conferences

Whether you’re having an in-person or virtual event, one thing that never changes is your audience getting excited about giveaways. We all love the swag and gift bags. What’s the difference? Swag is usually branded, and gifts are focus on value, rather than brand recognition.

I researched what conference and meeting attendees are hoping to receive in 2021.

Having a virtual office party? Attendees are thrilled to receive:

• Cocktail and mocktail recipes/kits
• Apparel
• Personalized items
• High-end office supplies, like leather journals and luxury pens
• Food baskets

For a corporate event or meeting, it’s best to provide:

• Eco-friendly items, like reusable shopping bags and water bottles
• Snack and beverage boxes
• High-end office supplies, like leather journals and luxury pens
• Virtual gift cards for coffee shops, restaurants
• Tech items: wireless charging pads, earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, flash drives
• Small live plants that thrive well indoors (think succulents, snake plants)
• Wellness items (resistance bands, free weights, meditation app membership)

Limited budget? Send:

• Virtual greeting cards
• Handwritten notes
• Electronic gift cards

If you’re sending something via postal mail or a shipping service, you’ll have to ensure that you have accurate addresses for your attendees. Check with the shipping vendor to find out the best time to send the packages to ensure that they arrive on time.

Communicate clearly if you want attendees to open the package at a specific time. For example, if you’re sending live plants, you’ll want those opened upon arrival. To set up a shared experience, ask attendees to be patient and wait until the event begins.

Customize your experience with great, relevant content and fun giveaways!