Events come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common – branded merchandise. Whether you’re organising your own events or exhibiting at a trade show or exhibition, you want to do everything you can to maximise ROI, make an impact, and be remembered for the right reasons.
So how can you elevate your events? Or ensure your merchandise steals best in show?
In June, we held our annual merchandise showcase and masterclass and gathered together our suppliers and event, ideas and video experts to help address these questions and more.
And as an added extra, the great team at Cheltenham’s award-winning video production company Nomadic UK created some digital merchandise with the use of a slow mo camera and some party poppers for guests and suppliers, as well as producing our event wrap video.
You can watch all the highlights from the day here – and in the meantime, we’ve got a round up of some of our current favourite products that all our guests got to take home in their bulging goodie bags.
Whatever the weather
· You can keep your clients covered and brighten up a rainy day with a branded umbrella. We chose this super smart mini brolly, with a sleeve that turns into a handy shopping bag (with a zipped compartment to keep it in too). It features an eco friendly production process and recycled plastic fabric for the canopy, whilst there are multiple branding options, from the panels to the base of the wooden handle or even the bag.
· Still in a wet weather vein, the ever-useful tote just got an upgrade. These water repellent bags feature a large print area to get your brand out and about, come rain or shine. Watch our recent video to see the coating in action.
· At the other end of the scale, get ready for the sun with this handbag or pocket sized eco suncare stick. With SPF 30 protection, it’s perfect for your lips or face and the push up cardboard container is fully compostable. We’ve paired it with an equally handy tin of Aloe Vera hand cream, to help protect and moisturise.
In the office
· A true stalwart of promotional products, the branded pen continues to go from strength to strength. Who doesn’t have at least one to hand. We chose this eco friendly push ball pen from a supplier who is leading the way with innovation around sustainability from materials to production processes, along with a free refill service (with refills lasting up to 5000 metres of writing!).
· If you want to present that pen with extra punch, then say hello to the branded pen tube. Designed to hold a single pen, it’s made from 100% recyclable materials. The cardboard cover is the ideal canvas to boost your brand and eco credentials and hand out at trade shows or exhibitions – or to pop in the post as an event follow up.
· Desktop accessories help keep your branding visible all day. We chose a vegan leatherette circular coaster with a subtle grain. Available in a drip-busting 20 colours, it’s durable and offers branding methods from screen or full digital print to debossing or foil blocking.
· Every coaster needs a mug, and we love the curved shaped and large handle of this earthenware mug. It comes in black or white, but also offers the chance to get super creative with some special finishing touches, from banding to handles, inner rims or even the inside (or outside) base and create something both different and impactful.
· Don’t forget about the humble lanyard. Lanyards are very much part of everyday office life and with a host of options and combinations, from materials, to styles, clips, branding methods, production processes or sustainability stories, there are plenty of winning combinations.
· On to the ever-popular branded notebook and we love this range that offers so much choice and flexibility. They are UK made, with a number of eco-friendly options for pages and covers, as well as vegetable-based printing inks. Then let your imagination run riot, from wraparound prints to laser cut covers with contrasting pages to really bring your branding alive.
· Finally in this section, we’ve included sticky notes. This stationery staple features FSC® certified paper and comes in multiple sizes and styles. Ideal for when you need to make a note (maybe to order more stickies).
Out and about
· Drinkware is always a winner, so we included a few of our current favourites.
If you fancy a hug from your mug for your cuppa on the go, then this insulated mug with is just the ticket. Featuring double walled stainless steel insulation, integrated handle and a secure clear lid with sliding sipper to prevent spills on the go, it is available in five colours and a MOQ of just 50 units.
· Alternatively, this 360ml insulated travel tumbler will keep your favoured drink hot or cold for extended periods of time, whilst the powder coated finish is both attractive and durable. Its shape helps make it a real head turner for your branding – handy and hand sized for refreshment and rehydration on the go.
· Why not shake up your branded drinkware with a branded shaker. Ideal for mixing powder-based supplements, the transparent design of this 700ml cup has an integral measurement scale, whilst the internal grid helps ensure smooth blending. Better still, it’s British made and an express service option is available for a super quick turnaround.
· An eye-catching, full colour printed microfibre screen cleaning cloth can help keep your branding visible and your screen, glasses or shades clean, whilst effectively absorbing any grease and trapping any dust.
· A multi charging cable is always useful on the move, and this one features a dual USB and USB-C , three connectors and an integrated NFC chip, which can be programmed with a digital message – think of it as an ever-present twist on a traditional business card. Available in black or white, ready for your brand, it’s also made of recycled materials and boasts a fully certified supply chain.
More great event giveaways
· A sweet treat is a happy addition to any stand – especially when visitors are in need of a sugar boost. These jellybeans come in an eco-friendly box that’s made in the UK from sustainably sourced packaging that can be recycled or composted. Not a fan of jellybeans? Then you can mix it up with chocolates or vegan bears instead.
· Interesting products and interesting stories make great talking points – and what better way to boost your brand engagement post-event than these boxes of custom shaped seed bombs. Add in a B-Corp Certified supplier, committed to local sourcing and ethical and eco-conscious packaging, and you have an interactive gift that will help your brand blossom and grow.
· And to finish, we’re back to socks. These are still proving to be a popular choice for many clients. With multiple styles and materials available, whether you opt for classic subtle embroidered detailing or a wild all-over pattern or print, there are plenty of options (and some low MOQs) to help your clients put their best foot forward.
If you are looking for help with your event merchandise, then get in touch with the team – or if you are local, then do come and say hello. We’ve got loads of samples in house and would love to chat through your projects over a coffee and maybe even a slice of cake.
