out swag to every single one of your booth visitors, only to those who actually expressed a sincere interest in your products or services. If you are trying to reach a very specific audience, then consider having two sets of promotional swag—one set that caters to those top prospects, and one set of products with more mass appeal.

For instance, journals and portfolios are usually popular with everyone, while a more valued customer may get a wireless speaker. With a proper understanding of your audience, you can utilize promotional products that cater to their needs, and at the same time, you can still gain valuable leads and business.

Leeman New York Mini Tuscany Journal                          blue mini bluetooth speaker with logo

3. Quality Matters

At the end of the day, quality product really does make the difference between closing a deal and losing a deal. You want to inspire potential customers, not discourage them from conducting business with you. You will have to ask yourself what is the best quality promotional giveaway you can get within your marketing budget. Just because you have a limited budget, doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice quality. You can easily find a unique, brand appropriate custom promotional product to ramp up your trade show booth, and connect with customers. If your promotional item looks cheap and breaks easily, it is nothing but a poor reflection on your brand and business. No matter what your industry or line of expertise may be, you don’t want your business to be associated with inferior quality. By providing booth visitors with this sort of product, customers have much lower expectations of the quality of service that they can expect from your business.

Merit Business Tote

Once you have your trade show booth and professional presentation all ready to go, a high quality, creative, and practical promotional giveaway item that represents your brand and business will certainly encourage your potential leads to become real customers. By following these guidelines, you will be on track to having the best trade show ever, well within your marketing budget.

Posted by Admin, 1 comment
Trade Show Tuesday: Gearing Up for Your Winter Show

Trade Show Tuesday: Gearing Up for Your Winter Show

Trade shows are a great opportunity to capture the attention of potential customers, showcase your new products or services, and learn about industry trends and news. But to truly be prepared for presenting at a trade show, you need to start planning at least a few months in advance. Summer vacations are winding down, but before you know it winter will be upon us. That means that now is the time to start getting geared up for the winter trade shows.

At a trade show, perhaps more than in any other place, it is the optimal chance for your business to connect with customers and Make the right impression.™ To generate traffic to your booth, aside from having an excellent presentation, you can offer clever and creative giveaways to your visitors. Custom branded promotional products or schwag will help attendees remember your brand and appreciate your service. Here are some of those products that will be perfect giveaways for the winter trade show.

It’s cold and trade shows might not be the best or funnest thing to do (it depends on your opinion of course) so make sure you make the most of the event. Wear a nice Richardson cable knit beanie to stay warm, or find the fuzziest jacket around now with that said,

Winter Combo Set

Your booth attendees will literally warm up to your brand, when they have the Winter Combo Set in hand. This includes a comfortable fleece scarf, gloves, and cap in a neat drawstring bag, all of which can be custom embroidered with your corporate branding. Offering this convenient and useful branded bag to potential customers and clients as a token of appreciation, as opposed to items that will more than likely be tossed aside, will allow your brand to stand out amongst the competition, and hence be remembered. So, when planning for the trade show, remember to take timing and the season into consideration, and take advantage of that.

Plush Blanket

This is the perfect medium to get brand exposure and help customers stay warm and cozy all year long, not just in the winter. Your company logo can be embroidered on this microfiber fleece blanket for maximum branding impact. Since this product is not limited to a particular audience, you can attain even greater brand reach, which makes it a useful marketing tool at the trade show. Showing customers your soft side has never been easier, or more appealing.

Malmo Mix n Match Gift Set

When it starts to get chilly, nothing hits the spot like a hot beverage. That is why this gift set is an excellent choice as a giveaway. A sturdy and stylish travel mug AND a travel tumbler will make enjoying hot drinks on the go easy. Your corporate branding can be custom printed on both, and the two are packaged neatly in a silver gift box. You have lots of colors to choose from, and can also choose to have both the tumbler and the mug the same color or two different colors. Even better, you can enjoy free printing set up on the second item. You can really show that your brand has personality, and can create an inviting atmosphere for your booth visitors.

For the winter trade show, tap into the timing and spirit of the season with promotional products like these in your marketing arsenal. Remember, that to Make the right impression™, you should be able to connect with customers, and show them that you have put some thought into your entire trade show package, from the display to the presentation to the giveaways.

Make sure that everything that you do comes together to produce a cohesive brand message, with a dose of personality.

Posted by Admin, 0 comments
Trade Show Tuesday: How to Create a Killer Trade Show Display

Trade Show Tuesday: How to Create a Killer Trade Show Display

Businesses of all sizes utilize trade shows as a platform to share their products and services, to interact directly with their target audiences, and most importantly, to find customers and help their business grow by driving sales.

In order to do this and to successfully attract the attention of potential customers, each business must create a memorable exhibit that differentiates itself from the others.

With a combination of creativity and smart planning, it’s easy to create a winning trade show display. Keep the following in mind when designing your booth’s display at your next trade show.

 1. Consider Exhibit Size

You may think that having the biggest booth at the trade show is a sure fire, winning marketing strategy. However, this is definitely not the truth. Instead, you should consider what your goals are, as well as what’s required to achieve those goals. You may be more focused on generating sales or introducing a new product to the public or EVEN just to gain a stronger brand awareness. Consider how many attendees you can expect at the show, how many of your own representatives will be at your booth, and how much space is required for you to conduct business. Once you have an idea of what you need to stand out amongst the plethora of other exhibits, you can then decide what sorts of graphics and displays you need to achieve the most visual impact. 

Screen Shot 2015-06-08 at 3.13.10 PM

Item#: 333285 – Show ‘N’ Rise ™ 10′ Curve Floor Mural Display Item.

2. Make Your Brand the Star

At a trade show, you want to make your brand the focal point of your display. Instead of overwhelming attendees with excessive information and graphics, it’s absolutely essential to clearly outline your brand message, your mission, and its benefit to your target audience. If you can do this effectively, that attendee will be interested in learning more and possibly even conducting business with you. Keep in mind that trade show attendees have only a few moments of their time to see what you have to offer. Ultimately, you ideally want to create a professional looking booth that makes your brand’s point and clearly explains your business. Items like custom table skirts are perfect for brand recognition and awareness. Remember that you are trying to draw in potential prospects with your display – not just random people. Therefore, while your brand is still the focus of the display, you should know whom your target prospects are, and then develop your design accordingly. 

Screen Shot 2015-06-08 at 3.28.48 PM

Item#: 109002 – Four sided 6′ Standard Table throw

3. Make Your Display Memorable

In order to get some ROI from your trade show display, above all, you have to make it memorable. There’s no point in investing extensive time and energy into creating a display that doesn’t attract prospects or stay fresh in their minds long after leaving the trade show. You want your display to be the most positive representation of your business, so you must know your unique selling proposition (USP). What is it that differentiates you from your competitors? Knowing this, you can create appropriate and impactful graphics, and this will make it easier to showcase your products and services in a memorable way. Incorporating promotional products or promotional giveaways into your trade show strategy is also an incredibly cost effective and creative way to grab attention and invite customers to your booth. Providing attendees with complementary, unique and useful promotional takeaway items functions as an alternative business card and call to action that can actually be used everyday.

Screen Shot 2015-06-08 at 3.30.45 PM

Item#: 227 – Silicone Card Sleeve

When planned and executed correctly, trade shows can be incredibly effective marketing tools. So before you head out to your next trade show, make sure that you have a professional display, a brand with personality, and a smile on your face.

Going in with a plan will make the experience all the more relaxing and will help you reap the maximum benefit and ensure that you Make the right impression™.

 

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Don’t Underestimate the Value of a Good Bag!

LizPPAI By Elizabeth Fenlon
Merchandising Specialist

The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas is the trade show of trade shows. Literally. It is the biggest trade show in the promotional products industry, spanning two full floors at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. With close to 3,250 booths and 11,500 industry attendees, you can imagine that this might be a tad overwhelming if you were a tradeshow newbie, like myself.

As a Merchandising Specialist for Pinnacle Promotions, it is my job to stay on top of industry trends and be ahead of the curve as new products launch into the market. Attending the PPAI Expo is a must. So, I packed my comfortable shoes and headed to Las Vegas for 4 days of nothing but talking about promo products.

Our team met at the airport at 6AM the day of the trip. I’d been packed for days, terrified of being late or of being the one to hold us up with my lack of business travel experience. Luckily, I’d recently gotten a Zoom DayTripper 15″ Computer Backpack and it turned out to be my most prized possession on the trip. Seriously, this bag has it all.

Zoom DayTripper Computer BackpackMy backpack has a dedicated computer pocket, which made getting my chunky, old, Toshiba laptop through security a breeze. It also has a separate pocket to store an iPad. Want more pockets? This bag has them. There are two zippered pockets that are perfect for sunglasses, and two side pockets that also have zippers. Best of all, the back panel of the bag is designed to slip over the handles of my rollerbag.

Upon arriving we were able to check in, get a feel of the layout, view the exhibitor list and map and come up with a game plan to tackle all those booths over the next few days. If you’ve never been to a trade show, especially one of this magnitude, there are a few essentials you HAVE to have on you at all times:

• Comfortable Shoes – 8-10 hour days of walking and standing

• Refillable Water Bottle– Las Vegas is a dry climate. It is important to stay hydrated. They’ll price gouge you for bottled water at the show. So, being able to refill from the water fountain is a must.

• Pen/Notebook – Because you will NEVER remember everything.

• Camera Phone – There is no way you will get 2 floors and 3,250 booths of samples on the plane. Take pictures.

• Business Cards/ Business Card Holder – Again, you will never remember everyone’s name.

• Snacks – ok, maybe this is just me? Avoid getting cranky when it’s 5 o’clock and you realize you still haven’t eaten lunch.

Everything on my tradeshow essential list had a perfect spot in my bag, allowing me to be hands free and focus on the real reason I was there, to scout out the newest and most effective products to help your brand Make the right impression™.

Posted by Admin in Tradeshow Giveaways & Swag, 0 comments

Promotional Product Hacks to Save Your Trade Show

We know how difficult it is to plan, prepare, and execute a trade show and that you’re looking for tips and tricks to make it easier. Storage is in short supply at trade shows. So, how can you make the most of it? We suggest doubling up the uses of your promotional items so that you don’t have to remember quite so many things. Some people call these hacks. We call them “imaginative repurposing.”

1. Silicone wristbands make handy rubber bands when you’re overwhelmed with loose pens or pencils and short on bundling methods.

Silicone wristband

Not only are these handy customized wristbands going to be utilized over and over by tradeshow attendees (because you just gave them a new idea) but will also allow you to be organized at the same time.

2. Reduce the number of office supplies that you need to take by leveraging your promotional items for your booth staff.

Post-It Notes

These will be handy for your staff to jot down notes to hand to attendees. Branding and personal contact reminder all rolled up in one.

3. Got a tablet or iPad to display but can’t get a new case or stand?

Windsor Reflections Promotional Jotters

Order the Windsor Reflections Promotional Jotter and use it to double as a display stand.

4. Cups are a great tradeshow promotional item because they are likely to be used again; they have a long “shelf life.” However, cups use up a lot of space, but really most of it is just air.

Fluted Stadium Cup

So, how do you take advantage of this? If you will be shipping your giveaway cups, use the cups for storage or stuff them full with other essentials that need to go to your trade show. This will reduce the number of boxes that you would need to ship and reduces clutter at the actual booth. In addition, many booths will use music to create the ambiance within the booth. Think you need to take along extra speakers to be heard? Think again. If playing music from your phone, place your phone’s speaker inside one of those snazzy promotional cups to amplify the sound.

5. Traveling with fragile tradeshow items and need cushioning to pack your valuables in? Have you ever thought of using a 1/4’ mouse pad, imprinted with your logo to cushion your precious delivery?

Thick Full Color Mouse Pad

Mouse pads come in all shapes, sizes, and thicknesses and can be used not only to ensure your mouse works correctly, but can be used to take up extra space in the box and absorb any shock that your shipping boxes may incur.

So, when you get ready to pack up your trade show tables, displays, and promotional items, recall these tips to save space, time, energy, and keep you organized. Well, at least make you look smart by knowing the hacks.

Got any good hacks of your own? Let us know!

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, Tradeshow Giveaways & Swag, 1 comment

Trade Show season is coming!

Tradeshow season is coming!

When the holidays come to a close, most businesses can count on one thing: the start of tradeshow season. January brings with it some of the largest and innovative tradeshows of the year. Starting with CES and PPAI in Las Vegas and rolling into car shows, boat shows, and wedding shows that will eventually dominate the spring. There are almost 1,000 tradeshows in January alone across the United States.

Ido Leffler recently wrote a stellar blog post on tradeshows, “How to Dominate Any Tradeshow, and Why Even Solo Entrepreneurs Should Try.” Leffler focuses on two main points:
…People want two things:
• They want to be entertained.
• They want free stuff.

Leffler explains that you can entertain people in a number of ways. First, by exhibiting a creative booth space. Something more than just a folding table. And then, it is imperative that you give people your time. Screen shot 2013-12-18 at 9.52.29 AM

As for the free stuff, Leffler states that this is “Manifesto Rule Numero Uno.”

“Turn the convention hall into a walking billboard about you and your brand. Conventioneers love tote bags. Why? Because there are tons and tons of free stuff to be had, and after about two hours they are going to need something to carry the swag in. We always order thousands of great tote bags. No cheap paper or thin cotton for us. Our bags are big, bright, and unique, and by day two we try to make sure that every single person in the hall is carrying one. Be shameless and be fun. Slap your logo on the bag, add some bright colors, and make sure that people instinctively smile when they see it. Have tons of product to give away at the booth, and give it away freely. Don’t be one of those guys withholding the good stuff for the “big guys.” Instead, be the guy with the product that everyone is using and talking about. Freely distributing swag (even if it costs you) is in your best interests; you want those walking adverts wandering the convention.”

Last year, promotional reusable bags and customized cinch bags were top-sellers for Pinnacle Promotions. They are great surfaces for your corporate logo, and you can guarantee that all the other items that people collect at the tradeshow will then be stuffed inside YOUR bag. As Leffler states, they are going to need a place to keep all the other swag!Screen shot 2013-12-18 at 9.34.45 AM

Humor is another way to get people to remember your name. The Learning Revolution, by Gordon Dryden and Dr. Jeannette Vos explains that one of the keys to memory is emotion. Make them laugh, make them smile, and they will remember you. The blah blah blah is always popular for every type of tradeshow because it makes people smile, and could possibly help to spark a conversation.
PL4140hiresThis is a stress ball AND a device holder!

Are you headed to a tradeshow this January? What’s the best promo item you ever received at a tradeshow?

Pinnacle Promotions

Posted by Lee in Top Trending Topics, Tradeshow Giveaways & Swag, 0 comments