Building a solid brand is essential for any business – big or small, new or already established. And one of the most effective ways to promote your brand is through event merchandise. When done right, event merchandise ideas and giveaways can be a powerful marketing tool that helps you reach broader audiences in the United Kingdom (UK) and beyond, build customer loyalty, and boost sales.
On top of that, it’s your great chance to show off your brand’s personality and style, creating a lasting impression.
So, if you’re looking for some inspiration for your next event, here are seven ideas for creative event merchandise that you can use to promote your brand. Continue reading to learn more.
Event merchandise Ideas
1. Use Branded Umbrellas
If you’re running an outdoor event, particularly in the UK, where it rains a lot, then choosing a branded umbrella with your company or event logo on can be a great option. A very common example is using golf umbrellas for golf corporate away days, which can be a big hit with clients and your team.
Choosing a design and color that matches your brand makes the branding stand out more, and is often the best choice. You can choose a corporate umbrella supplier like Steel City Marketing, which offers a range of designs, including folding umbrellas and parasols that can be printed with your logo and brand message.
2. Give Out Coffee Mugs
A mug is one of the most popular promotional gifts for a reason – almost everyone uses them daily. A coffee mug is always an essential item on anyone’s desk from home to work or at the office. And because consumers use them so often, they provide your brand with excellent exposure and reach more potential customers.
The trick here is to select an eye-catching design but not too much over the top as event merchandise ideas. You can go for a simple white mug and print your business logo in a contrasting shade. Alternatively, you can opt for something more creative or luxurious feel. A magic mug that changes colors when hot liquid is poured into it, or glow-in-the-dark coffee mugs, which can be great for a fun event.
Moreover, you can also add a short quote or tagline to the mug that represents your brand and its values. Or perhaps your website address for extra visibility. After all, these mugs can be in your customers’ hands every day, and they’re bound to use them enough times for people to notice your branding.
3. Have Unique Tote Bags
As you want to make the most out of any event, giving out tote bags is another fantastic event merchandise idea. They’re very functional and cost-effective, and the design can feature your logo, website address, or any other message you want to convey. You can even go for something more creative, like a saying or a quirky image.
Consumers can use this item as their companion throughout the day, whether for groceries, shopping, trips, and more. Your logo stays with them wherever they go and can be seen by many other prospects each time they carry it around.
Additionally, ensure the printing is tangible or prominently displayed. This strategy can help your brand stand out more and positively impact the recipients. After all, tote bags are sure to be one of the most useful items that your customers will carry around, giving your brand excellent exposure.
4. Provide Personalized Water Bottles
It’s no secret that hosting an event will likely mean your attendees will get thirsty, especially if held outdoors. And a simple yet highly effective and convenient solution is to hand out personalized water bottles. This practical product can be used to keep your audience hydrated throughout the day.
You can print your company’s brand on one side of the bottle and also add some promotional messages on the other side. This can be your company’s tagline or contact information. You want to make sure that it’s short, sweet, and to the point so that people can remember it easily.
Water bottles are a universal thing that almost everyone uses in some way, making them an excellent marketing tool. And even if the event is over, they can still be used at home or in the office, allowing your brand to stay visible to your target audience for a long time.
5. Event Merchandise Idea – Design Lanyards
Lanyards are now one of the most popular items to give out at events and workplaces. And there’s a good reason for that – they serve various functions. They can be used to securely hold keys, ID cards, badges, and more.
In addition to this versatility, a lanyard is a great promotional product as it can be printed with your business logo and contact information. You can even choose the color and design of the lanyard that you want to give out, allowing it to match your brand’s overall style or theme.
People can wear this unique element around their neck or attach it to their bag, making it highly noticeable. On top of that, lanyards are also economical, making them a great choice if you’re on a tight budget.
6. Event Merchandise Idea – Consider Pens
If you want to boost your brand without breaking the bank, pens are the way to go. Aside from being an affordable option, they’re also an everyday item that people of all ages use. You can see pens everywhere, from schools and offices to shopping centers and coffee shops. That means it’ll highlight your brand each time your recipients use them.
You can print your logo in one or full color on the barrel or clip of the pen. And to make it more appealing, you can even choose a unique pen design that’ll grab people’s attention. Such style can be anything from a transparent pen, a metallic or neon color pen, and even a novelty one; the sky’s the limit.
Pens are also versatile. You can distribute them at tradeshows, conferences, seminars, or other events or occasions. They would be a handy giveaway that your audience will appreciate, and they’ll be sure to remember your brand each time they use them.
7. Event Merchandise Idea – Offer Custom T-Shirts
Sometimes being generous doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Case in point – T-shirts. This marketing merchandise provides a perfect canvas for you to showcase your brand identity. They’re valuable and comfortable to wear, making them ideal for a day out.
You can print your company’s message and logo on the front, back, or both sides of the shirt. It’ll probably depend on your budget and design. If you want to make sure it’s visible at all times, printing a large logo or message in bright colors can be a great idea.
T-shirts are ideal for both men and women, making them a unisex option. It’s also best to have different sizes so that everyone attending your event can have one. The best part about T-shirts is that you can also use them for giveaways or as employee uniforms to help promote your company.
Conclusion
Hosting an event can do wonders for your business. But what better way to increase your brand recognition and awareness than by offering unique merchandise to attendees? The items listed here can be your walking billboards that’ll promote your brand long after the event is over. And the best part is, they won’t cost you a fortune.
Use the marketing and event merchandise ideas mentioned here and see how they can help take your company to new heights.
