The Best Trade Show Giveaway Ideas

Landing new clients at a trade show is about making an impression, but grabbing attention at a crowded one is no easy feat. With dozens, if not hundreds, of other companies vying for attention, you need a strategy to cut through the noise and get your brand top of mind. So, while your competitors may be stuck handing out stale business cards, you can stand out from the pack with premium gifts people will actually love.

Rather than boring trinkets or flyers, consider a promotional item that visitors will find useful. Something useful and unique they can keep on their desk or wherever they go as a reminder of your company. Or share with colleagues back at the office. You want something providing ongoing exposure for your brand long after the event wraps up.

It’s also important to match your giveaways with your target audience. Think about what would be relevant and valuable to the professionals you’re looking to connect with. Don’t just randomly hand out swag, consider how your item could benefit potential clients or advance their business.

But with so many options, deciding on the best trade show giveaway ideas can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first one. So, we’ve compiled this guide of some of the most effective and out-of-the-box best trade show giveaways items that will draw visitors to your booth. These ideas will provide a starting point as you plan how to best promote and engage potential partners at your next industry event.

Effective Trade Show Giveaway Promotional Items to Promote Your Brand

Non-Woven Convention Tote Bag with Pocket

Imagine you’re at a bustling trade show, and you’ve just been handed a Non-Woven Convention Tote Bag with a Pocket. At first glance, it seems like a simple bag, but as you take a closer look, you realize it’s a brilliant trade show giveaway choice that’s about to make your day. This tote bag is no ordinary bag; it’s a versatile, eco-friendly, and budget-savvy promotional item that can boost your brand’s visibility at trade shows and conventions.

This tote offers more than enough space to stash away all those pamphlets, business cards, and freebies your prospects will collect at the event. What sets it apart is the nifty pocket on the front, perfect for quick access to essentials like your phone, pen, or even a water bottle. But what’s even cooler is that this tote is crafted from non-woven polypropylene. In plain English, it’s durable, reusable, and, most importantly, eco-friendly.

Beyond its functional carrying ability, this product also allows for screen-printed branding. And nothing says “thank you for your time” better than a giveaway item customized with your company logo and messaging. 

Aluminum Sports Bottle with Carabiner

A water bottle may not sound as exciting as a tradeshow promotional item at first. But hear us out on why this Aluminum Sports Bottle makes for an excellent choice. First of all, it’s very practical. Who doesn’t need a water bottle, right? And the aluminum construction means it’ll keep drinks cool for hours. The sports bottle design fits easily in cup holders, too.

There are also a few features that make it a real stand-out giveaway. One is the secure twist-on lid with a built-in carabiner. This makes for easy carrying, and the carabiner is a nice reflective accent that catches the eye. It essentially turns the bottle into a little portable accessory.

The sleek design and a wide range of color options let you choose a bottle that matches your brand’s style. Plus, it’s easy to clean, ensuring it stays fresh and appealing. Of course, the best part about using this as a giveaway is that you can customize it with your company’s logo or design. And since the aluminum construction ensures the imprint will last through countless uses in a dishwasher or washing machine. 

Sticky Notes

Have you ever handed out sticky notes or notepads as a promo item before, only to have most of them end up in the trash? Well, the Cardboard Sticky Notes in Booklet is a unique notepad that’s useful and sustainable. Rather than boring old sticky notes, these feature fun-designed paper that can be used repeatedly. These aren’t just any old sticky notes; they’re neatly housed in a booklet that fits right into your pocket or bag.

What’s really cool about it is that it comes with sticky pads in three different sizes, so your prospects can use the right size for their purpose. It also includes five neon-colored page markers so people can easily flag important pages. That way, your customers will use and keep all the pieces rather than throwing most of them out like regular sticky packs.

MopToppers®️ Desk Pen with Suction Cup Base

This item is probably the most hype pen you’ve ever seen and the perfect promo item to liven up your next trade show. We’re talking about the MopToppers®️ Desk Pen. This isn’t your ordinary desk pen; this one has personality. It’s the kind of giveaway that sparks conversations and makes your booth memorable.

This pen comes with a cheerful character on top, complete with a microfiber “mop” of hair. It’s like having a little desk buddy to brighten your workday. Plus, the suction cup base ensures it stays put right where you need it.

This MopToppers pen also writes like a dream. It’s smooth, reliable, and comfortable to hold, making it a joy to use during meetings, brainstorming sessions, or even just jotting down quick notes. Your prospects will appreciate the practicality. So, if you’re looking to grab attention at your next trade show in a big way, look no further than the MopToppers Desk Pen.

1″ Lanyard with Swivel Hook & Breakaway Clip

Lanyards might seem too simple, but they pack a punch when promoting your brand and adding convenience to your event experience. They are such a versatile promotional item. Not only are they useful for holding ID badges at your trade show, but attendees can keep using them even after the event is over. This particular lanyard is made of durable polyester to withstand wear and tear. 

The breakaway clip is a small yet crucial detail. It ensures safety in crowded trade show settings. If someone accidentally pulls on your lanyard, the breakaway clip releases, preventing accidents or discomfort. The swivel hook makes it easy to attach and detach badges, IDs, or other essentials. 

But aside from these, it’s a walking billboard for your brand. Your logo takes center stage, making it impossible for anyone to miss. Whether draped around your neck or proudly worn by attendees, your brand gets the visibility it deserves.

Hand Sanitizer Spray Pen

With trade shows are back in full force, germ protection is top of mind for all attendees and exhibitors. Trade shows bring lots of people together in one place, and with so much interaction, keeping your hands clean is crucial. 

The Hand Sanitizer Spray Pen is a really handy, portable solution that addresses this need perfectly. It comes in a compact 10ml size that easily clips onto bags, belts, or pockets, so it’s always within reach when you need it. The spray bottle format means no more messy gels on your hands. Just a quick spray, and you’re good to go.

Getting your brand in front of potential customers is the goal at a trade show, so a giveaway they’ll use daily like this is very effective branding. This little pen will also showcase your brand’s commitment to safety since your logo and message are right there, front and center, reminding everyone that you prioritize their well-being. It’s like saying, “We care about you,” without uttering a word.

Stock Shape Stick-Up Calendar- 13 Month

Now, this may sound like a basic calendar at first glance, but what makes this calendar stand out is its convenience. The Stock Shape Stick-Up Calendar is adhesive on the back, so you can peel off a month at a time and stick it wherever you like – your desk, computer monitor, fridge, or even in your planner. This gift idea is designed to help your prospects stay on top of your schedule, jot down important dates, and even add a bit of flair to your desk.

It’s customizable with your branding, so it’s a subtle yet effective way to keep your name in front of your clients and prospects. Plus, it comes in various stock shapes, adding a playful touch to your prospects’ workspace. You can also align the shape with your brand’s message or logo. Whether you prefer a heart, house, car, or any other fun shape, it’s a conversation starter and a daily reminder of your brand.

Assorted Tradeshow Snacks

Every trade show attendee loves free food. We’ve all been there –  after walking the show floor for hours, your energy is running low, and all you can think about is finding your next snack. After navigating through a whirlwind of booths, brochures, and business cards at a trade show, it would be a welcoming sight for your prospects when they stumble upon your booth offering an assortment of snacks. With these assorted snack packets, you’ll be their hero!

These snacks are more than just a giveaway; they’re a sensory delight that immediately sets your booth apart. They’ll find an array of gourmet treats carefully selected to please every palate – from different types of nuts, popcorn, and granola bars – there’ll surely be options in there that various dietary preferences and tastes will enjoy.

As a bonus, you can include your sales packet or brochure inside the snack box. So, every time they scan the snacks for what they want to eat, they’ll see your company name and info right in front of them. 

8 oz. Bottled Water with Full-Color Label

Let’s face it – trade shows can be long, hot, and tiring. Walking the floor all day builds up thirst quickly. So handing out a cold bottle of water is like your brand saying, “Thanks for being here, please stay hydrated!” You’ll be offering a small yet invaluable oasis in the hustle and bustle of the event.

It may not seem like it, but what makes this bottled water special is the full-color label. Your logo, message, and branding take center stage, ensuring that your booth visitors are reminded of your company’s presence with every sip. Sometimes, the simplest gestures leave the most lasting impressions. So, ultimately, offering a bottle of water is a thoughtful touch that shows you care about your visitors’ well-being.

PopSockets®️ PopGrip

Pretty much everyone has a smartphone these days, and popsockets have become hugely popular as a way to manage our phones more easily. At a bustling trade show, prospects are snapping photos, scanning QR codes, and keeping up with their schedule on their phones. It’s a juggling act, and a gift like the Custom PopSockets provides an extra hand to keep their phone secure and within reach.

These pop sockets have a flexible neck that allows you to pop them out into a stand for watching videos hands-free or prop up your phone on a table for FaceTiming. When you’re done, they fold down flat so as not to take up extra space in your pocket. And the huge imprint area on top is perfect for displaying your company or event logo, making the PopGrip such a savvy giveaway.

Conclusion

Trade shows provide a golden opportunity to start meaningful connections and accelerate your sales pipeline. And with the right tradeshow promotional items, prospects will be excited to chat rather than bolting for the food court. When aligned properly with your company’s image and message, these thoughtful gifts can pave a golden path to lead generation at any expo. But the real payoff comes after those booths break down.