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Choosing Corporate Gifts for your Event: A guide to making thoughtful choices

Corporate gifts are a tangible reflection of your company or event’s brand and values. They’re more than just items; they’re a message to delegates, clients, partners, and employees, demonstrating your appreciation and fostering strong business relationships. However, the process of selecting the right gift can be overwhelming. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the considerations when choosing corporate gifts for your event…

  1. Understand the Purpose:
    • Appreciation: Thank your delegates, clients or partners for their continued attendance/business.
    • Brand Awareness: Provide promotional items that can be used daily, keeping your event top-of-mind.
    • Incentive: Encourage a particular action or behavior.
    • Celebration: Commemorate milestones, holidays, or personal achievements.
  2. Know Your Recipient:
    • Personal Preferences: If you’re buying for someone specific, like a longstanding client, consider their personal tastes.
    • Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure that the gift is culturally appropriate, especially if dealing with international attendees, clients or partners.
    • Relevance: Consider gifts that can be used in the recipient’s day-to-day life or work.
  3. Quality Over Quantity:
    • Avoid skimping on quality to buy in bulk. A well-made item, even if slightly more expensive, will leave a lasting impression.
  4. Branding:
    • While it’s tempting to splash your logo on every item, subtlety can be more effective. Instead of a large logo, consider a small, tastefully placed one. Sometimes, no branding at all, accompanied by a heartfelt note on company letterhead, can be even more meaningful.
  5. Budget:
    • Determine a clear budget for corporate gifts. Remember, it’s not about how much you spend, but the thought and relevance behind the gift.
  6. Practicality:
    • Practical gifts are often well-received because they offer real value. Think of items that can be incorporated into daily routines, such as quality notebooks, tech gadgets, or insulated tumblers.
  7. Customisation:
    • Personalising gifts, even if it’s just with a name, can make your gift stand out and show the recipient that extra effort was put into their gift.
  8. Packaging:
    • First impressions count. Ensure that your corporate gifts are presented in an attractive manner. This can be as simple as a branded box or as elaborate as a custom-wrapped package.
  9. Timeliness:
    • If your gift is tied to a specific event or milestone, timing is crucial. Always give yourself plenty of time to source, customise, and deliver the gift.
  10. Ethical and Sustainable Choices:
    • More businesses are prioritising eco-friendly and ethically produced items. Such gifts not only show that you care about the recipient but also reflect a commitment to broader global issues.

Corporate gifting is an art. When done right, it can fortify business relationships, convey gratitude, and position your event’s brand positively in the minds of recipients. Keep these considerations in mind, and your corporate gifting strategy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Are you researching corporate gifts for your event? The Event Organisers Summit can help!

Image by Michael Schwarzenberger from Pixabay

AUTHOR

Stuart O'Brien

All stories by: Stuart O'Brien