Gifting and promotional merchandise can be powerful tools for corporate event organisers to increase attendee engagement, strengthen brand loyalty, and drive future business. Here are some effective strategies, as successfully deployed by delegates attending the Event Organisers Summit…

1. Align Gifts with Event Themes and Objectives:

• Reinforce Branding: Choose items that reinforce your company’s brand identity and messaging.
• Enhance the Event Experience: Select gifts that complement the event theme or provide added value to attendees.
• Drive Action: Use gifts to encourage specific actions, such as visiting your website or following on social media.

2. Personalise Gifts:

• Individualise Items: Consider adding personalised elements like names or company logos to create a more meaningful gift.
• Target Specific Audiences: Tailor gifts to different attendee segments based on demographics, interests, or job titles.

3. Utilise Gifting as a Marketing Tool:

• Promotional Items: Distribute branded items like pens, notepads, or tote bags to increase brand visibility.
• Lead Generation: Offer gifts in exchange for contact information to expand your marketing database.
• Customer Appreciation: Reward loyal customers or partners with exclusive or premium gifts.

4. Consider the Practicality and Value of Gifts:

• Utility: Choose items that attendees will find useful and use regularly.
• Quality: Opt for high-quality gifts that reflect your brand’s standards.
• Sustainability: Consider environmentally friendly options to align with sustainability trends.

5. Track and Measure Effectiveness:

• Surveys and Feedback: Gather feedback from attendees to gauge the impact of gifts on their experience.
• Social Media Engagement: Monitor social media activity to see how recipients interact with the gifts.
• Return on Investment (ROI): Calculate the ROI of gifting by tracking leads generated, sales, and brand awareness.

By strategically using gifting and promotional merchandise, event organisers can create lasting impressions, foster positive relationships, and drive tangible business results.

Are you searching for Gift & Merch solutions for your events? The Event Organisers Summit can help!

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash