16 conference swag ideas to impress and promote your brand

Conferences and in-person events offer a unique way to engage with customers and strengthen brand awareness. For events and tradeshows, many companies design well-curated conference swag bags to use as a tool to leave a lasting impression and drive brand recall.

Every business vies for that memorable moment, which makes attendees say, “Wow, this is different!” A great swag bag can do just that. It’s more than promotional merchandise—it’s a way to extend your brand’s impact far beyond the event. 

The right swag can spark conversations, build connections, and keep your brand top-of-mind long after the last conference slide is presented. In this post, we've gathered some creative and impactful conference swag ideas, whether you’re hoping to leave a lasting impression or create a lingering buzz.

• There are nine essential conference swag items that every business should consider, from hats to calendars.

• There are seven unique and innovative swag ideas to stand out, including eco-friendly options and portable tech gadgets.

• Wellness and personal care items can enhance your brand's image and cater to attendees' needs in virtual or in-person conferences.

• Choose the most effective swag items that align with your brand and audience with our tips.

• Gelato simplifies the creation and distribution of high-quality, customizable conference swag bags globally.

Let's start with the nine essential conference swag ideas that can help you make a memorable impact on your event attendees as they sit around the conference table. 

1. Hats

Whether it's a classic baseball cap, a trendy bucket hat, or a cozy winter beanie, branded hats are a walking advertisement for your brand. Attendees will appreciate receiving headwear, especially if it's stylish and practical. You can easily customize hats with your logo or message, making them a memorable keepsake. 

2. Tote bags

Tote bags are stylish and incredibly functional, providing attendees with a practical way to carry their essentials. Opt for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton to make a positive environmental impact. Customize with your brand's logo or a catchy design to turn them into a mobile advertisement. Versatile and durable, tote bags can be used long after the event, ensuring your brand stays top of mind.

3. T-shirts

These versatile items serve as walking advertisements for your brand around your conference booth. Whether you opt for super-soft tri-blend crew t-shirts or vibrant full-color options, the key is quality and comfort. T-shirts come in various sizes and styles, including women's cut fits, ensuring inclusivity. They're giveaways and treasured keepsakes attendees will wear long after the event.

4. Hoodies and sweatshirts

Comfort meets branding with hoodies and sweatshirts, making them a popular conference favorite. Ideal for cooler seasons, these cozy garments offer practical use and ensure that your brand enjoys extended visibility. Choose eco-friendly materials like organic cotton for an added touch of sustainability. Customize them with your logo or a unique design to promote your brand. 

5. Mugs

Imagine the visibility your logo will get as attendees use beverage mugs during breaks or in their offices! From classic ceramic designs to trendy stoneware and even high-tech options like custom Ember mugs, there's a style to fit every brand's vibe. Choose colors and designs that resonate with your audience for maximum impact.

6. Water bottles

Thirsty for a great conference swag idea? Branded water bottles are the way to go! Attendees can use them long after the event, keeping your brand in their hands and on their minds. Opt for stylish, reusable options, like insulated bottles that keep drinks cool or hot. With your business logo featured prominently, these bottles become an eco-friendly, walking advertisement for your brand.

7. Posters

Posters can feature stunning designs, motivational quotes, or even detailed infographics that attendees will want to hang in their offices or homes. Offering customizable posters allows attendees to create unique decor items, making your brand a part of their daily environment. Plus, posters are lightweight and easy to transport, ensuring they return home with minimal hassle.

8. Phone cases

With customization options ranging from sleek logos to vibrant artwork, personalized phone cases can make a statement. They're practical and always in use, ensuring your brand remains in the spotlight. Plus, with high-quality materials, they can be as durable as they are eye-catching, giving attendees something they'll cherish long after the conference ends.

9. Calendars

Whether desk or wall calendars, these valuable tools help attendees stay organized while consistently promoting your brand. Customizable with your company’s logo, special events, and branded colors, they transform into daily fixtures on someone’s desk or wall. Personalize them with stunning visuals or motivational quotes to make them more engaging and memorable.

Let's move on to seven more unique swag ideas to set your brand apart and create a memorable experience for your attendees.

1. Sustainable and eco-friendly swag

Focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly conference swag is an excellent way to demonstrate your company's environmental commitment. Here are several sustainable swag ideas that are sure to impress your conference attendees: 

• Bamboo pens: Pens made from bamboo or recycled materials are a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic pens. 

• Recycled notebooks: Offer notebooks made from recycled paper. They are perfect for jotting down notes during the conference and conveying a message of sustainability and resourcefulness.

• Plantable seed paper items: These can include bookmarks, cards, or tags embedded with seeds that attendees can plant after the event. This type of swag is both interactive and eco-conscious.

• Solar-powered chargers: Provide a high-tech and eco-friendly solution for keeping devices charged without relying on conventional electricity sources.

2. Portable tech gadgets

From charging solutions to innovative tech accessories, these items impress and keep your brand front and center in their daily lives. Let's look into some portable tech gadgets:

• Wireless charging pads: These sleek and practical devices are essential for tech-savvy attendees. They can keep smartphones and other devices powered up without cables. 

• Bluetooth headphones: Branded Bluetooth headphones or earbuds are a fantastic way to make a lasting impression. Plus, they are indispensable for both work and play.

• Portable phone chargers: A portable charger is a conference must-have. These compact devices can fit in a pocket or a purse, making them a convenient solution for charging devices on the go. 

• Smart trackers: Branded smart trackers help attendees keep track of their belongings. These tiny tech gadgets can be attached to keys, bags, or other essential items, offering peace of mind.

3. Personal care & wellness swag

These items provide practical benefits and create a positive association with your brand. Here are some ideas that combine both utility and relaxation: 

• Spa kits: A mini spa kit including branded lotions, bath salts, and essential oils can provide a touch of luxury and relaxation.

• Stress balls: Branded stress balls can be both fun and functional, helping attendees relieve stress while keeping your logo in sight.

• Mini first-aid kits: These kits contain band-aids, antiseptics, and other essentials and are useful and portable. They can be very handy for conference goers.

• Waterless shampoo: Convenient and eco-friendly waterless shampoo can be a lifesaver for travelers and an interesting swag addition.

4. Interactive and entertainment items

In an era where attention spans are short and distractions are abundant, these items can make your brand stand out at conferences. Consider adding these entertaining items to create lasting impressions:

• AR/VR experiences: Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) can take interactivity to a whole new level. Branded VR headsets or AR-enabled products allow attendees to immerse themselves in a unique virtual event experience.

• Customizable interactive items: Think of items that can be personalized on the spot, like badge ribbons, stickers, or even on-demand 3D-printed miniatures. These can serve as fun keepsakes that attendees can show off.

• Branded candy and sweets: Everyone has a sweet tooth, and having branded candy or sweets is a guaranteed way to lure attendees to your booth. Think of items like custom-wrapped chocolates, mints, or even gourmet popcorn. 

• Personalized games: Consider interactive digital games branded to your company that can be played on smartphones or tablets. Gamifying your booth experience with QR-coded challenges or scavenger hunts can increase engagement, especially in virtual settings.

5. Office and work-from-home essentials

Remote work is now the norm, and providing your conference attendees with items to make their home office setups more comfortable and efficient is a thoughtful gesture. Here are some ideas: 

• Desk organizers: Help keep workspaces tidy with custom desk organizers. Think pen holders, cable organizers, and multi-compartment desk trays that make staying organized a breeze.

• Laptop cases: Elevate professionalism with branded laptop cases. They protect valuable tech and provide excellent brand exposure whenever they're used.

• Mousepads: A branded mouse pad is an often overlooked but essential daily-use item. Choose ergonomic designs with ample space for comfort and practicality.

• Blue light-blocking glasses: Protect eyes from strain with branded blue light glasses. Useful for those long hours spent in front of screens, they offer both style and functionality.

6. Adventure and outdoor swag

When the conference attendees are adventure and outdoor enthusiasts, you'll need swag that speaks to their sense of adventure. Here are some exciting outdoor and adventure-themed swag ideas:

• Portable camping gear: Think beyond traditional swag with items like compact camping chairs, branded sleeping bags, or sturdy waterproof bags. These items are the ultimate go-tos for anyone who loves camping.

• Multi-tools and gadgets: Multi-functional tools that can be used for various needs in the wild, like Swiss Army knives or multi-purpose survival kits, are highly valued by outdoorsy individuals.

• Personalized hydration packs: Up the hydration game with branded hydration packs that help keep outdoor lovers hydrated while promoting your brand. Runners, bikers, and hikers especially love these.

• Outdoor cooking kits: Fuel their culinary adventures with portable cooking kits, including branded compact cook stoves, utensils, and spice packs. This unique swag idea keeps your brand in their outdoor kitchen.

7. Unique custom kits

These kits can be tailored to fit various themes and needs, ensuring that each recipient feels valued and remembered. Let's look into some creative and impactful custom kit swag ideas: 

• Personalized travel wellness kits: Perfect for attendees who are always on the go, these kits can include branded sanitizers, face masks, and wipes. You can also add custom luggage tags or travel pouches.

• Custom tea or coffee kits: Help your attendees start their day right with a personalized tea or coffee kit. These can feature branded mugs, tea infusers, coffee presses, and even a selection of premium teas or coffees. 

• Personalized stationery kits: Ideal for professionals, these kits can include branded pens, notepads, sticky notes, and even custom bookmarks. A beautiful, custom-printed box will add an extra touch of elegance.

• Branded cooking kits: For the culinary enthusiasts in your audience, a custom cooking kit can be a real treat. Include branded spice blends, unique recipe cards, and quality utensils like spatulas or measuring spoons.

The right items for conference giveaways can impact how in-person or virtual event attendees perceive your brand. When selecting a conference swag idea, here's what you should consider: 

• Memorability: Choose items that will leave a lasting impression. Consider unique designs or practical uses that are hard to forget.

• Quality: High-quality products reflect positively on your brand. Items that feel cheap or break easily can leave a bad impression.

• Shareability: Encourage attendees to share their swag on social media for your next virtual event. Eye-catching and Instagram-worthy items can increase your brand’s visibility.

• Creativity: Stand out by choosing creative and innovative items. Surprise your attendees with something they haven't seen before.

• Durability: Ensure your swag lasts beyond the conference. Durable items continue to promote your brand long after the event.

Conference swag can elevate your brand’s presence and create truly memorable experiences for attendees. From versatile tote bags to unique custom kits, these ideas can be easily implemented to make all the difference. But how do you bring these ideas to life without the logistical headaches?

This is where Gelato comes in. 

With Gelato’s print on demand solutions, you can effortlessly create high-quality, customizable conference products like tote bags, t-shirts, and business cards. Our global reach ensures these products reach you on time no matter when or where the conference is. With sustainable production practices, you can also make eco-friendly choices that align with your brand values. 

Ready to make a lasting impression at your next conference? 

Sign up for Gelato and choose a subscription plan to start creating custom conference gifts with ease!