Essential Rules When Choosing Merchandise Items for Events

Many companies expect their marketing departments to achieve incredible results on a tight budget. However, with the right merchandise strategy, you can make a big impact with your handouts. To save you the hassle of trial and error, we’ve compiled a guide with all the rules to optimise your presence with merchandise at events.

Rules when Preparing Event Merchandise

Before the event begins, you need to ensure people know how to find your stall. Clear signage pointing attendees to your location is essential. Whether you’re inside a networking venue or outdoors at a food market, if people can’t find you, your merchandise is irrelevant.

1. Use directional signage around the event to guide attendees to your stall.
2. Upload a map or guide to social media or your website with clear instructions on how to locate your stall.

Rules Once the Event is Underway- Ensure your branding is highly visible:

• A tall banner above your stall can help attendees spot you in a crowd.
• Staff should be wearing branded clothing so attendees know who to approach with questions.

Remember, merchandise needs to align with the purpose of your attendance. Each company’s goals during the event will differ, so it’s crucial to choose merchandise that supports your specific objectives.

Rules when Choosing the Right Merchandise for Events- Understand why you are at the event:

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1. Selling Items During the Event

If your goal is to sell products at the event, branded packaging is a must. Imagine being at a food market and seeing someone enjoying a delicious snack—but it’s in a plain container. You wouldn’t know where to find it. Branded packaging solves this by ensuring your product remains visible and recognisable. Branded packaging also helps consumers remember where they purchased the product, making it easier for them to recommend it to others.

To draw people to your stall, interactive games or simple competitions can create a buzz.

Merchandise Recommendations:

• Branded bags or boxes for packaging purchases.
• Handout items to encourage interaction.
• Interactive merchandise or games to drive foot traffic.

2. Generating Leads

Lead generation is all about capturing attendee details and leaving a memorable impression. Your stall’s setup should be visually appealing and professional to encourage potential leads to stop by. Practical branded items with QR codes or web links ensure your leads can easily access your contact details after the event. Although traditional business cards are effective for some, consider pairing them with more practical and tangible items to make a lasting impression.

Merchandise Recommendations:

• Business cards to exchange details.
• Tangible items with QR codes or web links.
• Practical giveaways like pens or notebooks with your branding.

3. Building Relationships

When your goal is to build strong, lasting relationships, high-quality handouts are key. Giving out premium merch shows attendees that you value them and leaves a positive impression of your brand. On the other hand, cheap or poorly made handouts can damage your reputation. Business cards are also effective in this scenario, as relationship-building often involves mutual interest and follow-ups.

Merchandise Recommendations:

• Premium merch like branded drinkware, notebooks, or tech accessories.
• Business cards to foster ongoing communication.

4. Announcing, Educating, or Launching Something

If you’re launching a product or educating attendees about your services, provide tangible merchandise that allows people to test or experience your offering. This hands-on approach reinforces your aim of promoting your new product and leaves a lasting impression. Traditional brochures are fine, but to stand out, try something creative like handing out branded notepads with QR codes linking to online content. This approach ensures attendees engage with your brand long after the event.

Handout Recommendations:

• Informational materials like brochures or booklets.
• Creative items like notepads with scannable links to videos or podcasts.
• Product samples or demo kits for hands-on experience.

Key Takeaways

• Signage is critical to ensuring attendees can find your stall.
• Align your merch with your event goals, whether that’s selling products, generating leads, building relationships, or announcing something new.
• Choose high-quality, practical, and engaging merch to create a lasting impression.
• Use creative methods like QR codes on tangible items to drive post-event engagement.

Need expert advice on event merch? Contact us today to speak to our experts, who will provide a free strategy tailored to your goals for a successful event!