Are you planning to offer giveaways at your next trade show and wondering what the best options are?
To create a meaningful connection between your brand and customers, you need to think beyond the traditional offering of generic freebies.
Nowadays, attendees expect more. So, you must provide unique and valuable giveaways showcasing your brand to make a lasting impression.
Quality giveaways don’t have to be expensive, and even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still offer high-quality items that your attendees will appreciate and remember.
So, what are the best giveaways for trade shows?
Let’s explore some creative and effective options more than the typical in this blog. We want to help you step up your trade show game, so we listed below our favorite giveaways you can use for your next expos.
Best Giveaways for Trade Shows That Will Excite Your Attendees
Trade shows are one of the old but gold marketing methods. They are effective for promoting your brand to a niche audience. These effective trade show giveaways will help you introduce your brand, stand out from the crowd, and generate more leads.
1. Hand Towel
A hand towel is useful for skin care, hygiene, workouts, home decor, or everyday utility. Imagine the recipient using your quality branded hand towel after a refreshing wash, feeling its softness and comfort.
2. USB
USB flash drives are a sleek, innovative tool that can be given during trade shows. Its versatility, capacity, design, and functionality can be tailored to match your brand’s image and the specific needs of your audience.
The customization option can be limitless.
Pre-loading drives with promotional materials, product catalogs, and exclusive content included in a drive can transform a simple giveaway into an engaging branding experience.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council, or HKTDC, offers a Robot-shaped USB Hub worth HKD168. Attendees who pre-registered online are entitled to this trade show giveaway. It can be redeemed at any of the checkpoints.
We have also spotted the Mini Cooper Flash Drive at the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair. It looks like a miniature Mini Cooper, but after a closer look, you’ll notice that these are USB Flash Drives.
They are cool giveaways for trade shows, expos, and business fairs. Every time the USB is plugged in, it silently broadcasts your brand’s image, reminding the user of your presence and services.
3. Travel Toiletry Bag
Your trade show attendees can organize and carry personal items in a travel toiletry bag. Whether they’re traveling, heading to the gym, or simply keeping essentials handy at work.
A well-designed, custom toiletry bag with your brand’s colors, image, logo, or slogan can turn an ordinary item into a chic accessory. This bag can become a daily companion for potential clients or partners, making your brand a part of their routine.
4. Electronic Egg Beater
This kitchen gadget for whisking eggs is an appealing giveaway to your recipients. Branding an egg beater with your logo can turn that household item into a conversation piece in the kitchen.
Functionality meets design in this electronic egg beater giveaway at the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronic Fair. We spotted it at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre.
5. Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse is an excellent giveaway for fairs and trade shows.
It is a portable, clutter-free gadget that combines technology and work necessity.
This wireless mouse, exhibited at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, was designed to reflect the company’s brand identity.
Not only did it offer practical value, but it also served as a constant reminder of the brand’s innovative spirit.
6. Fashionable Umbrellas
Fashionable umbrellas make for excellent trade show giveaways due to their practical and universal appeal. Not only do they shield against inclement weather, but a high-quality, branded umbrella also acts as a moving billboard for your brand.
They can be customized in colors, designs, and sizes. They provide a wide canvas for your logo, making your brand highly visible in crowded city streets or outdoor events.
Apart from their functionality, umbrellas also convey a message of care and protection. This aligns your brand with values of reliability and customer-centricity
So, you will be remembered and appreciated rain or shine.
This trade show giveaway can be easily customized to match your brand image or any theme you may have in mind.
The best part about this product is that you can personalize the color, size, quality, and style according to your target market.
7. Thermal Mug
A thermal mug keeps beverages hot or cold for extended periods.
It can be a great giveaway item used repeatedly after the trade show. Customizing this product with your company’s logo or message transforms it into a portable billboard that spreads brand awareness with every sip.
At a Fair Trade event in Hong Kong, HKTDC, a platform that connects Chinese suppliers with foreign businesses, offered a strategic giveaway to promote its services.
They gave thermal mugs to attendees who engaged with at least one supplier on their website.
This promotion targets new customers and encourages them to try out the service.
The giveaway is an enticing incentive for trial since attendees at a fair trade event are interested in HKTDC’s services.
8. Silicone Bottle Opener
The silicone bottle opener’s compact size and lightweight nature make it an ideal item for trade shows, easily distributed and carried by attendees.
Aside from being aesthetically designed and highly functional, it also reminds recipients of the brand’s ingenuity and utility.
Exposure to a brand’s logo or message can leave a good impression on attendees.
9. T-shirts
Using T-shirts with the brand’s logo as giveaways at trade shows is a great way to promote a brand.
Customers wearing your shirt act as walking advertisements, sharing your brand’s message with everyone they meet.
This passive advertising method allows your brand to reach a wide audience.
A notable example of this strategy is the Spikes Asia 2016 trade show, where promotional T-shirts were distributed in an engaging game.
Attendees were challenged to guess the identity of a famous face depicted on the shirt, such as Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley.
Correct guesses were rewarded with a free promotional T-shirt and a branded tote bag, adding an element of excitement and interaction to the giveaway.
10. Travel Adaptor for Sports Trade Shows
A travel adaptor is a fantastic and practical gift idea for sports enthusiasts who are always on the go.
It is a small, light, essential accessory for anyone who frequently travels for sports competitions, training camps, or to explore new places.
One of the significant benefits of a sports travel adaptor is its universal compatibility. Since various power outlets exist worldwide, it can be challenging for athletes and sports professionals to charge their devices while traveling internationally.
A travel adaptor is a fantastic and practical gift idea for sports enthusiasts who are always on the go. It is a small, light, essential accessory for anyone who frequently travels for sports competitions, training camps, or to explore new places.
One of the significant benefits of a sports travel adaptor is its universal compatibility. Since various power outlets exist worldwide, it can be challenging for athletes and sports professionals to charge their devices while traveling internationally.
11. Touch Tool
This custom brass door opener keychain is one of the best event giveaways you can offer attendees. This is made from brass metal, so it is easy to clean and sanitize after every use. Simple yet extremely useful, this product is more relevant today than ever. It has a key ring, a hook on the end part, and a stylus-like end for punching ATM keypads and elevator buttons. Product code: ODM-2944.
Trade Show Promotional Gifts – Touch Tool
12. Pens
Pens are a staple during trade shows.
ODM staff attended the International Conference And Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine And Health Products held at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. This pen, given by the Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology Ltd., caught our attention. The pens were distributed as giveaways and featured custom branding. They were well-received due to their practicality and professional appearance.
Hand Sanitizer Spray Pen
Spray pens are useful and easy to custom-design, making them a great way to advertise your company. Here, you can see that the spray pen has ample space for branding. For more information about spray pens, contact us using product code ODM-612.
13. Journals
Journals and notebooks are another staple trade show souvenir. We often receive pocket notebooks, journals, and planners whenever we attend expos. We keep and use them at work—they are very useful for planning and concept creation. If you are a trade show organizer, notebooks are a simple way of getting your brand into the hands of your market.
Here are some great journal ideas for your next campaign!
14. Face Masks
Upon entering the venue, make sure to give your customers some kind of protection with medical-grade face masks or a fabric one with a filter. While medical-grade ones offer optimal protection, fabric ones can offer more branding opportunities. Colors, logos, and brand names can be added to make your brand pop.
Trade Show Promotional Gifts- Custom Face Masks
To learn more about customizing such products, contact our team with product code ODM-2935.
15. Tool Kits
We rarely see companies giving away promotional tool kits during trade shows, as they often give away pens, T-shirts, and bags. But tool kits are a great way to stand out from the rest. The novelty of the giveaway item allows your brand to stick. One of our favorite tool kits is this collection of pocket-sized army tools in various colored packaging. It is small enough to fit in your pocket or emergency bag. Another favorite is this collection of building tools in bespoke-shaped containers.
Trade Show Promotional Gifts- Multi-Tool Army Card
16. Tote Bags
Tote bags, especially those made from sustainable materials, rank high among the most effective trade show promotional products. They can carry other products as the visitor walks around the venue. What is great about tote bags is that they can be made in various styles depending on your target market and purpose. For instance, trade show managers may opt for stylish tote bags made on canvas with hip prints for the younger market.
Large square bags with lining and pockets for shopping and hauling stuff, a utilitarian design ideal for all-around use.
Trade Show Promotional Gifts-Shopping Tote Bag
This is a promotional shopping bag with a silicone pouch. When not in use, the top part of the silicone pocket is wound. Interested in this product? Contact our team with product code ODM-2493.
Spikes Asia handed out this tote bag at the Spikes Asia Trade show 2016 with a little game. Master Card co-funded the trade show.
17. Mobile Phone Accessories
Mobile phone accessories, such as phone holders, are one the most sought-after gifts during trade fairs. They provide great branding opportunities for businesses and additional functionality for phone users. As people are always on their phones, promotional cellphone accessories offer a great opportunity to create a lasting impression on prospective clients. If you like this idea, inquire and reference product code ODM-1912.
Trade Show Promotional Gifts- Phone Holder
18. Custom Ear Saver
If you like something unique and useful simultaneously, then an ear saver would be ideal! This and a custom reusable face mask would provide great COVID-19 protection while at the trade show venue. Like this idea? Contact us and reference product code ODM-3009.
Trade Show Promotional Gifts- Ear Saver
19. Eco-Friendly Pens
Pens are a staple in every event. However, you can spice up your promotions using eco-friendly pens instead of plastic ones. Environmentally-friendly pens can be made from recycled paper, bamboo, or wheat. here are some of our favorites:
20. Cocktail Kit
This is ideal for drinks expos like Imbibe. Sampling and giving away simple kits containing custom jiggers and shot glasses would perfectly wrap up the event.
21. Magnets
Magnets are also a hit at trade shows. Attendees can use them to decorate their fridges, filing cabinets, or any magnetic surface. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to pack, making them the perfect souvenir to take home from the event.
But what sets custom magnets apart? It’s all about personalization. From eye-catching designs to clever slogans, you have the freedom to create magnets that resonate with your target audience.
Magnets can be a colorful and memorable way to promote your brand, such as Korea’s vibrant culture and attractions, showcased at the Visit Korea trade show at the London Korean Festival.
These Visit Korea magnets reflect the company’s brand message and exhibit Korea’s diverse landscapes and traditions.
The plus point? These trade show giveaways are made from 90% recycled paper.
22. Wine Stopper
Whether attendees are wine enthusiasts, occasional drinkers, or appreciate the finer things in life, a wine stopper is a universally appreciated gift.
It is a practical addition to any kitchen or bar, helping to preserve the quality and freshness of opened bottles of wine.
Unlike perishable items or gadgets that may become outdated, a well-made wine stopper can last for years and continue to promote your brand with every use.
You can enhance your brand image by customizing materials, colors, logos, and messages.
The wine stoppers showcased at the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair are not just giveaways but statements of style and sophistication.
As attendees take them home, they carry a piece of the fair’s elegance and message, creating lasting connections with the brand.
23. Innovative Foldable Lamp
The innovative foldable lamp is a modern, aesthetic giveaway for trade shows. Attendees will love it for its practical yet stylish addition to their workspace.
This innovative foldable lamp from HKTDC is unlike any promotional lamp we have seen before—it is practical, beautiful, and conversation-worthy.
This unique giveaway is perfect for your living room or workspace. It is an attention-grabber that will spark conversation.
24. Giraffe Screwdrivers
Cuteness and practicality in one giveaway? This blends in the giraffe precision screwdriver. This tool helps with small fixing jobs and is a simple, nice house adornment.
By placing a giraffe in easily accessible locations, you can save time and money that would otherwise be spent on replacing missing items. Additionally, the giraffe adds a charming touch to the overall decor.
This giraffe screwdriver giveaway was redeemed at the stated booths at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premiums Fair promotions. Consumers presented the leaflet, business card, and buyer badge at the counter during the specified times.
25. Cork Items for Eco-friendly Trade shows
Cork is an eco-friendly material made from the bark of oak trees that can be used as an alternative to synthetic materials like plastic. It is biodegradable, recyclable, and a renewable resource, making it a sustainable choice. Cork items are durable, easy to clean, and practical, making them great souvenirs for attendees.
Using cork coasters as a promotional item at trade shows is a clever way to demonstrate your brand’s commitment to sustainability. You can personalize them with your logo or message to establish brand recognition.
26. Travel Neck Pillow
Travel neck pillows make for excellent trade show gifts as they’re both useful and thoughtful.
These pillows provide comfort to attendees during long journeys. They’re portable and versatile, ensuring lasting utility beyond the event.
As you prioritize customer well-being, you boost your brand perception. You also leave a positive impression on trade show visitors.
Customers visiting the HK Gifts and Premium Fair can redeem a travel neck pillow from booth 5F-B27.
This is a thoughtful gesture from HKTDC, considering that customers might have traveled long distances to attend the fair. Providing a travel neck pillow not only acknowledges their effort, but also ensures their comfort during their travel back home.
This is a thoughtful gesture from HKTDC, considering that customers might have traveled long distances to attend the fair. Providing a travel neck pillow not only acknowledges their effort, but also ensures their comfort during their travel back home.
27. Wireless Speaker
Wireless speakers are practical and portable, and they offer attendees a great way to enjoy their favorite music or podcasts while on the go.
We have been invited to an expo in Hong Kong, and we have the opportunity to redeem a custom wireless speaker.
Redeeming this wireless speaker as a trade show souvenir is quite simple. Upon attending the trade fair, attendees will receive a pamphlet that needs to be stamped.
To be eligible for the free portable wireless speaker, attendees must collect two stamps by visiting and actively engaging in activities at various booths. These stamps can be gathered by visiting two of the four fairs in the pamphlet.
28. Biodegradable Bag
Biodegradable bags are an excellent gift for trade shows, especially in today’s environment-conscious society. One great example of a biodegradable bag is the collaboration between EPI and TDP.
Giving out biodegradable bags is a practical gift and demonstrates your corporate responsibility towards sustainability.
These bags are made from materials that can naturally decompose over time, reducing the harmful environmental effects compared to traditional plastic bags.
Giving out biodegradable bags not only serves as a practical gift but also demonstrates your corporate responsibility towards sustainability.
These bags are made from materials that can naturally decompose over time, reducing the harmful environmental effects compared to traditional plastic bags.
The biodegradable bag showcased in this collaboration is eco-friendly and customizable. You can incorporate your company logo or design, creating a branded gift that aligns with your corporate values.
It is a tangible reminder of your commitment to environmental sustainability, leaving a positive image on trade show attendees. It’s a win-win situation that promotes your brand while contributing to a greener future.
29. Custom Silicone Ash Tray
Custom silicone ashtrays are a great choice for giveaways at trade shows. They’re practical and can be customized with your logo or brand message.
This ashtray is made of soft silicone that doesn’t fade, deform, or get damaged easily and can be used for a long time. It can be easily cleaned with a dishwasher, which can withstand temperatures up to 230 degrees centigrade. The ashtray has a soft texture to avoid scratching the tabletop and will not deform even if accidentally dropped.
It is lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for smoking in homes, offices, meeting rooms, restaurants, hotels, and bars. It can also make your life easier and more comfortable.
They are also durable and made from high-quality material that can withstand repeated use. They’re easy to clean and heat-resistant, making them ideal for smokers.
Since these ashtrays are lightweight and portable, they are convenient for everyday use, outdoor events, and camping trips.
Offering custom silicone ashtrays as trade show giveaways is a practical and eco-friendly approach that supports the smoking community and promotes your brand.
30. Laser Led-light Key Ring
This adorable promotional item serves a dual purpose – it can be utilized as a keychain attached to one’s car keys or as a mini flashlight in the dark. You can get your company logo engraved or printed, making it an excellent way to promote your brand. By distributing this keychain light among the attendees, you can ensure they will remember your brand name every time they use it. During the April Trade Show season, HKTDC distributed gifts to buyers who agreed to participate in surveys.
The laser LED light key ring is a sturdy gift that features a useful carabiner clip that can be attached to a bag.
The metal casing feels durable, and customers can choose between a Laser or LED torch, depending on their preferred function at the time.
Relevant Blogs:
Find out why we love this trade show giveaway by Jack Daniel’s and Jagermeister.
Last year, we had the chance to visit the prestigious Hong Kong Mega Show, where we spotted some great products. And what’s more, we received a fantastic giveaway from the organizers. Check them out here:
Last year, we attended yet another trade fair participated in by key players in the manufacturing industry. To incentivize the visitors, they offered cool products to redeem.
Here’s another fine example of incentivizing trade show attendees with a cool promotional giveaway. Read the blog to learn why we think this is a cool move:
Are you thinking of sourcing in Vietnam? We previously visited the largest Plastic Trade Show in Vietnam, and here’s what we learned:
Are you running out of trade show marketing ideas? We spotted this particular video presentation at a trade show. Find out what makes video marketing a very good marketing strategy at exhibits:
Here’s why a video POS display is a smart merchandising idea at trade fairs:
Why Should Event Organizers Offer Trade Show Promotional Gifts?
Nothing shows your heartfelt thanks better than trade show promotional gifts. You can strengthen your relationships with prospective clients and business partners by incentivizing visitors.
The gifts also serve as your unique business card. They create a sense of familiarity and trust whenever they are used.
So, are you ready for your next trade show? Then, be sure to speak with us! We can help you from brainstorming promotional products all the way through sourcing and merchandising. Do you like the above-mentioned products? Then you will surely love the following trade show marketing ideas.
