Best Trade Show Giveaways of 2024

Mallory Haines
August 21, 2024

In 2024, businesses worldwide are gearing up to make their mark at trade shows. According to Eventbrite, 40% of Boomers said that they plan to attend more events than the year before, and 60% of Gen X and Millennials said they are planning on it as well.

Events offer an extensive opportunity to connect with potential customers, build brand awareness, and foster relationships with clients. One crucial element that can set a brand apart in these events is its choice of trade show giveaways.

Tradeshow giveaways, also known as company giveaways or event giveaways, are promotional items for trade shows that companies distribute to attendees at events like trade shows and conferences. 

The goal? To make a lasting impression, generate leads, and cultivate relationships with potential clients. In this guide, we will explore the best trade show giveaway ideas for 2024, aiming to provide a diverse range of options that can help elevate your brand and leave a memorable imprint on your audience.

Top Trade Show Giveaways for 2024

Based on customer demands, industry forecasts, and emerging promotional product trends, we've compiled a list of the top swag ideas for events for 2024.

The Walk Break Kit from Clove and Twine featuring a recyclable box, reusable water bottle and bag, and eco-friendly sunscreen.

The Walk Break Kit from Clove and Twine featuring a recyclable box, reusable water bottle and bag, and eco-friendly sunscreen.

1. Eco-Friendly Products

With the growing awareness of sustainability, eco-friendly products like reusable water bottles, plantable sprout pencils, and tote bags made from recycled materials are becoming popular trade show promotional items. Offering such products not only shows your commitment to the environment but also resonates with a growing demographic of consumers who prioritize sustainability.



The ultimate tech piece! The Wood Charging Speaker is perfect for the office or home. The 3 Watt output of the speaker produces crystal clear sound. Plus the top part of the speaker is a wireless charging pad!

The Wood Charging Speaker from Swag.com.

2. Tech Gadgets

In today's digital age, tech gadgets like wireless chargers, Bluetooth key finders, and portable juice blenders are much sought after. These branded giveaways offer practical value and are likely to be used frequently, ensuring consistent impressions for your brand.

Custom socks from a conference giveaway shown on an employee working from home on their couch with a laptop.

3. Customized Apparel

Providing attendees with customized apparel like custom socks, jackets, or caps is a great way to promote your business indirectly. Every time a recipient wears these corporate giveaways, they inadvertently advertise your brand. Socks and caps are also a great way to order size-inclusive event swag without a fuss.

PF Candle Co.® Custom Candle from Gemnote.

PF Candle Co.® Custom Candle from Gemnote.

4. Wellness Products

Promoting health and wellness has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Wellness journals, fitness products, and even toiletries can make excellent trade show swag.


Holiday Event Giveaway Kits from Sofia's Cookies.

Holiday Event Giveaway Kits from Sofia's Cookies.

5. Food and Drink Giveaways

Adding food and drink conference giveaways to your trade show booth can be a brilliant strategy to attract and engage attendees. These promotional giveaways not only provide sustenance but also create an opportunity for social interaction and engagement. 

When including food and drink giveaways, ensure they are easily accessible, and be mindful of potential allergies or dietary restrictions. You may want to have options for different preferences. Make sure to comply with any trade show regulations regarding food and drink distribution as well.

Understanding Trade Show Giveaways

Now that we’ve tackled the best giveaways for trade shows, let’s define them better and their significance in modern trade show marketing strategies.

Conference swag ideas can range from typical promotional materials like branded pens, notepads, and bags, to more unique and creative options like tech gadgets, eco-friendly products, and personalized keepsakes. The best conference swag should leave a lasting impression on your event attendees, reflect your brand personality, and, most importantly, be useful and exciting to the attendees.

In a world that is increasingly digital, trade show giveaways are evolving. Businesses are constantly seeking innovative and unique items to distinguish themselves from competitors. This makes trade show giveaways an integral aspect of modern marketing strategies.

A lot of booths on the trade show floor with orange carpet and attendees at booths.



Why Promotional Product Giveaways Matter

The use of promotional products generates both short- and long-term marketing ROI. Here are a few benefits of giving away products at a trade show:

Brand Awareness:

Research shows that participants who gave out promotional items gained 176% more visitors than those who didn’t.

Increased Conversions:

Almost 80% of people who receive promotional products are willing to engage with the brand’s products and services.

Brand Recall:

Studies have found that recipients keep promotional gifts that provide value for one to three years.

Maximized ROI:

Due to the factors mentioned above, promotional products deliver a significant event marketing punch for a relatively small investment.

Selecting the Best Trade Show Giveaway

The best giveaways are not only attractive and practical but also align with your company’s values and promotional strategy. An effective trade show giveaway should captivate the conference attendees and be useful enough that attendees will be eager to use it, thereby increasing your brand visibility and recall.

Remember, the key to a successful trade show giveaway lies in choosing items that can help your brand shine brighter than ever in the spotlight. With that in mind, let's delve into the innovative world of trade show giveaways and discover the items that can help your brand make a lasting impression.


Making the Most of Your Trade Show Giveaways

Now that you have an idea of the best trade show giveaways for 2024, it is important to strategize on how to make the most of them. Here are a few tips to consider:

Quality Over Quantity:

Instead of giving away numerous low-quality items, focus on providing fewer high-quality products that reflect your brand's commitment to excellence.

Creativity is Key:

Stand out from the crowd with creative and unique giveaways that not only attract attention but also create a lasting impression.

Usability Matters:

Ensure that the items you choose are not just attractive but also practical and usable. This increases the likelihood that attendees will use and keep them, enhancing your brand visibility.

Personalization:

Consider personalizing your giveaways with the recipient's name or initials. This not only makes the gift more special but also increases the chances of the recipient using it regularly.


Conclusion

Selecting the right trade show giveaways can significantly enhance your brand visibility and recall, making it instrumental for your business's success. As we move forward into 2024, remember to choose items that reflect your brand identity, resonate with your audience, and offer practical value.

Remember, the best trade show giveaways are not only about the items themselves but also about the experience they provide. The key aim is to create a memorable experience that leaves a lingering taste of your brand long after the event concludes. So, gear up and make your mark with the best trade show giveaways of 2024!