10 Must-Have Gifts & Giveaways For 2021 Virtual Events
When COVID-19 restrictions first took hold, massive in-person gatherings were among the first to be shut down, and their future is still in limbo for the time being. Most people think about sporting events and concerts, but another big victim of this shift is the business conference industry. Many professionals and companies spend months preparing for business conferences, both for the ability to learn from experts in the field as well as an unparalleled networking opportunity. From sales teams to small businesses looking for investors, losing these events could be crippling.
However, resilience is always a virtue in the business community, and virtual conferences are a perfect example. Many major events are converting to digital in order to maintain those connections while complying with social distancing. Here’s a little more about how this works, as well as some great swag options to send to your virtual attendees.
What Are Virtual Conferences?
Before we talk about swag bags, let’s get a little bit more into what a virtual conference actually entails. In essence, these events allow all participants in a conference to interact remotely, rather than gathering together in person. This includes:
- Event organizers
- Keynote speakers
- Other speakers
- Sponsors
- General attendees
If this sounds a little bit like a normal webinar to you, you need to think bigger. Virtual conferences are taking a lot of the same webinar/virtual conferencing platforms we’ve been using while working from home, and finding new ways to emulate some of the experiences you would see at an in-person event.
Some of these are relatively easy to do on paper. For example, if you had a speaker attending, they could simply do their speech remotely and have people ask questions via the platform. However, there’s a lot more to these types of events, and here are some of the ways event organizers are getting creative:
- Live product demos: For certain niches, product demos at a conference are a key way to gauge potential interest. Holding these same demos via livestream are a great way to get people to showcase their product while working remotely.
- Virtual consultation rooms: The ability to mentor and talk with other professionals is a major draw for a lot of industry conferences. On top of the general rooms, some events will also have smaller consultation rooms for an element of privacy.
- Networking breaks: Attendees of a conference are well aware that you never know how you may be introduced to someone. By having scheduled gaps in between the main speeches and other events, it gives attendees a chance to introduce themselves.
On top of maintaining a lot of the benefits of a conventional conference, you could make the argument that this allows you to welcome in people who may not be able to attend for geographical, financial, or time reasons. If managed well and planned for, your company can reap just as many benefits from attending a virtual conference as an in-person one.
One final key point about a good virtual event is that you need to still add an element of fun to it. This is where the swag bag comes in. Any attendees of a major conference can tell you how they remember a unique item given away at the booths. In some cases, this is a very real branding opportunity that can turn into business opportunities as well. This makes it essential for companies that want to participate in a virtual conference to have their swag at the ready.
10 Items You Can’t Miss Out On
1. Skullcandy On-Ear Riff Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Skullcandy wireless headphones perfectly blends simplicity and technology. You get bold sound quality and convenient features that make your life easier. Without unnecessary extras. No waiting around for your headphones to charge. Just 10 minutes of charging gives you 2 hours of use. The lightweight Riff Wireless folds up small so it can go anywhere you go. Easy-to-use buttons adjust volume, change tracks and even activate your personal assistant to get directions or send hands-free texts. Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. Customize the outside of the headphone for ultimate branding impact. These custom headphones will be used long after your virtual event is over!
2. Beach Cooler Bag
Camping, picnics, and beach trips are going to make great recreational alternatives for people who aren’t interested in travel for a while. One thing to consider is the Beach Cooler Bag. Stock up on snacks and beverages with this bag, and have your employees represent your company while you travel by adding your company logo with screen printing.
Naturally, you want to present yourself well when appearing for speeches or product demos, and this Nike polo is a great option. The tipped flat knit collar provides more breathability, and the swoosh design is clearly displayed. On the topic of your own brand logo, you can apply it to six different locations on the shirt with embroidery.
4. Stainless Steel Sports Bottles
As the weather gets warm, your attendees are naturally going to be thinking about getting out more. Try and get ahead of them by gifting this bottle made out of stainless steel. With single-wall construction and a screw-on lid, this is well suited for the wear and tear that comes with being outside. Just make sure that you only hand wash this bottle. To make sure that your attendees think of you every time they take a sip, be sure to add your custom logo to this bottle with screen printing.
5. 5″ x 7″ Heathered Journal
Promotional notebooks are a common staple at industry events, and they are even more useful during virtual events for all the notetaking. They come stocked with 80 pages, along with a matching strap bookmark and pen loop perfect to add your promotional pen for ultimate branding impact.. It also comes with some additional functionality, like a front and back pocket you can use to store business cards and receipts with. And of course, your company will be seen every time they use this item by applying your logo with screen printing right across the front of the journal cover.
6. Wheat Straw Cutlery Set
If you’re thinking of an eco-friendly gift, this bamboo fiber cutlery set is a perfect match. Not only does bamboo grow without any pesticides or fertilizer, but this product is also combined with PLA, made from cornstarch. This is made completely from plant-based materials, with no BPAs, PVCs, or phthalate. For a little bit of brand association with every meal, make sure to apply your company logo with screen or full-color printing.
7. Custom No Contact Hand Tool
The CleanKey is an extremely popular piece of promotional material, a device that lets you operate buttons, doorknobs, and other items without having to physically touch them. Combine this with a naturally antimicrobial copper alloy, and you have something every office worker will want to have with them. To make sure people think of your company every time they use this handy tool, you can apply the company logo with laser engraving.
8. Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker – White
As the best-selling Bluetooth tracker in the world, this helps you use your smartphone to track the locations of keychains, wallets, or anything else you don’t want to lose. Smaller than ever, it’s even more portable and easy to use. To make sure your attendees remember your brand when they forget their essentials, be sure to add your company logo with screen printing.
9. Cutter & Buck® Legacy Cotton Canvas Boat Tote
We can’t talk conference swag without tote bags, and this is a great example. Made from cotton canvas and with a leather comfort wrap, this oversized tote is great for travel, the beach, or storing more conference swag. To cap things off, you can add your company logo to the bag through debossing.
10. Screen Cleaner Kits
Even as people head back to the office, they are likely going to be doing a lot more remote communication. This may be due to mandated remote work (to keep everyone from being in the office at the same time) or just expanded telecommutes as we move forward. Something like the Express Office Kit is a great all-purpose option to provide as a part of your post-conference swag, with plenty of different items to help keep things productive and clean.
For some additional brand penetration, customize the kit box and add your logo with screen printing.
Virtual conferences are one of many examples of how different companies and industries are going to need to adapt to a post-COVID world. While the top priority is making sure the practical functions of these events stay intact, the fact is that the swag bag is something everyone comes to appreciate at an industry conference.
Taking the time to replicate one of the best aspects of in-person conferences not only helps spread the word about your brand, but also shows potential clients and customers that you are thinking about their enjoyment and care. At iPromo, we are happy to provide all types of branded/customized equipment to help your brand make a great impression in 2021!