MAKE YOUR MARK. HOW BRANDED MERCHANDISE LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION AFTER YOUR EVENT.

Event managers and marketers, listen up. We know how exciting (and nerve-wracking) it can be to organise a successful tradeshow or event. From countless hours of planning to ensuring everything runs like clockwork, the event day finally arrives and feels like a blur of activity. Hopefully, the successful, magical sort! But what if we told you the magic doesn’t have to end at the end of the event?

Leave behinds at Trade Shows and Events are so important. It’s an expensive exercise to exhibit at a trade show and it’s important to make an impression. Let’s dive in and discover how promotional merchandise can maximise your exposure, make you stand out, and leave a lasting impact.

Branded Merchandise Helps Forge Emotional Connections

Ah, the joy of receiving freebies at events! It’s similar to the thrill of those little bottles of shampoo that “accidentally” end up in your luggage after your hotel stay (hey, we’re not judging). An irresistible nugget of joy. And for good reason…

Branded merchandise taps into the psychology of reciprocity, creating positive emotions and forming lasting memories. When attendees walk away from an event with a thoughtful, high-quality item, they associate those good feelings with your brand. Whether it’s a practical tote bag, a sleek water bottle, or a quirky customised pen, these items become cherished keepsakes, reminding people of the fantastic experience they had at your event.

Here’s an impressive statistic that illustrates this:

72% of consumers believe the quality of a promotional product directly relates to the reputation of the company providing that product.

So…choose wisely, and create those positive brand associations.

Think of Promotional Merchandise as Walking Billboards:

Wouldn’t it be amazing if your attendees proudly showcase your brand to the world? Well, that’s precisely what leave-behinds do! Branded merchandise turns your visitors into walking billboards, promoting your company wherever they go. That trendy t-shirt or eye-catching cap becomes a conversation starter, attracting curiosity and potential customers with each wear.

According to a recent survey, 63% of consumers who receive promotional products tend to pass them along to someone else rather than trashing them, extending your reach even further!

Here’s a case in point. Eight years ago we produced some uber-cool beanies for James Boags Draught. And we STILL see people wearing them to this day (and popping up for sales on eBay). Talk about ROI!

Maximise Merchandise Hype

In today’s digital age, your event doesn’t end when the doors close. Branded merchandise can spark a social media frenzy. Encourage attendees to share photos of their merch on their social platforms, using a catchy event hashtag. This generates a buzz among their friends, colleagues, and family, who might be intrigued by your brand and events.

The branded merchandise we created for the NRL Dolphins went crazy on social media. Everyone loved being part of something and showing solidarity and support for their team. This organic online exposure is an excellent way to extend the event’s life beyond its physical presence.

Make Your Merch Relevant

Effective branded merchandise is both relevant to your audience and useful in their daily lives. Choose items that align with your brand and the interests of your target market. For instance, if you’re organising a tech conference, a branded phone stand or a power bank will be highly appreciated by attendees. When people find value in your merchandise, they are more likely to keep it around, constantly reminding them of your brand.

Here’s another impressive example (hey, we gotta toot our own horn sometimes). When we produced the Dolphin Fins for the NRL, well, we just knew they were going to be a hit. What we hadn’t quite expected was their longevity and value after the event was over.

The Dolphin fins gained notable collector’s item status. The demand for fins in online marketplaces has driven resale prices up to $50 per fin (even though the purchase price was less than $2 each). The widespread adoption, reuse, and resale value of the Dolphin fins not only amplified brand awareness but also fostered deep fan engagement and a sense of pride in supporting the Dolphins.

Be Bold and Create Killer Merch

Trade shows and events can get overwhelming with numerous businesses vying for attention. Everyone wants to be noticed! Promotional merchandise is your ace to stand out in a sea of competition. But here’s the caveat…good quality merchandise will elevate your brand. Bad quality merch will likely end up in landfill and may even damage your brand.

By offering a unique, eye-catching giveaway, you’re giving attendees a reason to flock to your booth or stand. But here’s the kicker: you don’t want to offer the same generic offerings as everyone else. Get creative and go for the unique and unconventional item. This is your chance to leave a memorable mark, setting you apart from the sea of generic offerings.

Keep Your Brand in the Spotlight

Unlike fleeting advertisements, branded merchandise sticks around for the long haul. Think about it: traditional marketing materials like pamphlets and flyers are often discarded after a glance. However, merchandise like branded notebooks or calendars can be used for months, even years, to come, constantly reinforcing your brand in the user’s mind. Studies have shown that 85% of people do business with a company after receiving a promotional product from them.

So, there you have it. Branded merchandise is a powerful tool to make a lasting impression, extend your reach, and leave your attendees with a warm, fuzzy feeling about your brand long after the event is over. As you plan your next event, make sure to invest in creative, relevant, and high-quality leave-behinds that align with your brand and resonate with your audience. You’ll be crushing ROI goals! Remember, it’s not just about the event day; it’s about building lasting connections that keep your brand in the spotlight for years to come.