If there’s one thing conference-goers love about trade shows, it’s giveaways. Even at conferences focused on seemingly uninspiring topics, attendees always look forward to picking up a few pieces of swag or checking out the competition’s promotional products.
That’s what makes trade show giveaways such good branding opportunities. They allow you to capitalize on those positive associations and promote your brand to highly relevant markets. Since stakeholders at all levels attend trade shows, it can mean getting your brand top of mind for senior decision-makers.
The only drawback is, all your competitors are vying for the same attention. To stand out in the crowd, consider some of our favorite trade show giveaway ideas.
Our Top Trade Show Giveaway Ideas
Whether you’re gearing up for an upcoming conference or just getting swag ideas for this year’s trade shows, these are some of the best giveaways for trade shows. Each option goes beyond the usual custom pens and flash drives and spans a range of price points so you can find a product that suits your financial needs and promotional goals.
1. Stanley Quencher H2.O FlowState™ Tumbler 40 oz
This custom tumbler will be an instant hit at any trade show. Backed by major publicity across social media and traditional media outlets, trade show attendees will line up for this premium drinkware from Stanley. With double-wall vacuum insulation for long-lasting temperature regulation, an included straw, and a huge 40oz capacity, it’ll get daily use, giving your logo consistent exposure.
Stanley Quencher 40 oz. H2.O FlowState Tumbler
- +5 colors
Recycled stainless steel, a comfort-grip handle, and a narrow base that fits most car cup holders make it an everyday carry. Orders start at six. Hand wash only.
1 review
2. Arctic Zone Titan Thermal HP Slim Can Cooler
We’ve all seen the usual can cooler, and may even have a drawer full of them at home, but most people don’t have a drink accessory like this. Made by Arctic Zone, this double-wall stainless steel take on the typical flimsy foam sleeve keeps a slim can cold for up to 24 hours, or works as a 12 oz. tumbler with its push-on lid. Bearing your company logo, it’ll associate your brand with innovation and quality.
Arctic Zone 12 oz. Titan Thermal HP Slim Can Cooler
Copper-lined vacuum insulation prevents condensation, so hands and tables stay dry, and the powder-coated finish holds up to daily use. Orders start at six.
3. Medium Zippered Canvas Tote Bag
Flimsy tote bags come and go, but the Zippered Canvas Bag will quickly become a go-to option for conference attendees. Made from thick, 100% cotton, this canvas tote bag was designed to hold just about anything you can fit inside. With an added zipper pocket, it makes for a practical, durable tradeshow giveaway option that takes your custom branding on the go.
Medium Zippered Canvas Tote Bag
- +3 colors
Long self-fabric handles and a roomy main compartment carry conference swag, laptops, and notebooks with ease. Print with no minimum, from one tote to a full booth supply.
7 reviews
4. 9-1/4 Inch Flyer
Looking for something that stands out from the crowd and doesn’t break the proverbial bank? Interactive personalized trade show products like a 9-¼ Inch Flyer fit the bill. This fun alternative to the usual office-centric items shows off your brand’s playful side while giving conference attendees something they can enjoy away from their desks.
9-1/4 Inch Flyer
- +2 colors
Made in the USA from durable plastic that won’t shatter, it holds up to backyard throws and beach days long after the show. Printed orders start at 100.
5. Packing Cubes 2pc Set
Packing cubes may not seem at first like obvious tradeshow promotional items, but they’re actually a perfect choice. Many conference-goers will have come from another city (or even country), so thoughtful giveaways that make return travel easier will definitely make your brand stand out. Just imagine attendees perusing tables of swag, wondering how they’ll get all their freebies home, then coming across your convenient branded packing cubes.
Packing Cubes 2pc Set
A medium and a small cube nest together, with zippered compartments and mesh accents that make packed items easy to spot. Printed orders start at 50.
6. Skullcandy Jib 2 True Wireless Earbuds
The best trade show giveaways don’t compromise quality for branding opportunities, and these premium wireless earbuds from Skullcandy are a case in point. The Jib 2 earbuds pack in over 30 hours of listening time, a convenient app for finding a missing earbud, water-resistant construction, built-in mics, and, best of all, space on the case for your custom design.
Skullcandy Jib 2 True Wireless Earbuds
IPX4 water resistance and built-in music controls handle commutes and workouts, and the charging case recharges in about an hour. Orders start at three.
7. mophie Snap+ Multi-Device Travel Charger
If you’re looking for a uniquely practical trade show giveaway idea, consider a travel charger with wireless charging. With many attendees juggling multiple devices, and possibly forgetting a charging cable or two, a charger that powers four devices at once could come in handy, projecting your brand as a thoughtful, problem-solving solution in the process.
mophie Snap+ Multi-Device Travel Charger
It folds into a compact bundle and ships in a gift box with a 30W USB-C wall charger and cable included. Printed orders start at two.
Design now8. Vanity 7-Piece Personal Care Kit
Health and wellness items are often overlooked as swag options, but they can make great trade show giveaway options. A personal care kit is a perfect example, as it gives business travelers an array of necessary tools like nail clippers, scissors, a mini mirror, and tweezers so they can have the next best thing to their own bathroom cabinet while they’re on the go, from the flight home to their next conference.
Vanity 7-Piece Personal Care Kit
At just over 5 by 4 inches, the zippered case slips into a carry-on or laptop bag, with an open-top pocket for quick grabs. Printed orders start at 75.
9. Resty Phone and Tablet Stand
Sometimes, the simple items are the best ones. A basic phone stand may not seem like a big deal, but it can make for a great branded trade show giveaway. With plenty of surface space for your custom design, it’s a handy yet affordable solution that trade show attendees won’t know they need until they see it on your table.
Resty Phone and Tablet Stand
Adjustable viewing angles hold phones and tablets under 0.5 inches thick for video calls and streaming, and it ships in an FSC-certified gift box. Printed orders start at 100.
10. Fellow Clara French Press 24 oz
Help conference attendees unlock their inner barista with this elegant French press from Fellow. Made from double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel, this kitchenware standout is sure to impress every visitor who stops at your table, even if they aren’t lucky enough to snag one for themselves.
Fellow Clara French Press - 24 Oz
A stainless steel filter and an included wooden agitation stick help brew a smooth, consistent cup at home or the office. Orders start at 24.
11. Engineer Multi-Tool
If you’re looking for tradeshow promotional items that are simple, portable, practical, affordable, and unique, take a look at this multi-tool. With your logo engraved on the shaft, this handy concept combines multiple screwdriver heads into one pocket-size piece ready to handle myriad tasks. Though this item doesn’t include blades or sharp objects, it may be worth checking your trade show venue’s rules to ensure they allow vendors to bring tools like these.
Engineer Multi-Tool
Eight bits store under a twist-off cap, a magnetic base holds each in place, and a metal clip attaches to a pocket or bag. Laser-engraved orders start at 100.
12. Retro Sunglasses
Sometimes, classic is best. This staple trade show promo piece is simple, cost-effective, identifiable, and always in demand. Available in multiple colors to help your custom design pop, retro sunglasses look cool when the sun’s out and are the perfect addition to any suite of branded giveaway items at a conference or trade show.
Retro Sunglasses
- +1 colors
UV 400 protection and a one-size-fits-all unisex fit make them an easy grab for outdoor events and summer shows. Printed orders start at 75.
Trade Show Giveaway Benefits
Every company goes to a trade show for the same basic reason: to promote their brand. That means competition can be fierce, but in some industries, a consistent trade show presence is indispensable.
There are a few things that make in-person branding at trade shows incredibly valuable:
- Attendees are, by design, highly targeted and aligned with your industry.
- Many attendees are either in the market for your product/service or are purchase-ready.
- Trade shows offer a rare opportunity for physical, in-person demos.
- Trade shows are high-profile occasions tailored to sales, launches, and promotions.
- You gain access to untapped markets potentially from around the world.
How to Pick the Best Trade Show Giveaways for Your Brand
Ready to whittle down these potential trade show giveaway ideas to the right ones for your brand and market? Here are a few characteristics your product pick needs to have:
- Ample space for custom branding
- Alignment with your brand and the expectations of your market
- Eye-catching desirability that drives interest in a sea of competing giveaways
- Genuine usefulness
- Quality design and construction that reflects the quality of your brand
- Portability to and from the trade show
- Cost-effective bulk pricing
More Ideas for Trade Show and Conference Giveaways
Above all else, the best trade show and conference giveaway ideas stand out by proudly demonstrating your brand to the world. Remember, to get the most out of your giveaway, it needs to be something people will be excited to use or wear while endorsing your brand in the process.
If the options above aren’t quite what you’re looking for, check out the full RushOrderTees catalog of promotional products you can easily design online and ship to meet even the most urgent timeline.
About the Author
Based in New Mexico, Bryce Emley is a seasoned content writer and expert in the realms of custom apparel and eCommerce. Holding an MFA in Creative Writing, he seamlessly blends his passions, specializing in insightful content that bridges the gap between innovative apparel solutions and digital commerce trends. Beyond his professional pursuits, Bryce is an avid creator, channeling his creativity into poetry, screenplays, and creative nonfiction. In his leisure time, he has a penchant for collecting unique, vintage anime t-shirts, showcasing his love for both rare finds and the artistry of apparel design.