conference swag

[affordablehousing]

What conference swag has stuck with you? I need to come up with something and wonder if anything has stood the test of time for people here, or was just cool or funny at least.

[yachi]

I had a stretch of 5-6 years with a yearly conference with swag ending a few years ago.  I still have a refrigerator magnet clip and baseball cap from over 3 years ago.  I have a really good flashlight from that time period too but it's floating around without batteries at the moment.  I probably broke similar items or found them not my style as well.  On my keys, I have an aluminum bottlecap opener from an equipment vendor (it's made of aluminum, and opens beer bottles).  Some years the challenge was opening up the bagful of swag after getting home, as the conference became quite dull.

[Morning Glory]

A nice insulated tote bag that I use for grocery shopping.  It has outlasted many others and the logo is still clear and readable, although the zipper has been broken for some time. I think it was given to us primarily for the purpose of holding the other swag. Chip clips are always useful too, and get kept until they break.

[ixtap]

Tote bags. Especially if they have a zippered pocket either outside or on the front.

[gooki]

One of my former employers gives out custom Lego Minifigures with a small set related to their industry.

[cassafrass]

My favorite was a water bottle with a spout lid. My husband and I fight over who gets to take it all the time.

And for what it's worth - at the most recent conference I attended, I was most excited about a mini bluetooth bamboo speaker. It looked great and I was impressed that the company was offering such nice swag. But when I took it home and tried it out, the sound quality was so bad I threw it away. And now when I think about that company, I always remember their disappointing speaker. Don't do something like that!

[Miss Piggy]

It's gotta be useful. Water bottle, mini tape measure ("How are your results measuring up? We can help..."), multi-end-type charging cable thingy, multi-tool, etc. I would vote down Yet Another Tote Bag.

What's the topic/industry focus for the conference? Maybe we can help you come up with a fun AND relevant gift.

[AccidentialMustache]

I have a "NO LOAD BEARING" climbing-snap-hook that gets used as part of my keychain, which was conference/recruiting swag from over 20 years ago. I hook my keys to a belt loop, because when I was a student and biked when it was cold and I had gloves on, I didn't want to take them off in order to put my keys in my pocket after doing the bike lock. I discovered it keeps the keys somewhere that is less annoying (and less pokey for my legs) than the bottom of the pocket, so I keep doing it.

Other than that, it is pretty much high quality stainless water bottles (most of mine are company employee swag, may be too expensive for a conference?), t-shirts, or reusable shopping bags that are still around and relevant to my life.

[YttriumNitrate]

I still occasionally use a mini computer mouse I received at a conference 15 years ago.

[zolotiyeruki]

What's your budget, and what's the audience?  The answers to those two questions will make all the difference.

[Moonwaves]

GOOD bags, of either the shopping or drawstring/shoe bag type. I won't even take the not good ones with me anymore, they're not worth it. There's an enamel mug I'm also very fond of. USB sticks were always useful to get but these days I think everyone probably has more than enough.


I follow Elyse Myers on insta and she showed this gadget recently that she got at whatever the last big event was she was at. I was absolutely influenced and bought one and love it so much.
3-in-1 handheld fan, charger, flashlight.


Having also organised swag for a few events, I'd say that aiming for fewer items, or just one items, of higher quality is definitely the way to go.


Edit: Fixed link.

[Rosy]

@Moonwaves -  that's awesome, I may just cave and order that thing. 

I love getting pens, and techy gadgets that I can use incl. mini flashlights that I can keep on my keyring.

As much as I love bags in all sizes and shapes the ones I've gotten as promos will quickly fall apart and have a tendency to be butt ugly with no inner or outer pockets and the flimsy bottoms or handles will give out quickly or are so thin they cut into your hands. Worthless and irritating.

[GuitarStv]

My favorite was two pairs of socks that I got from a TV broadcasting conference - one is black with red polka dots and one is bright orange and black striped.  I wear them both while cycling.

In general, I like any swag that's at least somewhat functional.  Mechanical pencils, pens, notepads, mugs, water bottles, t-shirts (that aren't hideously ugly), etc.  Plastic 'toys' and other junk I either don't accept or just throw it out (and the feel guilty for the waste).

[Askel]

Generally, as a rule I absolutely detest swag. I have enough crap, thank you- I don't need more with your name on it. 

But I just can't help myself with can koozies.   

We probably have hundreds at home and I'll still pick then up.   

Bonus points if your company goes out of business and whatever slogan on them become kind of comical.  (My ENRON koozie with "ask why?" on it is probably my second most highly prized after the ones we had printed for our wedding.) 

[Sibley]

Open top tote bags (used for grocery shopping)
Chip clip with a magnet on the back
There was a mini highlighter with 3 or 4 colors that got good use at the time.

Usable, practical items, that are decent quality.

[Cranky]

Nice notebooks. I always collect those!

[zolotiyeruki]

Notepads, post-it notes, decent quality pens, water bottles are all good.  The higher the quality of the item, the less likely it'll end up in the trash.

I don't get the appeal of can coozies, but I seldom drink can soda and don't drink beer, so :shrugs: I usually have my own backpack at conventions, although our family does use the drawstring bags/totes.  If you're at a show that doesn't give attendees a good way to wear their badges, then a lanyard or badge holder can be great.

[affordablehousing]

Thanks for the suggestions. This is in the real estate sector, and I need items at the $3, $5, $10 and $20 levels. Thanks all!

[GuitarStv]

Thanks for the suggestions. This is in the real estate sector, and I need items at the $3, $5, $10 and $20 levels. Thanks all!

Oh, that's easy.

300, 500, 10000, and 20000 penny candies!

Everyone loves candy.

[uniwelder]

Thanks for the suggestions. This is in the real estate sector, and I need items at the $3, $5, $10 and $20 levels. Thanks all!

Oh, that's easy.

300, 500, 10000, and 20000 penny candies!

Everyone loves candy.

personalized M+M's with your company logo?

[Metalcat]

Swag I've kept?

Portable chargers for sure. I always keep and use portable chargers.

[englishteacheralex]

A silicon pastry brush from a bank. We've had it for years. Very useful.

[PMG]

Another down vote on totes. Unless you’ll get good ones.

We have several Kitchen items that have stood the test of time. A coffee scoop. A measuring cup. A wooden spoon. And the magnetic chip clip mentioned above.m, this one is really big and strong and I’ll be looking for that booth again and hoping for a second chip clip.m. I also recently got a little first aid kit that actually has useful items in it, not just bandaids.

[use2betrix]

Larger yeti cooler and JBL speakers have been my favorite.

I’ve received probably 30-40 hats over the last few years.. maybe 5-8 of them I really like to wear. I enjoy a good company hat, but it has to be the right style/fit/color.

[halftimer]

At the $20 level maybe you could get branded Stasher bags. They are really good quality, useful home items but I haven't seen them branded before - I would definitely keep one if I got it no matter what logo it had on it.

[Boll weevil]

Stuff that hasn't been mentioned yet: balsa wood gliders, Hot Wheels size toy concept car (handed out by Dodge at a career fair), bamboo back scratcher, stress balls, calendars

I don't know how this would work for the real estate industry, but the military loves custom-embroidered patches, stickers (zaps), and challenge coins. There are other companies out there, but the first that comes to mind is aviatorgear.com.

And then I think there's a lot of potential for some sort of reference card or sticker that contains a summary of information that's frequently used. Maybe something that can hang off a badge hanger.

[Dicey]

Keeping it Real (Estate): torpedo level, measuring tape, electrical tester, voltage tester, GFCI tester, 5-in1 extension cord/surge protector with USB ports like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Outlets-Charging-Desktop-Station-Extension/dp/B081ZQKXN4/ref=sr_1_24?keywords=compact+extension+cord&qid=1662177387&sr=8-24

I like the last one especially because if people are traveling for this conference, it's likely to come in handy on the trip.

I also like the kind of nylon shopping tote that stuffs into itself and has a mini carabiner attached. I like them, because they seem so practical, but I never use them.

ETA #1 - Forgot something and it's super cheap. DH has one of these on his keychain and it uses it frequently. He's had it for years:

https://www.searshometownstores.com/product/Craftsman-4160-4-in-1-Slotted-Screwdriver-Keychain

ETA #2 - Whoops, looks like the super cheap ones are out of stock. Here's another source. At $5 a pop, it's still not bad and further digging might reveal even cheaper sources:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174582454047?var=473792177472&epid=1822978228&hash=item28a5ecd71f:g:3PwAAOSwal1f8qiq

Note that the chain can be removed and it fits neatly into a wallet as well.

ETA #3 - Uh, thanks, I just ordered three of them for us.

[Ladychips]

I also like the kind of nylon shopping tote that stuffs into itself and has a mini carabiner attached. I like them, because they seem so practical, but I never use them.

Me too! I have several!

[Kris]

At the $20 level, insulated water bottles.

[Greystache]

The item that I use the most is a key chain sized Swiss army knife.

[lifeisshort123]

Water Bottles - just went to a conference that gave a glass bottle with insulation cover.  Really nice.  It is in our regular rotation now.

And GOOD conference bags.  If you can’t give out good ones, just give out paper bags.

Skip the pens, the paper, etc.

[lukebuz]

Best one I got was a legit YETI brand tumbler with magnetic snap lid.  If it's not worth it, don't bother.  Unless you are catering to college students...

[Freedomin5]

I also like the kind of nylon shopping tote that stuffs into itself and has a mini carabiner attached. I like them, because they seem so practical, but I never use them.

Me too! I have several!

+1. The ones that are strong, lightweight, and fold up and can be stuffed into themselves (when open, the little pocket acts as an inside pocket). I still use ones from 5 or 6 years ago.

I also like umbrellas since we live in a rainy locale and don’t have a car.

[BlueHouse]

It has taken me 20 years to get rid of years and years of swag from conferences I've worked in the past.  But my brother attends a conference every year and I always ask him to get me more of the

TEVIS insulated tumbler mug with a lid like a sippy cup. 

Like this:  https://www.amazon.com/Tervis-1143846-Colorful-Insulated-Tumbler/dp/B07CL7V93D/ref=asc_df_B07CL7V93D/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=269289727401&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15311172402689097993&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061284&hvtargid=pla-476500156283&psc=1

These mugs are great and I use them all the time.

He also gets an insulated shopping bag with a zipper that's a good size and I use it for car trips.  Easier than a cooler because of the shoulder handles when you're hauling things in and out of the car every night

[MustachioedPistachio]

I got a decent backpack at a conference in 2013. I still use it daily. Guess it was high quality!

[RetiredAt63]

A really basic thought - will the attendees be taking notes?  A decent pen* and pencil with a full pad of paper plus clipboard for support.  I have been to too many conferences where I got a pad of paper the size of a to-do list and it was useless.

I have some nice book bags from conferences but they are so covered in logos that I carry them back side out.   They are still doing well a decade of heavy use later.

I agree that anything cheap will give the wrong message.


* The fat pens were popular a while ago, but unless you have big hands they are not at all comfortable to use.  I gave all mine from conferences away.  They were nice pens, but after 2 minutes of holding them my hand hurt.

[Villanelle]

Most of our luggage has various marketing gift luggage tags on it.  For something in a lower budget, that might be a good choice.

[BlueHouse]

You could also do luggage straps (not tags).  Just make sure they're TSA approved. 

[turketron]

Sunglasses! I hate buying sunglasses because I immediately lose or break them, and then I'm pissed that I'm out the money I spent on them. But between my wife and I we've received several pairs of free swag sunglasses (a couple of pairs of my own employer's swag, one pair from a vendor my company uses, a free pair from company that installed our solar panels...), and we use them ALL the time. We keep a couple pairs in the house by the door, another pair in the car, one with my bike helmet, etc. I've only broken one pair so far, but I'm not as mad because I got them for free.

[Morning Glory]

I always accept consumables like chapstick and travel size lotion/hand sanitizer/etc. Perhaps a goody bag with a few of these items???

[Cranky]

A silicon pastry brush from a bank. We've had it for years. Very useful.

Oh! I have a weird shaped plastic scraper from some event, and I thought it was strange when I got it but we use it when washing dishes almost every day.

[Dicey]

I totally forgot about this gizmo until I had need for it this week. It's a pan scraper, so super frugal. One corner is pointed, the other three various size curves so they are very versatile.

They are also cheap. Pro tip: see if you can find a brightly colored version. I have the brown as illustrated and it disappears in the drawer. OTOH, my bright green kiwi spoon that I got in New Zealand catches my eye and makes me smile every time I open the drawer.


https://www.amazon.com/Scraper-Plastic-Multifunctional-Kitchen-Skillets/dp/B09PMRB3WS/ref=asc_df_B09PMRB3WS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563733988073&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18257907181088874932&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032055&hvtargid=pla-1601749550078&psc=1

[BlueHouse]

A silicon pastry brush from a bank. We've had it for years. Very useful.

Oh! I have a weird shaped plastic scraper from some event, and I thought it was strange when I got it but we use it when washing dishes almost every day.

I've had a rubber jar opener and a similar garlic peel for decades.  I have no idea who gave them out, but if I cared, I could just read the opposite side of the gripper. 

https://www.4allpromos.com/product/circle-jar-opener?default-tier=sample&default-qty=1&mkwid=sTyTxvRCJ|pcrid|322811728040|pmt||pkw||pdv|c|product|175-J135-SAMPLE|slid||&pgrid=63991977789&cpgnid=1668315094&adext=&ptaid=pla-294682000766&st-t=ppc&vt-k=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpeaYBhDXARIsAEzItbEWJrJeYLou3MWCG17iuSeZ6hcbR-4qMc5nX9jXemsKgR_yukytQ6oaAiUSEALw_wcB

[lifeandlimb]

Umbrella.
Also one of those water resistant drawstring backpacks. Those things can be handy.
Oh, also a hot water bottle (if you live in a cold climate).

[Dicey]

My Craftsman keychain tools arrived today and they're pretty cool.  One will go to Bonus Kid when he moves out (soon), one for the RV key, and one for me. So this thread's cost me $15. OP, what have you decided to do?

P.S - Sorry, but I hate cheap umbrellas.

[affordablehousing]

Well there are already other groups at the conference that are going to give away bags, klean kanteens, hats and some of the other bigger ticket items that I'd like. But I think we are going to get embroidered patches made and vinyl stickers with housing centric designs that can cover the logos of other swag and make things more personalized. Perhaps it's a little competitive or parasitic, but it occurred to me as a way to avoid some of the impulse grabbing then tossing that happens. I'm also going to see what pricing I can get on Bombas socks.

I think we are going to try to get the pot scrapers made too, what a good low budget idea, it's always hard to find things at that price point. In the past we've done eight-sided dice, cutting boards, nice insulated mugs, frisbees, pens, notebooks, shirts, chocolate, wine, and fans.

Thanks all very much for the suggestions!

[Rollin]

Nothing really. I tried to leave with nothing from each conference. Such a waste of resources. Mindless stuff that just cluttered up the house.

[patchyfacialhair]

We have many YETI travel coffee mugs. Love them because they make a fantastic product, but I'd never spend $50 on a water bottle or whatever, so getting it as swag is nice.

[Dreamer40]

My favorite swag was an IRS-branded chapstick. Government agencies almost never have swag at recruiting events, but somehow the IRS managed to get their logo printed on chapstick tubes. I loved it.

[Tempname23]

I have a gym/travel bag I got in 1995 at an ACS show. I still use it, but I'm in the market for a new one as the one I have has about lived it's full life.